Rotisserie Chicken Fried Rice is a quick and tasty way to turn leftover chicken into a whole new meal. It’s packed with tender pieces of flavorful rotisserie chicken, fluffy rice, scrambled eggs, and colorful veggies all tossed together with a bit of soy sauce and sesame oil for that classic fried rice taste. The mix of textures—from the juicy chicken to the soft rice and crispy veggies—makes every bite satisfying and easy to enjoy.
I love using rotisserie chicken because it’s already cooked and full of flavor, which cuts down on prep time and keeps things super simple when I’m hungry. Plus, the leftovers from the chicken work perfectly here, so nothing goes to waste in my kitchen. Whenever I make this at home, I like to add a little extra fresh green onions or even some spicy sriracha on the side to give it a personal twist.
This dish feels like a quick comfort food fix that you can whip up any night of the week. It’s great on its own or served alongside some steamed veggies or a light soup. I always end up making a bigger batch because it reheats well and tastes just as good the next day, making meal prep a breeze and keeping me full and happy with very little effort.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
- Cooked White Rice
- Day-old rice works best because it's drier and less sticky, helping your fried rice stay fluffy. If you don’t have day-old rice, spread freshly cooked rice on a tray to cool and dry a bit before using.
- Rotisserie Chicken
- This adds great flavor and saves time. You can swap with leftover roasted chicken or even cooked turkey. For a vegetarian option, try diced firm tofu or extra veggies.
- Vegetables
- Carrots and peas bring color and texture. Frozen peas work well and save prep time. Feel free to add or substitute with bell peppers, corn, or snap peas.
- Sauces
- Soy sauce is key for taste. If you prefer less salt, try low-sodium soy sauce. Oyster sauce adds depth but is optional; mushroom sauce works for a vegetarian twist.
How Do You Get Perfectly Fluffy Fried Rice Without It Turning Mushy?
The trick is using rice that’s a bit dry, so it doesn’t clump or get mushy. Here’s how to keep it fluffy:
- Use leftover rice stored in the fridge overnight or cool day-old rice before cooking.
- Break up any clumps before adding it to the pan.
- Cook on high heat with enough oil and avoid stirring too much, letting the rice fry a bit.
- Add sauces towards the end to coat the rice without making it soggy.
This way, you get that classic fried rice texture every time.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Large non-stick skillet or wok – perfect for frying rice evenly without sticking.
- Spatula – helps you break up rice clumps and stir without scratching your pan.
- Knife and cutting board – for chopping veggies and shredding chicken quickly.
- Small bowl – handy for beating eggs before adding to the pan.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap rotisserie chicken with cooked shrimp for a seafood twist that cooks fast.
- Add diced bell peppers or corn for more color and a sweet crunch.
- Use scrambled tofu instead of eggs for a vegan-friendly version.
- Stir in a teaspoon of grated ginger for a bit of extra zing and warmth.
How to Make Rotisserie Chicken Fried Rice?
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 cups cooked white rice (preferably day-old)
- 1 cup rotisserie chicken, shredded
- 1/2 cup carrots, diced
- 1/2 cup peas (fresh or frozen)
- 2 eggs, lightly beaten
- 3 green onions, sliced (separate white and green parts)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp soy sauce (adjust to taste)
- 1 tbsp oyster sauce (optional)
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil or sesame oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh cilantro or parsley, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This dish takes about 15 minutes to prepare and cook. Using leftover rice and pre-cooked rotisserie chicken speeds things up. It’s a quick, tasty meal ready in no time!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Veggies:
Heat a large pan or wok over medium-high heat. Add 1 tablespoon of oil. Toss in the diced carrots and peas. Stir-fry them for 3 to 4 minutes until they’re tender but still crisp.
2. Scramble the Eggs:
Push the veggies to one side of the pan. Pour the beaten eggs into the empty spot. Scramble the eggs gently until just cooked.
3. Add Garlic and Green Onions:
Mix in the minced garlic and the white parts of the green onions. Stir everything together for about 30 seconds until you smell the wonderful aroma.
4. Combine Chicken and Rice:
Add the shredded rotisserie chicken and the cooked rice to the pan. Break up any rice clumps using your spatula so it’s all loose and combined.
5. Season and Stir-Fry:
Pour in the soy sauce and oyster sauce (if using). Stir well to coat everything evenly. Keep stir-frying for 3 to 5 minutes to heat everything through and blend the flavors.
6. Final Touches:
Season with salt and pepper to your liking. Mix in the green parts of the green onions. Turn off the heat.
7. Serve and Garnish:
Dish out your fried rice and sprinkle fresh cilantro or parsley on top for a fresh burst of flavor. Serve hot and enjoy your homemade rotisserie chicken fried rice!
Can I Use Freshly Cooked Rice Instead of Day-Old Rice?
Yes, you can use freshly cooked rice, but let it cool completely and spread it out on a tray to dry for 20-30 minutes. This helps prevent mushy fried rice and keeps it fluffy.
Can I Substitute Rotisserie Chicken with Another Protein?
Absolutely! Leftover roasted chicken, cooked shrimp, or tofu work great as substitutes. Just ensure the protein is cooked and shredded or diced before adding.
How Should I Store Leftover Fried Rice?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a pan over medium heat or microwave until warmed through, adding a splash of water if needed to keep it moist.
Can I Make This Recipe Vegetarian?
Yes! Skip the chicken and eggs, then add extra veggies or scrambled tofu. Use mushroom sauce instead of oyster sauce for a similar umami flavor.