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BBQ Chicken Fried Rice
BBQ Chicken Fried Rice transforms leftover rice into a smoky, savory masterpiece that’ll have your family begging for seconds. This fusion dish combines the comfort of classic fried rice with bold barbecue flavors, creating a meal that’s both familiar and excitingly different. Ready in under 20 minutes, it’s perfect for busy weeknights when you crave something special.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy preparation – ready in just 15 minutes using simple pantry ingredients
- Perfect for using leftover rice – transforms day-old rice into a restaurant-quality meal
- Customizable spice level – adjust the BBQ seasoning to match your family’s preferences
- Budget-friendly recipe – uses affordable chicken breast and basic ingredients
- One-pan wonder – minimal cleanup required with everything cooked in a single skillet
Why This BBQ Chicken Fried Rice Recipe Works
The secret to exceptional BBQ chicken fried rice lies in the homemade spice blend. Combining smoked paprika, cumin, and dry mustard creates layers of flavor that penetrate every grain of rice. The brown sugar adds subtle sweetness that caramelizes beautifully when cooked.
Using day-old rice is crucial for achieving that perfect texture. Fresh rice contains too much moisture, resulting in mushy fried rice. Chilled rice separates easily, allowing each grain to crisp up nicely. The Japanese BBQ sauce adds umami depth while maintaining the dish’s signature smokiness.
What You’ll Need for BBQ Chicken Fried Rice
Ingredients
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breast, diced into bite-sized pieces
- 1 tablespoon (12g) dark brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon dry mustard
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 3 tablespoons (48g) olive oil, divided
- 2 cups cooked rice, ideally chilled overnight
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tablespoons (38g) Japanese BBQ sauce
Tools
- Large skillet or wok (12-14 inches recommended)
- Wooden spoon or spatula for stirring
- Small mixing bowl for spice blend
- Cutting board and sharp knife
- Measuring spoons and cups
How to Make BBQ Chicken Fried Rice
Creating this delicious BBQ chicken fried rice is straightforward when you follow these steps:
| Step 1: | Mix the BBQ seasoning blend together and toss with diced chicken. Let rest at room temperature for 10-20 minutes for maximum flavor absorption. |
| Step 2: | Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in your skillet over medium-high heat. Add seasoned chicken in a single layer. |
| Step 3: | Cook chicken for 60-90 seconds without stirring to achieve a nice brown crust. Flip and cook 2-3 more minutes until fully cooked. Transfer to a plate. |
| Step 4: | Add remaining 2 tablespoons olive oil to the skillet. Add chilled rice, breaking up any clumps with your spatula. |
| Step 5: | Create a well in the center of the rice. Add eggs and scramble them before mixing into the rice. |
| Step 6: | Add BBQ sauce and stir everything together. Cook for 30-60 seconds until sauce begins to caramelize. |
| Step 7: | Turn off heat, add chicken back to the pan, toss everything together, and serve immediately. |
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Use jasmine or long-grain rice for best results – these varieties stay fluffy and separate nicely when fried
- Break up rice clumps before adding to the pan – this ensures even cooking and prevents mushy spots
- Keep the heat high throughout cooking – this creates the signature “wok hei” smoky flavor
- Don’t overcrowd the pan – cook in batches if doubling the recipe for better results
- Add frozen peas or corn during the last minute of cooking for extra vegetables and color
Serving and Storage Tips for BBQ Chicken Fried Rice
Serving Tips
Serve your BBQ chicken fried rice immediately while it’s hot and the flavors are at their peak. Garnish with sliced green onions, sesame seeds, or a drizzle of extra BBQ sauce for added visual appeal. This dish pairs wonderfully with a crisp Asian cucumber salad or steamed edamame.
For a complete meal, consider serving alongside our Ultimate Chicken Casserole for a chicken-themed dinner party. The contrasting flavors complement each other beautifully.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet with a splash of oil to restore the crispy texture. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it can make the rice soggy.
Mistakes to Avoid while making BBQ Chicken Fried Rice
Using freshly cooked rice is the most common mistake. Hot rice releases steam, creating a mushy texture instead of the desired separate grains. Always use rice that’s been refrigerated for at least a few hours.
Overcrowding the pan prevents proper heat distribution. Your ingredients will steam rather than fry, resulting in soggy rice. If making a larger batch, cook in two separate batches for optimal results.
Adding too much sauce can overwhelm the dish. Start with the recommended amount and add more only if needed. Remember, you can always add more, but you can’t take it away.
You Must Know
- Japanese BBQ sauce can be substituted with teriyaki sauce mixed with a teaspoon of liquid smoke for similar results
- The recipe easily doubles or triples for meal prep – just cook in batches to maintain quality
- Chicken thighs can replace breasts for a juicier result – just adjust cooking time accordingly
- For a gluten-free version, ensure your BBQ sauce and soy sauce alternatives are certified gluten-free
Suggestions for BBQ Chicken Fried Rice
Transform this basic recipe by adding your favorite vegetables. Bell peppers, snap peas, and carrots add crunch and nutrition. For more inspiration, check out this Chinese Chicken Fried Rice Recipe from AllRecipes.
Consider trying different proteins like shrimp or tofu. Our 10-Minute Creamy Garlic Shrimp Pasta showcases how versatile seafood can be in quick meals.
For a complete BBQ experience, explore this BBQ Chicken, Veggies, and Rice Skillet Recipe that offers additional vegetable combinations. You might also enjoy Simply Recipes’ Chicken Fried Rice for traditional preparation methods.
FAQs:
Yes! Rotisserie chicken works perfectly. Simply shred it and add during the final step since it’s already cooked. This saves time and adds extra flavor.
Day-old jasmine or long-grain white rice works best. These varieties maintain their structure when fried and don’t become mushy. Avoid short-grain or sticky rice.
Absolutely! Replace chicken with firm tofu or tempeh. Press the tofu well to remove moisture, then cube and season the same way as the chicken.
This recipe has mild heat from the black pepper and dry mustard. For spicier rice, add cayenne pepper to the spice blend or drizzle with hot sauce before serving.
Yes, it freezes well for up to 2 months. Cool completely before freezing in portion-sized containers. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat in a skillet for best results.
Conclusion
BBQ Chicken Fried Rice proves that fusion cooking can create extraordinary results from simple ingredients. This recipe transforms everyday items into a restaurant-quality meal that satisfies both your wallet and your taste buds. The combination of smoky BBQ flavors with classic fried rice technique creates a dish that’s uniquely delicious.
Whether you’re using leftover rice or planning ahead for meal prep, this versatile recipe adapts to your needs. For more quick and delicious recipes, don’t miss our 5-Ingredient Easy Keto Cloud Cake Recipe for dessert. Start cooking this BBQ chicken fried rice tonight and discover your new favorite weeknight dinner!
More Easy Lunch Recipes:
- Virgin Ocean Love Colada Tropical Blue Swirl Mocktail
- Keto Cloud Cake Recipe: Your Ultimate Guide
- Easy Sweet Potato Casserole: The Ultimate Holiday Side Dish
- Easy Rice Cooker Recipes: Delicious Meals with Minimal Effort
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📖 Recipe Card
Easy BBQ Chicken Fried Rice Recipe
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
Transform leftover rice into a smoky, savory BBQ chicken fried rice in just 15 minutes. This fusion dish combines classic fried rice with bold barbecue flavors for a quick weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breast, diced into bite-sized pieces
- 1 tablespoon (12g) dark brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon dry mustard
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 3 tablespoons (48g) olive oil, divided
- 2 cups cooked rice, ideally chilled overnight
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tablespoons (38g) Japanese BBQ sauce
Instructions
- Mix the BBQ seasoning blend together and toss with diced chicken. Let rest at room temperature for 10-20 minutes for maximum flavor absorption.
- Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in your skillet over medium-high heat. Add seasoned chicken in a single layer.
- Cook chicken for 60-90 seconds without stirring to achieve a nice brown crust. Flip and cook 2-3 more minutes until fully cooked. Transfer to a plate.
- Add remaining 2 tablespoons olive oil to the skillet. Add chilled rice, breaking up any clumps with your spatula.
- Create a well in the center of the rice. Add eggs and scramble them before mixing into the rice.
- Add BBQ sauce and stir everything together. Cook for 30-60 seconds until sauce begins to caramelize.
- Turn off heat, add chicken back to the pan, toss everything together, and serve immediately.
Notes
- Use jasmine or long-grain rice for best results – these varieties stay fluffy and separate nicely when fried
- Break up rice clumps before adding to the pan – this ensures even cooking and prevents mushy spots
- Keep the heat high throughout cooking – this creates the signature “wok hei” smoky flavor
- Don’t overcrowd the pan – cook in batches if doubling the recipe for better results
- Add frozen peas or corn during the last minute of cooking for extra vegetables and color
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stir-frying
- Cuisine: Asian Fusion
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 385
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 680mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 145mg
Keywords: chicken fried rice recipe, barbecue rice dish, quick dinner ideas, leftover rice recipes, Asian fusion cooking, one pan meals, smoky fried rice
