Restaurant-Style Chicken Fried Rice

This Restaurant-Style Chicken Fried Rice is a delightful blend of flavors that you can easily whip up at home. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or simply looking for a quick weeknight meal, this recipe fits the bill perfectly. With its colorful veggies, tender chicken, and perfectly seasoned rice, it’s sure to impress your family and friends. Plus, it’s a healthier alternative to takeout!

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: This dish comes together in just 45 minutes, making it perfect for busy evenings.
• Versatile Ingredients: You can customize the veggies based on what you have on hand or prefer.
• Flavorful and Satisfying: The combination of sesame oil, soy sauce, and fresh lemon juice creates a mouth-watering taste.
• Healthy Option: Using low-sodium soy sauce and plenty of vegetables makes this dish nutritious without sacrificing flavor.
• Great for Meal Prep: Make a big batch and enjoy it throughout the week for an easy lunch or dinner.

Tools and Preparation

To prepare your Restaurant-Style Chicken Fried Rice, you’ll need a few essential tools that will make the cooking process smooth and efficient.

Essential Tools and Equipment

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

Importance of Each Tool

• Large skillet or wok: This provides enough space to cook all ingredients evenly without overcrowding.
• Spatula: A sturdy spatula is key for scrambling eggs and mixing everything together thoroughly.

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: Prepare the Chicken

Heat 1 ½ teaspoons of sesame oil and 1 tablespoon of neutral oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
Once the oils are hot:
1. Add the chicken pieces and let them cook for 1 minute without stirring.
2. Add 2 tablespoons of soy sauce, 1 tablespoon of butter, 2 teaspoons of lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
3. Cook until the chicken is no longer pink (approximately 1-3 minutes), stirring minimally to allow browning.
4. Transfer the cooked chicken to a medium bowl and set aside. Wipe out the skillet.

Step 2: Sauté Vegetables

In the same skillet:
1. Heat 1 teaspoon of neutral oil over medium-high heat.
2. Add the diced onion and frozen mixed vegetables.
3. Sauté for about 3 minutes until onions are almost translucent.

Step 3: Scramble Eggs

Push the vegetables to one side of the skillet:
1. Crack in two large eggs.
2. Scramble them with a spatula until fully cooked.

Step 4: Combine Rice and Flavors

Add the cooked rice along with 3 tablespoons of butter:
1. Stir frequently while cooking for about 5 minutes.
2. Mix in 3 tablespoons of soy sauce and cook for an additional minute.

Step 5: Finalize Your Dish

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

Step 6: Serve

Portion your fried rice into bowls:
1. Garnish with sesame seeds if desired.
2. Serve warm and enjoy!

How to Serve Restaurant-Style Chicken Fried Rice

Serving Restaurant-Style Chicken Fried Rice is all about presentation and pairing it with the right accompaniments. Here are some creative serving suggestions to enhance your meal.

Create a Hibachi-Style Platter

• Serve the fried rice in a large, colorful bowl to mimic the look of hibachi restaurants.
• Add grilled vegetables or shrimp for an authentic touch.

Garnish with Fresh Herbs

• Sprinkle chopped green onions or cilantro on top to add freshness and color.
• This also enhances the flavor profile of the dish.

Use Fun Serving Dishes

• Consider using bamboo steamers or traditional Asian bowls for serving.
• This adds an aesthetic appeal that makes your meal feel special.

Pair with Sauces

• Offer soy sauce, sriracha, or sweet chili sauce on the side for additional flavor.
• Guests can customize their dish as they prefer.

How to Perfect Restaurant-Style Chicken Fried Rice

Perfecting your Restaurant-Style Chicken Fried Rice involves attention to detail and technique. Here are some tips to elevate your dish.

• Use Day-Old Rice: Allowing cooked rice to cool overnight helps reduce moisture, preventing clumping during frying.
• High Heat Cooking: Cooking on high heat allows for better searing of ingredients, giving you that restaurant-style flavor.
• Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Fry in batches if necessary; overcrowding can lead to steaming instead of frying, affecting texture.
• Season at Each Step: Add seasoning as you layer ingredients for deeper flavors throughout the dish.
• Quality Ingredients: Use fresh vegetables and high-quality soy sauce for the best taste and nutrition.
• Experiment with Proteins: Feel free to substitute chicken with shrimp, tofu, or beef for variety in your meals.

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Best Side Dishes for Restaurant-Style Chicken Fried Rice

Pairing side dishes with your Restaurant-Style Chicken Fried Rice can enhance your meal experience. Here are some great options to consider.

1. Spring Rolls: Crispy and filled with vegetables or meat, spring rolls complement fried rice well.
2. Edamame: Lightly salted steamed edamame makes a healthy snack that balances rich flavors.
3. Miso Soup: A warm bowl of miso soup adds a comforting element alongside fried rice.
4. Asian Slaw: A tangy slaw made with cabbage and carrots provides crunch and freshness.
5. Dumplings: Steamed or pan-fried dumplings filled with pork or vegetables pair nicely for a hearty meal.
6. Sesame Noodles: Cold sesame noodles offer a refreshing contrast to warm fried rice, enhancing the overall dining experience.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making restaurant-style chicken fried rice, it’s easy to make some common mistakes that can affect the final dish. Here are some critical points to keep in mind.

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  Overcrowding the skillet: When you add too many ingredients at once, the chicken and vegetables can steam instead of fry. This results in soggy fried rice. Cook in batches if necessary.

  
  
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  Using fresh rice: Freshly cooked rice tends to be too moist, making it clump together. Always use cooled or leftover rice for the best texture.

  
  
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  Neglecting seasoning: Relying only on soy sauce for flavor can lead to an overly salty dish. Make sure to season with salt and pepper throughout the cooking process.

  
  
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  Skipping prep work: Not prepping your ingredients beforehand can slow you down when cooking. Have all your veggies chopped and chicken ready before you start cooking.

  
  
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  Not allowing the chicken to brown: If you stir the chicken too often, it won’t develop a nice golden-brown color. Let it cook undisturbed for a minute or two before stirring.

  
  

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

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

Freezing Restaurant-Style Chicken Fried Rice

• Freeze portions in airtight containers or freezer bags.
• It can be frozen for up to 3 months for best quality.

Reheating Restaurant-Style Chicken Fried Rice

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C), spread rice on a baking sheet, and heat for 15-20 minutes, stirring halfway through.
• Microwave: Place in a microwave-safe bowl, cover with a damp paper towel, and heat for 2-3 minutes until warm.
• Stovetop: Heat in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or oil to prevent sticking, stirring occasionally until heated through.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What makes this restaurant-style chicken fried rice different from takeout?

This recipe is made with fresh ingredients and allows you to control the seasoning and oil content, resulting in healthier and more customized flavors than typical takeout options.

Can I customize my restaurant-style chicken fried rice?

Absolutely! You can add different proteins such as shrimp or tofu, or include other vegetables like bell peppers or broccoli to suit your taste preferences.

How do I ensure my restaurant-style chicken fried rice has great texture?

Using day-old or cooled rice is key; it prevents clumping and gives you that perfect fried texture. Also, avoid overcrowding the pan while cooking.

Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?

Yes! Restaurant-style chicken fried rice stores well in the fridge or freezer, making it a fantastic option for meal prepping lunches or dinners throughout the week.

Final Thoughts

Restaurant-style chicken fried rice is not only delicious but also incredibly versatile. You can easily customize it with your favorite proteins and vegetables. Whether you’re serving it as a quick family meal or impressing guests at dinner, this recipe is sure to please any crowd. Try making it today and enjoy the flavors of hibachi cooking right at home!

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