Rotisserie Chicken Fried Rice
Rotisserie Chicken Fried Rice is a quick and tasty way to turn those flavorful, ready-to-eat chicken leftovers into a complete meal. You get tender pieces of rotisserie chicken mixed with…
By Ava
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Reading time: 6 min
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Rotisserie Chicken Fried Rice is a quick and tasty way to turn those flavorful, ready-to-eat chicken leftovers into a complete meal. You get tender pieces of rotisserie chicken mixed with fluffy rice, scrambled eggs, crunchy veggies, and a splash of soy sauce that brings it all together. It’s like comfort food with a little bit of a punch and so easy to make on a busy day.
I love making this recipe whenever I have some leftover chicken because it feels like I’m making something fresh and new without much effort. The best part is that you can add whatever veggies you have on hand, like peas, carrots, or bell peppers. I usually throw in a handful of green onions at the end to add a nice pop of color and flavor—it’s a small touch that makes a big difference.
This fried rice is perfect on its own for a quick lunch or dinner, but I also like to pair it with some simple cucumber salad or a few slices of avocado for a cool, fresh side. It’s a meal that’s easy to love, whether you’re feeding yourself or a crowd, and it’s always a hit at my house because it’s so flavorful and filling without being heavy. Give it a try—you might find it becomes one of your go-to weeknight meals.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions for Rotisserie Chicken Fried Rice
Cooked Rice: Day-old rice works best because it’s drier and less sticky, helping you get that perfect fried rice texture. If you don’t have leftover rice, cook fresh rice and cool it in the fridge for at least an hour.
Rotisserie Chicken: This is a great time-saver with tasty pre-cooked meat. You can swap it with leftover cooked chicken or even cooked shrimp or tofu for a different twist.
Vegetables: Frozen peas and fresh carrots add color and sweetness. You can also add bell peppers or corn if you like. Just keep anything you add chopped small so they cook quickly.
Soy Sauce: Use regular or low-sodium soy sauce to control saltiness. If you prefer gluten-free, try tamari instead. Start with less sauce and add more to taste.
Oils: Vegetable or canola oil is good for high heat stir-frying. Sesame oil adds a nice nutty flavor but use it sparingly as it can overpower the dish.
How Do You Get the Perfect Texture When Stir-Frying Fried Rice?
The key to great fried rice is cooking on high heat and keeping things moving fast. Here’s how I do it:
- Heat your skillet or wok until very hot before adding oil.
- Cook eggs first by scrambling quickly, then remove them—it keeps the eggs fluffy and prevents overcooking.
- Stir-fry veggies until just tender, then add garlic and peas to heat through.
- When adding rice, break up clumps so it fries evenly. Don’t overcrowd the pan to avoid steaming.
- Add chicken and eggs last, pour soy sauce and sesame oil evenly, then stir everything quickly to combine flavors well.
- Keep stirring constantly so nothing sticks and the rice slightly crisps up.
These steps help you get fried rice that’s flavorful, with a good mix of soft and lightly crispy bits—just like takeout style!
Equipment You’ll Need
- Large skillet or wok – it gives you plenty of space to stir-fry without spilling.
- Spatula – perfect for breaking up rice clumps and stirring ingredients evenly.
- Cutting board and knife – for chopping vegetables, garlic, and shredding chicken.
- Measuring spoons – to keep your soy sauce and oil amounts just right.
- Bowl – to beat the eggs before cooking them quickly in the skillet.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap rotisserie chicken for cooked shrimp for a seafood twist that cooks quickly.
- Add diced bell peppers or sliced mushrooms for extra texture and natural sweetness.
- Stir in chopped pineapple for a touch of tangy sweetness that contrasts nicely with soy sauce.
- Use scrambled tofu instead of eggs to make this dish vegan while keeping protein.
Rotisserie Chicken Fried Rice
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 3 cups cooked white rice (preferably day-old)
- 2 cups rotisserie chicken, shredded or chopped
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1 cup frozen peas, thawed
- 1 cup carrots, diced
- 3 green onions, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce (adjust to taste)
- 2 tablespoons vegetable or canola oil
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil (optional, for flavor)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: chili sauce or sriracha for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare and cook. Since you’ll be using pre-cooked rice and rotisserie chicken, the process is quick and easy — perfect for a speedy meal.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Scramble the Eggs:
Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Pour in the beaten eggs and scramble quickly until just set. Remove the eggs from the skillet and set aside.
2. Cook the Vegetables:
Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil to the skillet. Stir-fry the diced carrots for 2–3 minutes until they start to soften. Then add the minced garlic and thawed peas, and cook for another 1–2 minutes until fragrant and heated through.
3. Stir-Fry the Rice and Chicken:
Add the cooked rice to the skillet, breaking up any clumps with your spatula. Stir-fry for a few minutes so the rice heats well and starts to crisp a little. Then mix in the shredded rotisserie chicken, scrambled eggs, and sliced green onions.
4. Add Seasoning and Finish:
Pour the soy sauce and optional sesame oil over the rice mixture. Stir everything well to distribute the flavors and heat through. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Remove from heat and serve hot. You can add chili sauce or sriracha on the side if you like a little spice.
Can I Use Freshly Cooked Rice Instead of Day-Old Rice?
Yes, but freshly cooked rice tends to be more moist and sticky, which can make your fried rice clump together. To get the best texture, spread freshly cooked rice on a baking sheet and let it cool in the fridge for at least 30 minutes before using.
Can I Substitute Rotisserie Chicken with Another Protein?
Absolutely! You can use leftover cooked chicken, shrimp, tofu, or even cooked pork. Just make sure the protein is cooked before adding it to the fried rice to keep your cooking time short and ingredients safe to eat.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store leftover fried rice in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, warm it on the stove or in the microwave until heated through. If the rice feels dry, add a splash of water or soy sauce to refresh it.
Can I Make This Recipe Vegan?
Yes! Replace the beaten eggs with scrambled tofu or simply omit them, and swap rotisserie chicken for sautéed vegetables or tofu. Use vegetable-based sauces to keep the flavors rich and satisfying.