Butter Chicken Fried Rice (Printable Page)

Crispy fried rice meets creamy butter chicken in this fusion dish. Ready in 30 minutes using leftovers.

# What You'll Need:

→ Leftovers

01 - 2 cups leftover butter chicken with sauce, boneless pieces preferred

→ Rice

02 - 3 cups cooked rice, preferably day-old and cold

→ Vegetables

03 - 1/2 cup frozen peas
04 - 1/2 cup diced carrots
05 - 1 small onion, finely chopped
06 - 2 green onions, sliced plus extra for garnish

→ Sauces & Seasonings

07 - 2 tablespoons soy sauce, use gluten-free if needed
08 - 1 tablespoon tomato paste, optional for extra color
09 - 1/2 teaspoon garam masala, optional for extra flavor
10 - Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

→ Oils & Fats

11 - 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
12 - 1 tablespoon vegetable oil

→ Eggs

13 - 2 large eggs, lightly beaten, optional

# Step-by-Step Guide:

01 - Mise en place all ingredients before beginning as stir-frying requires quick execution.
02 - In a large wok or skillet, heat vegetable oil and 1 tablespoon butter over medium-high heat until butter melts and shimmering.
03 - Add chopped onion and diced carrots. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until onions become translucent and carrots slightly softened.
04 - If using eggs, push vegetables to one side of the pan. Pour beaten eggs into the cleared space and scramble until just set. Combine with vegetables.
05 - Add cold cooked rice to the pan, breaking up any clumps with your spatula. Stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until rice is heated through and beginning to toast slightly.
06 - Add leftover butter chicken including sauce. Stir in frozen peas, sliced green onions, and tomato paste if using.
07 - Drizzle with soy sauce and sprinkle with garam masala, salt, and pepper. Toss everything together thoroughly ensuring even distribution of sauces and spices. Continue cooking for 3-4 minutes until fully heated through.
08 - Add remaining 1 tablespoon butter and toss until melted and coating the rice. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
09 - Transfer to serving bowls and garnish with reserved sliced green onions. Serve immediately while hot.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • Perfect way to transform leftover butter chicken into a new exciting meal
  • Ready in just 30 minutes from start to finish
  • Combines creamy Indian flavors with classic fried rice technique
  • Customizable with your favorite vegetables and spice level
  • Great for meal prep and lunches throughout the week
02 -
  • Have all ingredients prepped and ready before turning on the heat—stir-frying happens fast!
  • Don't overcrowd the wok; cook in batches if necessary to maintain high heat
  • The final tablespoon of butter is essential for that authentic butter chicken richness
  • Leftover butter chicken with more sauce will coat the rice better than drier leftovers
  • Taste as you go and adjust seasonings, as the saltiness can vary based on your butter chicken
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