Chicken Fried Rice from Benihana features tender, marinated chicken pieces stir-fried with fragrant jasmine rice, fresh eggs, green peas, and crisp scallions, delivering a flavorful and colorful Asian-inspired dish with a satisfying blend of textures.
Equipments
- Wok
- Chef’s knife
- Cutting board
- Mixing bowls
- Spatula (wok spatula or wooden)
- Measuring spoons
- Measuring cups
- Rice cooker or pot (for cooking rice)
- Plate or tray (for setting aside ingredients)
- Whisk or fork (for beating eggs)
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked jasmine rice (preferably day-old)
- 1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breast
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup frozen green peas
- 1/2 cup sliced scallions (green onions)
- 1 tablespoon garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon sesame oil
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Using day-old jasmine rice is crucial because it provides the right dry texture that prevents clumping and ensures even frying. Marinating the chicken breast with soy sauce and oyster sauce adds depth and umami to the flavor profile. Fresh eggs should be lightly beaten to create fluffy, well-incorporated pieces throughout the dish. Frozen green peas offer a convenient pop of color and sweetness, while sesame oil adds a subtle nutty aroma without overpowering the other ingredients. Your homemade Chicken Fried Rice from Benihana captures the signature taste and balance of this beloved copycat menu item.
Instructions
- Cut chicken breast into bite-sized pieces.
- Marinate chicken with 1 tablespoon soy sauce and a pinch of black pepper; set aside.
- Beat eggs in a mixing bowl and season lightly with salt.
- Heat wok over medium-high heat and add half of the vegetable oil.
- Pour beaten eggs into wok, scramble until just cooked; remove and set aside.
- Add remaining oil to wok and heat.
- Stir-fry marinated chicken until cooked through; remove and set aside.
- Add minced garlic to wok, sauté until fragrant.
- Add jasmine rice to wok; break up clumps and stir-fry until heated through.
- Return chicken and scrambled eggs to the wok with the rice.
- Add frozen green peas; stir-fry until peas are heated.
- Add remaining soy sauce, oyster sauce, and sesame oil; mix well.
- Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
- Toss in sliced scallions and stir to combine.
- Serve immediately.
Substitution
Chicken Fried Rice from Benihana copycat menu can be easily adapted for your kitchen by substituting jasmine rice with basmati or long-grain rice, though jasmine rice provides the most authentic aroma and texture. If boneless, skinless chicken breast is unavailable, chicken thighs offer a juicier alternative while maintaining flavor. Frozen green peas can be replaced with fresh peas or diced carrots to add color and crunch; just ensure they're cooked thoroughly before mixing. When sesame oil is not at hand, a few drops of toasted peanut oil can offer a similar nutty undertone. Ensure your rice is day-old and chilled to prevent clumping and achieve the perfect fried rice texture.
Tips
Your jasmine rice should be day-old and properly chilled to prevent clumping and achieve the ideal fried rice texture. Cut chicken into uniform, bite-sized pieces to ensure even cooking and retain tenderness in every bite. When stir-frying, maintain medium-high heat and work quickly to avoid steaming ingredients, preserving their texture and flavor. Always season your eggs lightly before cooking and remove them promptly to prevent overcooking, which can make them rubbery.
Nutritions
Chicken Fried Rice from Benihana provides a balanced mix of protein from tender chicken breast and eggs, along with complex carbohydrates from jasmine rice. The inclusion of green peas and scallions adds fiber, vitamins A and C, and antioxidants, enhancing the dish's nutritional profile. This meal delivers essential amino acids, iron, and B vitamins, supporting muscle repair and energy metabolism. Your intake of healthy fats comes from vegetable oil and sesame oil, contributing to overall heart health when consumed in moderation.
Storage
Store leftover Chicken Fried Rice in an airtight container and refrigerate within two hours of cooking to maintain freshness and prevent bacterial growth. Consume within 3 to 4 days, reheating thoroughly to an internal temperature of 165degF (74degC) before serving. For longer storage, freeze in a sealed container and use within 2 months, thawing overnight in the refrigerator for best texture retention.
Variation or Alternatives
You can substitute boneless chicken thighs for breast to enhance juiciness and flavor in your fried rice. For a vegetarian version, replace chicken with firm tofu, marinated in soy sauce and sesame oil. Use a high smoke point oil like peanut or canola oil to achieve a better sear when stir-frying. Incorporating diced carrots or bell peppers adds more color and nutritional variety to the dish.
Allergies
Chicken Fried Rice from Benihana may pose allergy risks due to the presence of soy sauce, oyster sauce, and eggs, which are common allergens. Soy sauce contains soy and wheat, both of which can trigger reactions in sensitive individuals. If you have allergies to shellfish (oyster sauce) or eggs, it is important to verify ingredients or seek alternatives to avoid adverse reactions.
Why this recipe?
Benihana's Chicken Fried Rice is favored for its perfect balance of tender chicken, savory soy sauce, and fresh vegetables, all cooked to a delightful texture on a hibachi grill. The dish boasts a rich umami flavor enhanced by specialty seasonings and high-quality ingredients, creating an authentic Japanese dining experience at home. You can recreate this popular menu item to enjoy restaurant-quality taste with the added benefit of customizing spice levels and ingredient portions. Making a copycat version allows you to savor the unique blend of flavors while saving cost and tailoring it to your preferences.