Restaurant-Style Chicken Fried Rice

This Restaurant-Style Chicken Fried Rice is an ideal meal for any occasion, from busy weeknights to casual gatherings. With its delicious flavors and vibrant colors, this dish captures the essence of hibachi-style cooking right at home. It’s quick to prepare, making it a fantastic alternative to takeout. Packed with tender chicken, fresh vegetables, and perfectly seasoned rice, it’s sure to impress friends and family alike!

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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: Prepare the Chicken
• Step 2: Sauté Vegetables
• Step 3: Scramble Eggs
• Step 4: Add Rice
• Step 5: Combine Ingredients
• Step 6: Serve
• How to Serve Restaurant-Style Chicken Fried Rice
• Pair with Fresh Sides
• Garnish for Flavor
• Serve with Dipping Sauces
• How to Perfect Restaurant-Style Chicken Fried Rice
• Best Side Dishes for Restaurant-Style Chicken Fried Rice
• Common Mistakes to Avoid
• Storage & Reheating Instructions
• Refrigerator Storage
• Freezing Restaurant-Style Chicken Fried Rice
• Reheating Restaurant-Style Chicken Fried Rice
• Frequently Asked Questions
• What is restaurant-style chicken fried rice?
• Can I use different proteins in this recipe?
• How do I prevent my fried rice from being soggy?
• Can I customize the vegetables used in restaurant-style chicken fried rice?
• How can I make this dish gluten-free?
• Final Thoughts
• 📖 Recipe Card

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: This recipe can be made in under an hour, perfect for those busy evenings.
• Flavorful: The combination of sesame oil, soy sauce, and fresh lemon juice brings a burst of flavor in every bite.
• Customizable: Feel free to add your favorite veggies or adjust the seasoning to suit your taste.
• Healthy Option: Using lean chicken breast and plenty of vegetables makes this a nutritious meal choice.
• Great for Leftovers: This dish tastes even better the next day, making it ideal for meal prep.

Tools and Preparation

To make your cooking experience smooth and enjoyable, gather a few essential tools. Using the right equipment will help you achieve that perfect restaurant-style result.

Essential Tools and Equipment

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

Importance of Each Tool

• Large skillet or wok: Provides enough space for even cooking and sautéing without overcrowding.
• Spatula: Essential for stirring ingredients and scrambling eggs while maintaining their shape.
• Medium bowl: Perfect for resting cooked chicken before adding it back into the fried rice.

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)

How to Make Restaurant-Style Chicken Fried Rice

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

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

Step 2: Sauté Vegetables

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

Step 3: Scramble Eggs

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

Step 4: Add Rice

1. Add cooked rice and 3 tablespoons butter to the skillet.
2. Stir frequently and cook for about 5 minutes until heated through.

Step 5: Combine Ingredients

1. Stir in 3 tablespoons soy sauce; cook for an additional minute.
2. Add cooked chicken back into the skillet; season with salt and pepper.
3. Stir everything together until well combined and heated through.

Step 6: Serve

1. Portion fried rice into bowls.
2. 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 restaurant-style chicken fried rice is all about enhancing the experience with complementary flavors and textures. Here are some tasty suggestions to elevate your dish:

Pair with Fresh Sides

• Crispy Spring Rolls: These crunchy appetizers add a delightful texture contrast to the soft fried rice.
• Asian Slaw: A refreshing mix of cabbage, carrots, and sesame dressing provides a crisp and tangy balance.

Garnish for Flavor

• Green Onions: Chopped green onions sprinkled on top add a pop of color and a mild onion flavor.
• Sesame Seeds: Toasted sesame seeds can bring an extra layer of nuttiness and visual appeal.

Serve with Dipping Sauces

• Sweet Soy Sauce: A drizzle of sweet soy sauce can enhance the overall taste and make each bite more flavorful.
• Chili Oil: For those who enjoy heat, a splash of chili oil adds a spicy kick that pairs perfectly with chicken fried rice.

How to Perfect Restaurant-Style Chicken Fried Rice

Achieving perfect restaurant-style chicken fried rice at home requires some attention to detail. Follow these tips to ensure delicious results every time.

• Use Day-Old Rice: Using cold, day-old rice prevents clumping and ensures that each grain stays separate during cooking.
• High Heat Cooking: Cooking on high heat helps achieve that signature stir-fried flavor while keeping the ingredients crisp.
• Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: If cooking in batches, avoid overcrowding the skillet or wok to allow proper browning and cooking.
• Season Generously: Besides soy sauce, don’t forget salt and pepper to enhance flavors without making the dish too salty.
• Fresh Ingredients: Always use fresh vegetables and quality chicken for better taste and texture in your fried rice.

Best Side Dishes for Restaurant-Style Chicken Fried Rice

Complementing your chicken fried rice with side dishes adds variety to your meal. Here are some great options:

1. Miso Soup: A warm bowl of miso soup offers soothing umami flavors that pair well with fried rice.
2. Edamame Beans: Steamed edamame is a healthy snack option that provides protein and a fun way to start your meal.
3. Teriyaki Chicken Skewers: These sweet and savory skewers make for an excellent protein-rich side dish.
4. Vegetable Tempura: Lightly battered and fried veggies add crunch and flavor without overwhelming the palate.
5. Kimchi Salad: The tangy, fermented flavors of kimchi offer a unique contrast that brightens up the meal.
6. Chilled Noodle Salad: A refreshing noodle salad dressed in sesame oil complements the warmth of chicken fried rice beautifully.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making restaurant-style chicken fried rice at home can be simple, but there are common mistakes that can affect your dish’s quality. Here are a few pitfalls to watch out for:

• Using Freshly Cooked Rice: Fresh rice tends to be too moist and clumpy, making it hard to achieve that perfect fried rice texture. Always use cooled or leftover rice.
• Overcrowding the Pan: Adding too many ingredients at once can lead to steaming rather than frying. Cook in batches if necessary for better browning.
• Neglecting Seasoning: Relying solely on soy sauce can lead to unbalanced flavors. Make sure to season with salt and pepper generously.
• Skipping the Sautéing Step: Not allowing the vegetables and chicken to brown properly will result in a lack of flavor. Give them enough time in the pan.
• Not Mixing Thoroughly: Failing to combine all ingredients well can leave you with unevenly flavored bites. Stir everything together until well mixed.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftover restaurant-style chicken fried rice in an airtight container.
• It will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Freezing Restaurant-Style Chicken Fried Rice

• Use freezer-safe containers or bags for storing portions.
• Freeze for up to 2 months for optimal quality.

Reheating Restaurant-Style Chicken Fried Rice

• Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Spread the fried rice on a baking sheet and cover with foil. Heat for about 15-20 minutes until warmed through.
• Microwave: Place a serving in a microwave-safe bowl, cover loosely, and heat on medium power for 2-3 minutes or until hot, stirring halfway through.
• Stovetop: Heat a skillet over medium heat. Add a splash of oil, then stir-fry the rice for about 5 minutes until heated evenly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making restaurant-style chicken fried rice.

What is restaurant-style chicken fried rice?

Restaurant-style chicken fried rice is a flavorful dish made with seasoned chicken, vegetables, and rice, inspired by hibachi cooking techniques.

Can I use different proteins in this recipe?

Absolutely! You can easily substitute chicken with shrimp, beef, tofu, or even omit meat entirely for a vegetarian option.

How do I prevent my fried rice from being soggy?

To prevent soggy fried rice, always use day-old or cooled rice. Avoid using freshly cooked rice as it retains moisture.

Can I customize the vegetables used in restaurant-style chicken fried rice?

Yes! Feel free to add any veggies you prefer such as bell peppers, broccoli, or green onions for extra flavor and nutrition.

How can I make this dish gluten-free?

To make this dish gluten-free, substitute low-sodium soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos.

Final Thoughts

This restaurant-style chicken fried rice recipe is not only quick and easy but also incredibly versatile. You can customize it based on your preferences or whatever ingredients you have at home. Give it a try and enjoy a delicious meal that’s better than takeout!