Name: BBQ Chicken Fried Rice Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Asian
Ingredients: 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; 1 pound Boneless Skinless Chicken Breast, diced; 3 Tablespoons (48g) Olive Oil, divided; 2 cups Cooked Rice, ideally chilled overnight; 2 large Eggs; 2 Tablespoons (38g) Japanese BBQ Sauce*

Jump to Recipe

If you’re in the mood for a fast, flavor-packed meal that brings together smoky, saucy goodness with nutty, golden rice, this BBQ Chicken Fried Rice is about to become your new weeknight obsession. With tender bites of chicken coated in a homemade BBQ rub, deeply savory Japanese BBQ sauce, and quick-fried rice tossed with eggs, every bite layers sweet, spicy, and umami pops. There’s just something irresistible about the combo of familiar BBQ flavors with the comforting crispiness of fried rice, and best of all, it comes together in one pan in under 30 minutes!

BBQ Chicken Fried Rice Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

You’ll be amazed at how a handful of humble pantry staples can create such a showstopper. Each ingredient in BBQ Chicken Fried Rice is purposefully chosen to deliver layers of bold flavor, brightness, or that iconic fried rice texture. Don’t skip the overnight chilled rice—it’s the secret to achieving those irresistible golden bits!

Boneless Skinless Chicken Breast: Diced for perfectly tender, bite-sized pieces that soak up the BBQ spices.
Dark Brown Sugar: Adds a lovely caramelized sweetness that plays up the BBQ flair.
Smoked Paprika: Infuses a smoky depth, echoing the flavors of outdoor barbecues.
Garlic Powder: Builds up the savory base and pairs beautifully with the chicken and sauce.
Ground Cumin: Lends warm, earthy notes that complement the BBQ seasoning.
Dry Mustard: Adds a subtle tang and sharpness to cut through the richness.
Kosher Salt: Essential for seasoning both the meat and the rice itself.
Black Pepper: Finishes the spice blend with a sharp, peppery bite.
Olive Oil: Used in stages for browning the chicken and crisping the rice to perfection.
Cooked Rice (chilled): Day-old rice fries up fluffy and never soggy, absolutely key for fried rice texture.
Large Eggs: Scrambled in the pan—they add creamy richness and classic fried rice flair.
Japanese BBQ Sauce: Brings umami, sweetness, and that sticky, glossy BBQ finish.

How to Make BBQ Chicken Fried Rice

Step 1: Season and Rest the Chicken

Start by tossing your diced chicken breast with the homemade BBQ spice mix: brown sugar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, cumin, dry mustard, salt, and pepper. Giving the chicken 10-20 minutes to rest at room temperature lets the spices fully penetrate, ensuring deep flavor in every bite. Trust me, this simple step sets your BBQ Chicken Fried Rice apart from the rest!

Step 2: Sear the Chicken

Heat a large skillet over medium-high and swirl in one tablespoon of olive oil. Spread the seasoned chicken in an even layer and let it cook undisturbed for a minute or so to encourage browning. Flip and cook for another couple of minutes until the pieces are cooked through and slightly caramelized, then set aside—those golden edges are flavor magic!

Step 3: Fry the Rice

Add the rest of the olive oil to your pan and immediately toss in the chilled cooked rice. Stir and gently press it into the pan to encourage toasting. Chilled rice separates beautifully and absorbs flavors while staying gloriously fluffy. Fry for a few minutes, until some grains get a hint of crispiness.

Step 4: Scramble in the Eggs

Push the rice to the sides of the skillet, making a well in the center. Crack in your eggs and scramble right into the pan. Once mostly set, break them up and fold into the rice—this creates creamy, tender pockets throughout your BBQ Chicken Fried Rice.

Step 5: Add BBQ Sauce and Caramelize

Drizzle the Japanese BBQ sauce over the rice and give everything a thorough stir. Cook for a minute more, letting the sauce bubble and caramelize on the bottom of the pan. This is where the rice picks up those sticky, glossy bits that make this dish so special.

Step 6: Finish with Chicken and Serve

Turn off the heat and return the seared chicken to the pan. Toss until everything is combined and gleaming with BBQ saucy goodness. Your kitchen will smell absolutely incredible—serve immediately and dig in!

How to Serve BBQ Chicken Fried Rice

Garnishes

Finish your BBQ Chicken Fried Rice with a flurry of sliced green onions, a sprinkle of sesame seeds, or a light drizzle of extra Japanese BBQ sauce. If you like a little heat, scatter some thinly sliced fresh chilies or a dusting of chili flakes. The garnishes don’t just look gorgeous—they add color and extra bursts of flavor with every bite.

Side Dishes

Balance the sweet-savory richness of this fried rice with simple, crunchy sides. Think quick-pickled cucumbers, a vinegary cabbage slaw, or steamed broccoli. These add a refreshing crunch and a fresh contrast that turns your BBQ Chicken Fried Rice into a full, satisfying dinner.

Creative Ways to Present

Spoon BBQ Chicken Fried Rice into lettuce cups for a party-ready twist, or serve it in a big platter family-style at your next backyard cookout. For extra wow, shape the rice in a small bowl or ring mold before flipping onto plates—restaurant style! Let everyone customize their own bowls with extra toppings.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors meld beautifully overnight, making next-day BBQ Chicken Fried Rice just as crave-worthy for lunch or dinner.

Freezing

This dish freezes surprisingly well! Portion cooled fried rice into freezer-safe bags or containers and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating to keep everything moist and delicious.

Reheating

To bring back the best texture, reheat BBQ Chicken Fried Rice in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or extra BBQ sauce if it seems dry. The rice regains its fluffiness and the chicken stays juicy—microwave as a quick backup, but the stovetop yields the tastiest results.

FAQs

Can I use leftover cooked chicken instead of fresh chicken?

Absolutely! Leftover grilled or rotisserie chicken works great—just toss it with the spice blend and quickly warm it in the pan before stirring into the rice. This shortcut makes BBQ Chicken Fried Rice even faster for busy nights.

Is Japanese BBQ sauce the same as American BBQ sauce?

No, Japanese BBQ sauce (like Bachan’s) is typically lighter, less smoky, and more umami-forward compared to the sweet and sticky American versions. Either works in a pinch, but the Japanese sauce brings unique depth and sweetness that sets this fried rice apart!

What kind of rice should I use?

For the best texture, use day-old, chilled white rice—jasmine or medium-grain both work beautifully. Freshly cooked rice tends to be too moist and can make the fried rice mushy, so plan just a bit ahead for optimal results.

Can I add vegetables to this BBQ Chicken Fried Rice?

Of course! Stir in quick-cooking veggies like peas, corn, bell pepper, or even chopped kale right after the eggs scramble. It’s a great way to add color, crunch, and some extra nutrition to your meal.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

It can be! Just be sure to use a gluten-free BBQ sauce and double-check that your dry spice ingredients aren’t processed with any gluten-containing additives. The rest of the recipe is naturally gluten-free.

Final Thoughts

This BBQ Chicken Fried Rice packs so much flavor and fun into every forkful—it’s guaranteed to perk up your dinner routine. Whether you’re feeding a hungry crew or just tackling leftovers, you’ll be thrilled at how quickly this colorful, satisfying meal comes together. Give it a try and make it your own—you just might find yourself cooking up extra rice on purpose!

BBQ Chicken Fried Rice Recipe

★★★★★

5.1 from 25 reviews

Author: anna
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

BBQ Chicken Fried Rice is a delicious twist on traditional fried rice, featuring tender chicken breast seasoned with a flavorful BBQ blend, mixed with cooked rice, eggs, and Japanese BBQ sauce. This quick and easy dish is perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner.

Instructions

Mix the BBQ seasoning blend together: Toss with the diced chicken breast and let it rest at room temperature for 10-20 minutes.
Cook the chicken: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet. Cook the seasoned chicken until browned and fully cooked. Set aside.
Cook the rice: Add remaining olive oil to the skillet, then add the cooked rice. Create a well in the center and add eggs. Scramble and mix into the rice.
Add BBQ sauce: Stir in the BBQ sauce and cook until caramelized.
Combine: Add chicken back to the pan, toss everything together, and serve hot.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Category: Main Dish
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: Asian