Benihana Chicken Fried Rice Recipe

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Craving restaurant-style fried rice at home? This easy Benihana chicken fried rice recipe delivers bold flavors, tender chicken, and fluffy eggs in every bite. Perfect for weeknight dinners or meal prep, it’s your go-to hibachi fried rice recipe—no teppanyaki grill required!

Benihana chicken fried rice recipe—just hearing that makes my mouth water! If you’ve ever sat at one of those sizzling hibachi grills, you know the show is half the fun, but the rice? Oh, it’s the real star. This dish isn’t just rice with a few extras—it’s a rich, buttery, garlic-kissed bowl of comfort that somehow tastes even better when it’s homemade.

I’ve spent years trying to recreate that unmistakable flavor at home, and this version is the closest I’ve ever come to the real deal. And the best part? It’s easy. No fancy equipment or culinary degree needed. Just a skillet, some leftover rice, and a few pantry staples. You’ll have a restaurant-style dinner on your table in no time—and trust me, your family will ask for it again and again.

You don’t need to book a reservation or have a chef in a tall hat to enjoy it—especially when there are so many chicken fried rice recipes you can make right at home.

Table of contents

Main Ingredients for Benihana Chicken Fried Rice Recipe (and Why They Matter)
Additional Ingredients & Substitutions
Expert Tips for Fried Rice Success
Recommended Techniques
Step-by-Step Instructions for Benihana Chicken Fried Rice Recipe
Additional Guide: Variations & Tricks
Frequently Asked Questions about Benihana Chicken Fried Rice Recipe
Conclusion
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Main Ingredients for Benihana Chicken Fried Rice Recipe (and Why They Matter)

Let’s break down the essential components of this Benihana chicken fried rice recipe—each one plays an important role in flavor and texture:

2 cups cooked white rice: Cold, day-old rice is best. It holds its shape and fries beautifully without getting mushy.
2 tablespoons avocado oil: Neutral and great for high-heat cooking. Safflower or vegetable oil also works.
1 small onion, diced: Adds natural sweetness and depth.
2 cloves garlic, minced: Garlic brings that irresistible aroma and umami punch.
2 cups cooked chicken, cubed: Any pre-cooked chicken works here—roasted, grilled, even rotisserie!
¼ teaspoon black pepper: For subtle warmth and balance.
½ cup frozen mixed vegetables: A classic mix of peas, carrots, and corn brings color and nutrition.
2 large eggs, beaten: They add a fluffy texture and rich taste.
3 tablespoons soy sauce: Salty and savory. You can use tamari if you’re going gluten-free.
1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil: Just a drizzle gives you that nutty, signature flavor.
2 tablespoons butter: This is where the Benihana magic lives—don’t skip it!
2 green onions, sliced (optional): For a fresh, zesty finish.

benihana chicken fried rice recipe ingredients

Additional Ingredients & Substitutions

Let’s say you’re feeling a little adventurous or missing a couple things in your pantry—don’t worry, I’ve got you covered:

Brown rice: Want a healthier twist? Use day-old brown rice like we do in this tasty chicken and brown rice recipe for a nuttier flavor
Shrimp or tofu: Swap the chicken with shrimp for a seafood version, or tofu for a vegetarian-friendly meal. Or try something unique like our rice recipe with Korean chicken if you’re craving bolder flavors.
Butter alternatives: If you’re dairy-free, try plant-based butter or a touch more sesame oil.
Fresh veggies: Have bell peppers, mushrooms, or zucchini? Toss ’em in!
Hot sauce or sriracha: Add a little kick if your crowd enjoys spice.

Making this recipe your own is half the fun—just be sure to keep the core flavors in check so it still tastes like your favorite hibachi plate.

Expert Tips for Fried Rice Success

Alright, let’s make sure your rice turns out restaurant-worthy every time. Here are some of my go-to tips for nailing this Benihana chicken fried rice recipe:

Use cold, day-old rice. I can’t stress this enough. Fresh rice is too moist and sticky. Day-old rice has dried out just enough to fry up perfectly.
Preheat your pan properly. You want a hot skillet or wok before you add anything. It gives you that slightly crispy texture and helps ingredients cook evenly.
Cook the eggs separately. Scramble the eggs on one side of the pan before mixing them into the rice. It gives better texture and keeps them fluffy.
Butter is the secret weapon. That creamy finish at Benihana? It’s all thanks to butter. Stir it in at the end for that rich, indulgent touch.
Let the rice sit. Once you add it to the pan, let it sit for a minute or two before stirring. That’s how you get those irresistible golden-brown bits.
Use a wide pan. The more surface area, the better. It helps ingredients sear instead of steam.
Don’t overdo the soy sauce. It’s easy to go overboard—start with less and add more to taste.

Remember, fried rice is a fast-cooking dish. Have everything prepped and ready to go before you turn on the stove. That way, you’re not scrambling while the garlic’s burning! This tip holds true whether you’re making fried rice or cozy dishes like Puerto Rican chicken soup or chicken and rice soup.

Recommended Techniques

Here are a few key techniques to keep in mind while cooking:

Mise en place: Fancy French term, but it just means “everything in its place.” Dice, slice, and measure everything before you start.
High-heat stir-frying: Keep the heat high and stir often to cook evenly without overcooking.
Wok tossing (optional): If you’re confident, toss ingredients like the pros—it helps distribute heat and adds airiness.
Layering flavors: Add ingredients in stages: aromatics first, then veggies and meat, then rice and sauces. Finish with butter.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Benihana Chicken Fried Rice Recipe

Step 1: Heat one tablespoon of avocado oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the diced onion and sauté for 2–3 minutes.
Step 2: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
Step 3: Add the cubed chicken and cook for another 2 minutes, just until heated through.
Step 4: Toss in the frozen mixed vegetables. Stir everything together and cook for 2–3 minutes.
Step 5: Push the mixture to one side of the pan. On the empty side, add a touch more oil and pour in the beaten eggs. Scramble them until just set, then mix into the rest of the ingredients.
Step 6: Add the rice and gently break up any clumps. Let it cook for a minute without stirring to develop some crispiness.
Step 7: Pour in the soy sauce and toasted sesame oil. Stir well to combine.
Step 8: Finish with the butter and mix until melted and glossy. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
Step 9: Garnish with green onions and serve hot!

Additional Guide: Variations & Tricks

Want to take it a step further? Here are a few ideas to make your Benihana chicken fried rice recipe extra special:

Make it spicy: Add chili flakes, sriracha, or even a dash of cayenne.
Serve with yum yum sauce: That creamy pink sauce Benihana serves? You can buy it bottled or make a simple version with mayo, ketchup, rice vinegar, and paprika.
Turn it into meal prep: This rice keeps well in the fridge for 3–4 days. Perfect for packed lunches!
Make it a full hibachi night: Pair with miso soup, grilled veggies, or teriyaki chicken.

This recipe is super flexible, so feel free to experiment. Just don’t forget the butter—it really makes it shine!

Frequently Asked Questions about Benihana Chicken Fried Rice Recipe

What does Benihana put in their fried rice?

Benihana’s fried rice usually includes garlic, onion, soy sauce, butter, scrambled eggs, vegetables, and cooked meat like chicken or shrimp. The butter is a big part of its rich flavor.

Why does Benihana fried rice taste so good?

It’s all about the layering of flavors—garlic, soy sauce, sesame oil, and especially the butter. Cooking over high heat also creates that signature savory depth.

What type of oil does Benihana use?

Benihana typically uses safflower oil, which has a high smoke point and neutral flavor. You can also use avocado or vegetable oil as a substitute.

Conclusion

There you have it, friend—a full breakdown of my go-to Benihana chicken fried rice recipe. It’s simple, it’s satisfying, and it brings the joy of hibachi straight to your dinner table. Whether you’re cooking for your crew on a busy weeknight or making something fun for the weekend, this dish never disappoints.

What I love most is how easy it is to tweak to your tastes and ingredients. A little butter, a hot pan, and you’ve got pure magic in under 30 minutes.

Thanks for joining me in the kitchen! If you give this recipe a try, I’d love to hear how it turned out. Snap a photo, tag me, or just shoot me a message. Happy cooking!

With love from my Florida kitchen,