Who says lazy cooking can’t be delicious? This microwave rotisserie chicken rice transforms leftovers into a savory meal with almost zero effort.
We’re talking 5 minutes from fridge to fork—no chopping, stirring, or oven preheating required. Just grab that leftover chicken and rice, and let’s cheat dinner.
In this guide, we cover everything from nuking times to flavor upgrades, ensuring your lazy meal tastes anything but boring.
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Lazy Microwave Pre-Cooked Rotisserie Chicken Rice
Recipe by Lisa MartinCourse: DinnerCuisine: American4
5
minutes10
minutes400
kcal15
minutesIf you're looking for a fast and delicious meal, this lazy microwave rotisserie chicken rice is the answer. Using rotisserie chicken saves time, and microwaving makes it even quicker. This dish is a perfect solution for busy weeknights when you need a wholesome dinner on the table in no time.
Ingredients
pre-cooked rotisserie chicken
shredded
microwavable rice
frozen mixed vegetables
chicken broth
garlic powder
onion powder
salt and pepper to taste
parsley for garnish . optional
Directions
- In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the microwavable rice and frozen mixed vegetables.
- Pour in the chicken broth and stir to combine.
- Add the shredded rotisserie chicken, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
- Mix everything well to ensure the ingredients are evenly distributed.
- Cover the bowl with a microwave-safe lid or plate.
- Microwave on high for 8-10 minutes, or until heated through.
- Carefully remove the bowl from the microwave (it will be hot).
- Fluff the rice and chicken mixture with a fork before serving.
- Garnish with fresh parsley if desired..
Notes
- For best results, use high-quality rotisserie chicken with good seasoning. Feel free to customize the recipe with your favorite vegetables or spices. This dish can also be adapted to serve as a lunch or meal prep option for the week—a versatile choice for any occasion!
What is Pre-cooked Rotisserie Chicken Rice?
Imagine shredded rotisserie chicken—juicy, seasoned, and ready to eat—tossed with fluffy pre-cooked rice. That’s this dish. It’s the ultimate “I can’t adult today” meal born from leftovers and a microwave’s magic.
My sister Candice once cobbled this together for a last-minute picnic using a gas station rotisserie chicken and a pouch of microwave rice. We ate it straight from the container under a maple tree, marveling at how laziness could taste so good.
Can You Microwave Pre-cooked Rotisserie Chicken and Rice?
Absolutely, and it’s safer than reheating pizza. Since both ingredients are already cooked, you’re just warming them. Use a microwave-safe container, and keep the lid slightly ajar to prevent steam explosions.
Nuke in 1-minute bursts at 1000W, stirring between intervals. Total time? Roughly 2-3 minutes. For extra moisture, add a splash of broth or lay a damp paper towel over the dish. Avoid rubbery chicken by stopping once it’s steaming hot (165°F internal temp). It’s also important to note that chicken nuggets can be cooked quickly and easily in the microwave, making them a convenient meal option. Just follow the recommended cooking times for a perfect result every time.
Now that we’ve nailed the basics, let’s talk ingredients. Because even lazy meals deserve flair.
Ingredients for Lazy Microwave Pre-cooked Rotisserie Chicken Rice
Our formula requires just three staples: pre-cooked rotisserie chicken, microwave-ready rice, and a microwave-safe bowl. We’ve all stared into the fridge at 8 PM thinking “too tired, too hungry”—this recipe gets it. For an even easier meal option, consider using a lazy microwave pre-cooked rotisserie chicken wrap that can be put together in minutes. This combination enhances the flavors while keeping preparation super simple.
- 1.5 cups shredded rotisserie chicken (white/dark meat mix)
- 1 pouch microwave rice (8.8 oz Uncle Ben’s or similar)
- 1 tsp olive oil or butter (combats dryness)
Rotisserie Chicken Substitutes
Out of chicken? We’ve used everything from canned chicken (drained) to leftover Thanksgiving turkey. Canned works in a pinch but pat it dry—nobody wants soggy rice. This convenient option pairs perfectly with lazy microwave canned chicken rice for a quick meal. For vegetarians, chopped tofu or chickpeas add protein without prep.
Microwaveable Rice Varieties
Jasmine, basmati, or brown rice pouches work best. Avoid sticky sushi rice—it clumps when reheated. Cooking times vary: 90 seconds for white rice, 2 minutes for brown. Pro tip: Trader Joe’s frozen jasmine rice steams beautifully in 3 minutes flat. For those new to cooking jasmine rice, using a microwave can be a quick and efficient method. This technique allows for perfectly steamed rice without fussing over stovetop timing.
Also See: Quick & Easy Microwave Steamed Cauliflower Rice Bowl
How to Make Lazy Microwave Pre-cooked Rotisserie Chicken Rice
This isn’t so much cooking as it is assembling. My college roommate called it “adult Lunchables,” and honestly? She wasn’t wrong.
Step-by-step Microwave Instructions
- Fluff rice in its pouch per package directions.
- Mix rice, chicken, and fat in a 2-quart microwave-safe bowl.
- Cover loosely with a paper towel. Microwave 1 minute.
- Stir. Check temp—165°F means go time.
Adjusting Microwave Power and Time
Microwaves vary wildly. Our 1000W test model took 90 seconds, but lower wattage needs longer. This difference in wattage can affect cooking time significantly, leading some 1000W models to perform more like 700W due to power loss. Use this cheat sheet:
Wattage | Time |
---|---|
700W | 2 min 30 sec |
900W | 2 min |
1200W | 1 min 15 sec |
Also See: Colorful Veggie Ratatouille Via Microwave

How to Enhance Microwave Rotisserie Chicken Rice Flavor
Lazy doesn’t mean bland. My go-to? A squirt of Sriracha mayo and furikake from last month’s sushi night. For those seeking a quick and tasty meal option, microwave sushi offers a convenient way to enjoy sushi without the hassle of preparation.
Seasoning and Sauce Additions
- Umami blast: 1 tsp miso paste + 1 tbsp hot water
- Tex-Mex twist: Taco seasoning + lime juice
- Comfort mode: Cream of mushroom soup (½ can)
Mixing in Vegetables or Beans
Stir in frozen peas or corn straight from the freezer—they thaw during microwaving. For fiber boosts, rinsed black beans or edamame add zero prep. Avoid watery veggies like zucchini unless pre-cooked. To get the best texture and flavor from your frozen peas, following a simple microwave guide ensures perfect results every time.
Now that your rice is perfectly nuked, let’s dodge common pitfalls. Because even lazy cooks deserve success. When cooking regular rice in the microwave, it’s essential to follow some simple steps for the best results. Knowing how to appropriately measure water and rice can make all the difference.
Common Mistakes When Microwaving Rotisserie Chicken Rice
We’ve all been there—hungry, impatient, and suddenly faced with a dried-out chicken brick. The top offender? Overheating. Microwaving beyond 3 minutes at 1000W turns juicy chicken into shoe leather and rice into gravel. Set timers religiously. It’s essential to know how to microwave different foods correctly to avoid these common pitfalls. Many people unknowingly microwave certain foods wrong, leading to less than ideal results.
Another blunder: skipping the stir. Microwaves heat unevenly, leaving icy chicken chunks amid lava-hot rice. Stir halfway—yes, even when you’re lazy. My roommate once skipped this step and bit into a 212°F rice pocket. Let’s just say his salsa “cooling tactic” became legend. For a hassle-free way to avoid such kitchen disasters, try the microwave trick for perfect rice without a stove. It simplifies cooking and ensures evenly heated grains every time.
Storing and Reheating Leftover Microwave Chicken Rice
Got leftovers? Lucky you. This dish keeps well, but only if you play by the fridge rules. Store in airtight containers within 2 hours of cooking. Pro tip: portion single servings for grab-and-go laziness.
Refrigeration Vs. Freezing
Fridge life: 3-4 days at 40°F or below. Freezing? 3 months max. Use freezer bags flattened like vinyl records—they thaw faster. I once forgot a batch behind frozen waffles for 6 months. It tasted… nostalgic.
Never freeze rice twice. Thawed grains become mushy rebels. Label containers with dates unless you enjoy freezer roulette. If you find yourself with leftover rice, you might wonder how to reheat rice effectively. Using the microwave to reheat rice is a quick and easy solution to enjoy your meal without compromising texture.
Reheating Without Drying Out
Revive leftovers by adding 1 tsp water or broth before microwaving. Cover with a damp paper towel—steam is your ally. 50% power for 2 minutes gently coaxes warmth without toughness. Microwaving leftovers not only makes them enjoyable again but also helps eliminate harmful germs that may be present. Heating food properly in the microwave can kill bacteria, making your meal safer to eat.
For frozen portions, thaw overnight in the fridge first. If impatient (we see you), microwave frozen chunks at 30% power in 90-second bursts. Stir like your dignity depends on it.
Mastered storage? Let’s explore alternative methods when even the microwave feels like too much work.
Now It’s Your Turn to Try!
Microwaving pre-cooked rotisserie chicken rice is the ultimate lazy hack for a satisfying meal in minutes. With the right techniques and flavor boosts, you’ll have a dish that tastes like it took way more effort than it actually did.
Give it a whirl and let us know how your microwave masterpiece turns out—just don’t blame us when this becomes your weekly go-to!