A Simple Weeknight Fried Rice That Starts With Leftover Chicken!
Hi! If you’ve been following me for long you’ll already know this, but for those who are new, welcome to Far From The Farm. I’m Mona, the Brit behind the recipes, learning life and food in the States while sharing our debt-free journey and what’s on the menu in our home today!
Some of my favorite recipes are not planned. They are born out of leftovers, busy evenings, and that familiar moment of opening the fridge and thinking, what can I make with what we already have?
That is exactly how this Easy Leftover Chicken Teriyaki Fried Rice came to life!
Earlier this week, my friend Julie from Our Beautiful Chaos shared her Easy Dairy Free Honey Garlic Slow Cooker Freezer Meal, and we made it together (check out the video HERE!).
It was one of those dinners that instantly earns a repeat spot. Simple, comforting, and incredibly flexible. Even better, it made a generous amount of chicken.
Instead of serving the same meal over and over, I turned that leftover chicken into something completely different the next night. Then again the night after that.
This fried rice is one of those fridge and freezer meals that quietly saves your grocery budget. It is not fussy. It does not require exact measurements. It works with whatever you already have on hand.
And for us, that matters.
As a military family on baby step 2 of our debt free journey, stretching one protein across multiple meals is one of the biggest ways we keep food costs down without sacrificing flavor or variety.
When I make Julie’s chicken, I can easily turn it into three separate dinners. That works out to roughly four dollars a night for a full, filling meal for 2 – 4.
That is a win in any season of life.
And just a reminder that if you’re struggling and you need help with managing your budget or starting your own debt free journey then here’s some FREE resources below you may find helpful!
living frugally and fully
free tips and resources to make the most of what you have
This recipe is also freezer friendly in the most practical way. I portion everything into little meal kits so future dinners come together fast.
A bag of chicken, a bag of rice and peas, and a small container of teriyaki marinade all tucked into one larger freezer bag. When it is time to cook, I let it thaw for a few hours and dinner is basically done.
As always, these photos are from my real kitchen here in our sweet military base home. No staged lighting or spotless marble counters. Just real life and real food made in a small space. Proof that you can feed your family well without needing a dream kitchen or fancy tools!
So roll up your sleeves and let’s head into the kitchen to turn leftovers into a meal your family will actually look forward to!
Equipment
- Large skillet or frying pan
- Wooden spoon or silicone spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Small bowl for eggs
Available on Amazon.com [ad]
Ingredients
Serves 2 – 4
- 4 tablespoons toasted sesame oil
- 4 to 6 large eggs
- 2 cups leftover cooked white rice
- 1 cup frozen peas
- 1 to 2 cups leftover cooked chicken cut into small pieces or shredded
- 2 to 4 tablespoons teriyaki marinade
- Salt and pepper to taste, optional
Chicken Recipe Inspo:
We love using leftover chicken from Julie’s Easy Dairy Free Honey Garlic Slow Cooker Freezer Meal. It works perfectly here and adds incredible flavor!
Step by Step Instructions
Step 1
Heat the toasted sesame oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
Step 2
Crack the eggs directly into the pan and softly scramble them until just set. Keep them tender and slightly glossy.
Step 3
Add the leftover cooked rice (texture is better if at least a day old as it doesn’t turn as mushy) and frozen peas to the pan. Stir well to combine with the eggs and allow everything to heat through.
Step 4
Add the leftover leftover chicken and cook until warmed through.
Step 5
Drizzle in 2 to 4 tablespoons of teriyaki marinade, starting with less and adding more to taste. Stir well so everything is evenly coated.
Step 6
Taste and adjust seasoning. If your chicken is lightly seasoned, you may want a pinch of salt and pepper. If it is already well seasoned, you may not need anything extra.
Step 7
Serve hot straight from the pan – enjoy!
How to Make This into Freezer Meal Kits
This is one of our family’s favorite freezer setups because it keeps everything flexible!
- Portion cooked chicken into freezer bags
- Portion cooked rice and frozen peas into a separate bag
- Add a small container with 2 to 4 tablespoons of teriyaki marinade
- Place everything into one larger freezer bag and label clearly (2 gallon bags work perfectly for this!)
When ready to cook, thaw for a few hours in the fridge or at room temperature. Scramble the eggs fresh and add everything else straight to the pan and there you have a quick meal!
Notes and Troubleshooting
Notes
- This is a use what you have recipe. Feel free to swap peas for mixed vegetables, corn, or broccoli.
- You can add more eggs to stretch the dish further.
- Any cooked rice works here, including jasmine or leftover takeout rice.
Troubleshooting
- Rice sticking? Always use at least day-old rice to avoid mushiness and sticking. And add a splash of oil or a tablespoon of water if too dry.
- Too salty? Add more rice or another egg.
- Needs more flavor? Add another tablespoon of marinade.
Storage
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- This reheats well in a skillet or microwave.
- Freezer kits last up to 2 months.
Serving Ideas
- Serve as a full meal on its own
- Pair with a simple cucumber salad
- Finish with sliced green onions or a sprinkle of sesame seeds for extra flavor and texture.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe?!
- Perfect for leftovers
- Budget friendly and flexible
- Freezer friendly meal kits
- Quick weeknight dinner
- Great way to stretch one slow cooker meal
FAQ
Can I use other leftover chicken?
Yes. Any cooked chicken works here.
Can I make this vegetarian?
Absolutely. Skip the chicken and add extra eggs or vegetables.
Can I use bottled teriyaki sauce?
Yes. Marinade or sauce both work. Adjust to taste.
Make This Recipe With Me!
Sometimes it’s just easier to watch a video than read a recipe card isn’t it?! So here’s a quick tutorial on how to make this simple and delicious recipe at home and on a budget – thank you for joining me in the kitchen today!
Quick and Easy Dairy-Free Leftover Chicken Teriyaki Fried Rice Recipe!
January 23, 2026Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Freeze cooked chicken in one bag
- Freeze cooked rice and frozen peas together in a second bag
- Freeze 2 to 4 tablespoons of teriyaki marinade in a small container
- Store everything inside one labeled larger freezer bag (2 gallons is perfect)
- To cook, thaw for a few hours and follow cooking instructions below.
- Heat the toasted sesame oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Crack the eggs directly into the pan and softly scramble until just set. Keep them tender, not dry.
- Add the cooked rice and frozen peas. Stir to combine with the eggs and cook until heated through.
- Add the leftover chicken and stir until warmed through.
- Drizzle in 2 to 4 tablespoons of teriyaki marinade, starting with less and adding more to taste. Stir until evenly coated.
- Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Add a pinch of salt and pepper only if the chicken is lightly seasoned.
- Serve hot straight from the pan.
Video
Notes
- This is a use what you have recipe. Feel free to swap peas for mixed vegetables, corn, or broccoli.
- You can add more eggs to stretch the dish further.
- Any cooked rice works here, including jasmine or leftover takeout rice. But make sure it is at least a day old as that prevents the rice sticking or becoming too mushy.
Storage
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- This reheats well in a skillet or microwave.
- Freezer kits last up to 2 months.
Related Recipes
Check out all our other Rice Recipes!Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
The Takeaway
This is the kind of recipe that quietly carries you through busy weeks. It is not fancy, but it is smart. It turns one slow cooker meal into multiple dinners and helps stretch the grocery budget without feeling repetitive or boring.
For us, meals like this are how we stay on track, feed our family well, and keep food costs manageable. That matters more than anything!
What to Try Next?!
Share & Rate This Recipe!
If this leftover fried rice helps stretch your budget, tap the stars and leave a quick comment. Sharing real life kitchen wins helps other families just like ours.
Last update on 2026-02-17 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
One Comment