This Restaurant-Style Chicken Fried Rice is a delightful dish that brings the flavors of hibachi cooking right to your home. Perfect for family dinners or entertaining guests, this recipe combines juicy chicken, vibrant vegetables, and perfectly cooked rice. Not only is it easy to whip up, but it also offers a satisfying and flavorful meal that rivals your favorite takeout.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick Preparation: This dish comes together in just 45 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights.
Flavorful Ingredients: Each component is seasoned to perfection, ensuring every bite is packed with flavor.
Customizable: Feel free to add your favorite veggies or swap the chicken for shrimp or tofu.
One-Pan Cooking: With everything cooked in one skillet, cleanup is a breeze!
Family-Friendly: This dish appeals to both kids and adults alike, making it perfect for family meals.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into cooking, gather your essential tools. Having the right equipment makes 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: Ideal for evenly cooking everything while allowing space for stirring.
Spatula: Helps in easily mixing ingredients without damaging them.
Medium bowl: Perfect for transferring cooked chicken before adding it back to the fried rice.

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)

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 hot, add the chicken pieces and let cook for 1 minute without stirring.
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 minimally to allow browning.
Transfer the cooked chicken to a medium bowl and set aside. Wipe out the skillet or wok.

Step 2: Prepare the Fried Rice

In the same skillet over medium-high heat, heat 1 teaspoon neutral oil.
Add diced onion and frozen mixed vegetables; sauté for about 3 minutes until onions are almost translucent.
Push vegetables to one side of the skillet; crack eggs into the skillet and scramble until fully cooked.
Add cooled rice and 3 tablespoons butter; stir frequently and cook for about 5 minutes.
Stir in 3 tablespoons soy sauce; cook for an additional minute.

Step 3: Combine Everything

Return the cooked chicken back into the skillet with fried rice.
Season with salt and pepper; stir everything together until well combined and heated through.
Portion into bowls; garnish with sesame seeds if desired.

Enjoy your homemade Restaurant-Style Chicken Fried Rice, a delicious dish that’s sure to impress!

How to Serve Restaurant-Style Chicken Fried Rice

Serving restaurant-style chicken fried rice is a delightful experience that can elevate any meal. Whether for a casual family dinner or an elegant gathering, this dish can be paired with various accompaniments to enhance its flavors.

Pair with Fresh Vegetables

Steamed Broccoli: Lightly steam broccoli florets for a nutritious and crunchy side.
Sautéed Bok Choy: Quickly sauté bok choy in garlic for a vibrant green addition.
Cucumber Salad: Serve a refreshing cucumber salad with rice vinegar dressing for contrast.

Add Sauces and Condiments

Soy Sauce: Offer extra soy sauce on the side for those who prefer a bolder flavor.
Chili Oil: A drizzle of chili oil adds heat and depth to the dish.
Pickled Ginger: Provide pickled ginger as a tangy palate cleanser between bites.

Garnish Creatively

Green Onions: Sprinkle chopped green onions on top for added freshness and color.
Sesame Seeds: Toasted sesame seeds make a nutty garnish that enhances the visual appeal.

How to Perfect Restaurant-Style Chicken Fried Rice

To achieve the best restaurant-style chicken fried rice, consider these essential tips that will help you create a dish bursting with flavor and texture.

Use Day-Old Rice: Leftover rice works best since it’s drier and prevents clumping.
High Heat Cooking: Cook on high heat to achieve that characteristic smoky flavor without overcooking ingredients.
Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Cook in batches if necessary to ensure even cooking and browning.
Season Generously: Balance flavors by using salt, pepper, and soy sauce effectively throughout cooking.
Add Fresh Ingredients Last: Incorporate delicate ingredients like eggs toward the end to keep them fluffy.

Best Side Dishes for Restaurant-Style Chicken Fried Rice

Pairing side dishes with your restaurant-style chicken fried rice can create a well-rounded meal. Here are some delicious options that complement the main dish perfectly.

Egg Rolls: Crispy on the outside and filled with vegetables or meat, egg rolls make a great starter.
Spring Rolls: Light and fresh, spring rolls filled with shrimp or veggies add crunch and flavor.
Hot & Sour Soup: A warm bowl of hot & sour soup balances the richness of fried rice beautifully.
Miso Soup: This savory broth offers umami flavor, making it an excellent pairing choice.
Dumplings: Steamed or pan-fried dumplings filled with pork or veggies are always crowd-pleasers.
Asian Slaw: A crunchy slaw made with cabbage, carrots, and sesame dressing adds freshness to your meal.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Restaurant-Style Chicken Fried Rice, it’s easy to make some common errors. Here are a few pitfalls to avoid for the best results.

Using fresh rice – Freshly cooked rice tends to be too moist and clumpy. Always use cooled or leftover rice for perfect fried rice texture.
Overcooking the chicken – Cooking the chicken for too long can result in dry pieces. Cook just until no longer pink, about 1-3 minutes.
Not seasoning enough – Relying solely on soy sauce can lead to blandness. Be sure to use salt and pepper to enhance the flavors.
Skipping the vegetable prep – Not dicing vegetables properly can lead to uneven cooking. Ensure all veggies are cut into uniform pieces for consistent texture and taste.
Crowding the pan – Adding too many ingredients at once can lower the pan’s temperature. Cook in batches if necessary to achieve that perfect sear.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

Store in an airtight container.
It can last up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Restaurant-Style Chicken Fried Rice

Place in freezer-safe containers or bags.
It can be frozen for up to 2 months.

Reheating Restaurant-Style Chicken Fried Rice

Oven – Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Spread fried rice on a baking sheet and heat for about 15-20 minutes, stirring halfway through.
Microwave – Place in a microwave-safe bowl, cover, and heat on high for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through.
Stovetop – Heat in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water or oil until warmed through, stirring occasionally.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Restaurant-Style Chicken Fried Rice?

Restaurant-Style Chicken Fried Rice is a delicious dish made with seasoned chicken, mixed vegetables, eggs, and rice, all stir-fried together for a flavorful meal.

Can I customize my Restaurant-Style Chicken Fried Rice?

Absolutely! You can add different proteins like shrimp or tofu and swap out vegetables based on your preferences.

How do I prevent my fried rice from being soggy?

Make sure to use day-old or cooled rice. This helps reduce moisture and keeps your fried rice fluffy.

Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?

Yes! Restaurant-Style Chicken Fried Rice is great for meal prep. Just store it in individual portions for easy reheating throughout the week.

What type of rice should I use?

Long-grain white rice or jasmine rice works best as they remain fluffy when stir-fried.

Final Thoughts

This Restaurant-Style Chicken Fried Rice is not only quick and easy but also incredibly versatile. You can customize it with your favorite proteins and vegetables, making it a perfect meal for any occasion. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or enjoying a cozy night in, this dish will surely impress!