Delicious and Easy BBQ Chicken Fried Rice

Craving a delicious twist on traditional fried rice? Look no further than this mouthwatering BBQ Chicken Fried Rice recipe! The idea for this dish came to me when I was looking to jazz up some leftover rice and plain chicken breasts. By infusing the chicken with a blend of dark brown sugar, smoked paprika, and other BBQ spices, then tossing it with fluffy rice and a sweet Japanese BBQ sauce, a delightful fusion of flavors was born.

The result? A dish that wowed even the toughest critics in my household. From picky teenagers to discerning spouses, everyone couldn’t get enough of this BBQ Chicken Fried Rice. The key to achieving that perfect texture and flavor profile lies in using chilled, day-old rice and allowing the chicken to develop a beautiful sear. The end result is a glossy, caramelized masterpiece that’s both comforting and exciting on the palate.

Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleasing meal to impress guests, this BBQ Chicken Fried Rice is sure to hit the spot. Feel free to customize it with your favorite veggies, spice blends, or protein swaps to make it your own signature dish. Trust me, this recipe is a game-changer that proves how a little creativity in the kitchen can lead to big, bold flavors!

Quick Benefits

• Creative fusion of BBQ flavors with traditional fried rice ingredients
• Perfectly seasoned chicken with fluffy rice and scrambled eggs create a satisfying meal
• Make-ahead friendly – flavors improve as they sit together; reheats well for convenient leftovers
• Versatile – can customize with different spice blends, proteins, vegetables, and garnishes

Why You’ll Love This Delicious and Easy BBQ Chicken Fried Rice Recipe

• Innovative Fusion Flavors: The blend of smoky, sweet BBQ spices on seasoned chicken combined with Japanese BBQ sauce creates a unique and delicious fusion dish that elevates traditional fried rice.
• Family Favorite: Even picky eaters like teenagers and food critics like husbands will love this dish. It’s a hit with the whole family and might just become a regular dinner request.
• Restaurant-Quality Taste: The seasoned chicken adds depth and flavor to the dish, making it taste like something from a fancy fusion restaurant but even better because of the flavorful chicken.
• Make-Ahead Convenience: By using chilled rice from the day before, you ensure the perfect texture and separate grains in the fried rice. Prepping the spice-rubbed chicken ahead of time saves time and allows for easy reheating.
• Customizable and Versatile: You can customize this dish by trying different BBQ spice blends, adding heat with cayenne pepper, using different proteins like pulled pork, and incorporating various vegetables for color and nutrition.
• Leftover Friendly: This dish keeps well in the fridge for about 3 days, and the flavors actually improve as they sit together. It reheats perfectly in the microwave or skillet, making it a great option for meal prep or leftovers.
• Perfect Pairings: Enjoy this BBQ chicken fried rice as a complete meal or pair it with steamed vegetables, sliced green onions, cilantro, or a fried egg for extra richness. Complement the dish with a cold beer or iced tea to balance the sweet and smoky flavors.

Ingredients for Delicious and Easy BBQ Chicken Fried Rice

For the BBQ chicken

• 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon dry mustard
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast, diced
• 1 tablespoon dark brown sugar

For the fried rice

• 2 tablespoons Japanese BBQ sauce
• 3 tablespoons olive oil, divided
• 2 large eggs
• 2 cups cooked rice, preferably chilled overnight

How to Make Delicious and Easy BBQ Chicken Fried Rice

Step 1: Season the chicken

Combine brown sugar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, cumin, dry mustard, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Coat diced chicken with the seasoning mixture and allow it to sit at room temperature for 10-20 minutes.

Step 2: Cook the chicken

In a large skillet over medium-high heat, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Add seasoned chicken in a single layer and cook without moving for 60-90 seconds to sear. Flip and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until cooked through.

Step 3: Set chicken aside

Place the cooked chicken on a plate or in a bowl and set aside as you prepare the fried rice.

Step 4: Start the rice

Pour the remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil into the skillet. Add the chilled cooked rice and stir to separate any clumps.

Step 5: Add eggs to rice

Create a well in the center of the pan by pushing the rice to the sides. Crack the eggs into the well, scramble them, and mix with the rice.

Step 6: Add sauce and caramelize

Drizzle Japanese BBQ sauce over ingredients and mix well. Cook for 30-60 seconds to caramelize sauce at the bottom of the pan.

Step 7: Combine and serve

Remove the pan from the heat and return the cooked chicken. Mix well and serve hot.

Storage Tips

After preparing BBQ Chicken Fried Rice, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The dish can be kept for about 3 days, and it actually tastes even better as the flavors meld together over time. To reheat, simply microwave the fried rice or warm it up in a skillet with a little oil. Make sure to stir well to distribute the heat evenly and retain the delicious flavors of the dish.

For longer storage, you can also freeze BBQ Chicken Fried Rice in a freezer-safe container for up to 2-3 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw the frozen fried rice in the refrigerator overnight before reheating using your preferred method. Remember to garnish with fresh green onions or cilantro for extra freshness and serve with steamed vegetables or a side of your choice for a complete meal. This versatile dish can be customized with different spice blends, protein options, and vegetables to suit your preferences.

Ingredient Substitutions

For a vegetarian version of this BBQ Chicken Fried Rice, you can replace the chicken with tofu or seitan. Both tofu and seitan can absorb flavors well, so marinate them in the BBQ spice blend before cooking to infuse them with the same smoky and sweet flavors. You can also consider using cooked chickpeas or black beans as protein alternatives.

If you prefer a different type of rice or don’t have chilled rice on hand, you can use quinoa, cauliflower rice, or even cooked pasta as a substitute. These alternatives will change the texture slightly but will still work well with the BBQ seasoning and other ingredients. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly based on the substitute you choose.

To cater to different dietary preferences, you can swap the Japanese BBQ sauce for a homemade version using ingredients like soy sauce, honey or maple syrup, garlic, and ginger. This way, you can control the sweetness and flavor profile of the sauce to suit your taste preferences. Alternatively, you can use a store-bought BBQ sauce of your choice, adjusting the amount based on how tangy or sweet you want the dish to be.

Serving Suggestions

For a fun and creative twist on serving BBQ Chicken Fried Rice, try presenting it in individual serving bowls topped with a sunny-side-up fried egg. The runny yolk will add a creamy richness to each bite, complementing the smoky and sweet flavors of the dish. Garnish with a sprinkle of chopped green onions and a drizzle of extra Japanese BBQ sauce for a visually appealing and delicious meal.

To elevate the presentation even further, consider serving the BBQ Chicken Fried Rice in hollowed-out pineapple halves. Not only does this add a tropical flair to the dish, but the slight sweetness and juiciness of the pineapple will add a refreshing contrast to the savory flavors of the fried rice. It’s a perfect way to impress guests at a dinner party or simply add a touch of creativity to a weeknight meal.

FAQs for Delicious and Easy BBQ Chicken Fried Rice

Can I use a different type of rice for this recipe?

Absolutely! While the recipe suggests using chilled cooked rice, you can experiment with different types like jasmine or basmati rice for a different texture and flavor profile.

Can I make this dish vegetarian?

Yes, you can easily make this dish vegetarian by substituting the chicken with tofu or adding more vegetables like mushrooms, bell peppers, or zucchini. You can also consider using vegetarian BBQ sauce or a homemade sauce without any meat-based ingredients.

Can I make this dish gluten-free?

Yes, you can make this dish gluten-free by ensuring that all your ingredients, including the BBQ sauce and spice blends, are gluten-free. You can use tamari or coconut aminos instead of soy sauce for a gluten-free alternative.

How can I adjust the spice level of this dish?

If you prefer a spicier BBQ chicken fried rice, you can add cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the spice rub for the chicken. You can also customize the heat level by using a spicier BBQ sauce or adding chopped fresh chili peppers during cooking.

Conclusion

In conclusion, BBQ Chicken Fried Rice is a delightful fusion dish that is sure to impress your family and friends. The smoky, sweet flavors of the BBQ chicken paired with the Japanese BBQ sauce create a unique and mouthwatering experience with every bite. Whether you’re looking to spice up your weeknight dinners or impress guests with a flavorful homemade meal, this recipe is a winner.

Don’t be afraid to get creative with this dish – experiment with different BBQ spice blends, protein options, and vegetable additions to make it your own. Remember to plan ahead and use chilled rice for the perfect texture, and let the chicken develop a delicious sear for maximum flavor. With its versatility and delicious taste, BBQ Chicken Fried Rice is sure to become a regular favorite in your meal rotation. Give it a try and enjoy a taste of fusion cuisine at home!

Delicious and Easy BBQ Chicken Fried Rice

“Transform your dinner routine with this flavorful BBQ Chicken Fried Rice that combines smoky spices, sweet Japanese BBQ sauce, and fluffy rice in a single bite.”

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time10 Minutes

Cook Time10 Minutes

Total Time20 Minutes

CuisineAsian-American

Skill LevelEasy

Servings4 Servings (4 bowls)

Ingredients

For the BBQ chicken

• 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon dry mustard
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast, diced
• 1 tablespoon dark brown sugar

For the fried rice

• 2 tablespoons Japanese BBQ sauce
• 3 tablespoons olive oil, divided
• 2 large eggs
• 2 cups cooked rice, preferably chilled overnight

Instructions

1. Season the chicken: Combine brown sugar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, cumin, dry mustard, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Coat diced chicken with the seasoning mixture and allow it to sit at room temperature for 10-20 minutes.
2. Cook the chicken: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Add seasoned chicken in a single layer and cook without moving for 60-90 seconds to sear. Flip and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until cooked through.
3. Set chicken aside: Place the cooked chicken on a plate or in a bowl and set aside as you prepare the fried rice.
4. Start the rice: Pour the remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil into the skillet. Add the chilled cooked rice and stir to separate any clumps.
5. Add eggs to rice: Create a well in the center of the pan by pushing the rice to the sides. Crack the eggs into the well, scramble them, and mix with the rice.
6. Add sauce and caramelize: Drizzle Japanese BBQ sauce over ingredients and mix well. Cook for 30-60 seconds to caramelize sauce at the bottom of the pan.
7. Combine and serve: Remove the pan from the heat and return the cooked chicken. Mix well and serve hot.