Restaurant-Style Chicken Fried Rice

This Restaurant-Style Chicken Fried Rice is a delightful dish that brings the essence of hibachi cooking right into your kitchen. With its vibrant colors, savory chicken, and perfectly cooked rice, it’s a meal that impresses on any occasion—from family dinners to casual gatherings with friends. Not only is it quick and easy to prepare, but it also offers a wonderful blend of flavors that makes it better than takeout!

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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:
• For Garnish
• How to Make Restaurant-Style Chicken Fried Rice
• Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
• Step 2: Cook the Fried Rice
• Step 3: Serve
• How to Serve Restaurant-Style Chicken Fried Rice
• Use Colorful Bowls
• Garnish with Fresh Herbs
• Pair with Soy Sauce
• Add a Side Salad
• Offer Spring Rolls
• 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
• Can I customize this restaurant-style chicken fried rice?
• What type of rice is best for restaurant-style chicken fried rice?
• How do I achieve that restaurant-style flavor?
• Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
• How long does this dish take to make?
• Final Thoughts
• 📖 Recipe Card

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick Cooking: This recipe comes together in just 45 minutes, making it an excellent choice for busy weeknights.
• Flavorful Ingredients: The combination of sesame oil, soy sauce, and fresh lemon juice creates a rich and delicious flavor profile.
• Customizable: Feel free to add your favorite vegetables or adjust the chicken quantity for your personal taste.
• One-Pan Meal: Everything cooks in one skillet or wok, making cleanup a breeze.
• Crowd-Pleaser: Perfect for serving family or entertaining guests; everyone loves this classic dish.

Tools and Preparation

To make this restaurant-style chicken fried rice, you’ll need a few essential tools and equipment to ensure everything runs smoothly.

Essential Tools and Equipment

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

Importance of Each Tool

• Large skillet or wok: Provides ample space for cooking the chicken and stir-frying the rice evenly.
• Spatula: Essential for scrambling eggs and mixing all ingredients without damaging them.
• Medium bowl: Useful for transferring cooked chicken before adding other ingredients.

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)

For Garnish

• Sesame seeds (optional)

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How to Make Restaurant-Style Chicken Fried Rice

Step 1: Prepare 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.
4. Transfer the cooked chicken to a medium bowl and set aside. Wipe out the skillet for later use.

Step 2: Cook the Fried Rice

In the same skillet:
1. Heat 1 teaspoon neutral oil over medium-high heat.
2. Add diced onion and frozen mixed vegetables; sauté for about 3 minutes until onions are almost translucent.
3. Push vegetables to one side of the skillet. Crack in the eggs and scramble until fully cooked.
4. Stir in cooked rice and 3 tablespoons butter; cook while stirring frequently for about 5 minutes.
5. Mix in 3 tablespoons soy sauce and continue cooking for an additional minute.
6. Return cooked chicken to the skillet; season with salt and pepper. Stir everything together until well combined and heated through.

Step 3: Serve

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

Enjoy this delicious meal that’s perfect for any occasion!

How to Serve Restaurant-Style Chicken Fried Rice

Serving restaurant-style chicken fried rice can elevate your dining experience at home. Here are some creative serving suggestions that will impress your family and friends.

Use Colorful Bowls

• Choose vibrant bowls to enhance the visual appeal of the dish. A colorful presentation makes the meal more appetizing.

Garnish with Fresh Herbs

• Sprinkle chopped green onions or cilantro on top for added flavor and freshness. This simple touch can brighten up the dish.

Pair with Soy Sauce

• Offer low-sodium soy sauce on the side for those who enjoy a little extra seasoning. This allows guests to customize their flavor profile.

Add a Side Salad

• Serve a light cucumber or Asian slaw salad alongside the fried rice. This adds crunch and balances the meal with fresh vegetables.

Offer Spring Rolls

• Complement your chicken fried rice with crispy spring rolls for an authentic touch. These make for great finger food and enhance the overall dining experience.

How to Perfect Restaurant-Style Chicken Fried Rice

To make your restaurant-style chicken fried rice truly exceptional, consider these helpful tips.

• Use Cold Rice: Stale or leftover rice works best as it prevents clumping during cooking.
• High Heat Cooking: Cooking on high heat helps achieve that signature smoky flavor typical of hibachi dishes.
• Limit Stirring: Allowing ingredients to sear without constant stirring enhances flavors and textures.
• Fresh Ingredients: Use fresh vegetables and high-quality chicken for the best taste. Frozen veggies are convenient but fresh offers better texture.
• Taste as You Go: Season throughout cooking, adjusting salt and pepper to suit your preference, ensuring balanced flavors.
• Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Cook in batches if necessary to avoid steaming, which can lead to soggy rice.

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Best Side Dishes for Restaurant-Style Chicken Fried Rice

Pairing side dishes with your chicken fried rice can create a satisfying meal. Here are some excellent options to consider.

1. Egg Drop Soup: A light and flavorful soup that complements the richness of fried rice perfectly.
2. Steamed Dumplings: These tasty morsels can be filled with meat or vegetables, adding variety to your meal.
3. Chinese Broccoli: Lightly sautéed with garlic, this vegetable dish adds a healthy crunch alongside your main course.
4. Sweet-and-Sour Chicken: A tangy dish that brings contrasting flavors, making it an ideal companion.
5. Sesame Noodles: Tossed in sesame oil and soy sauce, these noodles provide a delicious alternative starch option.
6. Wonton Chips with Dip: Crispy wonton chips served with a sweet chili dip can serve as a delightful appetizer before the meal.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making restaurant-style chicken fried rice, avoiding common mistakes can enhance your dish’s flavor and texture. Here are some pitfalls to watch out for:

• Using Freshly Cooked Rice: Freshly cooked rice is often too moist, which makes the fried rice clump together. Always use cooled or leftover rice for the best results.
• Overcooking the Chicken: Cooking chicken for too long can cause it to become dry. Cook it just until no longer pink, then remove it from heat.
• Neglecting Seasoning: Relying only on soy sauce for flavor can lead to an overly salty dish. Use salt and pepper generously to balance the flavors.
• Not Prepping Ingredients: Failing to chop vegetables and measure ingredients beforehand can lead to uneven cooking. Prep everything in advance for a smoother cooking process.
• Crowding the Pan: Overloading the skillet with too many ingredients can lead to steaming instead of frying. Cook in batches if necessary to ensure even cooking.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftover restaurant-style chicken fried rice in an airtight container.
• It will last for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Restaurant-Style Chicken Fried Rice

• Use freezer-safe containers or resealable bags.
• It can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. Make sure to label the containers with the date.

Reheating Restaurant-Style Chicken Fried Rice

• Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Spread the rice on a baking sheet and cover with foil, reheating for about 15 minutes.
• Microwave: Place a serving in a microwave-safe bowl. Cover with a damp paper towel and heat for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through.
• Stovetop: Heat a skillet over medium heat, add a splash of water or oil, and stir-fry until heated through.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I customize this restaurant-style chicken fried rice?

You can easily customize this recipe by adding different vegetables or proteins such as shrimp or tofu based on your preferences.

What type of rice is best for restaurant-style chicken fried rice?

Jasmine or long-grain rice works best as they remain fluffy when cooked and do not get mushy.

How do I achieve that restaurant-style flavor?

To achieve authentic flavor, use high-quality soy sauce and consider adding oyster sauce or sesame oil during cooking.

Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Yes! Simply replace chicken with tofu or additional vegetables and use vegetable broth instead of any meat-based stock.

How long does this dish take to make?

This restaurant-style chicken fried rice takes about 45 minutes from start to finish, including prep time.

Final Thoughts

Restaurant-style chicken fried rice is not only delicious but also versatile. You can easily adapt this recipe by incorporating your favorite proteins and vegetables. We encourage you to try making it at home; it’s quicker than takeout and just as satisfying!

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