Restaurant-Style Chicken Fried Rice

This Restaurant-Style Chicken Fried Rice is a delightful dish that brings the flavors of hibachi cooking right to your kitchen. Perfect for busy weeknights or gatherings, this recipe delivers quick preparation while ensuring a satisfying meal. You’ll enjoy the savory blend of chicken, vegetables, and rice, making it a versatile option for both casual dinners and special occasions.

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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 the Fried Rice
• How to Serve Restaurant-Style Chicken Fried Rice
• Bowl Presentation
• Garnish with Fresh Herbs
• Serve with Lemon Wedges
• Accompany with Soy Sauce
• Pair with Pickled Vegetables
• 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
• What makes this chicken fried rice restaurant-style?
• Can I customize my Restaurant-Style Chicken Fried Rice?
• How do I prevent my fried rice from becoming soggy?
• What other dishes pair well with Restaurant-Style Chicken 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 ideal for weeknight dinners.
• Flavor-Packed: The combination of sesame oil, soy sauce, and fresh lemon juice gives the chicken an irresistible taste.
• Customizable: You can easily swap out vegetables or adjust the seasonings based on your preferences.
• Healthy Option: Using low-sodium soy sauce keeps the dish delicious without excessive salt.
• Great Leftovers: This fried rice reheats wonderfully, perfect for meal prep or enjoying later.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into this delicious recipe, gather your tools to ensure a smooth cooking process.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large skillet or wok
• Spatula
• Medium bowl
• Cutting board
• Knife

Importance of Each Tool

• Large skillet or wok: Essential for even cooking and allows you to stir-fry ingredients effectively.
• Spatula: Great for scrambling eggs and mixing the rice thoroughly without breaking it 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)

How to Make Restaurant-Style Chicken Fried Rice

Step 1: Cook 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 hot, add the chicken pieces and let them 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 no longer pink (about 1-3 minutes), stirring only once or twice to allow browning.
4. Transfer the cooked chicken to a medium bowl and set aside. Wipe out the skillet or wok for later use.

Step 2: Prepare the Fried Rice

1. Heat 1 teaspoon neutral oil in the same skillet over medium-high heat. Add diced onion and frozen mixed vegetables. Sauté for about 3 minutes until onions are almost translucent.
2. Push veggies to one side of the skillet. Crack in two eggs and scramble them with a spatula until fully cooked.
3. Add cooked rice and 3 tablespoons butter to the skillet. Stir frequently and cook for about 5 minutes.
4. Stir in 3 tablespoons soy sauce and cook for an additional minute.
5. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Season with salt and pepper, then mix everything together until well combined and heated through.
6. Portion 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 restaurant-style chicken fried rice is as important as preparing it. Presentation and pairing can elevate the dining experience. Here are some creative serving suggestions to impress your guests or family.

Bowl Presentation

• Use deep, wide bowls for a beautiful presentation. This allows for a generous serving of the fried rice, making it visually appealing.

Garnish with Fresh Herbs

• Sprinkle fresh chopped green onions or cilantro on top for added flavor and a pop of color. This not only enhances taste but also makes the dish look vibrant.

Serve with Lemon Wedges

• Include lemon wedges on the side. A squeeze of fresh lemon juice can brighten up the flavors of the fried rice and chicken.

Accompany with Soy Sauce

• Place a small dish of soy sauce on the table. Guests can drizzle extra sauce over their portions, personalizing their flavor experience.

Pair with Pickled Vegetables

• Serve alongside pickled carrots or radishes. The tangy crunch complements the savory rice and adds an interesting texture.

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How to Perfect Restaurant-Style Chicken Fried Rice

To achieve that authentic restaurant-style flavor and texture in your chicken fried rice, consider these simple yet effective tips.

• Use Day-Old Rice: Leftover rice works best since it’s drier and won’t clump together when stir-frying.
• High Heat Cooking: Make sure your skillet or wok is hot enough before adding ingredients. This helps to achieve that desirable stir-fried texture.
• Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: If you’re making a large batch, cook in smaller portions to ensure even cooking and browning.
• Season at Each Step: Layer flavors by seasoning each component separately. This ensures a well-balanced taste throughout.
• Add Protein Variations: Mix in shrimp or tofu for variety if you want to switch things up from just chicken.
• Finish with Sesame Oil: Drizzle a bit of sesame oil before serving for an extra boost of flavor that is signature to many fried rice dishes.

Best Side Dishes for Restaurant-Style Chicken Fried Rice

Pairing side dishes with restaurant-style chicken fried rice can enhance your meal’s overall appeal. Here are some excellent options:

1. Spring Rolls: Crispy spring rolls filled with vegetables or proteins make for a crunchy complement to the soft fried rice.
2. Edamame: Lightly salted edamame pods provide a healthy snack that balances out the richer flavors of fried rice.
3. Miso Soup: A warm bowl of miso soup offers a savory broth that pairs beautifully with the hearty chicken fried rice.
4. Cucumber Salad: A refreshing cucumber salad dressed in vinegar provides a light contrast to the savory dish.
5. Tempura Vegetables: Lightly battered and fried vegetables add crunch and variety, making your meal more exciting.
6. Kimchi: Spicy fermented kimchi introduces bold flavors that enhance the overall dining experience.
7. Grilled Teriyaki Chicken Skewers: For those wanting extra protein, these skewers offer sweet and savory notes that pair well with fried rice.
8. Asian Slaw: A crunchy slaw made from cabbage and carrots brings freshness and texture to your plate, balancing out heavier elements.

These side dishes will round out your meal beautifully and keep everyone satisfied!

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Restaurant-Style Chicken Fried Rice can be straightforward, but a few common mistakes can lead to less than ideal results.

• Using Freshly Cooked Rice: Fresh rice can be too moist, leading to clumpy fried rice. Always use cooled or leftover rice for the best texture.
• Overcrowding the Skillet: Adding too many ingredients at once can lower the pan’s temperature. Cook in batches if necessary to ensure even cooking.
• Neglecting Seasoning: Relying solely on soy sauce for flavor may leave your dish bland. Use salt and pepper generously to enhance the overall taste.
• Skipping the Browning Step: If you stir the chicken too often, it won’t brown nicely. Allow it to cook undisturbed for a minute before stirring.
• Not Letting the Eggs Cook Fully: Scrambled eggs should be cooked until fully set. Undercooking can result in an unwanted texture in your fried rice.

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container.
• Keeps well for up to 4 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Restaurant-Style Chicken Fried Rice

• Use freezer-safe containers or bags for storage.
• Can be frozen for up to 3 months.

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 15-20 minutes until warmed through.
• Microwave: Place in a microwave-safe bowl. Cover and heat for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through, until hot.
• Stovetop: Heat a little oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the fried rice and stir occasionally until heated through, about 5 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes this chicken fried rice restaurant-style?

This dish mimics hibachi cooking techniques, using high heat and quality ingredients to enhance flavor, giving it that authentic restaurant taste.

Can I customize my Restaurant-Style Chicken Fried Rice?

Absolutely! You can add proteins like shrimp or tofu, or mix in different vegetables based on your preference.

How do I prevent my fried rice from becoming soggy?

Use day-old rice that has been cooled; this helps maintain the right texture and avoids excess moisture during cooking.

What other dishes pair well with Restaurant-Style Chicken Fried Rice?

Serve it alongside egg rolls, dumplings, or a light salad for a complete meal experience.

Final Thoughts

This Restaurant-Style Chicken Fried Rice is perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings. It’s quick to prepare and allows room for creativity with various ingredients. Try customizing it with your favorite veggies or proteins!