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BBQ Chicken Fried Rice

Featured in Family Dinner Ideas.

Enjoy a smoky and savory fusion dish with BBQ-seasoned chicken and egg-fried rice, topped with tangy Japanese BBQ sauce. This delicious meal combines the bold flavors of smoked paprika, cumin, and garlic with tender chicken and perfectly caramelized rice. In just 20 minutes, you can create a hearty and flavorful dish that’s perfect for any dinner table or quick weekly meal, guaranteed to please the whole family.

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Fatiha
Updated on Fri, 06 Jun 2025 16:19:08 GMT
A plate of food with rice, eggs, and meat. Pin it
A plate of food with rice, eggs, and meat. | zestplate.com

This BBQ chicken fried rice transforms everyday ingredients into a flavor-packed meal that brings comfort food to a whole new level. My family requests this dish at least twice a month because it delivers all the satisfaction of takeout with ingredients we usually have on hand.

I created this recipe during a particularly busy week when I needed something quick that would still feel special. Now it's become our go-to solution for those nights when everyone is hungry and patience is running low.

Ingredients

  • Boneless skinless chicken breast: Provides lean protein and absorbs the BBQ flavors beautifully. Look for chicken that feels firm and has a pinkish color without any gray spots.
  • Dark brown sugar: Contains more molasses than light brown sugar which gives that authentic BBQ depth. Make sure it's fresh and not hardened for best results.
  • Smoked paprika: Adds that crucial smoky flavor that makes this dish special. The Spanish variety offers the richest taste profile.
  • Garlic powder: Infuses the chicken with aromatic flavor that distributes more evenly than fresh garlic would in this quick-cooking dish.
  • Ground cumin: Brings earthy warmth that complements the BBQ profile perfectly. Toast it briefly before using to enhance its flavor.
  • Dry mustard: Provides a subtle tang that balances the sweetness. Store in a cool dark place to maintain potency.
  • Day-old chilled rice: Creates the perfect texture for fried rice as it's drier and less likely to clump. Fresh rice often becomes mushy.
  • Japanese BBQ sauce: Also known as Tonkatsu sauce delivers complex sweet-tangy notes that regular BBQ sauce can't match. Worth seeking out at Asian markets or online.

How To Make BBQ Chicken Fried Rice

Prepare the seasoning blend:
Combine the brown sugar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, cumin, dry mustard, salt, and pepper in a bowl until thoroughly mixed. This homemade BBQ seasoning is what gives the chicken its distinctive flavor profile. Take time to break up any clumps in the brown sugar for even distribution.
Season the chicken:
Toss your diced chicken pieces in the seasoning mixture, ensuring each piece gets evenly coated. Allow the chicken to rest at room temperature for 10-20 minutes. This resting period is crucial as it allows the seasonings to penetrate the meat rather than just sitting on the surface.
Sear the chicken:
Heat your skillet until it's properly hot before adding the oil. This prevents the chicken from sticking and ensures a proper sear. Once you add the chicken, resist the urge to move it for at least 60 seconds. This patience develops that beautiful caramelized crust that adds depth to the dish.
Cook the rice:
Use the same skillet to capture all those flavorful bits left from cooking the chicken. When adding the cold rice, press down and break apart any clumps with your spatula. Cold rice separates more easily and creates that distinctive texture that makes great fried rice.
Create the egg well:
Push the rice firmly to the sides to create a proper well in the center of the pan. This technique allows the eggs to cook quickly without immediately disappearing into the rice. Scramble them until just set before incorporating with the rice.
Add the sauce:
Drizzle the Japanese BBQ sauce around the perimeter of the pan before stirring. This allows some of the sauce to hit the hot pan directly, caramelizing slightly and adding complexity to the flavor. Those slightly charred bits of sauce are gold.
Combine and serve:
When returning the chicken to the pan, fold it gently rather than stirring vigorously. This preserves the texture of both the chicken and rice while ensuring even distribution of all components.
A bowl of rice with chicken and vegetables. Pin it
A bowl of rice with chicken and vegetables. | zestplate.com

I discovered Japanese BBQ sauce during a cooking class years ago and it completely changed how I approach fusion dishes like this one. The bottle I brought home that day became the inspiration for countless family meals, but this fried rice remains our absolute favorite application for its complex flavor.

Perfectly Prepping Your Rice

The secret to exceptional fried rice lies in properly prepared rice. Cook your rice a day ahead using slightly less water than normal. After cooking, spread it on a baking sheet to cool completely before refrigerating uncovered for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight. This drying process allows each grain to firm up, preventing mushiness when stir-fried. If you're in a hurry, freshly cooked rice spread thinly and placed in the freezer for 15-20 minutes can approximate the texture of day-old rice.

Sauce Variations Worth Trying

While Japanese BBQ sauce gives this dish its signature flavor, you can create delicious variations with other sauces. Try Korean gochujang mixed with a touch of honey for a spicy-sweet profile, or combine hoisin sauce with a splash of rice vinegar for a more Chinese-inspired version. For a Filipino twist, use a tablespoon of banana ketchup mixed with soy sauce. Each variation creates an entirely new experience while maintaining the dish's quick-cooking appeal.

A bowl of food with chicken, peas and rice. Pin it
A bowl of food with chicken, peas and rice. | zestplate.com

Vegetable Add-Ins

This recipe creates a perfect base for incorporating vegetables. Frozen peas and carrots work beautifully when added during the rice cooking stage. For fresh vegetables, consider diced bell peppers, thinly sliced snow peas, or corn kernels. For greener options, stir in baby spinach or chopped bok choy during the final minute of cooking. The versatility of this dish makes it ideal for using whatever vegetables you have on hand.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I use leftover rice for this dish?

Yes, leftover rice works wonderfully for fried rice. Chilled, day-old rice is ideal as it prevents the dish from becoming mushy.

→ What can I substitute for Japanese BBQ sauce?

Hoisin sauce, teriyaki glaze, or even a homemade BBQ blend with soy sauce and honey can be great substitutes.

→ How do I ensure the chicken is flavorful?

Marinate the chicken with the spice blend for at least 10-20 minutes before cooking. This allows the flavors to penetrate the meat.

→ Can I make this dish vegetarian?

Absolutely! Replace the chicken with diced tofu or seitan, and adjust the seasoning for a vegetarian adaptation.

→ What’s the best way to achieve a crispy rice texture?

Use high heat while stir-frying the rice and avoid overcrowding the pan. Let the rice caramelize slightly before stirring.

BBQ Chicken Fried Rice Dish

Quick BBQ chicken with fried rice, eggs, and Japanese BBQ sauce. Ready in 20 minutes.

Prep Time
10 Minutes
Cook Time
10 Minutes
Total Time
20 Minutes
By: Fatiha

Category: Main Dishes

Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: Asian-American

Yield: 4 Servings

Dietary: Dairy-Free

Ingredients

→ For the BBQ chicken

01 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast, diced
02 1 tablespoon dark brown sugar
03 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
04 1 teaspoon garlic powder
05 1 teaspoon ground cumin
06 1 teaspoon dry mustard
07 1 teaspoon kosher salt
08 ½ teaspoon black pepper

→ For the fried rice

09 3 tablespoons olive oil, divided
10 2 cups cooked rice, preferably chilled overnight
11 2 large eggs
12 2 tablespoons Japanese BBQ sauce

Instructions

Step 01

Mix dark brown sugar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, ground cumin, dry mustard, kosher salt, and black pepper in a bowl. Toss the diced chicken with this seasoning blend and let it rest at room temperature for 10-20 minutes for best flavor.

Step 02

Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken in a single layer and cook for 60-90 seconds without moving it to achieve a sear. Flip and cook another 2-3 minutes until fully cooked through.

Step 03

Transfer the cooked chicken to a plate or bowl and set aside while preparing the fried rice.

Step 04

Add the remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil to the same skillet. Add the chilled cooked rice and stir to break up any clumps.

Step 05

Push the rice to the sides to create a well in the center of the pan. Crack the eggs into the well and scramble them. Mix the scrambled eggs into the rice.

Step 06

Pour the Japanese BBQ sauce over the rice and stir to combine. Cook for 30-60 seconds, allowing the sauce to caramelize slightly on the bottom of the pan.

Step 07

Turn off the heat and add the cooked chicken back to the pan. Toss everything together until well combined and serve immediately while hot.

Tools You'll Need

  • Large skillet
  • Mixing bowl
  • Spatula

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Eggs

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 450
  • Total Fat: 15 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 55 g
  • Protein: 25 g