Benihana Chicken Fried Rice
If you’ve ever dined at a teppanyaki restaurant, you know the magic of Benihana’s famous chicken fried rice. Made with tender chicken, savory garlic butter, fluffy scrambled eggs, and crisp vegetables, this dish is a restaurant favorite that you can easily recreate at home. The secret? Using day-old rice and a generous dose of homemade garlic butter for an authentic teppanyaki flavor. Follow this step-by-step guide to bring the flavors of Benihana to your own kitchen!
Equipment
- Wok or Large Skillet – A wok is ideal for high-heat cooking, ensuring the rice gets crispy without becoming soggy. If unavailable, use a large, deep skillet or a cast-iron pan.
- Spatula or Wok Turner – A sturdy spatula helps stir-fry ingredients quickly and evenly, preventing them from sticking.
- Cutting Board & Knife – For prepping the chicken and vegetables. A sharp knife ensures clean cuts and even cooking.
- Mixing Bowls – Used for marinating the chicken, preparing garlic butter, and beating eggs.
- Measuring Spoons & Cups – To accurately measure soy sauce, butter, and seasonings.
- Small Saucepan (Optional) – If you want to melt the garlic butter before adding it to the rice.
- Tongs or Chopsticks (Optional) – Helpful for handling ingredients, especially when adding proteins like shrimp or tofu.
- Pro Tips for Equipment Use:
- ✔ Preheat your wok or skillet before adding oil to get that restaurant-style sear.
- ✔ Use a high-smoke-point oil (like peanut, avocado, or canola) to prevent burning.
- ✔ Avoid overcrowding the pan to ensure even frying—cook in batches if needed.
Ingredients
- For the Fried Rice:
- 2 cups day-old cooked rice preferably jasmine or short-grain
- 1 cup boneless skinless chicken breast or thigh, diced
- 1/2 cup onion finely chopped
- 1/2 cup carrots diced
- 1/2 cup frozen peas
- 2 eggs beaten
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce adjust to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon white pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon sugar optional, balances flavors
- 2 tablespoons oil avocado, peanut, or canola
- 2 tablespoons butter
- For the Garlic Butter:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter softened
- 3 cloves garlic finely minced or grated
- 3 teaspoons light soy sauce
- Optional Garnishes:
- 2 tablespoons chopped green onions
- 1/2 teaspoon sesame seeds
- A drizzle of sesame oil
Instructions
- Step 1: Prepare the Garlic Butter
- In a small bowl, combine softened butter, grated garlic, and soy sauce.
- Mix well until smooth and well combined. Set aside for later use.
- Step 2: Cook the Chicken
- Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a large wok or skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add diced chicken, season with a pinch of salt and white pepper, and stir-fry for 3-4 minutes until fully cooked and golden brown.
- Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.
- Step 3: Sauté the Vegetables
- In the same pan, add another 1 tablespoon of oil.
- Toss in onions, carrots, and frozen peas. Stir-fry for 2 minutes until softened.
- Step 4: Scramble the Eggs
- Push the vegetables to one side of the pan. Add the beaten eggs to the empty space and scramble until just set.
- Step 5: Incorporate the Rice
- Add day-old rice to the pan and break up any clumps with a spatula.
- Drizzle in soy sauce, white pepper, and sugar, then mix well.
- Step 6: Mix in Chicken and Garlic Butter
- Return the cooked chicken to the pan and stir everything together.
- Add 2 tablespoons of garlic butter and stir-fry for 1-2 minutes to evenly coat the rice in flavor.
- Step 7: Serve and Garnish
- Turn off the heat and garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds.
- Serve immediately and enjoy your homemade Benihana Chicken Fried Rice!
- Equipment Needed for Benihana Chicken Fried Rice
- To achieve the perfect teppanyaki-style fried rice at home, having the right equipment is essential. Here’s what you’ll need:
Notes
No Day-Old Rice? If you don’t have leftover rice, spread freshly cooked rice on a baking sheet and refrigerate for at least 2 hours before frying.
Customize the Protein: Swap the chicken for shrimp, beef, or tofu for a different take on this recipe.
Storage Tip: Leftover fried rice can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Customize the Protein: Swap the chicken for shrimp, beef, or tofu for a different take on this recipe.
Storage Tip: Leftover fried rice can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.