Chicken fried rice is a delicious and convenient meal that can be made ahead of time and enjoyed later. It’s a great way to use up leftovers and transform them into something quick and easy. Many people wonder if you can freeze chicken fried rice to reheat and eat later. The answer is yes, you can freeze chicken fried rice! Freezing it allows you to make a large batch that you can portion out and enjoy over multiple meals. With some simple preparation and storage steps, you can enjoy delicious chicken fried rice from the comfort of your freezer.
Can You Freeze Chicken Fried Rice?
Yes, you can absolutely freeze chicken fried rice. Freezing cooked rice dishes like fried rice is a great way to save time and have a quick meal ready to go. Here are some tips for successfully freezing chicken fried rice:
- Make sure the rice is cooled completely before freezing. You want the fried rice to reach room temperature before packing it for the freezer.
- Portion the rice out into airtight freezer bags or containers. This prevents freezer burn and keeps the rice fresh.
- Lay the bags flat in the freezer to freeze quickly and maximize space.
- Avoid overstuffing storage containers, as this can damage the food during freezing.
- Label the bags or containers with the contents and date.
- Freeze for up to 3 months for best quality and taste.
As long as you take care to freeze it properly, chicken fried rice freezes very well. The flavors stay locked in and it will keep for a few months in the freezer.
How to Freeze Chicken Fried Rice
Follow these simple steps for freezing chicken fried rice:
- Make the chicken fried rice according to your favorite recipe. Be sure to cook the rice fully and let it cool completely.
- Portion out the fried rice into airtight containers, bags, or storage containers. Good portion sizes for freezing are 1-2 cups per container. Avoid overstuffing.
- Remove as much air as possible and seal the containers tightly.
- Label each container with the contents and freeze-by date (3 months from when it was prepped).
- Place the containers in a single layer in the freezer to freeze quickly. Once frozen, you can stack them on top of each other.
- For the best texture, freeze for no more than 3 months.
Freezing in single-portion containers makes for easy reheating. All you have to do is take out a container and reheat it in the microwave or oven when ready to eat.
Tips for Freezing Chicken Fried Rice
Here are some top tips to follow for delicious chicken fried rice every time:
- Use cooked, cooled rice. Freshly cooked rice will turn mushy when frozen.
- Undercook the vegetables slightly. This prevents them from becoming soggy when reheated.
- Blanch snap peas, carrots, broccoli and other crunchy vegetables before adding to the fried rice to help maintain texture.
- Use sesame oil. The flavor stays nicely even after freezing.
- Portion into flat bags or containers to freeze quickly.
- Don’t overfill containers, leave 1-inch of headspace.
- Cool rice completely before freezing, within 2 hours of cooking.
- Press out excess air and seal bags/containers tightly.
- Avoid freezing for more than 3 months for best flavor.
Following these tips will give you the best shot at fried rice that tastes freshly made after freezing.
How to Thaw Frozen Chicken Fried Rice
Thawing and reheating frozen chicken fried rice is super easy. Here are a few methods:
Microwave
- Remove fried rice from freezer and microwave on high for 3-5 minutes until heated through, stirring halfway.
- Microwave times may vary based on portion size. Microwave just until hot.
- Let it sit for 2 minutes before eating.
Oven
- Preheat oven to 350°F.
- Place frozen fried rice in oven safe dish and cover with foil.
- Heat for 15-20 minutes until warmed through, stirring halfway.
Stovetop
- Heat a skillet or wok over medium high heat.
- Add a bit of oil and frozen chicken fried rice.
- Cook, stirring frequently, for 8-10 minutes until heated through.
Reheating frozen fried rice on the stovetop will provide the best texture, but the microwave or oven work great in a pinch. Just be sure not to overheat or the rice can become dried out.
How Long Does Chicken Fried Rice Last in the Freezer?
Frozen properly in airtight containers or bags, chicken fried rice will last for 3 to 6 months in the freezer.
Here are some signs your frozen chicken fried rice has expired:
- Ice crystals or freeze dried spots on the rice
- Strange odor
- Wilted or mushy vegetables
- Dry, crunchy texture
- Loss of flavor
As long as it has been stored continuously at 0°F and the package is undamaged, chicken fried rice that has been frozen for under 3 months should still be good. It’s best to discard any fried rice that shows signs of freezer burn or expiration.
For optimal freshness and quality, try to freeze rice dishes for no more than 3-4 months. Portioning into meal sizes helps prevent waste.
Can You Refreeze Chicken Fried Rice?
It’s best not to refreeze chicken fried rice once it has been thawed. Refreezing rice can make the texture dry and crunchy. When you thaw frozen fried rice, plan to eat it within 3-4 days.
Here are some tips if you do end up with leftover thawed chicken fried rice:
- Refrigerate leftovers in airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Stir leftovers into soups, curries, or stir fries.
- Make fried rice arancini balls or patties.
- Turn into fried rice omelets or stir into egg scrambles.
With some creativity, you can use up thawed chicken fried rice before having to discard it. But for food safety, it’s best to avoid refreezing it.
Recipes for Freezer Chicken Fried Rice
Any chicken fried rice recipe can be adapted for freezing. Here are some tasty freezer-friendly recipes to try:
Classic Chicken Fried Rice
- Cooked rice
- Chicken breast, diced and cooked
- Carrots, peas, onion, garlic
- Eggs, beaten
- Soy sauce, sesame oil, salt and pepper
Hawaiian Chicken Fried Rice
- Cooked rice
- Chicken breast, diced and cooked
- Pineapple tidbits
- Bell pepper, peas, green onion
- Soy sauce, ginger, garlic
Buffalo Chicken Fried Rice
- Cooked rice
- Shredded rotisserie chicken
- Buffalo wing sauce
- Celery, onion, carrots
- Ranch dressing drizzle
Thai Basil Chicken Fried Rice
- Cooked rice
- Ground chicken, cooked
- Fish sauce, soy sauce, basil
- Bell pepper, carrot, onion, garlic
- Fresh basil, lime juice
Get creative with mix-ins like different proteins, veggies, and seasonings. Just follow proper freezing techniques and you’ll have delicious homemade fried rice ready in minutes.
Can You Freeze Cooked Chicken for Fried Rice?
Yes, cooked chicken freezes well and can be used later in fried rice. Here are some tips:
- Dice or shred chicken into small pieces for easy incorporating into fried rice.
- Lay chicken pieces in a single layer on a sheet pan or plate and freeze until solid.
- Transfer frozen chicken pieces to airtight freezer bag or container.
- Remove as much air as possible before sealing.
- Label with contents and freeze for up to 3 months.
- Thaw in refrigerator before adding to fried rice.
Freezing cooked chicken ensures you always have some on hand when the fried rice craving strikes.
Common Questions About Freezing Chicken Fried Rice
Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about freezing chicken fried rice:
Does chicken fried rice freeze well?
Yes, chicken fried rice freezes very well. As long as you cool it properly first, freeze it quickly in airtight packaging, and don’t keep it frozen for more than 3-4 months, frozen chicken fried rice retains excellent flavor and texture.
Can you freeze fried rice with raw egg?
It’s not recommended. Raw egg can become rubbery and develop an unpleasant flavor when frozen. Always scramble or cook egg fully before adding to fried rice intended for the freezer.
Is frozen fried rice safe to eat?
Yes, commercially frozen fried rice and home-prepared fried rice stored properly in the freezer is completely safe to eat. Handle frozen fried rice the same as any other frozen food, keeping frozen until ready to reheat and consume.
How do you make fried rice for freezing?
Use cooked, cooled rice. Undercook vegetables slightly. Portion into airtight freezer bags or containers, removing excess air. Freeze right away in a single layer before stacking. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating gently on the stovetop or in the oven or microwave.
Can you freeze takeout fried rice?
It’s possible, but the quality will decline. Eat takeout fried rice within 3-4 days for best flavor and texture. To freeze, portion into airtight containers and thaw and reheat gently before eating. Don’t keep frozen for more than 2 months.
Conclusion
Chicken fried rice is definitely a freezer-friendly food. Allowing you to prepare bulk batches to heat and eat over multiple meals, freezing is a great way to enjoy delicious fried rice whenever the craving strikes. Use cooked, cooled rice and freeze portioned batches within 2 hours of cooking. Store airtight for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating on the stove or in the microwave or oven until heated through. With proper freezing methods, you can enjoy convenience store quality chicken fried rice from your own kitchen.