Rotisserie Chicken Fried Rice
Rotisserie Chicken Fried Rice is such a great way to turn simple leftovers into a satisfying meal. It’s all about those tender bits of rotisserie chicken mixed with fluffy rice,…
Tip: save now, cook later.Rotisserie Chicken Fried Rice is such a great way to turn simple leftovers into a satisfying meal. It’s all about those tender bits of rotisserie chicken mixed with fluffy rice, crisp veggies, and a touch of soy sauce for that perfect familiar flavor. Plus, the little pops of scrambled egg make it feel extra special and homey.
I love making this dish when I’m short on time but want something tasty on the table fast. Using rotisserie chicken means you skip the long cooking, but you still get all that great roasted flavor. I usually toss in whatever veggies I have on hand—carrots, peas, or even green onions—and it always comes out just right. It’s my go-to comfort food that feels like a mini celebration every time.
One of my favorite ways to serve this is with a sprinkle of sesame seeds and a little drizzle of sriracha if I’m in the mood for a little kick. It’s the kind of meal that’s easy to share and always gets everyone asking for seconds. If you’ve got leftover rotisserie chicken sitting in the fridge, this fried rice might just become your new favorite quick dinner!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Day-Old Jasmine Rice: Using rice that’s been cooked and chilled for at least a day helps keep the grains separate and avoids mushy fried rice. If you don’t have jasmine, long-grain rice works well too.
Rotisserie Chicken: This adds great flavor and saves time. Keep the skin for extra crispiness, but you can skip it if you prefer less fat. Leftover roast chicken works as a good substitute.
Soy Sauce & Oyster Sauce: Soy sauce gives saltiness, while oyster sauce adds a mild sweet depth. If you want a vegetarian option, use mushroom sauce instead of oyster sauce or just extra soy sauce.
Vegetables: Frozen peas and diced carrots add color and crunch. Feel free to add others like bell peppers or corn if you like. Fresh always tastes best but frozen works fine here.
Toasted Sesame Oil: A small drizzle at the end boosts aroma and flavor. If you don’t have it, a little sesame seeds or a splash of regular oil can work.
How Do You Achieve Perfectly Fluffy Fried Rice Without It Getting Mushy?
The key is using cold, day-old rice. Fresh rice is too moist and clumps together when fried.
- Break up any clumps before adding rice to the pan.
- Cook on medium-high heat to quickly evaporate moisture.
- Stir often but don’t over-stir; this helps separate grains and prevents mush.
- Adding the chicken and vegetables first creates a good base before mixing in rice.
- Use a wide pan or wok for best even cooking.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Large skillet or wok – I like it because it lets you cook everything evenly on high heat and gives that classic fried rice texture.
- Spatula – perfect for stirring and breaking up rice clumps without damaging the pan.
- Cutting board and knife – for shredding chicken and chopping veggies easily and safely.
- Mixing bowl – good for beating eggs before adding them to the pan.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Use shrimp instead of chicken for a quick seafood twist that cooks fast and tastes fresh.
- Add diced pineapple with ham for a sweet and salty Hawaiian-style fried rice.
- Stir in chopped fresh ginger or a dash of chili flakes if you like a little extra kick.
- Swap peas and carrots for bell peppers and corn to mix up the colors and add different textures.
Rotisserie Chicken Fried Rice
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Ingredients:
- 3 cups cooked jasmine rice (preferably day-old)
- 2 cups rotisserie chicken, shredded (skin on for extra flavor)
- 1 cup frozen peas
- 1/2 cup diced carrots
- 3 green onions, thinly sliced (separate white and green parts)
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Sauces & Oils:
- 3 tbsp soy sauce (adjust to taste)
- 1 tbsp oyster sauce (optional, for depth)
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil (divided)
- 1 tsp toasted sesame oil
Seasonings:
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
Ready in about 20-25 minutes, including prepping and cooking time. This is a quick dish thanks to using leftover rotisserie chicken and pre-cooked rice, perfect for a tasty weeknight meal.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Get Your Ingredients Ready:
Start by shredding the rotisserie chicken and setting it aside. Dice the carrots and thinly slice the green onions, keeping the whites and greens separate. Have your eggs beaten and garlic minced.
2. Cook the Veggies:
Heat 1 tablespoon vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the diced carrots and cook for 2-3 minutes until they begin to soften. Then add the frozen peas and cook for another 1-2 minutes until warmed through.
3. Scramble the Eggs:
Push the veggies to one side of the pan. If needed, add a little more oil. Pour in the beaten eggs and gently scramble until just set. Then mix the eggs together with the cooked vegetables.
4. Add Aromatics and Chicken:
Stir in the minced garlic and the white parts of the green onions. Sauté for about 30 seconds until you can smell the aroma. Next, add the shredded chicken and stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until warmed through and the skin edges get a little crisp.
5. Mix in the Rice and Sauces:
Add the cold, day-old rice to the pan. Break up any clumps with your spatula and stir everything together well. Pour in the soy sauce and oyster sauce (if using), tossing to coat the rice and ingredients well. Keep cooking and stirring for about 3-4 minutes so the rice fries nicely and flavors meld.
6. Finish and Serve:
Drizzle the toasted sesame oil over the rice and stir. Taste and add salt and pepper if needed. Remove from heat, sprinkle the green parts of the sliced green onions on top for freshness. Serve your delicious rotisserie chicken fried rice hot and enjoy!
Can I Use Freshly Cooked Rice Instead of Day-Old Rice?
It’s best to use day-old rice because it’s drier and less sticky, which helps achieve that perfect fried rice texture. If you only have freshly cooked rice, spread it out on a baking sheet to cool and dry for at least 30 minutes before using.
Can I Substitute Rotisserie Chicken with Another Protein?
Absolutely! Leftover cooked chicken, tofu, shrimp, or even diced ham work well. Just make sure the protein is cooked and shredded or chopped into small pieces for even heating.
How Should I Store Leftover Fried Rice?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat it in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through, adding a splash of water or soy sauce if it dries out.
What If I Don’t Have Oyster Sauce?
No worries! You can skip oyster sauce or replace it with a bit more soy sauce or a splash of hoisin sauce for a slightly different but tasty flavor.