Introducing our scrumptious BBQ Chicken Fried Rice, a dish that’s as comforting as it is exciting! Picture this: tender chicken seasoned to perfection, mixed with fluffy rice and a hint of smoky BBQ sauce, all coming together to create a symphony of flavors that dance on your tongue. It’s a quick and satisfying meal you’ll find yourself craving over and over again.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Bursting with Flavor: Every bite is packed with the savory and smoky taste of BBQ, making it irresistibly tasty.
- Quick and Easy: This recipe comes together in just 20 minutes, perfect for a busy weeknight dinner.
- Versatile Dish: You can customize it to suit your taste by adding your favorite veggies or spices.
- Crowd-Pleaser: Whether it’s for a family meal or a friendly gathering, this dish is sure to impress.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of BBQ Chicken Fried Rice lies in its simplicity. With a handful of essential ingredients, you can whip up a dish that’s flavorful and satisfying. Each element plays a crucial role in adding to the dish’s unique taste and appeal.
- Boneless Skinless Chicken Breast: Lean protein that absorbs all those wonderful BBQ seasonings.
- Dark Brown Sugar: Adds a touch of sweetness and aids in caramelization.
- Smoked Paprika: Infuses the dish with a robust smoky flavor that elevates the BBQ essence.
- Cooked Rice: Ideally chilled overnight to achieve the perfect texture for fried rice.
- Japanese BBQ Sauce: The star of the dish that ties all the flavors together with its sweet and tangy notes.
Variations
Don’t hesitate to make this BBQ Chicken Fried Rice your own! This recipe is incredibly adaptable, allowing you to tweak it based on what’s on hand or your dietary needs.
- Vegetarian Twist: Swap chicken for tofu or tempeh for a meat-free version that’s just as delicious.
- Spicy Kick: Add a dash of chili flakes or hot sauce to the BBQ mixture for those who love a bit of heat.
- Extra Veggies: Toss in some bell peppers or snap peas for additional crunch and color.
How to Make BBQ Chicken Fried Rice
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Start by mixing your BBQ seasoning blend and tossing it with the diced chicken breast. Allow the chicken to absorb those bold flavors by resting it at room temperature for about 10-20 minutes. This resting period really helps in enhancing the depth of the flavor profile.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
Heat some olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the seasoned chicken, ensuring an even layer for consistent cooking. Let it brown for about 60-90 seconds, then flip and complete the cooking for another 2-3 minutes. This technique seals in juices and maximizes flavor.
Step 3: Fry the Rice
Add the remaining olive oil to the skillet, then carefully introduce the cooked rice. Create a well in the center and add the eggs, scrambling them in the center before combining them with the rice, ensuring every grain is coated and flavorful.
Step 4: Combine Ingredients
Add the magical Japanese BBQ sauce and stir everything together for another 30-60 seconds, allowing the sauce to caramelize slightly. Finally, reintroduce the cooked chicken, toss to combine, and serve immediately for the best flavor experience.
Pro Tips for Making BBQ Chicken Fried Rice
- Rice Preparation: Make sure to use rice that’s been cooked and chilled overnight for the best texture; this prevents the rice from becoming mushy.
- Perfect Chicken Browning: Give the chicken space in the skillet to ensure it browns perfectly, enhancing the smoky BBQ flavor.
- Egg Scrambling: Scramble the eggs separately in the rice’s center to distribute them evenly without altering their texture.
- BBQ Sauce Timing: Add the BBQ sauce last to allow all ingredients to absorb its rich flavor; this is key to the dish’s delightful caramelized finish.
How to Serve BBQ Chicken Fried Rice
Garnishes
Top your plate with freshly chopped green onions for a pop of color and an extra layer of flavor. A sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds also adds a lovely crunch that complements the softness of the rice.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs beautifully with a light Asian slaw or a simple side salad to add some freshness and balance to the meal. For those extra hungry diners, consider serving with egg rolls or spring rolls.
Creative Ways to Present
For an eye-catching presentation, serve the BBQ Chicken Fried Rice in a hollowed-out pineapple half or on a large platter garnished with fresh herbs. This not only adds beauty but also enhances the tropical, vibrant feel of the dish.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The flavors might even meld further, making for an even tastier dish the next day!
Freezing
If you plan on freezing, let the fried rice cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe bag or container. It can be kept in the freezer for up to two months—perfect for those busy nights when cooking from scratch isn’t an option.
Reheating
When reheating, ensure you add a splash of water or chicken broth to prevent the rice from drying out. Heat on a stovetop over medium heat or microwave in short intervals, stirring occasionally.
FAQs
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Can I use leftover chicken for this recipe?
Yes, using leftover cooked chicken can save time. Simply stir it in towards the end of cooking and ensure it’s coated well with the BBQ sauce.
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What’s the best rice to use for fried rice?
Long-grain rice like jasmine or basmati works best due to its sturdy texture, which prevents it from becoming too sticky during frying.
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Can I make this dish spicier?
Absolutely! Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce to the BBQ sauce for an extra kick.
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Is there a vegetarian version of this dish?
Yes, substitute the chicken with tofu, tempeh, or your favorite vegetable protein alternative to make a delicious vegetarian version.
Final Thoughts
I hope you’re as excited to try BBQ Chicken Fried Rice as I am to share it! This dish is perfect for quick dinners or special occasions, offering comfort and flavor in every bite. Dive in and let me know how much you loved it!
Print
BBQ Chicken Fried Rice Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian Fusion
Description
This flavorful BBQ Chicken Fried Rice combines juicy, seasoned chicken with fluffy rice and a tangy Japanese BBQ sauce for a delicious and quick meal. Perfect for weeknights, it balances smoky spices with the comfort of fried rice, making it a crowd-pleaser and easy to prepare in under 30 minutes.
Ingredients
For the BBQ Chicken
- 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
For the Fried Rice
- 3 Tablespoons (48g) Olive Oil, divided
- 2 cups Cooked Rice, ideally chilled overnight
- 2 large Eggs
- 2 Tablespoons (38g) Japanese BBQ Sauce
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Mix the BBQ seasoning blend (brown sugar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, cumin, dry mustard, salt, and black pepper) together and toss with the diced chicken. Let the seasoned chicken rest at room temperature for 10-20 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat 1 tablespoon (16g) of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the seasoned chicken in an even layer. Cook for 60-90 seconds until it begins to brown, then flip and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until fully cooked. Transfer the chicken to a plate and set aside.
- Cook the Rice and Eggs: Add the remaining 2 tablespoons (32g) of olive oil to the skillet. Carefully add the cooked rice and spread it out. Create a well in the center of the rice and crack the eggs into it. Scramble the eggs in the well until just set, then stir them into the rice, breaking them apart.
- Add the BBQ Sauce: Pour the Japanese BBQ sauce over the rice and stir to combine. Cook for an additional 30-60 seconds until the sauce starts to caramelize and coat the rice evenly.
- Combine and Serve: Turn off the heat, add the cooked chicken back into the skillet, and toss everything together to combine thoroughly. Serve immediately while hot.
Notes
- For extra flavor, garnish with chopped green onions or sesame seeds.
- Using chilled rice helps prevent clumping and gives the fried rice a better texture.
- You can substitute the Japanese BBQ sauce with your favorite barbecue sauce or hoisin sauce for different flavor variations.
- Ensure the chicken is cooked through to a safe internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- This recipe can be made gluten-free by using gluten-free soy sauce or tamari instead of regular soy sauce.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 390 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 550 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 2.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13.5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 49 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 20 g
- Cholesterol: 110 mg
