Hey, hey, fellow food lovers! Nyla here, and welcome to my delicious corner of the internet where bold flavors meet cozy comfort food. I’m beyond excited to share my take on a total classic: Restaurant-Style Chicken Fried Rice! Get ready, because this is not your average fried rice.
Remember those nights when you’re craving something amazing, but also want it FAST? That’s where this Restaurant-Style Chicken Fried Rice came from for me. One night, I was playing around in the kitchen trying to make something truly special from leftovers, and BAM! This happened – a happy accident turned into my go-to dish for turning any meal into something extraordinary. I just knew I had to share this Restaurant-Style Chicken Fried Rice recipe with all of you!
This isn’t just about cooking; it’s about creating food that makes people do a little happy dance. I’m talking about those weeknight dinners that need to be special, those game-night feasts that get everyone talking, and those comfort food cravings that only something truly delicious can satisfy. Are you ready to join me on this flavor adventure? Let’s dive in!
INGREDIENTS You Need
This Restaurant-Style Chicken Fried Rice ingredient list is all about bold flavors that actually work together! No blandness allowed at my table, and definitely not at yours. You can grab almost everything during your normal shopping trip too!
- 2 cups cooked rice (day-old is best!): Day-old rice is KEY! It fries up perfectly. No worries if you don’t have day-old – I’ve used fresh in a pinch, just spread it on a baking sheet to dry out a bit.
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into small cubes: Chicken thighs work great too for a richer flavor.
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce: This gives us that authentic flavor.
- 1/2 teaspoon sesame oil: Don’t skip this! It adds such a fantastic aroma!
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil: For stir-frying.
- 1 cup mixed vegetables (peas, carrots, corn): Frozen works great! Talk about a weeknight shortcut.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Because garlic makes everything better.
- 1 small onion, diced: Yellow or white onion is perfect.
- 2 eggs, lightly beaten: These add richness and texture.
- 2 tablespoons oyster sauce: Here’s my Restaurant-Style Chicken Fried Rice secret that takes it from good to incredible!
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar: This adds a little tang.
- 1 green onion, thinly sliced: For garnish, and a pop of fresh flavor.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Always season to your preference!
- Optional: Red pepper flakes: I love adding extra heat to my Restaurant-Style Chicken Fried Rice for that extra kick!
- Optional: 1 tsp ginger, minced: Because this is delicious in fried rice and I always have some on hand!
Storage tip: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days!
Let’s Make Some!
Okay, fellow food lovers, let’s get cooking! This is where the delicious magic starts happening. I’m so excited for you to try this Restaurant-Style Chicken Fried Rice. Follow these steps, and you’ll be doing a happy dance in no time!
- Prep the Chicken: In a bowl, toss the cubed chicken with soy sauce and sesame oil. Marinate for at least 10 minutes. This helps the chicken get all flavorful and delicious. In my kitchen, this Restaurant-Style Chicken Fried Rice usually takes about 25-30 minutes to make, from start to finish.
- Scramble the Eggs: Heat a little vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Pour in the beaten eggs and cook, stirring constantly, until scrambled. Remove the eggs from the skillet and set aside. Don’t worry if your Restaurant-Style Chicken Fried Rice eggs look a little messy! We’re going for flavor here, not perfection.
- Cook the Chicken: Add the remaining vegetable oil to the skillet. Add the marinated chicken and cook until browned and cooked through. Make sure not to overcrowd the pan; cook in batches if needed.
- Sauté the Aromatics: Add the minced garlic and diced onion to the skillet with the chicken. Sauté until fragrant and the onion is translucent, about 1-2 minutes. This is where the magic starts happening!
- Add the Vegetables: Add the mixed vegetables (peas, carrots, corn) to the skillet and cook for another 2-3 minutes, until heated through. Your Restaurant-Style Chicken Fried Rice should smell absolutely incredible right now!
- Add the Rice: Add the cooked rice to the skillet with the chicken and vegetables. Break up any clumps of rice with a spatula. Now we are really cooking!
- Add the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the oyster sauce and rice vinegar. Pour the sauce over the rice mixture and stir well to combine. Make sure everything is evenly coated in that delicious sauce.
- Incorporate the Eggs: Add the scrambled eggs back into the skillet and stir to combine.
- Season and Garnish: Season with salt and pepper to taste. Garnish with sliced green onions. This is my favorite part of making Restaurant-Style Chicken Fried Rice – watch the magic happen!
- Serve Immediately: Serve hot and enjoy your amazing Restaurant-Style Chicken Fried Rice!
How to Serve Up This!
Okay, so you’ve made this incredible Restaurant-Style Chicken Fried Rice. Now, how do we make it a complete flavor explosion? I’ve got you covered, fellow food lovers!
People literally do happy dances when this Restaurant-Style Chicken Fried Rice hits the table with a side of some sweet and spicy chili sauce! The heat and the savory flavors just play so well together.
This Restaurant-Style Chicken Fried Rice is perfect for those weeknight dinners that need to be special! Pair it with a simple green salad with a bright vinaigrette to balance out the richness.
For presentation ideas, try serving this in individual bowls topped with extra green onions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds. So simple, yet so elegant!
What about those glorious leftovers? Transform them into amazing fried rice bowls with a fried egg on top! It’s like a whole new meal.
I’ve also experimented with a few fusion variations. One of my favorites is adding a sprinkle of furikake (Japanese seaweed seasoning) for a salty, umami kick. Try this recipe for Chicken Fried Rice, it’s really delicious!
Or, if you are looking for another recipe that is great for a weeknight winner, check out my recipe for creamy smothered chicken and rice.
No matter how you serve it, this Restaurant-Style Chicken Fried Rice is guaranteed to be a hit. The first time I made it for my friends during game night, they were blown away. One of them actually said, “This is better than takeout!” That’s when I knew I had something special.
FAQs:
Got questions? I’ve got answers! I’ve made this Restaurant-Style Chicken Fried Rice more times than I can count, so I’ve heard it all. Here are some common concerns and my best tips for success.
Will kitchen newbies succeed with this Restaurant-Style Chicken Fried Rice?
Absolutely! This recipe is super straightforward, even if you’re new to cooking. Just follow the steps, and you’ll be golden.
What if I mess up my Restaurant-Style Chicken Fried Rice? (Spoiler: it’ll still taste incredible!)
Honestly, it’s hard to mess this up too badly! Even if you overcook the rice a little or add too much soy sauce, it will still be delicious. Cooking is all about experimenting and learning, right?
How can I prep this Restaurant-Style Chicken Fried Rice for busy weeknights?
Great question! You can chop the chicken and veggies ahead of time and store them in the fridge. You can also cook the rice in advance. Then, when it’s time to cook, just throw everything in the skillet!
Can I make this Restaurant-Style Chicken Fried Rice vegetarian?
Definitely! Just skip the chicken and add some extra veggies, like mushrooms, tofu, or broccoli. You can also use vegetable broth instead of oyster sauce for a vegetarian-friendly sauce.
What’s the secret to getting that authentic “Restaurant-Style” flavor?
The oyster sauce is key! It adds a depth of flavor that you just can’t get with soy sauce alone. Also, don’t be afraid to use a little bit of sesame oil for that amazing aroma.
What if I don’t have oyster sauce?
You can substitute hoisin sauce, but it won’t be quite the same. If you don’t have either, just use a little extra soy sauce and a pinch of sugar to balance the flavors.
Can I add different kinds of protein to this Restaurant-Style Chicken Fried Rice?
Absolutely! Shrimp, pork, or even beef would be delicious in this recipe. Feel free to get creative and use whatever you have on hand.
For more inspiration, there are also amazing variations from Quick & Easy Chinese Chicken Fried Rice – Christie at Home to make your fried rice really something else! If you’re looking for new flavor profiles, experiment with different sauces and seasonings.
One time, I accidentally added a little too much red pepper flakes, and it was SO spicy! But my family loved it! We just added a dollop of sour cream to cool it down. It was a happy accident!
Also, I’ve received questions about making this with brown rice. While I prefer white rice for the texture, brown rice works too! Just make sure it’s cooked al dente so it doesn’t get mushy.
And if you want to see a fun thread about making chicken fried rice, check this out Make Better Chicken Fried Rice (Tips + Recipe in Comments) : r …
CONCLUSION:
This Restaurant-Style Chicken Fried Rice brings me so much joy because it’s simple, flavorful, and always a crowd-pleaser. It’s the perfect example of how comfort food can be both satisfying and exciting. Serve this spicy Restaurant-Style Chicken Fried Rice alongside the creamy smothered chicken and rice for a satisfying and exciting meal!
Here are My Restaurant-Style Chicken Fried Rice Flavor Secrets:
- Don’t skip the sesame oil! It adds so much aroma and flavor.
- Use day-old rice for the best texture.
- Don’t be afraid to experiment with different veggies and proteins.
Here are a few delicious Restaurant-Style Chicken Fried Rice variations I’ve tested:
- Spicy Sriracha Fried Rice: Add a tablespoon of Sriracha to the sauce for a fiery kick.
- Pineapple Fried Rice: Add chunks of pineapple and a sprinkle of coconut flakes for a tropical twist.
- Kimchi Fried Rice: Add kimchi and gochujang (Korean chili paste) for a bold, fermented flavor.
The spicy version is perfect for game night with friends, the pineapple version is great for summer BBQs, and the kimchi version is my go-to when I’m craving something truly unique.
Trust your taste buds and get creative in the kitchen! I’m so excited for you to try this Restaurant-Style Chicken Fried Rice and make it your own. Happy cooking, fellow food lovers!
Restaurant-Style Chicken Fried Rice
Craving takeout? This Restaurant-Style Chicken Fried Rice is easy to make at home and tastes just like your favorite restaurant version. Packed with savory flavors and tender chicken, it’s a quick and satisfying meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: Asian
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked rice, day-old and chilled
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into small cubes
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce, divided
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil, divided
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1 cup mixed vegetables (peas, carrots, corn)
- 1/2 cup diced onion
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
- 2 green onions, thinly sliced
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a bowl, toss the cubed chicken with 1 tablespoon of soy sauce and 1/2 tablespoon of sesame oil. Let it marinate for 10 minutes.
- Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken and cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet and cook until softened, about 2-3 minutes.
- Pour the beaten eggs into the skillet and cook, stirring constantly, until scrambled.
- Add the cooked rice, mixed vegetables, and cooked chicken to the skillet.
- Pour in the remaining 1 tablespoon of soy sauce and 1/2 tablespoon of sesame oil. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Stir-fry everything together until heated through and well combined, about 3-5 minutes.
- Garnish with sliced green onions before serving.
Notes
For extra flavor, add a dash of oyster sauce or fish sauce to the fried rice. Serve immediately.