Easy Restaurant-Style Chicken Fried Rice Recipe

If you’re craving a flavorful and satisfying meal that feels like it came straight from your favorite takeout spot, this Restaurant-Style Chicken Fried Rice recipe is exactly what you need. Packed with tender chicken, vibrant vegetables, and perfectly seasoned rice, this dish combines simplicity with bold flavors to deliver a quick and tasty dinner that’s perfect for any weeknight. Whether you’re cooking for family or hungry friends, this recipe promises a crowd-pleasing plate of golden, savory goodness every single time.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes, saving you valuable time on busy nights.
• Flavor-Packed: Balanced seasoning with soy sauce and aromatics creates that authentic restaurant taste.
• Versatile Ingredients: Uses common pantry staples and fresh veggies for easy customization.
• One-Pan Meal: Minimal cleanup thanks to this simple stir-fry process in a single skillet or wok.
• Great for Leftovers: Delicious reheat potential, perfect for meal prepping or next-day lunches.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering simple, fresh ingredients is the key to nailing this recipe. Each one plays an essential role in bringing texture, color, and bold flavors to your Restaurant-Style Chicken Fried Rice.

• Cooked Rice: Use day-old rice for the best texture and to avoid mushiness in your fried rice.
• Chicken Breast or Thighs: Provides tender protein that soaks up all the savory sauce flavors.
• Vegetables: Classic choices include peas, carrots, and green onions, offering color and crunch.
• Soy Sauce: Adds umami depth and salty richness essential to restaurant-style flavor.
• Eggs: Scrambled in for extra protein and creamy texture.
• Garlic and Ginger: Aromatic duo that wakes up the dish with fresh, zesty notes.
• Cooking Oil: Neutral oil like vegetable or canola for a high-heat sear without burning.
• Sesame Oil (optional): Just a drizzle at the end for that classic toasted sesame aroma.

Variations for Restaurant-Style Chicken Fried Rice

This recipe is incredibly adaptable, so feel free to experiment based on your dietary preferences, pantry staples, or what’s fresh at the market. Making it your own is part of the fun!

• Vegetarian Option: Swap chicken for firm tofu or extra veggies like bell peppers and mushrooms.
• Spicy Kick: Add chili flakes or sriracha for heat without overpowering the dish.
• Different Proteins: Try shrimp, pork, or even a combination to keep things interesting.
• Brown Rice Version: Use brown rice as a healthier, nuttier alternative.
• Extra Crunch: Toss in some cashews or chopped water chestnuts for texture contrast.

How to Make Restaurant-Style Chicken Fried Rice

Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients

Start by chopping the chicken into bite-sized pieces and finely dicing your veggies. Beat the eggs lightly and have your cooked rice ready, ideally chilled overnight to reduce moisture.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken

Heat oil in a large wok or skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken pieces and sauté until cooked through and lightly browned, about 5-7 minutes. Remove and set aside.

Step 3: Scramble the Eggs

In the same pan, add a touch more oil if needed and pour in the beaten eggs. Stir continuously until softly scrambled, then remove and set aside with the chicken.

Step 4: Sauté Aromatics and Vegetables

Add minced garlic and ginger to the hot pan, cooking briefly until fragrant. Toss in your peas, carrots, and green onions, sautéing for 2-3 minutes until tender-crisp.

Step 5: Combine Rice and Sauce

Add the chilled rice to the pan, breaking up any clumps with your spatula. Pour in soy sauce and a splash of sesame oil, stirring to evenly coat the rice and vegetables.

Step 6: Finish with Chicken and Eggs

Return the cooked chicken and scrambled eggs to the skillet. Toss everything together on high heat for another 2-3 minutes until heated through, mixing well to layer flavors.

Pro Tips for Making Restaurant-Style Chicken Fried Rice

• Use Day-Old Rice: Freshly steamed rice is too moist—day-old rice fries better and stays fluffy.
• High Heat Cooking: A hot pan ensures quick cooking and that slightly crisp texture.
• Prep Ahead: Have all ingredients chopped and ready before you start to keep the stir-fry moving smoothly.
• Don’t Overcrowd: Cook chicken and veggies in batches if necessary to avoid steaming instead of frying.
• Customize Sauce: Adjust soy sauce and sesame oil based on your preferred flavor intensity.

How to Serve Restaurant-Style Chicken Fried Rice

Garnishes

Fresh green onions, a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds, or a few cilantro leaves add a burst of color and flavor on top, making the dish look as good as it tastes.

Side Dishes

Complement with simple sides like cucumber salad, steamed dumplings, or a light miso soup to round out your meal perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve in a pineapple boat for a tropical twist or plate it in lettuce cups for a lighter, fun finger-food experience that’s great for sharing.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Place leftover fried rice in an airtight container and refrigerate within two hours of cooking to maintain freshness and prevent spoilage.

Freezing

Portion your rice into freezer-safe bags or containers and freeze for up to 2 months; thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat on the stovetop in a hot skillet with a splash of water or broth to revive moisture and flavor; microwaving is faster but may sacrifice some texture.

FAQs

Can I use fresh rice instead of day-old rice?

Freshly cooked rice tends to be too moist and sticky for fried rice, so it’s best to use chilled, day-old rice for better texture and fryability.

What cut of chicken works best?

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs both work well; thighs tend to be juicier, but breasts are leaner and cook quickly.

Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Absolutely! You can omit the chicken and eggs and add tofu or extra vegetables for a delicious vegetarian version of this fried rice.

Is sesame oil necessary in the recipe?

Sesame oil is optional but highly recommended—it adds a rich, nutty aroma that elevates the dish to authentic restaurant flavors.

How do I prevent the rice from sticking to the pan?

Using a hot pan with enough oil and avoiding over-stirring helps keep the rice from sticking; also, using non-stick cookware or a well-seasoned wok can make a difference.

Final Thoughts

This Restaurant-Style Chicken Fried Rice recipe is a deliciously simple way to enjoy a classic favorite from the comfort of your kitchen. Perfectly balanced, full of flavor, and easy to customize, it will quickly become a go-to for weeknight dinners and beyond. Give it a try—you might just find your new favorite homemade comfort food!

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