Easy Rotisserie Chicken Fried Rice Recipe in 20 Minutes

This post may contain affiliate links. Please read our disclosure policy.

Looking for quick dinner ideas that won’t keep you in the kitchen for hours? This rotisserie chicken fried rice is your answer. Using pre-cooked chicken and day-old rice, you can whip up a delicious, restaurant-quality meal in just 20 minutes. Perfect for busy weeknights, this recipe transforms simple ingredients into a satisfying dish that your whole family will request again and again.

Fried rice is one of those magical dishes that actually tastes better when you use leftovers. The slightly dried-out texture of refrigerated rice creates those perfect, separated grains that absorb all the savory flavors without turning mushy. Combine that with the convenience of rotisserie chicken, and you have a winning formula for stress-free cooking.

Table of Contents

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This rotisserie chicken fried rice checks all the boxes for modern home cooks. It’s incredibly budget-friendly, using affordable ingredients that you probably already have in your kitchen. The recipe is flexible enough to accommodate whatever vegetables you have on hand, making it perfect for using up those odds and ends in your refrigerator. Plus, it’s a complete meal in one pan, which means less cleanup and more time to relax after dinner.

The combination of sesame oil and butter creates an irresistible flavor that rivals your favorite takeout spot. The eggs add protein and richness, while the vegetables provide color, nutrition, and satisfying crunch. Best of all, you can have this on the table faster than delivery would arrive.

Essential Kitchen Equipment

To make this recipe efficiently, you’ll need a few basic tools. A large nonstick skillet or wok is crucial for achieving that signature fried rice texture without sticking. You’ll also want a sturdy wooden spoon or spatula for stirring and breaking up the rice. A quality chef’s knife makes quick work of chopping vegetables, and a reliable cutting board provides a safe prep surface.

For measuring ingredients accurately, keep measuring cups and spoons handy. If you’re making rice from scratch rather than using leftovers, consider investing in a Thermomix for perfectly cooked grains every time.

Ingredients Breakdown

Ingredient	Quantity	Purpose
Cooked white rice (chilled)	4 cups	Base of the dish; cold rice prevents mushiness
Yellow onion (diced)	1 medium	Adds sweetness and depth
Carrots (peeled, sliced, quartered)	2 large	Provides crunch and color
Frozen green peas	1 cup	Adds pops of color and sweetness
Large eggs (lightly beaten)	3	Protein and richness
Rotisserie chicken (chopped/shredded)	2 cups	Main protein; convenient and flavorful
Sesame oil	2 tbsp	Signature nutty, aromatic flavor
Butter	2 tbsp	Richness and helps with browning
Low sodium soy sauce	1 tbsp	Salty, umami flavor
Garlic (minced)	2 cloves	Aromatic depth
Green onions (sliced thin)	2	Fresh, sharp garnish
Toasted sesame seeds	Optional	Nutty garnish and visual appeal

Why Cold Rice Works Best

The secret to perfect fried rice lies in using chilled, day-old rice. When rice is freshly cooked, it contains too much moisture. This excess water causes the grains to clump together and turn mushy when stir-fried. Refrigerating rice for several hours or overnight allows the surface to dry out slightly, creating individual grains that stay separate and develop that desirable slightly crispy texture when cooked over high heat.

If you’re planning ahead, cook your rice the night before and spread it on a baking sheet to cool quickly before refrigerating. This prevents bacterial growth and ensures your rice is ready to transform into delicious fried rice.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Scramble the Eggs

Heat your large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Once the pan is properly heated, pour in the lightly beaten eggs. Quickly scramble them using a wooden spoon or spatula, breaking them into small, bite-sized pieces. This should take less than 2 minutes. Remove the cooked eggs from the skillet and set them aside in a mixing bowl.

Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables

Add half of the butter to the heated pan and increase the heat to high. Add the diced carrots and onions to the skillet. Sauté for 6-8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the carrots begin to soften and the onions become translucent. The high heat will caramelize the vegetables slightly, adding depth to your dish.

Step 3: Add the Rice and Seasonings

Add the remaining butter to the pan along with your chilled rice. Use your spatula to flatten the rice against the bottom of the pan, breaking up any large chunks. Drizzle the soy sauce and sesame oil evenly over the rice. Stir everything together and cook over high heat, stirring occasionally or flipping sections of the rice mixture to brown evenly. This browning creates those delicious crispy bits that make fried rice so irresistible.

Step 4: Add Protein and Aromatics

After a few minutes, when the rice is heated through and starting to brown in spots, add the frozen green peas, chopped rotisserie chicken, and minced garlic. Continue cooking over high heat, allowing sections of the rice mixture to brown and stick slightly to the pan. This takes about 5 minutes. The garlic will become fragrant and the chicken will heat through completely.

Step 5: Finish and Serve

Remove the pan from heat and stir in the reserved scrambled eggs, breaking them up if they’ve clumped together. The residual heat will warm the eggs through. Transfer to serving dishes and top with sliced green onions and toasted sesame seeds if desired. Serve immediately while hot.

Pro Tips for Perfect Fried Rice

Use high heat throughout: The key to authentic fried rice texture is cooking over high heat. This creates that slightly smoky, caramelized flavor while keeping vegetables crisp-tender.

Don’t overcrowd the pan: If you’re doubling the recipe, cook in batches. Overcrowding reduces the temperature and causes steaming instead of frying.

Prep everything first: Fried rice cooks quickly, so have all ingredients chopped, measured, and ready before you start cooking.

Customize your protein: While rotisserie chicken is convenient, you can substitute shrimp, pork, beef, or tofu. Just adjust cooking times accordingly.

Add variety: Try different vegetables like bell peppers, broccoli, snap peas, or corn. Just ensure firmer vegetables are added early so they have time to cook.

Storage and Reheating

Store leftover fried rice in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, add a splash of water or chicken broth to a frying pan and heat over medium-high, stirring frequently until warmed through. You can also microwave individual portions for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through.

Nutritional Benefits

This rotisserie chicken fried rice provides a balanced meal with protein from the chicken and eggs, complex carbohydrates from the rice, and vitamins from the vegetables. Using low-sodium soy sauce helps control salt intake while still delivering plenty of flavor. The dish is naturally dairy-free except for the butter, which can be substituted with additional oil if needed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
Yes, brown rice works well in fried rice. Just remember it needs to be cooked and chilled beforehand, just like white rice. Brown rice will give you more fiber and a nuttier flavor.

What if I don’t have day-old rice?
In a pinch, spread freshly cooked rice on a baking sheet and refrigerate for 30-60 minutes. This quick-chill method helps reduce moisture, though day-old rice still works best.

Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Absolutely! Simply omit the chicken and add extra eggs, tofu, or more vegetables. Consider adding mushrooms for a meaty texture.

Is this recipe gluten-free?
Use tamari or gluten-free soy sauce instead of regular soy sauce, and ensure all other ingredients are certified gluten-free.

Can I freeze fried rice?
Yes, fried rice freezes well for up to 3 months. Freeze in individual portions for easy reheating. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat in a skillet.

What’s the best type of skillet for fried rice?
A large nonstick frying pan or carbon steel wok works best. The large surface area allows for even cooking and proper browning.

Make It Your Own

This basic recipe is endlessly adaptable. Try these variations:

• Spicy version: Add sriracha, red pepper flakes, or diced jalapeños
• Pineapple fried rice: Add chunks of fresh pineapple and cashews for a Hawaiian twist
• Teriyaki style: Use teriyaki sauce instead of plain soy sauce
• Extra veggies: Add bok choy, water chestnuts, or bean sprouts
• Bacon fried rice: Replace some butter with bacon fat and add crispy bacon bits

Why Rotisserie Chicken is a Game-Changer

Using rotisserie chicken eliminates the most time-consuming part of many recipes cooking the protein. A whole rotisserie chicken provides both white and dark meat, offering different textures and flavors in your fried rice. The seasoned skin can even be crisped up and used as a crunchy topping. Plus, you can use the carcass to make homemade chicken stock in your pots, stretching your dollar even further.

Serving Suggestions

While this fried rice is satisfying on its own, consider pairing it with:

• Egg rolls or spring rolls
• Hot and sour soup
• Steamed edamame
• Asian-style cucumber salad
• Crispy wonton strips

This rotisserie chicken fried rice proves that cheap dinners for a family don’t have to be boring or time-consuming. With minimal prep, one pan, and about 20 minutes, you can serve up a meal that satisfies everyone at the table. The combination of tender chicken, fluffy eggs, crisp vegetables, and perfectly seasoned rice makes this a recipe you’ll return to week after week.

Whether you’re looking for lazy dinners, kid-friendly dinners, or simply healthy dinner ideas that won’t break the bank, this recipe delivers on all fronts. Master this basic version, then experiment with your own variations to keep things exciting. Your family will love having this in your regular dinner rotation.

Print

If you found this recipe helpful, feel free to check out the kitchen equipment below. Click on any image to view and purchase the product through our Amazon affiliate links at no extra cost to you. Your support helps us keep Deliciousavors.com running and bringing you great recipes!