Restaurant-Style Chicken Fried Rice

This Restaurant-Style Chicken Fried Rice is the perfect blend of flavors and textures that you can whip up in your own kitchen. Inspired by hibachi-style cooking, this dish brings together tender chicken, colorful vegetables, and perfectly seasoned rice for a meal that’s sure to impress. Whether it’s a busy weeknight dinner or a weekend gathering with friends, this recipe is versatile enough to fit any occasion.

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Jump to:

• Why You’ll Love This Recipe
• Tools and Preparation
• Essential Tools and Equipment
• Importance of Each Tool
• Ingredients
• For the Chicken:
• For the Fried Rice:
• How to Make Restaurant-Style Chicken Fried Rice
• Step 1: Cook the Chicken
• Step 2: Prepare for Fried Rice
• Step 3: Sauté Vegetables
• Step 4: Scramble Eggs
• Step 5: Add Rice and Seasoning
• Step 6: Combine Everything
• Step 7: Serve
• How to Serve Restaurant-Style Chicken Fried Rice
• Family-Style Serving
• Individual Bowls
• With Fresh Garnishes
• Accompanied by Dipping Sauces
• Paired with Protein Additions
• How to Perfect Restaurant-Style Chicken Fried Rice
• Best Side Dishes for Restaurant-Style Chicken Fried Rice
• Common Mistakes to Avoid
• Refrigerator Storage
• Freezing Restaurant-Style Chicken Fried Rice
• Reheating Restaurant-Style Chicken Fried Rice
• Frequently Asked Questions
• How do I make Restaurant-Style Chicken Fried Rice taste better?
• Can I use different proteins for this recipe?
• What type of rice is best for Restaurant-Style Chicken Fried Rice?
• Can I customize the vegetables in my fried rice?
• Final Thoughts
• 📖 Recipe Card

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: This dish comes together in just 45 minutes, making it perfect for busy evenings.
• Flavor-Packed: The combination of sesame oil, fresh lemon juice, and soy sauce delivers an irresistible taste.
• Customizable: Feel free to add your favorite vegetables or adjust the protein to suit your preferences.
• Better than Takeout: Enjoy restaurant-quality fried rice at home without the extra calories or costs.
• Family-Friendly: With familiar ingredients, this dish is a hit among both kids and adults.

Tools and Preparation

To make your cooking experience smooth, having the right tools on hand is essential. Here are some tools you’ll need:

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large skillet or wok
• Spatula
• Medium bowl
• Measuring spoons

Importance of Each Tool

• Large skillet or wok: Ideal for even cooking and allows for high-heat sautéing which is crucial for fried rice.
• Spatula: A sturdy spatula helps in stirring ingredients effectively without breaking them apart.

Ingredients

For the Chicken:

• 1 ½ teaspoons sesame oil
• 1 tablespoon (3 teaspoons) neutral oil (like avocado or canola oil)
• ¾ pound chicken breasts, cut into very small pieces (roughly half of bite-sized)
• 2 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice
• Salt, to taste
• Pepper, to taste

For the Fried Rice:

• 1 teaspoon neutral oil
• ½ cup diced white onion
• 1 cup frozen mixed vegetables (peas and carrots)
• 2 large eggs
• 4 cups cooked rice, cooled to room temperature (see Notes)
• 3 tablespoons butter
• 3 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce
• Sesame seeds (optional, for garnish)

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How to Make Restaurant-Style Chicken Fried Rice

Step 1: Cook the Chicken

Heat 1 ½ teaspoons sesame oil and 1 tablespoon neutral oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
Once the oils are hot:
1. Add the chicken pieces and let cook for 1 minute without stirring.
2. Add 2 tablespoons soy sauce, 1 tablespoon butter, 2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
3. Cook until the chicken is no longer pink (approximately 1-3 minutes), stirring no more than once or twice to allow browning.

Step 2: Prepare for Fried Rice

Transfer the cooked chicken to a medium bowl and set aside. Wipe out the skillet or wok.

Step 3: Sauté Vegetables

In the same skillet over medium-high heat:
1. Heat 1 teaspoon neutral oil.
2. Add diced onion and frozen mixed vegetables.
3. Sauté for about 3 minutes until onions are almost translucent.

Step 4: Scramble Eggs

Push the vegetables to one side of the skillet:
1. Crack the eggs into the skillet.
2. Scramble them with a spatula until fully cooked.

Step 5: Add Rice and Seasoning

Add cooked rice and 3 tablespoons butter to the skillet:
1. Stir frequently and cook for about 5 minutes.
2. Stir in 3 tablespoons soy sauce and cook for an additional minute.

Step 6: Combine Everything

Add cooked chicken back into the skillet:
1. Season with salt and pepper.
2. Stir everything together until well combined and heated through.

Step 7: Serve

Portion fried rice into bowls, garnish with sesame seeds if desired, and serve warm.

Enjoy your delicious homemade Restaurant-Style Chicken Fried Rice!

How to Serve Restaurant-Style Chicken Fried Rice

Serving your restaurant-style chicken fried rice can elevate the dining experience, making it not just a meal but a delightful event. Here are some creative ways to present and enjoy this dish.

Family-Style Serving

• Serve the fried rice in a large bowl at the center of the table. This encourages sharing and makes for a warm, communal dining experience.

Individual Bowls

• Portion the fried rice into individual bowls for a more personal touch. This is great for dinner parties or casual gatherings, allowing guests to enjoy their own servings.

With Fresh Garnishes

• Top each serving with fresh herbs such as cilantro or green onions for added flavor and color. A squeeze of lime can also brighten up the dish.

Accompanied by Dipping Sauces

• Offer soy sauce, sriracha, or sweet chili sauce on the side, allowing guests to customize their flavor profile according to their taste.

Paired with Protein Additions

• Consider serving with additional proteins like grilled shrimp or teriyaki chicken on the side for a hearty meal that satisfies every appetite.

How to Perfect Restaurant-Style Chicken Fried Rice

Creating perfect restaurant-style chicken fried rice requires attention to detail and technique. Here are some essential tips to achieve that delicious result.

• Use day-old rice: Leftover rice has dried out slightly, making it less sticky and perfect for frying.
• High heat cooking: Cooking on high heat helps achieve that delightful stir-fried texture and prevents sogginess.
• Don’t overcrowd the pan: Fry in batches if necessary; overcrowding can steam the ingredients instead of frying them.
• Season at each step: Adding salt and pepper while cooking enhances flavor throughout the dish rather than just relying on soy sauce at the end.
• Let the chicken brown: Resist stirring too often when cooking the chicken; letting it brown creates better flavor and texture.
• Garnish creatively: Use sesame seeds or chopped green onions as a garnish for an appealing presentation and added crunch.

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Best Side Dishes for Restaurant-Style Chicken Fried Rice

Pairing side dishes with your restaurant-style chicken fried rice can enhance your meal. Here are some fantastic options you might consider.

1. Spring Rolls: These crispy rolls filled with vegetables or meat make a great crunchy accompaniment.
2. Edamame: Lightly salted edamame offers a healthy snack option that complements the flavors of fried rice.
3. Miso Soup: A warm bowl of miso soup adds soothing flavors and is perfect for balancing out richer dishes.
4. Cucumber Salad: A refreshing cucumber salad dressed with rice vinegar provides a light contrast to heavier meals.
5. Vegetable Tempura: Crispy tempura vegetables add another layer of texture and flavor, perfect alongside fried rice.
6. Steamed Broccoli: Simple steamed broccoli brings a nutritious element while being easy to prepare alongside your main dish.
7. Teriyaki Chicken Skewers: Grilled skewers offer additional protein options that pair well with chicken fried rice’s flavors.
8. Fruit Salad: A light fruit salad can cleanse the palate after the savory meal, offering sweetness without heaviness.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making restaurant-style chicken fried rice, avoiding common mistakes can elevate your dish. Here are some pitfalls to watch out for:

• Using Freshly Cooked Rice: Freshly cooked rice tends to be too moist and clumpy. Instead, use leftover rice or rice that has been cooled to room temperature for the best texture.
• Overcooking the Chicken: Cooking the chicken too long can make it dry. Aim for just 1-3 minutes of cooking until no longer pink, allowing it to brown nicely.
• Neglecting Seasoning: Relying solely on soy sauce for flavor can lead to blandness. Make sure to add enough salt and pepper for a well-rounded taste.
• Not Prepping Ingredients: Failing to chop and prepare all ingredients beforehand can slow down your cooking process. Have everything ready before you start cooking.
• Skipping the Wok or Skillet Cleanup: Not cleaning the skillet between cooking steps can result in unwanted flavors mixing. Always wipe it out when transitioning from chicken to vegetables.

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container.
• Best consumed within 3-4 days for optimal freshness.

Freezing Restaurant-Style Chicken Fried Rice

• Place in a freezer-safe container.
• Can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating Restaurant-Style Chicken Fried Rice

• Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Spread rice on a baking sheet and cover with foil. Heat for about 15-20 minutes until warmed through.
• Microwave: Transfer to a microwave-safe bowl, cover with a damp paper towel, and heat in 1-minute intervals until hot, stirring in between.
• Stovetop: Heat in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water or oil. Stir frequently until heated through.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How do I make Restaurant-Style Chicken Fried Rice taste better?

To enhance flavor, add extra seasonings like garlic powder or oyster sauce along with salt and pepper.

Can I use different proteins for this recipe?

Absolutely! Feel free to substitute chicken with shrimp, beef, or tofu based on your preference.

What type of rice is best for Restaurant-Style Chicken Fried Rice?

Long grain rice or jasmine rice works best due to its fluffy texture when cooked properly.

Can I customize the vegetables in my fried rice?

Yes! You can use any vegetables you have on hand, such as bell peppers, broccoli, or corn.

Final Thoughts

This restaurant-style chicken fried rice is not only delicious but also incredibly versatile. You can easily customize it by adding your favorite proteins or vegetables. Give it a try and enjoy a meal that’s better than takeout!

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