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 family dinners, meal prep, or entertaining guests, this recipe is quick to make and loaded with savory chicken, colorful veggies, and perfectly seasoned rice. With its rich taste and satisfying texture, it’s sure to be a hit at any occasion!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: With a total time of just 45 minutes, you can whip up this delicious meal on busy weeknights.
• Flavor Packed: The combination of sesame oil, soy sauce, and fresh lemon juice creates a flavor explosion in every bite.
• Customizable: Feel free to swap out vegetables or add your favorite proteins to suit your taste.
• Healthy Option: Made with fresh ingredients and low-sodium soy sauce, this dish can be a healthier alternative to takeout.
• Great for Meal Prep: Make a big batch for lunches throughout the week or for easy dinners.

Tools and Preparation

Before you start cooking, gather your essential tools. Having everything you need on hand will make the process smoother and more enjoyable.

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 cooking the chicken and frying the rice without overcrowding.
• Spatula: Essential for stirring and flipping ingredients while keeping them intact.
• Medium bowl: Useful for transferring cooked chicken before combining it with the rice 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 (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

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 chicken is no longer pink (about 1-3 minutes), stirring minimally to allow browning.
4. Transfer cooked chicken to a medium bowl and set aside.

Step 2: Prepare 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 eggs into that space and scramble until fully cooked.

Step 3: Combine Ingredients

1. Add cooled rice and 3 tablespoons butter into the skillet.
2. Stir frequently for about 5 minutes.
3. Stir in 3 tablespoons soy sauce; cook for an additional minute.

Step 4: Finalize Dish

Add cooked chicken back into the skillet:
1. Season with salt and pepper.
2. Stir everything together until well combined and heated through.

Portion fried rice into bowls, garnish with optional sesame seeds if desired, and serve warm!

How to Serve Restaurant-Style Chicken Fried Rice

Serving your restaurant-style chicken fried rice can elevate the dining experience, making it feel like a special occasion. Here are some creative ways to serve this delicious dish.

In Bowls

• Serve individual portions in bowls for a cozy and inviting presentation. Garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions for extra flavor.

With Fresh Herbs

• Add fresh herbs such as cilantro or basil on top of each serving. This adds a pop of color and enhances the dish’s flavor profile.

Accompanied by Lemon Wedges

• Place lemon wedges on the side of the plate. A squeeze of fresh lemon juice just before eating brightens up the flavors and adds a refreshing twist.

On a Platter

• For family-style dining, serve the fried rice on a large platter. This encourages sharing and creates a communal atmosphere at the table.

With Soy Sauce on the Side

• Offer low-sodium soy sauce in small bowls for those who enjoy an extra kick of flavor. This allows guests to customize their taste experience.

How to Perfect Restaurant-Style Chicken Fried Rice

Achieving perfect restaurant-style chicken fried rice requires attention to detail and technique. Follow these tips for an amazing dish.

• Use Cold Rice: Make sure your cooked rice is cooled to room temperature or chilled. This helps prevent clumping and allows for better frying.
• Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Cook in batches if necessary. Overcrowding can lead to steaming instead of frying, resulting in soggy rice.
• High Heat is Key: Use high heat while cooking to achieve that characteristic slight char. This adds depth and flavor to your fried rice.
• Seasoning Matters: Don’t solely rely on soy sauce for flavor; season with salt and pepper throughout the cooking process for balanced taste.
• Add Fresh Vegetables: Incorporate colorful veggies like bell peppers or scallions for added nutrition and visual appeal.
• Finish with Sesame Oil: Drizzle a little sesame oil over the finished dish just before serving for an authentic touch and enhanced aroma.

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Best Side Dishes for Restaurant-Style Chicken Fried Rice

Pairing side dishes with your restaurant-style chicken fried rice can create a delightful meal experience. Here are some fantastic options to consider:

1. Egg Rolls: Crispy and filled with vegetables or meat, egg rolls add crunch and texture that complements fried rice well.
2. Miso Soup: A warm bowl of miso soup offers a light, savory contrast to the hearty fried rice, enhancing the overall meal balance.
3. Steamed Broccoli: Lightly steamed broccoli provides a healthy green option that pairs well with Asian flavors while adding nutritional value.
4. Spring Rolls: Fresh spring rolls filled with shrimp or vegetables offer a refreshing bite alongside your rich chicken fried rice.
5. Teriyaki Chicken Skewers: Grilled teriyaki chicken skewers are flavorful additions that harmonize beautifully with your main dish.
6. Cucumber Salad: A simple cucumber salad dressed in rice vinegar creates a refreshing palate cleanser between bites of savory fried rice.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making restaurant-style chicken fried rice, it’s easy to make some common errors. Here are a few mistakes to watch out for:

• Using Fresh Rice: Freshly cooked rice tends to be too moist and clumpy. Always use cooled rice or leftover rice for the best texture.
• Overcooking the Chicken: Cooking the chicken for too long can make it dry. Cook until just no longer pink and remove it promptly.
• Neglecting Seasoning: Relying solely on soy sauce can lead to bland flavors. Use salt, pepper, and other spices to enhance the overall taste.
• Skipping the Prepping Step: Not prepping ingredients beforehand can slow you down. Have all your veggies, meats, and sauces ready to go before starting.
• Crowding the Pan: Adding too many ingredients at once can lower the temperature of your skillet, leading to uneven cooking. Cook in batches if necessary.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Allow the dish to cool completely before sealing to avoid condensation.

Freezing Restaurant-Style Chicken Fried Rice

• Freeze in an airtight container or heavy-duty freezer bag for up to 3 months.
• Label containers with dates for easy identification later.

Reheating Restaurant-Style Chicken Fried Rice

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Spread rice in a baking dish and cover with foil. Bake for about 15 minutes or until heated through.
• Microwave: Place rice in a microwave-safe dish, cover with a damp paper towel, and heat for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through.
• Stovetop: Heat in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or oil as needed to prevent sticking. Stir frequently until hot.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What makes this restaurant-style chicken fried rice special?

This restaurant-style chicken fried rice is special because it incorporates hibachi-style cooking techniques that enhance flavor and texture, making it better than takeout.

Can I customize my restaurant-style chicken fried rice?

Absolutely! You can add different proteins like shrimp or tofu, switch up the veggies for what you have on hand, or even spice it up with chili sauce.

How can I make this chicken fried rice healthier?

To make it healthier, consider using brown rice instead of white rice and adding more vegetables like bell peppers or broccoli.

What type of rice works best for this recipe?

Day-old jasmine or long-grain white rice works best as it is dryer and less sticky than freshly cooked rice.

Can I use gluten-free soy sauce?

Yes! You can substitute regular soy sauce with gluten-free options while still achieving great flavor in your restaurant-style chicken fried rice.

Final Thoughts

This restaurant-style chicken fried rice is not only quick and easy but also incredibly versatile. You can customize it with various proteins and vegetables based on your preferences. Give this recipe a try; it’s sure to impress your family and friends while satisfying your craving for delicious hibachi flavors!

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