If you’ve ever craved the perfectly balanced, flavorful fried rice from your favorite takeout spot, this Restaurant-Style Chicken Fried Rice brings it home. Imagine tender bites of chicken mingling with savory soy sauce, buttery vegetables, and fluffy, golden rice, all kissed with a hint of fresh lemon juice and toasted sesame seeds. The aroma of sizzling garlic, onions, and soy sauce will make your kitchen smell irresistible, and each bite delivers that nostalgic, restaurant-quality satisfaction. Trust me, once you make this at home, you’ll never want to order takeout again.
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Recipe Origin:
Inspired by classic Asian takeout fried rice, this recipe combines the best techniques for restaurant-style flavor with ingredients you can find in your own kitchen. By cooking chicken in small, uniform pieces and incorporating butter and oil in layers, we achieve a rich, savory depth that’s close to what you’d find at your favorite local spot. The finishing touch of sesame seeds and a squeeze of lemon elevates the dish into a bright, aromatic masterpiece.
Kitchen Tools You’ll Need:
- Large skillet or wok
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Mixing bowl
- Measuring spoons
- Knife and cutting board
- Small bowl for whisking eggs
Restaurant-Style Chicken Fried Rice
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stir-Fry
- Cuisine: Asian
- Diet: Halal
Description
Restaurant-Style Chicken Fried Rice is a quick and flavorful stir-fry made with tender chicken, mixed vegetables, and perfectly seasoned rice. Finished with butter, soy sauce, and a touch of lemon juice, it’s a restaurant-quality dish you can make at home.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
- 4 teaspoons neutral oil (like avocado or canola; divided as 1 tablespoon + 1 teaspoon)
- 3/4 pound chicken breasts, cut into very small pieces
- 5 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce, divided
- 4 tablespoons butter, divided
- 2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice
- Salt, to taste
- Pepper, to taste
- 1/2 cup diced white onion
- 1 cup frozen mixed vegetables (peas and carrots)
- 2 large eggs
- 4 cups cooked rice, cooled to touch
- Sesame seeds (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Heat 1 tablespoon of neutral oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces and sprinkle with 1 ½ teaspoons salt. Cook until the chicken is fully cooked and lightly browned, about 5-6 minutes. Remove from skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter with 1 teaspoon of oil. Add diced onion and sauté until translucent, about 2-3 minutes.
- Add frozen mixed vegetables and cook until heated through.
- Push the vegetables to one side of the skillet and scramble the eggs in the other side until fully cooked. Mix the eggs with the vegetables.
- Add the cooled rice to the skillet and stir to combine with the chicken, vegetables, and eggs.
- Pour in 4 tablespoons of soy sauce, 2 tablespoons of butter, and lemon juice. Stir well to evenly coat the rice and ingredients.
- Add the cooked chicken back into the skillet and mix everything together. Adjust salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve hot, optionally garnished with sesame seeds.
Notes
- Use day-old rice or rice that has been cooled to prevent it from becoming mushy.
- Adjust soy sauce according to taste preference for saltiness.
- You can substitute chicken with shrimp, beef, or tofu for variation.
- For extra flavor, add a splash of sesame oil at the end.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 580mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
Why You’ll Love Restaurant-Style Chicken Fried Rice
Fried rice is comfort food at its finest—it’s quick, versatile, and utterly satisfying. Here’s why this version stands out:
Versatile: Serve as a main meal or as a side with other Asian-inspired dishes. Perfect for lunchboxes, dinner parties, or a quick weeknight dinner.
Budget-Friendly: Uses simple ingredients like rice, chicken, and frozen vegetables. No expensive sauces or exotic ingredients are required to get authentic flavor.
Quick and Easy: From prep to plate in under 30 minutes. The steps are simple, and even beginner cooks can achieve a restaurant-quality result.
Customizable: Swap chicken for shrimp, pork, tofu, or extra vegetables. Add chili flakes or sriracha for a spicy kick, or keep it mild for the whole family.
Crowd-Pleasing: Everyone loves fried rice. The mix of savory chicken, veggies, eggs, and seasoned rice hits all the right notes for adults and kids alike.
Chef’s Pro Tips for Perfect Results:
- Use day-old rice or rice cooled to room temperature to prevent clumping.
- Cut chicken into uniform, bite-sized pieces for even cooking.
- Cook in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding the pan.
- Don’t overcook the eggs; slightly soft and scrambled works best.
- Add sesame seeds or green onions at the end for an authentic finish.
Ingredients in Restaurant-Style Chicken Fried Rice
Here’s what makes this fried rice irresistible:
Neutral Oil (Avocado or Canola): Used for sautéing chicken and vegetables. A neutral oil allows the flavors of soy, butter, and garlic to shine.
Chicken Breasts: Tender, bite-sized pieces of chicken create the protein base. When cooked with a touch of oil and soy sauce, they’re juicy and flavorful.
Low-Sodium Soy Sauce: Provides the savory umami flavor that’s essential in fried rice. Dividing it into stages helps build depth.
Butter: Adds richness and helps coat the rice for a silky, indulgent texture.
Fresh Lemon Juice: A small amount brightens the dish and balances the savory notes.
Salt and Pepper: Simple seasoning that enhances the natural flavors of the chicken and vegetables.
White Onion: Adds sweetness and depth when sautéed.
Frozen Mixed Vegetables (Peas, Carrots): Convenient, colorful, and packed with nutrients. They add texture and visual appeal.
Eggs: Scrambled eggs provide richness, protein, and the classic fried rice texture.
Cooked Rice: The backbone of the dish. Using rice that’s cooled to room temperature or day-old rice prevents it from becoming mushy.
Sesame Seeds (Optional): Adds a nutty crunch and a restaurant-style finish.
(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)
Instructions
Follow these steps to make restaurant-quality fried rice at home:
Preheat Your Equipment: Heat a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Preheating ensures even cooking and helps achieve the slight crispiness that makes fried rice special.
Cook the Chicken: Heat 1 tablespoon + 1 teaspoon of oil in the skillet. Add the chicken pieces and 2 tablespoons of soy sauce, cooking until golden and fully cooked. Season with salt, pepper, and a touch of lemon juice. Remove chicken and set aside.
Sauté Aromatics: In the same pan, melt 2 tablespoons butter and sauté diced onion until translucent and fragrant.
Add Vegetables: Toss in frozen mixed vegetables, cooking until heated through but still slightly crisp.
Scramble Eggs: Push the vegetables to the side of the pan and add eggs to the cleared space. Lightly scramble them until just set.
Combine Ingredients: Add the cooled rice to the pan and gently stir everything together. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Drizzle remaining soy sauce over the rice and fold gently to combine.
Finish with Butter & Lemon: Add remaining butter and a splash of lemon juice. Stir until everything is evenly coated and slightly glossy.
Garnish & Serve: Sprinkle sesame seeds on top for an authentic touch. Serve hot and enjoy!
Nutrition Facts
Servings: 4
Calories per serving: 420–450 (approximate)
Preparation Time
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
How to Serve Restaurant-Style Chicken Fried Rice
Main Dish: Serve as a standalone meal for a satisfying weeknight dinner.
Side Dish: Pair with dumplings, egg rolls, or stir-fried vegetables for a full Asian-inspired feast.
Lunchbox Favorite: Cools well and reheats nicely, making it perfect for meal prep.
Party Dish: Easy to make in large batches for gatherings—everyone loves fried rice.
Make-Ahead and Storage Tips
- Prep Ahead: Dice vegetables and chicken in advance to reduce cooking time.
- Storage Tips: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Reheat in a skillet with a splash of water or oil to keep rice from drying out.
- Double the Batch: Works perfectly for meal prep or feeding a crowd.
Variations to Try
- Protein Swap: Replace chicken with shrimp, tofu, or pork.
- Spicy Kick: Add sriracha, chili flakes, or a touch of chili oil.
- Vegetable Boost: Add bell peppers, broccoli, or snap peas for extra nutrients and color.
Additional Tips
- Rice Texture: Use rice that’s cooled to prevent mushiness.
- Even Cooking: Stir frequently but gently to avoid breaking grains.
- Flavor Balance: Taste and adjust soy sauce, salt, and lemon juice at the end for perfect flavor.
FAQ Section
Q1: Can I use day-old rice?
A1: Yes! Day-old rice works best as it’s dryer and prevents mushiness.
Q2: Can I make this vegetarian?
A2: Substitute chicken with tofu, tempeh, or extra vegetables.
Q3: Can I make it gluten-free?
A3: Use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari.
Q4: How do I store leftovers?
A4: In an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Q5: Can I freeze this fried rice?
A5: Yes, store in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months; thaw and reheat gently.
Q6: Can I add more vegetables?
A6: Absolutely! Customize with any vegetables you like.
Q7: Can I use brown rice?
A7: Yes, but adjust cooking time slightly. Brown rice adds a nuttier flavor.
Q8: How do I prevent the rice from sticking?
A8: Use a large skillet, high heat, and ensure rice is cooled or day-old.
Q9: Is this kid-friendly?
A9: Yes! Mild, savory, and customizable to your family’s taste.
Q10: Can I add green onions?
A10: Definitely! Sprinkle on top before serving for freshness and color.
Conclusion
This Restaurant-Style Chicken Fried Rice brings the taste of takeout into your own kitchen—without the wait or extra cost. Juicy chicken, buttery vegetables, perfectly cooked rice, and a hint of lemon create a balanced, flavorful dish that’s quick, easy, and crowd-pleasing. With minimal effort and maximum flavor, this fried rice is perfect for weeknight dinners, meal prep, or impressing guests. Serve it hot, sprinkle some sesame seeds, and enjoy the satisfying aroma and taste of homemade, restaurant-quality fried rice.
Restaurant-Style Chicken Fried Rice
See how to recreate this takeout favorite at home with this easy recipe: