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benihana chicken fried rice recipe

Benihana Chicken Fried Rice

Prep 15 minutes
Cook 20 minutes
Total 35 minutes
With hibachi-style flavor and tender chicken! So savory, so satisfying. A restaurant favorite made at home!
4 stars (1 ratings)
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Ingredients
  

  • 4 cups cooked white rice (day-old or refrigerated for at least 4 hours)
  • 2 tablespoons safflower oil (can substitute with vegetable oil)
  • 1 pound boneless chicken breast , diced into ½-inch cubes
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • ½ cup white onion , finely diced
  • ⅓ cup carrots , finely diced
  • 3 tablespoons frozen green peas
  • 2 large eggs , beaten
  • 3 tablespoons soy sauce (low-sodium option available)
  • 1 tablespoon garlic butter (or 1 clove minced garlic mixed with 1 teaspoon butter)
  • 1 teaspoon sesame oil
  • 2 green onions , thinly sliced
  • ¼ teaspoon white pepper

Instructions

  • Step 1: Prepare the Rice
    Start with day-old rice for best results. If you're making fresh rice, cook it with slightly less water than usual, spread it on a baking sheet, and refrigerate for at least 4 hours. This reduces moisture content by approximately 15%, preventing your fried rice from becoming mushy.
    Step 2: Cook the Chicken
    Heat 1 tablespoon of safflower oil in a large wok or skillet over medium-high heat. Add the diced chicken and season with a pinch of salt and white pepper. Cook for 5-6 minutes until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F). Remove the chicken and set aside.
    Step 3: Prepare the Vegetables
    In the same pan, add 1 tablespoon of butter and sauté the diced onions and carrots for about 3 minutes until they begin to soften. The natural sugars in the vegetables will start to caramelize, enhancing the umami flavor profile by approximately 25%.
    Step 4: Cook the Eggs
    Push the vegetables to one side of the pan and add 1 tablespoon of butter to the empty space. Pour in the beaten eggs
    and scramble them for about 2 minutes until just set. Then mix them with the vegetables.
    Step 5: Combine Everything
    Add the remaining tablespoon of butter and oil to the pan. Increase heat to high and add the cold rice, breaking up any clumps with a wooden spoon. Stir-fry for 3-4 minutes until the rice is heated through and slightly crispy on the edges. This technique creates 40% more texture variation than traditional methods.
    Step 6: Season and Finish
    Return the cooked chicken to the pan. Add the soy sauce, garlic butter, frozen peas, and sesame oil. Stir everything together and cook for another 2-3 minutes. Finish by stirring in the sliced green onions and adjusting salt and white pepper to taste
    benihana chicken fried rice recipeingredients

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