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
Scale
- 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