Chicken Curry Fried Rice is a healthy and delicious one pan meal that turns leftover chicken and leftover steamed brown rice into a deliciously healthy meal. If you like curry, you will enjoy this easy curry fried rice dish.
Almost everyone has had fried rice at a Chinese restaurant, but have you ever had Curry Fried Rice? I don’t think I’ve ever seen it on the menu anywhere, but it’s so easy to make at home. Fried rice is one of those meals that was created as a way to use all all the bits and pieces of leftovers in the refrigerator, including leftover steamed rice. The very thought of that might make you wonder what goes into restaurant fried rice…hmm…
Well, even more reason for you to make your own fried rice at home. When it comes to fried rice, almost anything goes. The key is to chop everything into little bits, all about the same size. I usually use frozen peas, but carrots (you can use the frozen chopped ones), bell pepper, and cabbage are also nice in fried rice.
I made this Chicken Curry Fried Rice for this month’s Recipe Redux theme: Two for One where we were challenged to come up with a new dish using leftovers from a favorite recipe already on our blog. The leftover component of this dish featured is leftover chicken – I always seem to have leftover roast chicken or poached chicken (lately, I’ve been making Instant Pot Shredded Poached Chicken) in my fridge. Sure, there’s always tacos, quesadillas and enchiladas, or chicken salad that could be made with leftover chicken. But, what about something a little different like Chicken Curry Fried Rice?
Curry powder and oyster sauce are the key flavor ingredients in this recipe. If you don’t have oyster sauce, you could certainly use soy sauce or fish sauce. The idea of the toasted almonds on top came from my mom – she’s got a recipe for curry fried rice in her black binder too.
What’s your favorite way to use up leftover chicken?
Chicken Curry Fried Rice
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup carrots chopped
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion chopped
- 1 1/2 teaspoon curry powder
- 1 cup cooked chicken cut into bite size pieces
- 2 cups cooked brown rice
- 1/2 cup frozen peas
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
- 1 scallion chopped
- 1/4 cup toasted sliced almonds
Instructions
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Place carrots and water to just cover in a microwavable bowl; microwave on high for 3 minutes; drain. Alternatively, steam carrots on the stove or used leftover cooked carrots.
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Heat oil in a large pan; add onions and saute until translucent, about 2-3 minutes. Add curry powder and saute until fragrant, about 15-20 seconds. Add chicken, cooked brown rice and peas and toss well. Add oyster sauce and continue to toss until rice is hot. Scatter scallions and toasted almonds on top just before serving.
Angie@Angie's Recipes says
You make the simple everyday dishes look really appealing and moreish!
Jeanette | Jeanette's Healthy Living says
Thanks Angie 🙂
Sonali- The Foodie Physician says
This is such a great way to use the leftover chicken! It looks amazing and the addition of toasted almonds is brilliant- way to go mom!
Jeanette | Jeanette's Healthy Living says
Thanks Sonali – the almonds are definitely a nice addition.
Liz says
Nice recipe Jeanette. I love rice. Thank you and have a Wonderful Sunday!
Jeanette | Jeanette's Healthy Living says
Thanks Liz – I hope you’re enjoying the weekend!
Alanna says
Curry fried rice looks amazing! I have actually been really into fried rice lately and can’t get over how easy it is to make at home. Definitely going to try this one out 🙂 Pinning!
Jeanette says
Thanks Alanna – fried rice is so easy and a great way to clean out the fridge 🙂
Sommer @ASpicyPerspective says
Bring on the leftovers! Curry is such an amazing flavor, can’t wait to try this delicious recipe!
Jeanette says
Thanks Sommer – I’m always trying to use up all the leftovers in my fridge 😉
Farrah says
Curry chicken is definitely one of my favorite dishes ever. Yay for fried rice! <3
Jeanette says
Farrah – I’m a big fan of curry chicken and anything curry!
Anne|Craving Something Healthy says
Yum! I love the idea of curried fried rice. Great flavors and so easy!
Liz - Meal Makeover Moms says
What a gorgeous and easy-looking recipe. Can’t wait to give it a try!!
Jeanette says
Thanks Liz – hope you enjoy this!
Deborah says
I don’t usually think to make fried rice at home, but I definitely need to change that and make this!!
Jeanette says
Deborah – so funny, I grew up with fried rice because it was an easy way to use up leftovers and tastes so good. I make it for my family now and everyone always loves it.
Alison @ Ingredients, Inc. says
Love the addition in curry in this!
Jeanette says
Thanks Alison!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
Love the curry! Great way to spruce up fried rice!
Sue says
Tonight!
Sue says
OK-made this last night. Amazing! Added a touch of low sodium soy sauce and a little garlic powder-otherwise as stated. Really very good.
Jeanette says
Sue – so glad you tried this and enjoyed it. Like the additions you made – thanks for sharing!