Butter Chicken Fried Rice (Printable)

Creamy butter chicken meets fragrant fried rice in this easy fusion dish. Perfect for using leftovers and ready in just 30 minutes.

# 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, 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
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 Directions:

01 - Prepare all ingredients and have them ready, as the cooking process moves quickly.
02 - In a large wok or skillet, heat the vegetable oil and 1 tablespoon butter over medium-high heat.
03 - Add the onion and carrots. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until slightly softened.
04 - If using eggs, push the vegetables to the side, pour in the beaten eggs, and scramble until just set. Mix with the vegetables.
05 - Add the cold rice, breaking up any clumps. Stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until heated through.
06 - Stir in the leftover butter chicken (chicken pieces and sauce). Add peas, green onions, and tomato paste (if using).
07 - Season with soy sauce, garam masala, salt, and pepper. Stir well to combine, ensuring everything is evenly coated and heated through, about 3-4 minutes.
08 - Add the remaining tablespoon of butter for richness. Toss to combine.
09 - Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Garnish with extra green onions.
10 - Serve hot as a main dish.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • Fast and Simple: Ready in just 30 minutes, making it a perfect weeknight dinner.
  • Flavor Explosion: A unique blend of Indian spices and Chinese stir-fry techniques.
  • Zero Waste: The ideal solution for using up leftover rice and butter chicken sauce.
02 -
  • Rice Prep: Using cold, refrigerated rice is the single most important factor for achieving the right fried rice consistency.
  • High Heat: Keep the heat medium-high to ensure the vegetables sauté quickly and the rice fries rather than boils in the sauce.
  • Final Butter: Don't skip the final tablespoon of butter; it adds a glossy finish and a hit of fresh richness that mimics restaurant-style butter chicken.
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