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. It’s perfect for family dinners or meal prep, and you can customize it to fit your taste. 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 Preparation: This dish can be ready in just 45 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights.
• Customizable Ingredients: You can easily swap proteins or veggies based on your preferences.
• Family-Friendly: Everyone loves fried rice! It’s a crowd-pleaser for kids and adults alike.
• Healthy Option: With fresh ingredients and control over sodium, this recipe is a healthier alternative to takeout.
• Budget-Friendly: Preparing this meal at home saves money compared to ordering from restaurants.

Tools and Preparation

To make your Restaurant-Style Chicken Fried Rice effortlessly, having the right tools is essential. These tools will help you achieve the best results.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large skillet or wok
• Cooking spatula
• Cutting board
• Knife
• Measuring cups

Importance of Each Tool

• Large skillet or wok: A spacious pan allows for even cooking without overcrowding, which is crucial for stir-frying.
• Cooking spatula: This tool helps in flipping and mixing ingredients effectively for that perfect texture.
• Knife: A sharp knife ensures clean cuts for even cooking of chicken and veggies.

Ingredients

For the Chicken

• ¾ pound chicken breasts

For the Rice

• 4 cups cooked rice (preferably day-old)

For the Veggies

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

For Flavoring

• 2 large eggs
• 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

Heat sesame oil and neutral oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
1. Add chicken pieces and cook until browned.
2. Mix in soy sauce, butter, lemon juice, salt, and pepper; set aside once cooked.

Step 2: Sauté Vegetables

In the same skillet:
1. Sauté onions and mixed vegetables until soft.
2. Push them aside in the pan.

Step 3: Scramble Eggs

1. Scramble eggs in the cleared space of the skillet until fully cooked.

Step 4: Combine Rice

1. Stir in cooked rice and butter into the pan with vegetables.
2. Add soy sauce and mix well.

Step 5: Final Assembly

1. Return chicken to the skillet.
2. Combine all ingredients until heated through.

Step 6: Serve

Serve warm, garnished with sesame seeds or fresh herbs as desired.

This Restaurant-Style Chicken Fried Rice is not just easy to make; it’s also a delightful way to enjoy a restaurant-quality meal at home!

How to Serve Restaurant-Style Chicken Fried Rice

Serving Restaurant-Style Chicken Fried Rice can elevate your dining experience. With a few thoughtful touches, you can make the meal feel special and inviting.

Garnish with Fresh Herbs

• Chopped Scallions: Sprinkle chopped scallions on top for a fresh flavor.
• Cilantro: Add cilantro for a burst of freshness and color.

Pair with Sauces

• Soy Sauce: Offer soy sauce on the side for those who enjoy extra seasoning.
• Sriracha or Chili Sauce: Provide spicy options for heat lovers.

Use Attractive Dinnerware

• Bright Bowls: Serve the fried rice in colorful bowls to enhance presentation.
• Bento Boxes: Consider using bento boxes for a fun, Japanese-style meal.

Include a Protein Option

• Grilled Chicken Skewers: Serve skewers on the side for more protein.
• Shrimp Tempura: A crispy shrimp dish complements the fried rice perfectly.

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How to Perfect Restaurant-Style Chicken Fried Rice

To achieve the best results with your Restaurant-Style Chicken Fried Rice, follow these helpful tips.

• Use Day-Old Rice: Day-old rice is drier and helps prevent clumping during frying.
• Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Fry in batches if necessary; this ensures even cooking and crispiness.
• High Heat Cooking: Cook over high heat quickly to replicate restaurant-style stir-frying.
• Season as You Go: Layer flavors by seasoning each component while cooking.
• Add Ingredients Gradually: Introduce each ingredient separately to maintain their textures and flavors.
• Experiment with Vegetables: Feel free to mix different vegetables based on your preference.

Best Side Dishes for Restaurant-Style Chicken Fried Rice

Enhancing your meal with delicious side dishes can create a well-rounded dining experience. Here are some great ideas to accompany your fried rice.

1. Egg Rolls: Crispy egg rolls filled with veggies or meat complement the flavors of fried rice well.
2. Spring Rolls: Fresh spring rolls offer a light, refreshing contrast to the hearty rice dish.
3. Miso Soup: A warm bowl of miso soup adds warmth and depth to your meal.
4. Edamame Beans: Steamed edamame provides a healthy snack that pairs nicely with Asian flavors.
5. Asian Slaw Salad: A crunchy salad made with cabbage and sesame dressing balances out the richness of fried rice.
6. Gyoza Dumplings: These savory dumplings are perfect for dipping in soy sauce or vinegar-based sauces.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Restaurant-Style Chicken Fried Rice, some common mistakes can affect your dish’s flavor and texture. Here are a few to keep in mind:

• Using fresh rice: Freshly cooked rice can become mushy when fried. Always use day-old rice for the best texture.
• Overcrowding the pan: Too many ingredients in the skillet can steam rather than fry your rice. Fry in batches if necessary.
• Neglecting to prep ingredients: Having all your vegetables and proteins prepped before cooking ensures an even cook and enhances flavor.
• Skipping the seasoning: A sprinkle of salt and pepper can elevate flavors. Don’t forget to adjust soy sauce to taste.
• Not using enough oil: Insufficient oil can cause sticking and uneven cooking. Use a mix of sesame oil and neutral oil for optimal frying.

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container.
• Keep it in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Freezing Restaurant-Style Chicken Fried Rice

• Use freezer-safe containers or bags.
• Can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating Restaurant-Style Chicken Fried Rice

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and bake until heated through, about 15 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat in short intervals, stirring between, until hot.
• Stovetop: Add a splash of water or oil in a skillet over medium heat, stirring until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some questions often asked about Restaurant-Style Chicken Fried Rice:

Can I use different proteins in this recipe?

Yes! You can easily substitute chicken with shrimp, beef, or tofu based on your preference.

What vegetables work best with Restaurant-Style Chicken Fried Rice?

Feel free to use any vegetables you enjoy such as bell peppers, peas, or broccoli. Just ensure they are chopped evenly for consistent cooking.

How do I make this dish vegetarian-friendly?

Simply replace chicken with tofu or tempeh and ensure that your soy sauce is plant-based.

Can I meal prep Restaurant-Style Chicken Fried Rice?

Absolutely! This dish is great for meal prep since it stores well in the fridge and freezes beautifully.

Final Thoughts

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 fantastic choice for any meal. Try this delightful recipe at home, and experience restaurant-quality flavors right from your kitchen!