This restaurant-style chicken fried rice is inspired by hibachi-style cooking, bringing the perfect balance of savory chicken, crisp vegetables, and seasoned rice to your table. With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a flavorful, satisfying dish that’s better than takeout.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick & easy – Ready in under 45 minutes.
• Authentic flavors – Tastes just like your favorite restaurant version.
• Great for meal prep – Stores and reheats beautifully.
• Customizable – Add different proteins, vegetables, or spice levels.

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Part 1: Ingredients & Step-by-Step Instructions

Preparation Phase & Essential Tools

Tools You’ll Need

• Large skillet or wok – Helps achieve that authentic restaurant-style texture.
• Spatula – Essential for stirring and scrambling the eggs.
• Cutting board & knife – For chopping ingredients efficiently.
• Measuring spoons & cups – Ensures accuracy in flavors.

Preparation Tips

• Use day-old rice – It’s drier and absorbs flavors better than fresh rice.
• Prep ingredients ahead of time – Cooking happens quickly, so have everything ready.
• Don’t overcrowd the pan – Ensures even cooking and prevents steaming.

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Ingredients

For the Chicken

• 1 ½ teaspoons sesame oil
• 1 tablespoon (3 teaspoons) neutral oil (avocado or canola oil)
• ¾ pound chicken breasts, cut into small pieces
• 2 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice
• Salt & 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, cooled rice (see Notes)
• 3 tablespoons butter
• 3 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce
• Sesame seeds (optional, for garnish)

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Step-by-Step Directions

1. Cook the Chicken

1. Heat 1 ½ teaspoons sesame oil and 1 tablespoon neutral oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
2. Once hot, add the chicken and cook without stirring for 1 minute to develop a nice sear.
3. Add soy sauce, butter, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Cook until no longer pink (1-3 minutes), stirring only once or twice.
4. Transfer the cooked chicken to a bowl and set aside. Wipe the skillet clean.

2. Sauté the Vegetables

5. Heat 1 teaspoon neutral oil in the same skillet. Add onions and mixed vegetables, cooking for 3 minutes until onions are almost translucent.

3. Cook the Eggs

6. Push the vegetables to the side and crack the eggs into the pan. Scramble with a spatula until fully cooked.

4. Stir-Fry the Rice

7. Add the cooked rice and butter. Stir-fry for 5 minutes, ensuring the rice absorbs the flavors.
8. Add soy sauce, stirring for another 1 minute.

5. Combine Everything

9. Return the cooked chicken to the pan. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Stir until everything is well combined and heated through.

6. Serve & Enjoy

10. Portion into bowls, garnish with sesame seeds, and serve warm.

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Notes

• For extra protein, double the amount of chicken.
• Use leftover or cooled rice for the best texture. Fresh rice will be too moist and clumpy.
• Don’t rely solely on soy sauce for flavor; balance it with salt and pepper.

Serving Suggestions

• Drizzle with extra soy sauce or sriracha for added flavor.
• Top with sliced green onions or sesame seeds for a fresh touch.
• Pair with a side of miso soup or egg rolls for a complete meal.

This dish works well as both a main course or a side dish for a larger Asian-inspired meal. It is also perfect for meal prep, as it reheats well for quick lunches or dinners throughout the week.

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Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Using Freshly Cooked Rice

Fresh rice contains too much moisture, making the fried rice soft and clumpy instead of light and fluffy. Always use day-old, cooled rice for the best results.

2. Overcrowding the Pan

If the pan is too full, the ingredients will steam rather than fry. This prevents the crispy texture that makes restaurant-style fried rice so delicious. Cook in batches if needed.

3. Skipping the Butter

Butter is a key ingredient in hibachi-style fried rice. It enhances the flavor and helps give the rice its signature taste.

4. Overusing Soy Sauce

While soy sauce adds flavor, using too much can make the rice too salty and soggy. Always taste and adjust the seasoning with salt, pepper, and lemon juice for balance.

5. Not Cooking on High Heat

Fried rice should be cooked quickly over high heat. This helps achieve the slightly crispy texture and deepens the flavors.

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Perfect Side Dishes

Pairing fried rice with a complementary side dish makes for a well-rounded meal. Here are eight great options:

1. Egg Drop Soup

A simple, comforting soup that pairs well with the bold flavors of fried rice.

2. Gyoza (Japanese Dumplings)

Crispy pan-fried dumplings filled with pork or vegetables make a perfect appetizer.

3. Cucumber Salad

A refreshing and tangy side that balances the richness of fried rice.

4. Steamed Edamame

Lightly salted soybeans that provide a protein boost and a pop of color.

5. Sweet and Sour Chicken

A classic takeout favorite that pairs beautifully with fried rice.

6. Garlic Green Beans

A crunchy and flavorful side dish that adds extra vegetables to the meal.

7. Spicy Kimchi

For those who love bold flavors, kimchi adds a spicy, tangy contrast.

8. Spring Rolls

Crispy, vegetable-filled rolls that complement the texture of fried rice.

These sides create a complete and satisfying homemade takeout experience, perfect for sharing with family or friends.

Expert Tips

• For extra crispy rice, spread it in the pan and let it sit for a minute before stirring. This allows the bottom layer to slightly crisp up, just like restaurant-style fried rice.
• Customize the protein by swapping the chicken for shrimp, beef, pork, or tofu. Each option brings a different flavor and texture to the dish.
• Use high heat to achieve the best stir-fry texture. Cooking over low heat will make the rice mushy instead of light and fluffy.
• Taste and adjust seasonings before serving. Soy sauce adds saltiness, but a little extra salt, pepper, or lemon juice can enhance the flavors even more.
• Cook eggs separately and mix them in at the end. This prevents them from overcooking or getting lost in the rice.

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Storage

• Refrigerate any leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Freeze portions in freezer-safe bags or containers for up to 3 months.

Reheating

• Stovetop: Heat a small amount of oil in a pan over medium heat. Add the rice and stir frequently until warmed through. This method helps maintain the texture.
• Microwave: Place the rice in a microwave-safe dish and cover it with a damp paper towel. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until hot.
• Avoid overcooking when reheating, as the rice can become dry. If needed, add a teaspoon of water or soy sauce before reheating to restore moisture.

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FAQs

Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?

Yes, brown rice works well but has a firmer texture. Make sure it is fully cooled before using it in the recipe.

What’s the best way to get the authentic hibachi taste?

Using a combination of butter, soy sauce, and sesame oil mimics the flavors found in restaurant-style fried rice. Cooking over high heat also enhances the taste.

Can I make this gluten-free?

Yes. Simply substitute tamari or coconut aminos for soy sauce, as traditional soy sauce contains wheat.

How do I prevent my fried rice from becoming soggy?

Use day-old, cooled rice and cook it over high heat. Avoid adding too much soy sauce or liquid ingredients at once.

Can I make this dish vegetarian?

Yes. Omit the chicken and replace it with tofu, tempeh, or extra vegetables such as mushrooms or bell peppers.

What type of rice works best for fried rice?

Jasmine rice or long-grain white rice works best due to its fluffy texture and ability to hold up to frying. Short-grain rice tends to be stickier and less ideal for stir-frying.

Why does restaurant fried rice taste better?

Restaurants typically use high heat, well-seasoned woks, butter, and MSG to enhance the umami flavor. While MSG is optional, using high heat and butter at home can create a similar depth of flavor.

Can I add more vegetables?

Absolutely. Some great additions include broccoli, bell peppers, mushrooms, snap peas, or baby corn for extra flavor and texture.

What oil is best for fried rice?

A neutral oil with a high smoke point, such as avocado oil, canola oil, or vegetable oil, works best. Sesame oil is great for flavor but should be added toward the end of cooking rather than as a frying oil.

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Conclusion

This restaurant-style chicken fried rice brings all the flavors of takeout into your own kitchen. With tender chicken, perfectly seasoned rice, and a balance of vegetables, it is an easy and satisfying meal that you can make any night of the week.

By following the right techniques—using day-old rice, cooking over high heat, and balancing flavors with soy sauce, butter, and sesame oil—you can achieve that authentic hibachi-style taste at home. Whether enjoyed on its own or paired with a delicious side, this dish is a better-than-takeout favorite that the whole family will love.