Restaurant-Style Chicken Fried Rice

This Restaurant-Style Chicken Fried Rice is a delightful dish inspired by hibachi cooking, perfect for any occasion. It’s not only packed with flavor from tender chicken and vibrant veggies but also features perfectly seasoned rice that will remind you of your favorite restaurant meals. Quick to prepare and easy to customize, this recipe is ideal for busy weeknights or casual gatherings with friends and family.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick Cooking: This dish takes just 45 minutes from prep to plate, making it perfect for busy nights.
• Flavorful Ingredients: Each bite is loaded with rich flavors from the sesame oil, soy sauce, and fresh lemon juice.
• Versatile Meal: Customize your fried rice with different proteins or veggies based on what you have on hand.
• Better than Takeout: Enjoy a homemade meal that rivals your favorite restaurant’s offerings without the wait or expense.
• Healthy Option: Packed with protein and vegetables, it’s a wholesome choice for a satisfying meal.

Tools and Preparation

To make your Restaurant-Style Chicken Fried Rice, you’ll need some essential kitchen tools. These will help ensure that everything cooks evenly and efficiently.

Essential Tools and Equipment

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

Importance of Each Tool

• Large skillet or wok: Ideal for even heat distribution, ensuring that all ingredients cook thoroughly.
• Spatula: Perfect for stirring and flipping ingredients without damaging them.
• Medium bowl: Useful for transferring cooked chicken before combining all ingredients in the skillet.

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

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 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 the chicken is no longer pink (about 1-3 minutes), stirring gently to allow browning.
4. Transfer the cooked chicken to a medium bowl and set aside. Wipe out the skillet or wok.

Step 2: Prepare the Fried Rice

1. Heat 1 teaspoon neutral oil in the same skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Add the diced onion and frozen mixed vegetables. Sauté for about 3 minutes until onions are almost translucent.
3. Push the vegetables to one side of the skillet. Crack in the eggs and scramble until fully cooked.
4. Stir in the cooked rice and 3 tablespoons butter. Cook while stirring frequently for about 5 minutes.
5. Add in 3 tablespoons soy sauce and cook for an additional minute.
6. Return the cooked chicken back into the skillet. Season with salt and pepper, stirring until everything is 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 delightful Restaurant-Style Chicken Fried Rice as a comforting meal that satisfies cravings while being easy to whip up at home!

How to Serve Restaurant-Style Chicken Fried Rice

Serving restaurant-style chicken fried rice can elevate your meal experience, whether it’s a family dinner or a gathering with friends. Here are some creative suggestions to enjoy this delicious dish.

Pair with Protein

• Grilled Shrimp: Add succulent grilled shrimp for a seafood twist. The flavors complement the rice beautifully.
• Teriyaki Chicken: Serve alongside teriyaki chicken to enhance the Asian-inspired theme of your meal.

Add Freshness

• Cucumber Salad: A light and refreshing cucumber salad can balance the richness of the fried rice. Toss cucumbers with vinegar and sesame oil.
• Edamame: Steamed edamame sprinkled with sea salt makes for a protein-rich and tasty side.

Garnish Options

• Green Onions: Chopped green onions add color and flavor when sprinkled on top.
• Lime Wedges: Serve lime wedges on the side for an extra zesty kick that brightens the dish.

How to Perfect Restaurant-Style Chicken Fried Rice

To achieve that authentic restaurant-style taste, follow these simple tips for perfect chicken fried rice every time.

• Use Day-Old Rice: Leftover rice is drier and prevents clumping, leading to better texture.
• High Heat Cooking: Cooking on high heat helps achieve that signature smoky flavor typical of restaurant-fried rice.
• Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Cook in batches if necessary to allow even cooking and browning of ingredients.
• Season Generously: Use salt and pepper along with soy sauce for well-rounded flavor throughout the dish.

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Best Side Dishes for Restaurant-Style Chicken Fried Rice

Pairing side dishes with your chicken fried rice can enhance your dining experience. Here are some excellent options that complement this main course well.

1. Spring Rolls: These crispy delights filled with vegetables or meat are perfect for dipping in sweet chili sauce.
2. Miso Soup: A warm bowl of miso soup adds a comforting element to your meal and is easy to prepare.
3. Asian Slaw: A crunchy slaw made from cabbage, carrots, and sesame dressing provides a refreshing contrast.
4. Tempura Vegetables: Lightly battered and fried veggies offer a delightful crunch that pairs perfectly with fried rice.
5. Hot and Sour Soup: This soup’s spicy, tangy flavors make it an exciting accompaniment to your meal.
6. Dumplings: Steamed or pan-fried dumplings filled with meat or vegetables are always a crowd favorite.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Restaurant-Style Chicken Fried Rice, avoiding common mistakes can enhance your dish’s flavor and texture.

• Bold Cooking the Rice Incorrectly: Using freshly cooked rice can lead to clumpy fried rice. Always use cooled, day-old rice for the best results.
• Bold Overcooking the Chicken: Overcooked chicken can become dry. Cook just until no longer pink and ensure it stays juicy by not stirring too much.
• Bold Not Using Enough Seasoning: Relying solely on soy sauce can lead to bland fried rice. Use salt, pepper, and lemon juice generously for a balanced flavor.
• Bold Ignoring Vegetable Preparation: Adding frozen vegetables directly without sautéing can make them soggy. Sauté them first to bring out their flavors.
• Bold Skipping the Rest Period: Letting the fried rice rest briefly after cooking allows flavors to meld together. Don’t rush straight to serving.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Allow the dish to cool completely before refrigerating.

Freezing Restaurant-Style Chicken Fried Rice

• Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.
• Divide into portions for easier thawing and reheating.

Reheating Restaurant-Style Chicken Fried Rice

• Bold Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake covered for about 15-20 minutes until heated through.
• Bold Microwave: Heat in a microwave-safe bowl for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through for even heating.
• Bold Stovetop: Reheat in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or oil to prevent sticking.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Restaurant-Style Chicken Fried Rice different?

Restaurant-style chicken fried rice features bold flavors from fresh ingredients and careful cooking techniques that enhance its taste compared to typical takeout versions.

Can I customize my Restaurant-Style Chicken Fried Rice?

Yes! Feel free to add your favorite proteins like shrimp or tofu, or experiment with different vegetables according to your preference.

How do I prevent soggy fried rice?

Using day-old rice and ensuring it’s cooled before frying is essential. Also, avoid overcooking it in the pan.

What type of rice works best for this recipe?

Long-grain rice such as jasmine or basmati is ideal due to its texture. Make sure it’s cooled properly before cooking.

Can I make this dish vegetarian?

Absolutely! Replace chicken with tofu or tempeh and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a tasty vegetarian version.

Final Thoughts

This Restaurant-Style Chicken Fried Rice is not just quick and easy; it’s also incredibly versatile. You can customize it with different proteins and veggies, making it perfect for any occasion. Give this recipe a try, and enjoy homemade flavors that can rival your favorite restaurant dishes!

Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.

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Restaurant-Style Chicken Fried Rice

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• Author: Nora
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: Serves 4

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Description

Indulge in the delightful flavors of Restaurant-Style Chicken Fried Rice, a dish inspired by hibachi cooking that delivers restaurant-quality taste right at home. This easy-to-make recipe combines tender chicken, vibrant mixed vegetables, and perfectly seasoned rice, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknights or casual gatherings. Ready in just 45 minutes, you can customize it with your favorite proteins or veggies for a meal that suits any palate. Enjoy this comforting dish that will satisfy your cravings without the need for takeout!

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• ¾ pound chicken breasts
• 4 cups cooked rice
• 1 cup frozen mixed vegetables (peas and carrots)
• 2 large eggs
• 3 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce
• 1 ½ teaspoons sesame oil
• 1 tablespoon (3 teaspoons) neutral oil (like avocado or canola oil)
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice
• ½ cup diced white onion
• 1 teaspoon neutral oil
• 3 tablespoons butter
• Sesame seeds (optional, for garnish)
• Salt, to taste
• Pepper, to taste

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Instructions

1. Heat sesame oil and neutral oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken pieces and cook until no longer pink, then transfer to a bowl.
2. In the same skillet, sauté diced onion and mixed vegetables until onions are translucent. Push aside, scramble eggs until cooked.
3. Stir in cooked rice and butter; add soy sauce and mix well. Return chicken to skillet, season with salt and pepper, stir until heated through.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Main
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: Asian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cup (approximately 250g)
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 2g
• Sodium: 750mg
• Fat: 12g
• Saturated Fat: 3g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 42g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 23g
• Cholesterol: 80mg