Restaurant-Style Chicken Fried Rice

Experience the joy of dining out from the comfort of your home with this Restaurant-Style Chicken Fried Rice. This easy-to-make dish captures the essence of hibachi cooking, combining tender chicken, vibrant vegetables, and fragrant rice in a delicious stir-fry. In just 45 minutes, you can prepare a satisfying meal perfect for family dinners or meal prep. Customize it to fit your taste by adding your favorite veggies or adjusting the protein level. Say goodbye to takeout and hello to a homemade feast that’s quick, flavorful, and sure to impress!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: This recipe takes only 45 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
• Flavorful Dish: Enjoy a delightful mix of tender chicken, fresh veggies, and savory soy sauce.
• Customizable: Feel free to add your favorite vegetables or proteins to suit your taste.
• Healthy Option: With lean chicken and plenty of veggies, this dish is both nutritious and filling.
• Family Favorite: Kids and adults alike will love this hearty meal that brings everyone together.

Tools and Preparation

To make Restaurant-Style Chicken Fried Rice efficiently, having the right tools is essential. Here’s what you need:

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large skillet or wok
• Spatula
• Cutting board
• Knife

Importance of Each Tool

• Large skillet or wok: A spacious cooking surface allows for even frying and prevents overcrowding.
• Spatula: Perfect for stirring ingredients without breaking them apart while maintaining texture.
• Cutting board: Provides a safe surface for chopping vegetables and preparing ingredients.
• Knife: A sharp knife ensures quick and precise cutting of chicken and vegetables.

Ingredients

For the Chicken

• ¾ pound chicken breasts

For the Rice

• 4 cups cooked rice (preferably day-old)

For the Vegetables

• ½ cup diced white onion
• 1 cup frozen mixed vegetables

For the Eggs

• 2 large eggs

For Flavoring

• 3 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce
• Sesame oil and neutral oil for frying

How to Make Restaurant-Style Chicken Fried Rice

Step 1: Cook the Chicken

1. Heat sesame oil and neutral oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Add chicken pieces to the skillet.
3. Cook until browned, stirring occasionally.

Step 2: Season the Chicken

1. Mix in soy sauce along with any additional seasonings like butter, lemon juice, salt, and pepper once cooked.
2. Set aside cooked chicken.

Step 3: Sauté Vegetables

1. In the same skillet, add diced onions and mixed vegetables.
2. Sauté until soft, pushing them aside once done.

Step 4: Scramble Eggs

1. Create space in the pan by pushing vegetables aside.
2. Crack in eggs and scramble until fully cooked.

Step 5: Combine Ingredients

1. Stir in cooked rice along with butter.
2. Pour in soy sauce; mix everything thoroughly.

Step 6: Final Touches

1. Return cooked chicken back into the skillet.
2. Combine all ingredients until heated through.

Step 7: Serve

Serve warm, garnished with sesame seeds or fresh herbs for added flavor!

How to Serve Restaurant-Style Chicken Fried Rice

Serving Restaurant-Style Chicken Fried Rice is simple yet satisfying. This dish can be enjoyed in various ways, making it a versatile option for any meal.

For a Family Dinner

• Serve the fried rice in large bowls, allowing everyone to help themselves. Pair it with a fresh side salad for a complete meal.

As a Meal Prep Option

• Portion the rice into individual containers. It keeps well in the fridge for up to four days, making it perfect for quick lunches or dinners.

With Fresh Herbs

• Garnish each serving with chopped green onions or cilantro. This adds a burst of flavor and freshness that elevates the dish.

Accompanied by Dipping Sauces

• Offer soy sauce, sriracha, or sweet chili sauce on the side. These sauces allow guests to customize their flavor experience.

As a Leftover Delight

• Reheat any leftover fried rice and enjoy it as a tasty snack or light meal. Just add a splash of water when reheating to keep it moist.

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How to Perfect Restaurant-Style Chicken Fried Rice

Perfecting your Restaurant-Style Chicken Fried Rice can elevate your cooking game. Here are some tips for achieving the best results.

• Use day-old rice: It has less moisture than freshly cooked rice, which prevents clumping and ensures even frying.
• Cook on high heat: Using high heat allows for quick cooking and helps achieve that signature stir-fry texture.
• Don’t overcrowd the pan: Cooking in batches if necessary helps maintain proper heat levels for even cooking.
• Customize with proteins: Feel free to substitute chicken with shrimp, beef, or tofu based on your preference.
• Add flavors gradually: Introduce soy sauce and other seasonings slowly to control the flavor intensity throughout the dish.
• Finish with sesame oil: Drizzling sesame oil at the end enhances aroma and gives an authentic taste.

Best Side Dishes for Restaurant-Style Chicken Fried Rice

Pairing side dishes with your Restaurant-Style Chicken Fried Rice enhances the meal experience. Here are some great options:

1. Spring Rolls: Crunchy and filled with vegetables, spring rolls add a delightful contrast in texture.
2. Egg Drop Soup: A warm bowl of this light soup complements fried rice perfectly while adding warmth.
3. Asian Cucumber Salad: Refreshing and tangy, this salad balances out the richness of fried rice.
4. Edamame: Steamed edamame sprinkled with sea salt makes for a nutritious and simple side dish.
5. Garlic Green Beans: Sautéed green beans with garlic provide a flavorful crunch that pairs well with rice.
6. Miso Soup: This comforting soup adds umami flavor and is an excellent start to your meal.
7. Sesame Noodles: Cold sesame noodles offer another texture and flavor dimension alongside fried rice.
8. Tempura Vegetables: Lightly battered veggies add crunch and variety to your dining experience.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Restaurant-Style Chicken Fried Rice at home is simple, but small mistakes can affect the outcome. Here are common pitfalls and how to avoid them.

• Using freshly cooked rice: Fresh rice can be too moist and sticky. Use day-old rice for the best texture.
• Overcrowding the pan: This can lead to uneven cooking. Cook in batches to ensure all ingredients fry evenly.
• Skipping the soy sauce: Soy sauce adds essential flavor. Don’t skip this ingredient; adjust to taste for a balanced dish.
• Not prepping ingredients first: Cooking fried rice is quick. Have all ingredients ready before starting to avoid overcooking.
• Ignoring the heat level: Cooking on low heat may result in soggy rice. Use medium-high heat for a better stir-fry.

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftovers in an airtight container.
• Consume within 3-4 days for best quality.

Freezing Restaurant-Style Chicken Fried Rice

• Use freezer-safe containers or bags to prevent freezer burn.
• Can be frozen for up to 2 months.

Reheating Restaurant-Style Chicken Fried Rice

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Bake covered with foil for about 15 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat in short bursts, stirring in between until heated through.
• Stovetop: Reheat in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or oil to prevent sticking.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making Restaurant-Style Chicken Fried Rice.

Can I use any type of rice?

Yes, but jasmine or long-grain rice works best for a fluffy texture.

How can I customize my Restaurant-Style Chicken Fried Rice?

Feel free to add your favorite proteins like shrimp or tofu and vegetables such as bell peppers or peas.

What is the best way to reheat Restaurant-Style Chicken Fried Rice?

The stovetop method is preferred, as it helps maintain texture and flavor.

Is Restaurant-Style Chicken Fried Rice healthy?

It can be healthy! Control the amount of soy sauce and oil used, and add more veggies for nutrition.

Final Thoughts

Restaurant-Style Chicken Fried Rice is not only delicious but also highly versatile. You can easily customize it with your choice of proteins and vegetables, making it perfect for any meal. Give this recipe a try, and enjoy a homemade dish that rivals your favorite takeout!