If you’ve ever dined at Benihana, you know that their signature Benihana chicken fried rice recipe is a must-try dish. The blend of perfectly seasoned rice, juicy chicken, fluffy scrambled eggs, and savory garlic butter creates a hibachi-inspired dish that’s both flavorful and satisfying. But what if you could recreate that same restaurant-quality fried rice at home?

In this guide, we’ll walk you through an authentic Benihana chicken fried rice recipe, complete with step-by-step instructions, pro tips, and the secret ingredients that make it so irresistible. Whether you’re cooking on a teppanyaki griddle or using a regular skillet, this recipe will help you achieve the smoky, buttery, and umami-packed flavors that make Benihana’s fried rice so special. Let’s get started!

Table of Contents

What Makes Benihana Chicken Fried Rice So Special?

The Secret Behind Benihana’s Hibachi-Style Cooking

One of the main reasons why the Benihana chicken fried rice recipe tastes so unique is the hibachi-style cooking technique used in their restaurants. Hibachi, a traditional Japanese grilling method, involves cooking food on a flat-top griddle at high temperatures. This technique allows for quick and even cooking, ensuring that ingredients retain their natural flavors while developing a delicious, slightly smoky taste.

At Benihana, the chefs prepare fried rice right in front of diners on a large teppanyaki grill, skillfully flipping ingredients and using precise techniques to enhance the flavor and texture. The high heat sears the rice, giving it a slightly crispy edge while keeping the inside fluffy. This method also helps lock in the flavors of the soy sauce, garlic butter, and sesame oil, which are key components of this dish.

If you want to recreate the same restaurant-quality dish at home, you can use a cast-iron skillet, wok, or griddle to mimic the high-heat cooking style. The key is to preheat your pan properly, cook in batches to avoid steaming the rice, and stir-fry everything quickly for the best results.

Key Ingredients That Give It an Authentic Flavor

The Benihana chicken fried rice recipe stands out because of its carefully chosen ingredients, each contributing to the dish’s bold and savory flavor. Here are the essential ingredients that give this dish its authentic hibachi-style taste:

Cooked Jasmine or Short-Grain Rice – The foundation of the dish, day-old rice is best because it’s drier, preventing clumping and ensuring that each grain absorbs the seasonings perfectly.
Chicken Breast or Thighs – Boneless, skinless chicken breast is commonly used, but thighs add more juiciness and flavor. The chicken is diced into small pieces for even cooking.
Eggs – Scrambled eggs add richness and a fluffy texture, balancing the umami flavors of the dish.
Garlic Butter – This is one of Benihana’s signature ingredients, giving the fried rice its distinct creamy, garlicky taste.
Soy Sauce – Used for seasoning, soy sauce adds depth and umami, creating a well-balanced flavor profile.
Sesame Oil – A small drizzle at the end enhances the nutty aroma and adds a layer of complexity.
Vegetables (Onion, Carrot, Peas, Green Onion) – These add color, texture, and a hint of sweetness. Green onions also provide a mild sharpness that complements the dish.

When combined, these ingredients replicate the exact flavor profile you’d expect from a plate of Benihana chicken fried rice.

Why Garlic Butter and Soy Sauce Are Game-Changers

Two of the most important ingredients in the Benihana chicken fried rice recipe are garlic butter and soy sauce. These elements work together to create the dish’s signature umami flavor and buttery richness.

Garlic Butter: The Secret Ingredient

Benihana’s chefs use a special garlic butter blend, which consists of softened butter, minced garlic, and soy sauce. This mixture is melted onto the hot griddle before stir-frying the rice, infusing every grain with its rich, savory taste. The garlic butter also adds a silky, melt-in-your-mouth texture, making the fried rice even more indulgent.

Soy Sauce: The Flavor Enhancer

Soy sauce is another essential ingredient that elevates the overall taste of the dish. It provides a balance of saltiness, sweetness, and umami, ensuring that the fried rice is deeply flavorful without being overpowering. The key is to use low-sodium soy sauce if you want more control over the seasoning, or opt for dark soy sauce if you prefer a richer, more caramelized taste.

The Perfect Combination

When garlic butter and soy sauce are used together, they create a harmonious blend of creaminess and savory goodness. The butter coats each grain of rice, while the soy sauce enhances the dish’s depth. To get the best results, always add garlic butter at the beginning and drizzle soy sauce gradually to taste.

By mastering these key ingredients and techniques, you can recreate the authentic Benihana chicken fried rice recipe right in your own kitchen!

Ingredients You Need for Benihana Chicken Fried Rice

Essential Ingredients (Chicken, Rice, Eggs, and More)

The key to making an authentic Benihana chicken fried rice recipe is using the right ingredients that capture the dish’s signature hibachi-style flavor. While fried rice may seem simple, each ingredient plays a crucial role in achieving the perfect balance of taste, texture, and aroma. Below are the must-have ingredients for this dish:

1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast (or chicken thighs, diced)
3 cups cooked Jasmine or short-grain rice (preferably day-old)
2 large eggs (scrambled separately)
½ cup diced onions
¼ cup diced carrots
¼ cup green peas
2 tbsp chopped green onions
3 tbsp garlic butter (softened butter mixed with minced garlic and soy sauce)
3 tbsp soy sauce (or low-sodium soy sauce)
1 tsp toasted sesame oil (drizzled at the end)

These ingredients, when combined with high-heat hibachi-style cooking, result in a restaurant-quality Benihana chicken fried rice recipe that you can enjoy at home.

Best Type of Rice for Hibachi Fried Rice

The type of rice you use in the Benihana chicken fried rice recipe plays a significant role in the texture and overall quality of the dish. Not all rice varieties work well for fried rice, so choosing the right one is essential.

1. Use Jasmine or Short-Grain Rice

Jasmine rice is the best option because of its light, slightly sticky texture, which allows it to absorb flavors without becoming mushy.
Short-grain rice is another great choice as it has a soft yet chewy texture, similar to the rice used in Japanese hibachi restaurants.

2. Why Day-Old Rice is Best

For the perfect Benihana chicken fried rice recipe, freshly cooked rice is not ideal because it is too moist and can become sticky when stir-fried. Instead, use day-old rice that has been refrigerated for at least 8 hours. This allows the grains to firm up and dry out, preventing clumping and ensuring each grain gets evenly coated with seasonings.

3. How to Prep Rice for the Best Results

If you don’t have day-old rice, spread freshly cooked rice on a baking sheet and refrigerate it for 1-2 hours to remove excess moisture.
Use less water when cooking the rice to keep it slightly drier and prevent it from becoming too soft.
Before stir-frying, break apart any clumps to ensure even cooking.

By using the right type of rice and ensuring it’s properly prepared, you can achieve the fluffy yet slightly crispy texture that makes hibachi-style fried rice so delicious.

Best Type of Rice for Hibachi Fried Rice

If you love the Benihana chicken fried rice recipe but need to adjust it for dietary preferences or restrictions, there are plenty of substitutions and variations you can try without sacrificing flavor.

1. Protein Substitutions

Vegetarian/Vegan – Swap chicken for tofu, tempeh, or mushrooms to maintain the protein content while keeping the dish plant-based.
Seafood Variation – Try using shrimp or scallops for a seafood-inspired version of hibachi fried rice.
Beef or Turkey – If you prefer a different meat option, you can substitute diced steak or ground turkey for the chicken.

2. Rice Alternatives

Low-Carb Option – Use cauliflower rice instead of regular rice for a lighter, keto-friendly version.
Brown Rice – If you prefer a whole-grain alternative, brown rice is a nutritious choice that adds a slightly nutty flavor.
Quinoa – For added protein and fiber, substitute rice with quinoa while keeping the same cooking method.

3. Dairy-Free Option

Since garlic butter is a key ingredient in the Benihana chicken fried rice recipe, you can replace it with dairy-free butter or olive oil to keep the same rich taste.

4. Gluten-Free Adjustments

Soy sauce contains gluten, so for a gluten-free version, use tamari or coconut aminos as a substitute.

5. Extra Flavor Variations

Spicy Version – Add chili flakes or Sriracha for a spicy kick.
Teriyaki Twist – Mix in teriyaki sauce for a slightly sweeter and more caramelized flavor.
Extra Veggies – Boost the nutrition by adding broccoli, zucchini, bell peppers, or edamame.

With these simple substitutions, you can customize the Benihana chicken fried rice recipe to fit your dietary needs while still enjoying its authentic hibachi flavors.

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Make Benihana Chicken Fried Rice at Home

Preparing the Rice for the Perfect Texture

One of the most crucial steps in making an authentic benihana fried rice recipe is preparing the rice correctly. The texture of the rice determines how well it absorbs flavors and how easily it stir-fries without becoming mushy.

Use the Right Type of Rice – Jasmine or short-grain rice is ideal because of its slightly sticky yet fluffy texture. These varieties absorb flavors well while maintaining a distinct grain structure.
Cook the Rice in Advance – Freshly cooked rice tends to be too moist and sticky, leading to clumping. To achieve the perfect fried rice consistency, use day-old rice stored in the refrigerator. The drying process firms up the grains, making them easier to fry.
Break Up the Rice Before Cooking – Before adding rice to the pan, gently break apart any clumps with your hands or a fork. This ensures even frying and better absorption of sauces.
Use High Heat for Stir-Frying – Cooking on high heat replicates the teppanyaki-style hibachi experience, creating a slightly crispy texture while preventing the rice from becoming soggy.

Cooking the Chicken and Eggs the Right Way

The balance of protein in Benihana chicken fried rice recipe is what makes it a satisfying dish. Cooking the chicken and eggs properly ensures that each bite is flavorful and textured perfectly.

Sear the Chicken for Maximum Flavor – Start by cooking diced chicken in a hot pan or griddle with garlic butter. This adds rich umami flavor and prevents the chicken from drying out. Cook until golden brown, ensuring each piece is fully cooked but still juicy.
Use a Teppanyaki or Large Pan for Even Cooking – To replicate Benihana’s hibachi method, use a large pan or flat griddle to cook everything evenly. Avoid overcrowding to ensure proper searing.
Scramble Eggs Separately for a Fluffy Texture – Crack the eggs directly onto the pan, scrambling them lightly. Cook them until just set, then remove and set aside. This prevents overcooking and allows them to retain a soft, fluffy texture when mixed into the rice later.

Mixing in Vegetables and Hibachi Sauces

The vegetables and sauces play a crucial role in enhancing the flavors and adding a pop of color to the Benihana chicken fried rice recipe. A well-balanced combination of vegetables, soy sauce, and seasonings brings out the signature hibachi taste.

Sauté the Vegetables for Optimal Texture – The classic Benihana fried rice includes onions, carrots, green peas, and green onions. Sauté the vegetables until they’re slightly tender but still have a bit of crunch. This adds depth and variety to the texture of the dish.
Incorporate the Right Sauces – The key to Benihana’s rich, savory flavor is the combination of soy sauce, garlic butter, and sometimes a touch of oyster sauce. These sauces add an umami depth that makes the rice taste restaurant-quality.
Mix Everything Evenly – After the vegetables are cooked, add the chicken, eggs, and rice back into the pan. Pour in the sauces and toss everything together to evenly coat the ingredients. Stir-frying at high heat allows the flavors to blend perfectly.

Final Touches: Sesame Oil & Garlic Butter Magic

The final step in perfecting the Benihana chicken fried rice recipe is adding the signature finishing touches. This step elevates the dish from good to great, making it taste exactly like what you’d get at a hibachi restaurant.

Drizzle Toasted Sesame Oil for a Nutty Aroma – A small amount of toasted sesame oil enhances the depth of flavors and gives the rice a subtle nutty fragrance. Be careful not to use too much, as sesame oil has a strong taste.
Garlic Butter for Richness and Authenticity – The star ingredient of Benihana’s fried rice is garlic butter, made by combining softened butter with minced garlic and a dash of soy sauce. Stirring in a spoonful of garlic butter at the end gives the dish a rich, savory finish.
Garnish with Green Onions for a Fresh Touch – Sprinkle freshly chopped green onions over the fried rice just before serving. This adds a hint of freshness and a slight crunch that complements the dish’s deep flavors.

By following these steps, you’ll achieve a Benihana chicken fried rice recipe that’s just as flavorful, aromatic, and satisfying as the one served at the restaurant!

Pro Tips for Making the Perfect Copycat Benihana Fried Rice

The Best Way to Cook on a Griddle or Skillet

To recreate the authentic Benihana chicken fried rice recipe, cooking on a griddle or skillet is essential for achieving that hibachi-style sear and texture. Here’s how to do it perfectly:

Preheat the Griddle or Skillet – Before adding any ingredients, make sure the cooking surface is preheated to medium-high or high heat. A hot surface ensures that everything sears properly, providing a crispy, flavorful exterior to the chicken, vegetables, and rice.
Use the Right Cookware – While a griddle mimics the hibachi grill best, a large skillet or wok can also work well for stir-frying. The key is to have enough surface area to cook all the ingredients evenly without overcrowding.
Cook in Batches – If you’re cooking a large amount of rice or chicken, it’s important to cook in batches. Overcrowding the pan will cause the ingredients to steam rather than sear, preventing that crispy texture we love in hibachi fried rice.
Toss and Stir Frequently – To achieve that perfect texture, toss and stir the rice constantly. The constant movement prevents it from sticking to the griddle or skillet while ensuring each grain is evenly coated with garlic butter and soy sauce. This gives the rice that sought-after glossy sheen and delicious flavor.

How to Achieve the Smoky Hibachi Restaurant Flavor

One of the things that makes Benihana chicken fried rice recipe stand out is the unmistakable smoky hibachi flavor. It’s all about replicating the high-heat cooking process and creating that charred, slightly caramelized taste. Here’s how you can achieve it at home:

Use High Heat for Searing – The secret to that smoky flavor is cooking at high temperatures. The intense heat from the griddle or skillet mimics the hibachi grill, creating a seared outer layer on the chicken and rice. This high-heat cooking method caramelizes the soy sauce and garlic butter, adding that signature smoky, slightly charred flavor.
Incorporate a Smoker Box or Charcoal (Optional) – If you have a grill, you can use a smoker box with wood chips to create an authentic smoky taste. Alternatively, using a cast-iron skillet over a gas flame can also help mimic the hibachi effect, especially if you add a touch of liquid smoke to the dish while stir-frying.
Don’t Skip the Sesame Oil – The addition of sesame oil at the end of cooking not only gives a rich, nutty flavor but also adds a smoky aroma that enhances the hibachi vibe. Toasted sesame oil, in particular, has a more intense flavor and aroma, giving your Benihana chicken fried rice recipe that final touch of smokiness.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Making Fried Rice

Making Benihana chicken fried rice recipe at home can be tricky, but avoiding a few common mistakes will help you achieve restaurant-quality results. Here are the mistakes to watch out for:

Using Freshly Cooked Rice – One of the biggest mistakes you can make is using freshly cooked rice. Fresh rice tends to be too moist, which leads to clumpy, soggy fried rice. Day-old rice, which has had time to dry out in the refrigerator, is ideal because it fries up better, creating a non-clumpy, crispy texture.
Overcrowding the Pan – When making fried rice, overcrowding the pan is a big mistake. It can cause the ingredients to steam rather than fry, preventing that crispy texture. To avoid this, cook in smaller batches or use a large enough pan or griddle that allows the ingredients to spread out evenly.
Skipping the Garlic Butter – Garlic butter is a key ingredient that gives the Benihana chicken fried rice recipe its signature savory and rich flavor. Omitting this step may lead to a dish with less flavor. Make sure you blend softened butter with minced garlic and soy sauce for that rich, umami-packed taste.
Not Stirring Enough – Stir-frying is a vital part of the process. If you don’t stir the rice frequently enough, it can become unevenly cooked, with some parts getting crispy while others remain undercooked. Toss the rice constantly for a uniform texture.
Underseasoning or Overseasoning – Balancing the seasoning is key. Too much soy sauce can make the dish too salty, while too little will make it bland. Use the right amount of soy sauce and always taste as you go to ensure the perfect flavor balance.

By following these tips and avoiding these common pitfalls, you’ll be able to create a Benihana chicken fried rice recipe that’s just as flavorful and satisfying as what you’d enjoy at the hibachi grill!

Frequently Asked Questions for Benihana Chicken Fried Rice Recipe

1. Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts for the Benihana chicken fried rice recipe?
Yes, you can use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts in your Benihana chicken fried rice recipe. Chicken thighs are juicier and more flavorful, though they take slightly longer to cook. Be sure to cut them into small, bite-sized pieces to maintain the right texture for the fried rice.

2. What kind of rice is best for Benihana chicken fried rice?
The best type of rice for this Benihana chicken fried rice recipe is Jasmine or short-grain rice. These rice types are slightly sticky and absorb flavors well. It’s also important to use day-old rice to prevent clumping and ensure that the rice fries properly.

3. Can I make the Benihana chicken fried rice recipe gluten-free?
Yes, you can make a gluten-free version of Benihana chicken fried rice by using gluten-free soy sauce or tamari instead of regular soy sauce. Ensure that all the other ingredients you use are also gluten-free.

4. Can I substitute the garlic butter in the Benihana chicken fried rice recipe with something else?
If you need a substitute for garlic butter, you can use olive oil or regular butter and add minced garlic or garlic powder for flavor. However, the garlic butter is what gives the Benihana chicken fried rice recipe its signature rich and savory taste, so it’s recommended to use it if possible.

5. How do I store leftover Benihana chicken fried rice?
Store leftover Benihana chicken fried rice in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, microwave it or heat it up in a skillet with a little oil to revive the texture and flavors.

6. Can I make Benihana chicken fried rice without a griddle or wok?
Yes, you can make Benihana chicken fried rice recipe in a large skillet if you don’t have a griddle or wok. The most important thing is to cook the rice and chicken at high heat to get the right sear and texture. Be sure not to overcrowd the pan by cooking in batches.

7. Can I use frozen vegetables instead of fresh vegetables in the Benihana chicken fried rice recipe?
Frozen vegetables can be used as a substitute for fresh ones in this recipe. Just be sure to thaw and drain them to avoid excess moisture in the Benihana chicken fried rice recipe. Fresh vegetables provide the best texture and flavor, but frozen will work as a convenient alternative.

8. What can I use instead of sesame oil in the Benihana chicken fried rice recipe?
If you don’t have sesame oil, you can substitute it with vegetable or olive oil. However, sesame oil provides a distinctive nutty flavor that enhances the overall taste of the Benihana chicken fried rice recipe, so it’s best to use it if you can.

9. Can I make the Benihana chicken fried rice recipe with other proteins?
Yes, you can easily swap the chicken for other proteins such as shrimp, beef, or tofu in your Benihana chicken fried rice recipe. Adjust the cooking time based on the protein you choose, ensuring it cooks through before mixing it with the rice.