Rotisserie Chicken Fried Rice
Highlighted under: Fast Table Solutions
I love whipping up this Rotisserie Chicken Fried Rice when I'm pressed for time but still want a satisfying meal. Using leftover rotisserie chicken not only makes it super convenient but also adds great flavor to the dish. The beautiful combination of colorful veggies and fluffy rice creates a colorful plate that we can't resist. I often personalize it with whatever veggies I have on hand, making it a flexible favorite for busy weeknights or relaxed weekends at home.
When I first tried making fried rice with leftover rotisserie chicken, I was amazed at how much flavor it added without any extra effort. The trick is to let the rice cool before frying, ensuring it doesn’t clump together and becomes nice and fluffy. I've learned that using day-old rice yields the best texture, but fresh can work in a pinch!
Another favorite of mine is adding a dash of sesame oil at the end for an extra layer of warmth and flavor. It elevates the dish, making it feel like a restaurant-quality meal all from the comfort of home. Experimenting with different vegetables has also turned this dish into a fun way to clean out the fridge!
Why You Will Love This Recipe
- Using rotisserie chicken for a quick and flavorful base
- A one-pan meal that’s quick to prepare and clean up
- Customizable with your favorite vegetables and sauces
Cooking Techniques for Perfect Fried Rice
One of the key techniques to achieving that perfect fried rice is using day-old rice. Freshly cooked rice tends to be too moist and can become mushy when stir-fried. Ideally, allow your rice to cool completely and refrigerate it for at least a few hours, or overnight if possible. This helps the grains firm up, so they remain separate and provide that wonderful texture we crave in fried rice.
When stir-frying, it’s crucial to maintain high heat throughout the cooking process. This ensures that the vegetables cook quickly while retaining their vibrant color and crunch. If you notice them starting to soften too quickly, pull the skillet away from the heat momentarily. Maintain a quick hand during this step to toss the ingredients regularly, which promotes even cooking and prevents sticking.
Flavor Boosters and Customizations
Using rotisserie chicken not only saves time but also infuses the fried rice with rich, savory flavors. If you're looking to enhance the taste even further, consider adding a splash of oyster sauce or hoisin sauce along with the soy sauce. These sauces add a depth of flavor that elevates your dish, making it taste like it came straight from a restaurant.
Don't hesitate to switch up the mixed vegetables to suit your preferences or the season. Bell peppers, broccoli, or zucchini are excellent choices that can easily replace peas and carrots. Just be mindful of their cooking times—add harder vegetables like carrots first, allowing them to soften a bit before adding more delicate ones like bell peppers or zucchini to ensure everything is cooked perfectly.
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked rice (preferably day-old)
- 1 cup rotisserie chicken, shredded
- 1 cup mixed vegetables (peas, carrots, corn)
- 2 green onions, chopped
- 2 eggs, lightly beaten
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
Feel free to add in any leftover vegetables you have, like bell peppers or broccoli!
Instructions
Prepare Ingredients
Gather all ingredients and have them ready before starting, as the cooking process goes quickly.
Cook the Egg
In a large skillet or wok, heat vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Add the beaten eggs and scramble until just set, then remove from the skillet and set aside.
Stir-fry the Vegetables
In the same skillet, add mixed vegetables and stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until slightly tender.
Add Chicken and Rice
Stir in the shredded rotisserie chicken and cooked rice, ensuring everything is combined well.
Season and Mix
Pour in the soy sauce and sesame oil, mixing everything together. Add the scrambled eggs back in, along with the chopped green onions.
Finish and Serve
Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if necessary, then serve hot!
Garnish with extra green onions or sesame seeds for an appealing presentation.
Pro Tips
- For the best results, use cold, day-old rice. It helps achieve the perfect fry without clumping.
Storing and Reheating
If you find yourself with leftovers of this delicious fried rice, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheating is easy; simply toss it in a microwave-safe dish, cover it with a damp paper towel, and microwave on medium heat in 1-minute intervals until heated through. This method helps retain moisture and prevents the rice from drying out.
For longer storage, consider freeze portions of the fried rice. It freezes beautifully and can last for up to a month. To reheat frozen fried rice, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before gently reheating on the stove over medium heat with a splash of water to restore moisture.
Serving Suggestions
Rotisserie Chicken Fried Rice makes for a fantastic main course, but you can elevate it by serving it alongside a fresh salad or steamed dumplings. A side of quick-pickled cucumbers offers a refreshing crunch that contrasts nicely with the warmth of the rice, making the meal more balanced and satisfying.
For those who enjoy a bit of heat, consider serving it with chili sauce or sriracha on the side. A sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds or chopped cilantro can also add a delightful finish, providing texture and an extra layer of flavor that will make your fried rice even more appealing.
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I use fresh rice instead of day-old?
Yes, just make sure to spread it out on a baking sheet to cool for about 30 minutes before using.
→ What other proteins can I add?
You can substitute the rotisserie chicken with shrimp, tofu, or even ham.
→ Can I make this vegetarian?
Absolutely! Just skip the chicken and add more veggies or tofu for a fulfilling meal.
→ How can I store leftovers?
Store leftover fried rice in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet or microwave.
Rotisserie Chicken Fried Rice
I love whipping up this Rotisserie Chicken Fried Rice when I'm pressed for time but still want a satisfying meal. Using leftover rotisserie chicken not only makes it super convenient but also adds great flavor to the dish. The beautiful combination of colorful veggies and fluffy rice creates a colorful plate that we can't resist. I often personalize it with whatever veggies I have on hand, making it a flexible favorite for busy weeknights or relaxed weekends at home.
Created by: Georgia Lane
Recipe Type: Fast Table Solutions
Skill Level: Easy
Final Quantity: 4 servings
What You'll Need
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked rice (preferably day-old)
- 1 cup rotisserie chicken, shredded
- 1 cup mixed vegetables (peas, carrots, corn)
- 2 green onions, chopped
- 2 eggs, lightly beaten
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
How-To Steps
Gather all ingredients and have them ready before starting, as the cooking process goes quickly.
In a large skillet or wok, heat vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Add the beaten eggs and scramble until just set, then remove from the skillet and set aside.
In the same skillet, add mixed vegetables and stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until slightly tender.
Stir in the shredded rotisserie chicken and cooked rice, ensuring everything is combined well.
Pour in the soy sauce and sesame oil, mixing everything together. Add the scrambled eggs back in, along with the chopped green onions.
Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if necessary, then serve hot!
Extra Tips
- For the best results, use cold, day-old rice. It helps achieve the perfect fry without clumping.
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Total Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Cholesterol: 185mg
- Sodium: 900mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 54g
- Dietary Fiber: 3g
- Sugars: 2g
- Protein: 24g