Skip to content

Meat, East Asian

Chicken omurice

Chicken omurice is ketchup fried rice with chicken, wrapped in a soft omelet and topped with warm tomato sauce. This Japanese recipe takes 40 minutes for 4 people, at a medium difficulty level, for about €2.20 per person. The key to success is cooking the omelet over low heat and removing it while the center is still runny.

To make the little ones smile (and the grown ups too), here's omurice, ketchup fried rice with chicken wrapped in a soft, runny omelet.

Chicken omurice
Total time
40 min
Difficulty
Medium
Cost per person
€2.20
Calories per person
670 kcalcalculated by Kiloach, your weight coach
Season
Winter, Spring, Summer, Fall
The kids
They generally like it

Omurice plays on contrast, between bright, slightly tangy ketchup fried rice and a soft omelet that almost melts in your mouth. The chicken adds tenderness without taking over, and the warm tomato sauce brings everything back to life with every bite. It's comfort food that feels familiar from the very first taste.

This is the kind of recipe that makes kids smile at the table, thanks to its oval shape and cheerful color, while adults appreciate how simple it really is. Mon Chou suggests it for a weeknight when you have a bit more time, or for a relaxed Sunday lunch that still feels like a treat.

The ingredients

4 people

Pantry

  • Riceoften in the pantry 300 g
  • Ketchup 6 tbsp
  • Tomato sauce 200 g
  • Oiloften in the pantry 1 tbsp
  • Saltoften in the pantry 1 pinch
  • Pepperoften in the pantry 1 pinch

Butcher

  • Chicken breasts 300 g

Fruits and vegetables

  • Onion 1

Dairy

  • Eggs 8
  • Milk 4 tbsp
  • Butter 40 g

Allergens Eggs, Lactose

The step by step recipe

  1. Cook the rice in salted water, then drain it. 11 min

    Day old rice works great here, it's less sticky.

  2. Cut the chicken into small cubes and brown it with the chopped onion in the oil, then add the rice and 4 tbsp of ketchup. 8 min

    Stir fry the rice until it turns a deep red, every grain should be coated.

  3. Heat the tomato sauce with 2 tbsp of ketchup to make the sauce. 5 min

    A little sugar or honey softens the tomato's acidity.

  4. Beat 2 eggs with 1 tbsp of milk, salt and pepper, pour them into a buttered skillet over low heat and let it set. 3 min

    Stir at first with a spatula, then let the base firm up.

  5. Place a portion of rice in the center of the omelet, fold the edges over and flip it onto the plate, top with sauce, and repeat for the rest.

    A paper towel held in your hand helps shape the omelet into an oval.

Our tips to get it right

  • Cook the rice ahead of time, ideally the day before, so it's less sticky once fried.
  • Use a medium nonstick skillet for the omelet, it slides onto the plate more easily when you're ready to serve.
  • Make one portion at a time, the omelet cools fast and is easier to shape while it's still warm and pliable.

The variations

  • Swap the chicken for peeled shrimp for a lighter, milder version.
  • For a vegetarian version, stir fry the rice with mushrooms and peas instead of chicken.
  • For a quicker version with kids, make one large omelet for the whole family instead of four individual ones.

What to serve it with

  • A crisp green salad
  • A light miso soup
  • Crunchy pickled vegetables

Storage

The fried rice and sauce keep for 2 to 3 days in the fridge in a sealed container. Reheat the rice in a skillet or microwave, and make the omelets fresh just before serving. You can freeze the fried rice on its own, but avoid freezing the omelet.

Questions about this dish

How do you get a soft, runny omelet for omurice?

Cook it over low heat in butter and take it off the pan while the center is still liquid. It keeps cooking gently as you wrap it around the rice.

Can you make the rice ahead of time?

Yes, it's actually recommended. Rice cooked the day before and chilled in the fridge is less sticky and fries up more easily.

Can you swap out the ketchup for something else?

Ketchup gives omurice its signature color and sweet tangy flavor. You can use a bit less if you prefer a milder rice, but it's hard to replace it entirely without changing the dish.

How do you shape the omelet into a nice oval?

Place the rice in the center of the omelet while it's still in the pan, then fold the edges over with a spatula before flipping it onto the plate. Holding a paper towel in your hand helps smooth the shape at the end.

How long does it take to make a chicken omurice?

Count 40 min in total, prep and cooking included. The recipe is rated “medium”.

How many calories are in a chicken omurice?

About 670 kcal per serving, for a recipe meant for 4 people. Calories are calculated by Kiloach, your weight coach, the app that partners with Mon Chou.

How much does a chicken omurice cost?

About €2.20 per serving, or €8.80 for 4 people, based on average supermarket prices.

What allergens does this recipe contain?

This recipe contains eggs, lactose. Always check the labels of the products you buy.

East Asian cuisines

See all

Egg recipes

See all