Rotisserie Chicken Fried Rice
Highlighted under: Simple Meal Hub
I absolutely love taking leftovers to create something new and delicious, and that's exactly what this Rotisserie Chicken Fried Rice is all about! Using store-bought rotisserie chicken not only saves time but also adds an incredible depth of flavor. Pairing it with perfectly cooked rice and fresh vegetables makes this dish both hearty and satisfying. In just a few simple steps, you can transform leftover chicken into a dish your entire family will enjoy. Trust me, once you try this quick and easy recipe, it will become a regular in your meal rotation!
When I first made this Rotisserie Chicken Fried Rice, I was amazed at how quickly it came together. I had leftovers from a rotisserie chicken, and I thought, why not turn it into a delicious fried rice? Using day-old rice is a game-changer; it prevents the dish from becoming mushy. I added colorful veggies for crunch and a burst of flavor.
One tip I learned is to use high heat while stir-frying. This ensures that everything cooks quickly and evenly, creating that delightful smoky flavor typical of restaurant fried rice. It was an instant hit with my family, and now it's our go-to weeknight meal!
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Effortless way to use up leftover chicken
- Packed with colorful vegetables for a health boost
- A complete meal ready in 35 minutes
The Perfect Rice for Fried Rice
For the best results in your Rotisserie Chicken Fried Rice, using day-old rice is highly recommended. The grains are drier, reducing the chances of clumping together in the skillet. If you don't have leftover rice, you can cook fresh rice and spread it out on a baking sheet to cool quickly before using. This helps to remove excess moisture, so your fried rice turns out crisp and fluffy.
While white rice is commonly used, consider experimenting with brown rice or jasmine rice for added flavor and nutrition. Brown rice offers a nuttier taste and more fiber, while jasmine rice brings a fragrant aroma that can elevate your dish. Just remember to adjust cooking times and water ratios according to the rice variety you choose.
Enhancing Flavor and Texture
The addition of sesame oil not only contributes a rich, nutty flavor but also helps to prevent sticking as you stir-fry. Heating the oil before adding the ingredients is crucial; this allows the flavors to infuse into the dish more effectively. Make sure the oil is shimmering but not smoking before adding the scrambled eggs and vegetables for the best texture and taste.
Don't shy away from customizing the vegetables in your fried rice. If you prefer a bit of heat, add sliced bell peppers or even diced jalapeños. Frozen mixed vegetables can save time and are perfectly fine to use; just make sure to thaw them slightly before adding them to the skillet to prevent excess moisture.
Ingredients
Gather these ingredients to make your delicious Rotisserie Chicken Fried Rice:
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked rice (preferably day-old)
- 2 cups rotisserie chicken, shredded
- 1 cup mixed vegetables (carrots, peas, corn)
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 3 green onions, chopped
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 2 eggs, beaten
- Salt and pepper to taste
Make sure you have everything ready to make the cooking process smoother!
Instructions
Follow these simple steps to create your Rotisserie Chicken Fried Rice:
Prepare the Ingredients
Start by preparing all your ingredients. Make sure your rice is cold and separated to prevent clumping. Shred the rotisserie chicken and chop the vegetables. Beat the eggs in a small bowl.
Cook the Eggs
Heat sesame oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Pour in the beaten eggs and scramble them until fully cooked. Transfer them to a plate and set aside.
Stir-Fry the Vegetables
In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and mixed vegetables. Stir-fry for about 3-4 minutes until the veggies are tender.
Add Rice and Chicken
Increase the heat to high and add the cooked rice and shredded chicken to the skillet. Stir well to combine all ingredients.
Season and Serve
Drizzle soy sauce over the rice mixture and mix well. Add the scrambled eggs back into the skillet and toss everything together. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Garnish with chopped green onions before serving.
Enjoy your homemade Rotisserie Chicken Fried Rice!
Pro Tips
- If you want to elevate the dish further, consider adding a dash of chili oil or sriracha for a spicy kick.
Make-Ahead and Storage Tips
This Rotisserie Chicken Fried Rice is an excellent make-ahead meal. You can prep the ingredients in advance: shred the chicken, chop the vegetables, and even cook the rice a day ahead. Store these components separately in the refrigerator, and when it’s time to eat, you can have a wholesome dinner ready in about 15-20 minutes.
If you have leftovers, they can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat on the stovetop for best results, adding a splash of water or broth to help steam and soften the rice as it warms up.
Variations and Serving Suggestions
Feel free to add other proteins to your fried rice, such as diced shrimp, tofu, or even ham to vary the dish each time you make it. You can also toss in some scrambled eggs or a drizzle of oyster sauce for an extra layer of flavor. Each of these variations will infuse your fried rice with a unique twist that keeps it exciting.
For serving, garnish your fried rice with fresh cilantro or additional chopped green onions to brighten up the dish. Serve it alongside a simple cucumber salad or steamed dumplings to create a satisfying meal that feels more gourmet without much extra effort.
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I use frozen vegetables instead of fresh?
Yes, frozen vegetables work well and save on prep time. Just make sure to thaw and drain them before adding.
→ What type of rice should I use?
Day-old rice is ideal as it dries out slightly and fries better, but any cooked rice will do.
→ Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Absolutely! Just omit the chicken and add more vegetables or tofu for protein.
→ How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days, and reheat in a skillet or microwave.
Rotisserie Chicken Fried Rice
I absolutely love taking leftovers to create something new and delicious, and that's exactly what this Rotisserie Chicken Fried Rice is all about! Using store-bought rotisserie chicken not only saves time but also adds an incredible depth of flavor. Pairing it with perfectly cooked rice and fresh vegetables makes this dish both hearty and satisfying. In just a few simple steps, you can transform leftover chicken into a dish your entire family will enjoy. Trust me, once you try this quick and easy recipe, it will become a regular in your meal rotation!
Created by: Skylar Jennings
Recipe Type: Simple Meal Hub
Skill Level: Easy
Final Quantity: 4 servings
What You'll Need
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked rice (preferably day-old)
- 2 cups rotisserie chicken, shredded
- 1 cup mixed vegetables (carrots, peas, corn)
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 3 green onions, chopped
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 2 eggs, beaten
- Salt and pepper to taste
How-To Steps
Start by preparing all your ingredients. Make sure your rice is cold and separated to prevent clumping. Shred the rotisserie chicken and chop the vegetables. Beat the eggs in a small bowl.
Heat sesame oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Pour in the beaten eggs and scramble them until fully cooked. Transfer them to a plate and set aside.
In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and mixed vegetables. Stir-fry for about 3-4 minutes until the veggies are tender.
Increase the heat to high and add the cooked rice and shredded chicken to the skillet. Stir well to combine all ingredients.
Drizzle soy sauce over the rice mixture and mix well. Add the scrambled eggs back into the skillet and toss everything together. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Garnish with chopped green onions before serving.
Extra Tips
- If you want to elevate the dish further, consider adding a dash of chili oil or sriracha for a spicy kick.
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 420 kcal
- Total Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Cholesterol: 165mg
- Sodium: 560mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 50g
- Dietary Fiber: 3g
- Sugars: 2g
- Protein: 24g