Restaurant-Style Chicken Fried Rice

This Restaurant-Style Chicken Fried Rice is the perfect dish for any occasion, whether you’re hosting a family dinner or just craving a delicious meal at home. Inspired by hibachi-style cooking, this recipe delivers the savory flavors of a restaurant right to your kitchen. It’s quick, easy, and sure to impress anyone who tries it!

Why You’ll Love This Restaurant-Style Chicken Fried Rice

This dish has something for everyone and brings excitement to your dining table.

• Quick and Easy: This recipe can be prepared in under an hour, making it a fantastic weeknight meal option.
• Flavor-Packed: With seasoned chicken and a variety of vegetables, each bite offers delicious taste that rivals takeout.
• Customizable: Feel free to add your favorite proteins or veggies to suit your personal preferences.
• One-Pan Wonder: Minimal cleanup is required since everything cooks in one skillet or wok.
• Family-Friendly: Kids love fried rice! It’s a great way to get them involved in the kitchen.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into the cooking process, gather your essential tools. Having the right equipment makes all the difference in creating restaurant-style chicken fried rice.

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 rice evenly without overcrowding.
• Spatula: Essential for flipping and stirring ingredients while ensuring they don’t stick to the pan.
• Medium bowl: Useful for transferring cooked chicken, allowing you to easily combine all ingredients later.

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
• 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
• 3 tablespoons butter
• 3 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce
• Sesame seeds (optional, for garnish)

For Garnish

• Sesame seeds (optional)

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 hot, add the chicken pieces and allow them to cook undisturbed for 1 minute.
3. Add 2 tablespoons soy sauce, 1 tablespoon butter, 2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Stir occasionally as you cook until no longer pink (about 1-3 minutes).
4. Transfer the cooked chicken to a medium bowl and wipe out the skillet.

Step 2: Cook the Fried Rice

1. In the same skillet over medium-high heat, add 1 teaspoon neutral oil.
2. Sauté ½ cup diced onion and 1 cup frozen mixed vegetables for about 3 minutes until onions are nearly translucent.
3. Push veggies aside; crack in two large eggs and scramble with a spatula until fully cooked.
4. Add cooled rice and 3 tablespoons butter; stir frequently for about 5 minutes until heated through.
5. Mix in remaining soy sauce; cook for another minute.

Step 3: Combine Everything

1. Add cooked chicken back into the skillet with rice mixture; season with salt and pepper. Stir until well combined and heated through.
2. Serve warm, garnished with sesame seeds if desired.

Now you have an exquisite Restaurant-Style Chicken Fried Rice that is sure to please! Enjoy every flavorful bite!

How to Serve Restaurant-Style Chicken Fried Rice

Serving restaurant-style chicken fried rice can elevate your dining experience, making it feel like a special occasion. Here are some creative serving suggestions to delight your guests or family.

Use Vibrant Bowls

• Colorful Dishes: Serve the fried rice in bright, colorful bowls to enhance the visual appeal and make the meal feel more festive.

Garnish with Fresh Herbs

• Chopped Green Onions: Sprinkle finely chopped green onions on top for a fresh flavor and a pop of color.
• Cilantro: Adding fresh cilantro can bring an aromatic twist that complements the dish beautifully.

Pair with Sauces

• Soy Sauce: Offer extra low-sodium soy sauce on the side for those who love an added umami kick.
• Chili Sauce: For spice lovers, provide chili sauce or sriracha to add heat and flavor.

Add Protein Options

• Shrimp or Tofu: Alongside the chicken fried rice, serve shrimp or tofu for those looking for alternative protein options.

How to Perfect Restaurant-Style Chicken Fried Rice

To achieve that perfect restaurant-style chicken fried rice at home, consider these essential tips. Following these will ensure your dish is both flavorful and satisfying.

• bold Use Cold Rice: Start with leftover or cooled rice to prevent clumping and achieve that ideal texture.
• bold Don’t Rush the Chicken: Allow the chicken to brown properly before stirring; this enhances flavor and gives a nice texture.
• bold Season Properly: Be generous with salt and pepper, not just soy sauce, to build layers of flavor in your fried rice.
• bold High Heat Cooking: Cook over medium-high heat to get that signature charred flavor typical of hibachi dishes.
• bold Fresh Ingredients: Use fresh vegetables for better taste; frozen mixed vegetables are convenient but be mindful of their quality.

Best Side Dishes for Restaurant-Style Chicken Fried Rice

Pairing your restaurant-style chicken fried rice with delightful side dishes can create a well-rounded meal. Here are some excellent options:

1. Spring Rolls: Crispy spring rolls filled with vegetables make a great crunchy complement.
2. Miso Soup: A warm bowl of miso soup adds depth and warmth to your meal.
3. Edamame: Lightly salted edamame pods provide a healthy and fun finger food option.
4. Asian Slaw: A refreshing slaw with sesame dressing balances the richness of fried rice.
5. Tempura Vegetables: Lightly battered and fried vegetables offer a delightful crunch alongside your main dish.
6. Wonton Soup: This comforting soup with wontons filled with meat adds heartiness to your meal.
7. Gyoza (Dumplings): Pan-fried dumplings filled with meat or veggies offer an excellent texture contrast.
8. Fruit Salad: A light fruit salad serves as a refreshing palate cleanser after the savory flavors of fried rice.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When preparing restaurant-style chicken fried rice, it’s easy to make some common mistakes that can affect the dish’s final taste and texture. Here are a few pitfalls to avoid.

• Using freshly cooked rice: Freshly made rice is often too moist and sticky. Use cooled, day-old rice for better texture.
• Overcooking the chicken: Cooking chicken for too long can make it dry. Aim for just until no longer pink to keep it juicy.
• Neglecting seasoning: Relying only on soy sauce may lead to bland fried rice. Use salt, pepper, and lemon juice for depth of flavor.
• Not preheating the skillet enough: A hot skillet or wok is essential for achieving that signature stir-fry char. Preheat before adding ingredients.
• Skipping the vegetable prep: Chopping vegetables too large can lead to uneven cooking. Dice them small for a uniform texture.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days.
• Allow the fried rice to cool completely before sealing it.

Freezing Instructions

• Freeze in freezer-safe containers or bags for up to 2 months.
• Portion out servings for easier thawing later.

Reheating Instructions

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C), spread the fried rice on a baking sheet, cover with foil, and heat for about 15-20 minutes.
• Microwave: Place in a microwave-safe bowl, cover loosely, and heat in intervals of one minute until warmed through.
• Stovetop: Heat in a skillet over medium heat, stirring frequently until hot. Add a splash of water if needed to prevent sticking.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is restaurant-style chicken fried rice?

Restaurant-style chicken fried rice is a flavorful dish made with seasoned chicken, vegetables, and rice, commonly found in hibachi restaurants.

Can I use different proteins in this recipe?

Yes! You can substitute chicken with shrimp, beef, or tofu for variety while still enjoying delicious fried rice.

How can I customize my restaurant-style chicken fried rice?

Feel free to add your favorite vegetables like bell peppers or broccoli. You can also adjust the seasonings according to your taste preferences.

Is restaurant-style chicken fried rice gluten-free?

To make this dish gluten-free, use tamari or gluten-free soy sauce instead of regular soy sauce.

Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Absolutely! Simply omit the chicken and use extra vegetables or tofu as a protein source while maintaining all other ingredients.

Final Thoughts

This restaurant-style chicken fried rice is not only quick and easy but also incredibly versatile. Feel free to customize it with your favorite proteins and veggies. Whether you’re looking for a family meal or entertaining guests, this dish is sure to impress!