BBQ Chicken Fried Rice Recipe
If you’re craving a weeknight dinner that feels like a party on a plate, look no further than BBQ Chicken Fried Rice. This dish combines everything you love about classic fried rice with sweet, smoky barbecue flavors and tender bites of chicken. Each forkful gives you a little taste of crispy rice, savory eggs, pops of veggies, and that irresistible BBQ sauce drizzle—making this meal both comforting and downright exciting to eat.
Ingredients You’ll Need
You’ll be amazed at how such simple, everyday ingredients can come together for a dish that’s big on bold flavors and dynamic textures. Every element adds its own character: savory, sweet, or a little crunch. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Cooked and chilled rice (2 cups): Day-old rice is perfect since it fries up crisp and doesn’t get mushy—ideal for BBQ Chicken Fried Rice.
- Cooked chicken (1½ cups): Shredded or chopped chicken is great for soaking up that smoky barbecue flavor; leftovers work beautifully.
- Barbecue sauce (½ cup): The star of the show! Use your favorite kind for sweetness and tang or go smoky for a twist.
- Soy sauce (2 tablespoons): Adds savory depth and balances the BBQ sauce’s sweetness.
- Sesame oil or vegetable oil (1 tablespoon): Sesame oil adds a lovely nuttiness, but any neutral oil gets the job done if you prefer.
- Eggs (2, lightly beaten): These give the rice a rich, satisfying texture and boost the protein.
- Frozen peas and carrots (1 cup, thawed): A colorful, crunchy way to work in extra veggies; no chopping required.
- Green onions (3, sliced): Their fresh, zippy flavor wakes up the whole dish.
- Garlic (2 cloves, minced): A quick sauté is all it takes to infuse aromatic depth.
- Salt and pepper: Season to taste and watch the flavors pop.
- Optional toppings: Chopped cilantro, extra BBQ sauce drizzle: For that perfect pop of color and extra saucy finish.
How to Make BBQ Chicken Fried Rice
Step 1: Sauté Aromatics
Start by heating your sesame oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Once it’s shimmery, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds. The garlic should smell mouthwatering but not browned. This step builds the base flavor for the BBQ Chicken Fried Rice—a little savory, a little nutty, and totally aromatic.
Step 2: Cook the Eggs
Push the garlicky goodness over to one side of the pan. Pour the lightly beaten eggs onto the empty space and let them sit undisturbed for a moment, then gently scramble until just set. Mix the eggs together with the garlic for a silky, aromatic mixture that will get folded throughout every bite of rice.
Step 3: Add Veggies
Now stir in your peas and carrots, and toss everything together for about two minutes. This quick cooking keeps the vegetables vibrant and slightly crispy, which makes the BBQ Chicken Fried Rice feel fresh and colorful.
Step 4: Incorporate the Rice
Add the chilled, day-old rice, breaking up any clumps as you go. Give it a good stir, letting the rice soak up the flavors and heat through. Cook for three to four minutes to allow the grains to firm up and develop just a touch of crunch.
Step 5: Add Chicken and Sauces
Now it’s time for the magic. Stir in the cooked chicken, barbecue sauce, and soy sauce, tossing everything until the rice and chicken are coated in that beautiful, glossy sauce. Let the mixture cook for another two or three minutes, stirring occasionally, so the BBQ Chicken Fried Rice becomes evenly delicious, and the edges get slightly crispy—the best part!
Step 6: Season and Serve
Taste and season your fried rice with salt and pepper as needed. Finish with green onions and, if desired, a handful of chopped cilantro or an extra drizzle of BBQ sauce. Serve it up hot and watch everyone come running to the table.
How to Serve BBQ Chicken Fried Rice
Garnishes
Green onions add a fresh, gentle zing, while chopped cilantro brings in a burst of color and herby brightness. Don’t forget to drizzle a touch more BBQ sauce over the top—especially if you love things extra saucy. Each of these garnishes adds layered flavor and elevates the presentation of your BBQ Chicken Fried Rice.
Side Dishes
Pair this dish with simple cucumber salad or a plate of steamed edamame for a cool, refreshing contrast. A light slaw dressed with vinegar or a handful of crispy wontons also make tasty, crunchy sides that complement the BBQ Chicken Fried Rice’s comforting flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
Spoon the fried rice into a hollowed-out pineapple half for a wow-worthy meal, or scoop individual servings into lettuce cups for a fun, hands-on twist. For meal prep, pack it into colorful lunchboxes and sprinkle with sesame seeds for a cheerful midday pick-me-up.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, transfer any remaining BBQ Chicken Fried Rice to an airtight container. It will keep well in the refrigerator for up to three days, making it perfect for quick lunches or weeknight dinners without any fuss.
Freezing
Fried rice freezes surprisingly well! Portion the BBQ Chicken Fried Rice into freezer-safe bags or containers, removing as much air as possible. Label and freeze for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for best results.
Reheating
To bring leftovers back to life, simply pop the rice into a hot skillet with a splash of water or an extra drizzle of BBQ sauce. Stir frequently to prevent sticking and heat until steaming hot. You can also reheat in the microwave, but a skillet helps recapture that crispy finish.
FAQs
Can I use another protein instead of chicken?
Absolutely! Leftover turkey, pulled pork, tofu, or even shrimp all work well in this recipe and let you tailor the BBQ Chicken Fried Rice to what you have on hand.
What kind of rice works best?
Long-grain white rice is the classic choice, but jasmine or brown rice hold up beautifully and bring a slightly different texture. Just make sure the rice is chilled and day-old for the best fried rice results.
Is there a gluten-free option?
Yes! Swap out the soy sauce for tamari or coconut aminos and double-check your barbecue sauce label for gluten-free certification. The rest of the BBQ Chicken Fried Rice is naturally gluten-free.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Most definitely. Use a plant-based BBQ sauce, replace the chicken with extra-firm tofu or more veggies, and keep those scrambled eggs if you like. The BBQ Chicken Fried Rice will still be packed with flavor.
How can I make the dish spicier?
For heat lovers, toss in a diced jalapeño or a squeeze of sriracha when adding the sauces. You could also use a spicy BBQ sauce or top your BBQ Chicken Fried Rice with chili flakes for an extra kick.
Final Thoughts
If you’re searching for a meal that’s quick, exciting, and full of flavor, give BBQ Chicken Fried Rice a try. It’s a delightful twist on takeout-style fried rice that the whole family will love—and you might just find yourself making it on repeat!
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BBQ Chicken Fried Rice Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This BBQ Chicken Fried Rice is a delicious fusion dish that combines the flavors of BBQ chicken with classic fried rice. It’s a perfect way to use up leftover chicken and create a flavorful meal in just minutes.
Ingredients
Rice:
- 2 cups cooked and chilled rice (preferably day-old)
Chicken:
- 1½ cups cooked chicken (shredded or chopped)
Sauce:
- ½ cup barbecue sauce
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil or vegetable oil
Additional:
- 2 eggs (lightly beaten)
- 1 cup frozen peas and carrots (thawed)
- 3 green onions (sliced)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional toppings: chopped cilantro, extra BBQ sauce drizzle
Instructions
- Heat sesame oil: In a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat, add sesame oil. Sauté garlic for 30 seconds.
- Add eggs and vegetables: Push garlic to the side, pour in beaten eggs. Scramble, then mix with garlic. Add peas, carrots, and cook for 2 minutes.
- Stir in rice: Add rice, breaking up clumps. Cook for 3–4 minutes.
- Add chicken and sauces: Stir in cooked chicken, BBQ sauce, and soy sauce. Season with salt and pepper. Cook for 2–3 minutes.
- Finish and serve: Remove from heat, top with green onions, cilantro, or extra sauce.
Notes
- For a smoky twist, use smoked chicken or chipotle BBQ sauce.
- You can swap rice for cauliflower rice for a low-carb version.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Fusion, American-Asian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1½ cups
- Calories: 390
- Sugar: 11 g
- Sodium: 720 mg
- Fat: 13 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 43 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 24 g
- Cholesterol: 125 mg
