Chicken fried rice is one of those dishes that is beloved by many, offering the perfect blend of savory flavors, tender chicken, and aromatic vegetables, all tossed together in a fragrant, perfectly cooked fried rice. Whether served as a side dish or as the main entrée, chicken fried rice is a staple in Chinese cooking recipes and a common feature at Hibachi restaurants. Now, you can recreate this favorite Hibachi chicken recipe right in your own kitchen with our easy rice recipe for restaurant-style chicken fried rice!
What Makes Hibachi Chicken Fried Rice Special?
If you’ve ever visited a Hibachi grill or Hibachi restaurant, you’re probably familiar with the signature technique of cooking food on an open grill in front of you. The sizzling sounds, the flames, and the skilled chefs who toss and flip ingredients high into the air make Hibachi dining an unforgettable experience. But what makes Hibachi chicken fried rice stand out is the perfect combination of fresh, high-quality ingredients, fast cooking, and that smoky, slightly charred flavor that comes from stir-frying on a Hibachi grill.
While you can enjoy Hibachi-style fried rice in restaurants, it’s not difficult to recreate at home. The key is to use the right ingredients, techniques, and a little bit of practice. With our Chicken Fried Rice Recipe, you can make an authentic, restaurant-style chicken fried rice without needing a professional Hibachi grill.
Ingredients for Chicken Fried Rice
To create the most flavorful chicken fried rice recipe, you’ll need the following ingredients. These simple components make all the difference, bringing together the savory flavors of the chicken, rice, and vegetables.
For the Chicken:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs for a juicier option), cut into small bite-sized pieces
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce (for marinating the chicken)
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce (for an extra depth of flavor)
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil (for stir-frying the chicken)
For the Fried Rice:
- 3 cups cooked jasmine rice (preferably a day-old for the best texture)
- 1/2 cup diced onions
- 1/2 cup diced carrots
- 1/2 cup peas (frozen or fresh)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 eggs, beaten
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons green onions, chopped (for garnish)
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Restaurant-Style Chicken Fried Rice
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Begin by marinating the chicken pieces. In a small bowl, combine the soy sauce, oyster sauce, and sesame oil. Toss the chicken pieces in this marinade and allow them to sit for about 15–20 minutes. This step helps tenderize the chicken while infusing it with rich flavors.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
Heat a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the vegetable oil and let it warm up. Once the oil is hot, add the marinated chicken pieces and stir-fry until they are fully cooked and browned on all sides. This should take about 5-7 minutes. Once the chicken is cooked through, remove it from the pan and set it aside.
Step 3: Prepare the Fried Rice Base
In the same skillet or wok, add a little more vegetable oil if needed. Sauté the diced onions, carrots, and peas for about 3-4 minutes until they are softened and fragrant. Add the minced garlic and sauté for another 30 seconds until it’s aromatic.
Step 4: Scramble the Eggs
Push the cooked vegetables to one side of the skillet. On the empty side, add the beaten eggs and scramble them until fully cooked. Once the eggs are cooked, mix them into the vegetables.
Step 5: Add the Rice
Add the cooked jasmine rice to the skillet with the vegetables and eggs. Break apart any clumps of rice with a spatula. The rice should be cold (preferably from the day before) for the best texture. Stir everything together, ensuring that the rice is coated with the oil and vegetables.
Step 6: Season the Rice
Add the soy sauce, oyster sauce, and sesame oil to the rice mixture. Stir well to ensure that everything is evenly coated. Taste the rice and adjust the seasoning with a little extra salt and pepper if needed.
Step 7: Combine Chicken with Rice
Finally, add the cooked chicken back into the skillet and mix everything together. Stir-fry for an additional 2-3 minutes to ensure that the chicken is evenly distributed throughout the rice and the dish is hot.
Step 8: Garnish and Serve
Once your restaurant-style chicken fried rice is ready, garnish it with freshly chopped green onions and serve immediately. This dish pairs perfectly with a side of soy sauce and a sprinkle of sesame seeds.
Tips for the Best Chicken Fried Rice
- Use Day-Old Rice: Freshly cooked rice can become too sticky when fried. For the best texture, use rice that’s been cooked and cooled the day before. This helps separate the grains and gives a fluffier result.
- High Heat is Key: To get that delicious charred, smoky flavor similar to Hibachi grilled rice, cook the rice over high heat. This is one reason why a wok or large skillet works best. The high heat helps develop that sought-after crispiness and flavor.
- Use Authentic Ingredients: While it’s tempting to substitute with whatever is in your pantry, for the best flavor, stick to soy sauce, oyster sauce, and sesame oil. These give the fried rice its signature savory, umami taste.
- Customize Your Veggies: While peas, carrots, and onions are standard in many Chinese cooking recipes, feel free to add your favorite vegetables like bell peppers, broccoli, or mushrooms for extra color and flavor.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: If you’re making a large batch, it’s better to fry the rice in batches rather than overcrowding the pan. This allows the rice to fry evenly and develop the right texture.
Why You’ll Love This Chicken Fried Rice Recipe
Making restaurant-style chicken fried rice at home is not only delicious, but it’s also incredibly easy. Whether you’re looking for an easy Chinese recipe for dinner or a hearty rice side dish to serve at your next gathering, this recipe has it all. It’s customizable, quick to prepare, and packed with flavors you typically find at your favorite Hibachi restaurant.
Here’s why this recipe stands out:
- Flavor-packed: With the perfect balance of savory soy sauce, sesame oil, and garlic, each bite is rich in umami.
- Easy and quick: This dish comes together in under 30 minutes, making it an excellent weeknight meal.
- Versatile: You can easily swap chicken for shrimp, pork, or even tofu, depending on your preference.
- Healthy and balanced: Loaded with lean protein from the chicken and packed with veggies, this dish makes a balanced, nutritious meal.
Other Ways to Enjoy Fried Rice
While Hibachi chicken fried rice is a favorite, fried rice is a versatile dish that can be adapted to suit different tastes. Here are a few variations you might enjoy:
- Shrimp Fried Rice: Swap the chicken for shrimp for a lighter and seafood-inspired version.
- Vegetable Fried Rice: For a vegetarian option, load up the fried rice with extra vegetables like bell peppers, corn, and spinach.
- Pineapple Fried Rice: Add chunks of fresh pineapple for a tropical twist that adds sweetness and acidity to the dish.
- Beef Fried Rice: Use thinly sliced beef or steak for a richer, heartier version of fried rice.
Conclusion
Making restaurant-style chicken fried rice at home is a fun and rewarding experience. By following this easy recipe, you can recreate the flavors of a Hibachi restaurant right in your own kitchen. Whether you’re craving a savory side dish or a complete meal, this easy Chinese recipe is sure to please everyone at the table.
So next time you’re looking for a quick dinner or an easy rice recipe to impress your guests, try this delicious and satisfying chicken fried rice. With its perfect combination of tender chicken, savory soy sauce, and fluffy rice, it’s sure to become a family favorite.
Enjoy the flavors of Hibachi chicken without leaving home, and don’t forget to get creative with your own favorite ingredients!
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