Unforgettable BBQ Chicken Fried Rice in Just 20 Minutes

Name: Unforgettable BBQ Chicken Fried Rice in Just 20 Minutes
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
Ingredients: 1 pound Boneless Skinless Chicken Breast, diced; 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

by Jannet Lisa

3 de July de 2025

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BBQ Chicken Fried Rice is what happens when my two greatest food loves collide! I grew up on my dad’s award-winning BBQ, and, like any kid, I was obsessed with fried rice. One day, staring at leftover BBQ chicken, inspiration struck: why not combine them? The result? A flavor explosion! Imagine tender, smoky BBQ seasoned chicken pieces mingling with perfectly cooked rice, all coated in a tangy-sweet Japanese BBQ sauce. The aroma alone is enough to make your mouth water, and the taste? Unforgettable. This isn’t just dinner; it’s an adventure. So if you’re looking for a quick and easy meal that’s bursting with flavor, this BBQ flavored chicken and rice is your answer. Trust me, you’ve got to try this easy BBQ chicken fried rice. Let’s get cooking.

Why You’ll Love This BBQ Chicken Fried Rice

Seriously, the flavor! This isn’t your average fried rice. The smoky BBQ seasoning on the chicken combined with the tangy Japanese BBQ sauce? It’s a flavor party in your mouth!
Hello, quick dinner! This whole meal comes together in just about 20 minutes. Perfect for those crazy weeknights when you need something fast and delicious.
One pan, people! That means easy cleanup. I’m all about minimizing dishes, and this recipe lets you do just that.
Get creative! This recipe is super customizable. Throw in your favorite veggies – peas, carrots, bell peppers – whatever you’re craving!
Even picky eaters will love it! This is a family-friendly dish that everyone can agree on. Trust me, even the kids will be asking for seconds of this BBQ chicken and rice dish.
Need a lunch for tomorrow? This homemade chicken and rice recipe is great for meal prepping. Just pack it up and you’re good to go!

Ingredients for BBQ Chicken Fried Rice

1 pound Boneless Skinless Chicken Breast, diced: The star of our dish! Dicing it ensures it cooks quickly and evenly, soaking up all that delicious BBQ flavor.
1 Tablespoon (12g) Dark Brown Sugar: This adds a touch of sweetness and helps the BBQ seasoning caramelize beautifully on the chicken.
1 Tablespoon Smoked Paprika: For that authentic smoky BBQ taste, you can’t skip this!
1 teaspoon Garlic Powder: Because everything’s better with garlic, right?
1 teaspoon Ground Cumin: This adds a warm, earthy note that complements the BBQ flavors perfectly.
1 teaspoon Dry Mustard: A little tang and zing to balance the sweetness.
1 teaspoon Kosher Salt: To enhance all the other flavors.
½ teaspoon Black Pepper: A little kick!
3 Tablespoons (48g) Olive Oil, divided: We’ll use this to cook both the chicken and the fried rice. I prefer olive oil, but any neutral oil works.
2 cups Cooked Rice, ideally chilled overnight: Chilled rice is key for perfect fried rice! It prevents it from getting mushy. Day-old rice is your best bet.
2 large Eggs: These add richness and help bind everything together.
2 Tablespoons (38g) Japanese BBQ Sauce: This is what takes our BBQ chicken and rice over the top! I love Bachan’s, but if you can’t find it, mix your favorite BBQ sauce with a splash of soy sauce and a tiny bit of sesame oil.

How to Make BBQ Chicken Fried Rice

Step 1: In a bowl, combine the dark brown sugar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, ground cumin, dry mustard, kosher salt, and black pepper. Toss this glorious BBQ seasoning blend with the diced chicken breast.
Step 2: This is key: let the chicken rest at room temperature with the seasoning for about 10-20 minutes. It allows the flavors to really meld together. Trust me, you don’t want to skip this step!
Step 3: Place a large skillet (cast iron is my favorite!) over medium-high heat and add 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Let the oil heat up until it shimmers – that’s how you know it’s ready!
Step 4: Add the seasoned chicken to the hot skillet in a single layer. Don’t overcrowd the pan, or the chicken will steam instead of sear. Cook for 60-90 seconds without moving it, allowing it to get a nice, browned crust. Then, flip and cook for another 2-3 minutes, until the chicken is cooked through.
Step 5: Transfer the cooked BBQ chicken to a plate or bowl and set aside. We’ll add it back in later!
Step 6: Add the remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil to the skillet.
Step 7: Carefully add the cooked rice to the skillet. Make sure it’s chilled – this helps it stay separate and prevents it from getting mushy.
Step 8: Now, push the rice to the sides of the pan to create a well in the center. Crack the 2 large eggs into the well.
Step 9: Scramble the eggs right there in the center of the pan until they’re just cooked, then break them apart and mix them into the rice.
Step 10: Add the Japanese BBQ sauce. Oh, that smell!
Step 11: Stir everything together, making sure the rice and chicken are evenly coated in that delicious BBQ sauce. Cook for another 30-60 seconds, until the sauce begins to caramelize on the bottom of the pan. You’ll know it’s ready when it starts to get a little sticky and fragrant.
Step 12: Turn off the heat and add the cooked BBQ chicken back to the pan.
Step 13: Toss everything together one last time, and serve immediately! This homemade chicken and rice is best enjoyed hot!

Pro Tips for the Best BBQ Chicken Fried Rice

Want to take your homemade chicken and rice to the next level? Here are a few of my go-to tricks:

Day-old rice is your best friend! It has less moisture, which means it’ll fry up beautifully without getting mushy. Trust me on this one.
Don’t be shy with the BBQ seasoning! Really coat that chicken for maximum flavor. I sometimes even add a little extra smoked paprika for an extra kick.
High heat is key! You want that rice to get a little crispy and the sauce to caramelize. Just be sure to keep things moving so nothing burns.

BBQ Chicken Fried Rice - detail 2

What’s the secret to perfect BBQ Chicken Fried Rice?

Okay, here’s a chef-level trick: Use day-old, *slightly* dried-out rice. Spread it out on a baking sheet for about an hour before you start cooking. This removes even more moisture and guarantees perfectly crisp, separate grains. You’ll thank me later!

Can I make BBQ Chicken Fried Rice ahead of time?

Absolutely! If you’re meal prepping, cook the chicken and rice separately. Store them in airtight containers in the fridge. When you’re ready to eat, just heat up a skillet, add a little oil, and toss everything together with the BBQ sauce. It’s almost as good as fresh!

How do I avoid common mistakes with BBQ Chicken Fried Rice?

The biggest mistake I see people make is overcrowding the pan. This lowers the temperature and causes the rice to steam instead of fry. Cook in batches if you need to! Also, don’t be afraid of the heat, but keep things moving to prevent burning. A little char is good, but burnt is not!

Best Ways to Serve BBQ Chicken Fried Rice

Okay, so you’ve made this amazing BBQ chicken fried rice – now what? I love to pile it high in a bowl and garnish with some fresh green onions or a sprinkle of sesame seeds. For a complete meal, serve it alongside a simple green salad or some steamed broccoli. This easy BBQ chicken fried rice is seriously perfect for a quick and satisfying lunch or dinner. And if you’re feeling extra fancy, you can even try pairing it with my spicy sesame noodles for a flavor explosion!

Nutrition Facts for BBQ Chicken Fried Rice

Alright, let’s talk numbers! Here’s what you’re looking at, approximately, per serving of this awesome BBQ chicken and rice dish:

Serving Size: about 9 oz (that’s a generous bowlful!)
Calories: 485
Fat: 14g
Protein: 34g (hello, muscle fuel!)
Carbohydrates: 53g

Now, a little disclaimer: these are estimates only, folks! The exact nutrition will depend on the specific brands and ingredients you use. But hey, at least you have a general idea of what you’re getting with this homemade chicken and rice. Enjoy!

How to Store and Reheat BBQ Chicken Fried Rice

Alright, so you’ve got some leftover BBQ chicken fried rice – lucky you! To keep it fresh, let it cool completely before storing. I usually portion it out into individual airtight containers – those are the best! It’ll keep in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. For longer storage, you can freeze it for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, you can reheat it in a skillet with a little oil over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. Or, if you’re in a hurry, the microwave works just fine! Just be sure to cover it to prevent splattering. This easy BBQ chicken fried rice reheats like a dream!

Frequently Asked Questions About BBQ Chicken Fried Rice

Can I use different types of rice?

Definitely! While I recommend chilled, day-old white rice for the best texture in this easy BBQ chicken fried rice, you can experiment. But keep in mind that different types of rice will yield slightly different results.

What is the best rice for fried rice? Long-grain white rice, like jasmine or basmati, works great because it stays separate and doesn’t get mushy.
Can I use brown rice? Sure! Brown rice will give your BBQ chicken and rice a nuttier flavor and chewier texture. Just be sure to cook it a day ahead and chill it thoroughly, just like with white rice.

What other vegetables can I add?

The possibilities are endless! This homemade chicken and rice is a blank canvas for your favorite veggies. I usually raid my fridge and throw in whatever I have on hand.

Can I add frozen vegetables? Absolutely! Frozen peas, carrots, and corn are super convenient. Just toss them in towards the end of cooking.
What about bell peppers or onions? Those are great additions! Dice them up and sauté them in the skillet before adding the rice.

Can I use a different type of BBQ sauce?

Of course! While I love the tangy-sweetness of Japanese BBQ sauce in this chicken fried rice recipe, feel free to use your favorite BBQ sauce. Experiment and see what you like best!

What if I want a spicier version? Mix in a little sriracha, chili garlic sauce, or red pepper flakes for some heat!
Can I make my own BBQ sauce? Absolutely! Homemade BBQ sauce is amazing. There are tons of recipes online, so find one that suits your taste.

Variations of BBQ Chicken Fried Rice You Can Try

Want to mix things up? This homemade chicken and rice recipe is so versatile! Here are a few delicious variations to try:

Spicy BBQ Chicken Fried Rice: Craving some heat? Stir in a tablespoon or two of sriracha or a pinch of red pepper flakes for a fiery kick! You can even use a spicy BBQ sauce to start.
Vegetarian BBQ Chicken Fried Rice: Swap out the chicken for some firm tofu! Press the tofu to remove excess water, then cube it and toss it with the BBQ seasoning. It’s a great way to enjoy this BBQ flavored chicken and rice, but meat-free.
Grilled BBQ Chicken Fried Rice: Fire up the grill! Grill the chicken until it’s cooked through and slightly charred, then dice it and add it to the fried rice. The smoky flavor from the grill takes this easy BBQ chicken fried rice to a whole new level!