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What in the world is this red-colored rice that is shaped like a football? Funny as it may seem, it’s actually one of the classic Yoshoku (western-influenced dishes) in Japan called Chicken Rice (チキンライス).
You may have seen it on the popular Netflix® show – Midnight Diner: Tokyo Stories (Season 2, Episode 1 “Chicken Fried Rice“). Today I’ll show you how to make this beloved Japanese rice dish at home. The recipe is super fast and easy, and you’ll love it as your back-pocket emergency meal.
What is Chicken (Fried) Rice?
In Japan, this particular dish is called ‘Chicken Rice’. Since Midnight Diner subtitled it as Chicken Fried Rice, I’d just use both names interchangeably. It sort of resembles fried rice but we don’t consider this as the typical Chinese-style fried rice. It’s neither your Hainanese-style chicken rice. Let’s just say that it is rather one of a kind.
To make Chicken Fried Rice, you first sauté chopped onions in a frying pan until translucent, then add chicken followed by mushrooms. Once the ingredients are cooked, add steamed rice and season the fried rice with ketchup or tomato-based sauce.
What Restaurants Serve Chicken Rice?
For most Japanese people, it’s a dish that we often eat growing up. If you go to a family restaurant in Japan (such as Gusto, Saizeriya, etc.), you will see kids’ meal (Okosama Lunch お子様ランチ) featuring a mountain of red-color Chicken Rice with a world flag on top. If you order this dish at the Yoshoku restaurant, they would serve it in the shape of a chrysanthemum or melon, typically with green peas decorated on top. Just like how I presented here.
The Evolution of Chicken Rice
Chicken Rice has been around in Japan since the Taisho era (1912 – 1926). However, the original ingredients were a bit different; chopped carrots were used instead of ketchup so the rice wasn’t red. Then ketchup was introduced to Japan by the Americans, and ketchup-flavored Chicken Rice became a popular dish at Yoshoku restaurants and at home, most likely around the same time as when Napolitan (ketchup spaghetti) became popular.
Ketchup Rice vs. Chicken Rice
You might have heard of “Ketchup Rice” (ケチャップライス) in Japan. So, what is the difference between ketchup rice and chicken rice? Well, they are essentially the same, except for the use of protein. If you use ham, bacon, sausage, or other meat like pork, it is called ketchup rice instead of chicken rice. I know, Japanese with the names:)
Why You Should Try Making Chicken Fried Rice
- Easy & accessible pantry ingredients – most ingredients can be found in your refrigerator. Easy college meal!
- It’s ridiculously quick to make (with rice being cooked ahead of time) – You can whip it up in 20 minutes. No excuses for lack of time.
- One-pan / one-plate meal – You can literally eat directly off the frying pan to speed up the cleanup process.
- If you think ketchup seasoning is not sophisticated enough – Yeah, I get that, but it delivers excellent flavors to the rice that you should never underestimate.
Make Next Level Chicken Fried Rice
If you’re up for something greater, then you sure need to try Omurice – another popular western-influenced Japanese dish.
Like a deliciously precious parcel, the chicken fried rice is bundled with a thin golden omelette. When you cut open the soft pillowy omelette layer to enjoy with the tomato-seasoned fried rice, each bite hits the perfect note. Creamy egg with tangy savory rice – it’s a match made in heaven! I don’t know why more Japanese restaurants don’t serve this dish in the US!
Omurice – Midnight Diner: Tokyo Stories (Season 1, Episode 4)
Thank you to all of you who reached out regarding the Season 2 Midnight Diner recipes! For those of you who are interested in Midnight Diner Season 1 recipes, you can click on this link to check them out.
Lastly, a fun fact to share! Midnight Diner is not located on a real street in Tokyo, the entire diner and street are shot in an indoor studio.
Wish to learn more about Japanese cooking? Sign up for our free newsletter to receive cooking tips & recipe updates! And stay in touch with me on Facebook, Pinterest, YouTube, and Instagram.
Japanese Chicken Rice
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked Japanese short-grain rice (2 big rice bowls; cooled; preferably day old)
- 6 oz chicken thigh
- 3 mushrooms
- ¼ yellow onion (2.3 oz, 65 g)
- 2 Tbsp green peas (thawed and warmed)
- 1 Tbsp unsalted butter
- ⅛ tsp Diamond Crystal kosher salt (use half the amount or the same weight for table salt)
- ⅛ tsp freshly ground black pepper
For the Tomato Sauce
- 3 Tbsp ketchup
- 3 Tbsp tomato paste
- 2 Tbsp water
Instructions
- Gather all the ingredients. Use day-old Japanese short-grain rice for the right stickiness—see How to Cook Japanese Rice.
To Make the Tomato Sauce
- In a small saucepan, add 3 Tbsp ketchup, 3 Tbsp tomato paste, and 2 Tbsp water. Mix well to combine. If the sauce is too thick, add more water.
To Prepare the Ingredients
- Cut 6 oz chicken thigh into ½-inch (1.3-cm) cubes. Sprinkle the chicken with ⅛ tsp freshly ground black pepper and ⅛ tsp Diamond Crystal kosher salt (use half the amount or the same weight for table salt).
- Finely dice ¼ yellow onion.Nami's Tip: Place the onion cut-side down. Make ¼-inch horizontal cuts toward the root, then vertical cuts, and finally slice crosswise for an even dice.
- Cut off the stems of 3 mushrooms and thinly slice the caps.
To Make the Fried Rice
- Melt 1 Tbsp unsalted butter in a large frying pan over medium heat. Add the chopped onion. Sauté it until tender and translucent, about 5–7 minutes.
- Add the chicken. Stir and cook it until it's no longer pink, about 5–8 minutes. Add the sliced mushrooms.
- Add the tomato sauce and stir until evenly distributed.
- Add 2 cups cooked Japanese short-grain rice and toss until the rice is well coated with the sauce. Add 2 Tbsp green peas and give it a final toss.Nami's Tip: Optionally, set aside 12 peas to garnish the finished dish later.
To Serve
- If you have an omurice mold, fill it with the chicken fried rice, packing it loosely with a spatula without mashing it. Flip onto a plate
- Release the mold and serve immediately. Top each serving if you'd like with 6 green peas to replicate the presentation shown in Midnight Diner. Alternatively, wrap the rice in a omelette to make Omurice.
To Store
- Store the leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days or in the freezer for up to 1 month. In Japan, we always freeze leftover rice to keep it from getting hard in the refrigerator. Reheat in the microwave until warm.
Notes
- Japanese rice: Please note that ¾ cup (150 g, 1 rice cooker cup) of uncooked Japanese short-grain rice yields 2¼ US cups (330 g) of cooked white rice. See how to cook short-grain rice with a rice cooker, pot over the stove, Instant Pot, or donabe.
- Rice cooker: Make this savory chicken rice with the push of a button using my recipe for Rice Cooker Ketchup Rice. It’s comforting and super convenient!
- Switch the protein: Swap out the chicken for bacon, sausage, or more mushrooms.
- Omelette: Wrap the chicken rice with a perfectly creamy and custardy omelette to make Omurice (Japanese Omelette Rice), a home-cooking classic for all ages.
Nutrition
The nutrition facts shown are generated by an online calculator and are estimates only. Please consult a professional nutritionist for specific dietary needs.
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