Rotisserie Chicken Fried Rice
Rotisserie Chicken Fried Rice is a quick and tasty way to turn last night’s chicken into a whole new meal. It’s packed with tender chunks of rotisserie chicken, fluffy rice,…
Tip: save now, cook later.Rotisserie Chicken Fried Rice is a quick and tasty way to turn last night’s chicken into a whole new meal. It’s packed with tender chunks of rotisserie chicken, fluffy rice, crisp veggies, and scrambled eggs all tossed together with a splash of soy sauce. The mix of textures and flavors makes this fried rice both comforting and exciting to eat.
I love making this dish when I’m short on time but still want something satisfying and full of flavor. Using rotisserie chicken saves so much time, and it adds a nice savory punch without any extra work. I always make sure to have some frozen peas and carrots on hand to toss in—it brings a little sweetness and color that brightens up the whole plate.
My favorite way to serve this fried rice is straight from the pan, with a little extra soy sauce on the side and some green onions sprinkled on top. It’s great for lunch, dinner, or even a quick snack. Plus, it’s perfect for cleaning out the fridge because you can add whatever veggies or leftovers you have. This recipe always feels like a little celebration of simple, tasty cooking that anyone can enjoy.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cooked white rice: Day-old rice is best because it’s dryer and won’t clump when fried. If you don’t have day-old rice, spread freshly cooked rice on a tray to cool and dry slightly before cooking.
Rotisserie chicken: Using pre-cooked chicken saves time and adds great flavor. You can also use leftover cooked chicken or even shredded turkey. Just make sure it’s well shredded for even mixing.
Frozen peas and carrots: This mix adds color and sweetness. Fresh veggies work too, but frozen ones save prep time. Feel free to add other veggies like bell peppers, corn, or green beans.
Soy sauce and oyster sauce: Soy sauce provides saltiness and depth; oyster sauce adds a little sweetness and complexity. If you don’t have oyster sauce, just increase the soy sauce slightly or add a touch of hoisin sauce instead.
Green onions: The white parts are cooked early to bring out their mild onion flavor, while green parts added at the end add fresh crunch and color. Avoid skipping green onions—they add a nice touch!
How Do You Make Perfect Fried Rice Without It Getting Mushy?
The key is using the right rice and cooking it properly:
- Use leftover, chilled rice to keep it dry and separate. Freshly cooked rice can be too soft.
- Break up any clumps with your spatula before frying so each grain heats evenly.
- Cook on medium-high heat and stir often to prevent sticking and encourage even cooking.
- Scramble eggs separately first, then add them back in later to keep them fluffy and distinct.
- Cook veggies just until tender to keep some bite and avoid watery rice.
Following these steps helps your fried rice have that classic texture and flavor everyone loves!
Equipment You’ll Need
- Large skillet or wok – Perfect for cooking everything evenly and gives you space to toss the rice without spilling.
- Spatula – Helps break up rice clumps and stir ingredients smoothly without scraping your pan.
- Knife and cutting board – For chopping garlic and green onions quickly and safely.
- Measuring spoons – Make sure you add just the right amount of soy and oyster sauce for balanced flavor.
- Mixing bowl – To beat the eggs before cooking them separately for fluffier texture.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Try shrimp or diced ham instead of chicken for a tasty protein swap.
- Add crushed red pepper flakes or a drizzle of sriracha for some spicy heat.
- Mix in chopped bell peppers or snap peas for extra crunch and color.
- Stir in a handful of toasted cashews or peanuts at the end for a nice nutty contrast.
How to Make Rotisserie Chicken Fried Rice?
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 cups cooked white rice (preferably day-old)
- 1 ½ cups rotisserie chicken, shredded
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1 cup frozen peas and carrots mix
- 3 green onions, thinly sliced (separate white and green parts)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce (adjust to taste)
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce (optional)
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil or sesame oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes in total—around 5 minutes to prep your ingredients, and 10 minutes to cook everything together. It’s a quick and easy meal, perfect for busy days!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Scramble the Eggs:
Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Pour in the beaten eggs and gently scramble them until they’re just set but still soft. Remove the eggs from the skillet and set aside for later.
2. Sauté Aromatics and Veggies:
Add the remaining tablespoon of oil to the skillet. Toss in the white parts of the green onions and the minced garlic. Stir and cook for about 30 seconds until you can smell their fragrance. Then, add the frozen peas and carrots mix. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes until they’re thawed and tender but still a bit crisp.
3. Combine Chicken and Rice:
Add the shredded rotisserie chicken to the skillet and stir to warm it through. Then add the cooked rice, breaking up any clumps with your spatula. Stir-fry everything together for 3 to 4 minutes to make sure it’s heated evenly.
4. Season and Finish:
Pour the soy sauce and oyster sauce (if using) over the rice mixture. Stir well to coat all the ingredients evenly. Return the scrambled eggs to the pan and mix them into the rice. Taste and add salt and pepper if needed.
5. Garnish and Serve:
Turn off the heat, sprinkle the green parts of the sliced green onions on top for a fresh pop of color and flavor. Serve your delicious rotisserie chicken fried rice hot and enjoy!
Can I Use Freshly Cooked Rice Instead of Day-Old Rice?
Yes, but freshly cooked rice tends to be softer and more moist, which can make your fried rice mushy. To prevent this, spread the rice out on a baking sheet to cool and dry for at least 30 minutes before cooking.
What Can I Substitute for Rotisserie Chicken?
You can use any cooked shredded chicken, leftover roast chicken, or even cooked turkey. For a vegetarian version, try tofu or your favorite plant-based protein instead.
How Should I Store Leftover Fried Rice?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm it in a skillet over medium heat or microwave until hot throughout, stirring occasionally.
Can I Make This Recipe Spicier?
Absolutely! Add crushed red pepper flakes, a dash of hot sauce, or a drizzle of sriracha while cooking or as a topping to give your fried rice some spicy kick.
