If you’re looking for a celebratory fusion of sweet, smoky, and savory flavors that’s weeknight-easy but party-worthy, this BBQ Chicken Fried Rice Recipe is about to become your go-to dish. Imagine classic fried rice tossed with juicy chicken, a kiss of barbecue sauce, and just the right crunch of veggies — all coming together in one hot skillet. It’s the perfect solution for leftover chicken, and a total flavor bomb you can whip up in less than 30 minutes. Get those taste buds ready for a memorable mashup!
Ingredients You’ll Need
With just a handful of everyday ingredients, this BBQ Chicken Fried Rice Recipe pulls together vibrant colors, satisfying texture, and seriously crave-worthy taste. Here’s what you’ll need (plus a few chef tricks for getting it just right!):
- Vegetable oil: Neutral and light, it lets the flavors shine and gives the rice that signature glossy finish.
- Large eggs (lightly beaten): The scrambled eggs add rich bites and extra protein, and they soak up all those mouthwatering flavors.
- Cooked chicken breast or thighs (chopped or shredded): Tender, juicy chicken is the star — rotisserie or BBQ grilled chicken takes it even higher.
- Cold cooked rice (preferably day-old): Using cold rice means every grain fries up perfectly and you’ll never get mushy results.
- Frozen mixed vegetables (carrots, peas, corn): Colorful veggies add sweetness, pop, and a lovely medley of textures.
- Green onions (sliced): These pack a mild onion punch and a wonderful fresh crunch in every bite.
- Garlic (minced): Infuses the fried rice with that irresistible aroma and deep flavor base.
- Barbecue sauce: The smoky-sweet soul of this BBQ Chicken Fried Rice Recipe — feel free to use your favorite brand or style.
- Soy sauce: A little splash balances the sweetness and adds that essential umami undertone.
- Black pepper: Freshly cracked is best for a subtle, peppery heat.
- Extra green onions or sesame seeds for garnish: Optional, but they make the final dish look as good as it tastes!
How to Make BBQ Chicken Fried Rice Recipe
Step 1: Scramble the Eggs
Begin by heating one tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium heat. Pour in the lightly beaten eggs and gently scramble them until they’re just cooked and still a little glossy. Slide them out onto a plate and set aside — this keeps them tender and lets you add them back in at the very end for luscious texture.
Step 2: Sauté the Garlic and Prep the Chicken
Add the remaining tablespoon of oil to your skillet. Toss in the minced garlic and let it sizzle for about 30 seconds, just until fragrant (your kitchen will smell amazing!). Stir in the chopped or shredded chicken and cook for another minute or two, allowing it to pick up the garlicky goodness and heat through.
Step 3: Stir-Fry the Rice and Veggies
Now comes the superstar move: add your cold, cooked rice directly to the pan along with the frozen mixed vegetables. Use a spatula to gently break up any rice clumps, and keep everything moving. After 3–4 minutes, the veggies should be vibrant, the rice perfectly separated, and the whole mix piping hot.
Step 4: Sauce It Up
Drizzle in your barbecue sauce, soy sauce, and the black pepper, giving everything a robust toss. This is the flavor jackpot for your BBQ Chicken Fried Rice Recipe — every bite will be glossy, caramelized, and loaded with that sweet, savory BBQ flair. Make sure every grain and veggie is coated in this luscious sauce.
Step 5: Bring It All Together
Finally, slide the cooked scrambled eggs right back into the skillet. Toss the whole mixture for another minute or two until everything is fully combined and heated through. Take it off the heat to keep the eggs tender, and you’re ready to plate up!
How to Serve BBQ Chicken Fried Rice Recipe
Garnishes
For the perfect finishing touch, sprinkle extra sliced green onions or a few sesame seeds over the top. Not only do they add a splash of fresh color, but they also deliver extra crunch and a pretty, professional look that makes this BBQ Chicken Fried Rice Recipe shine.
Side Dishes
This fried rice is a meal on its own, but I sometimes love pairing it with a bright, crunchy Asian-style slaw, some cucumber salad, or even simple miso soup for a little comfort on the side. Hungry crowd? Serve with steamed dumplings or edamame for a complete takeout-style feast at home!
Creative Ways to Present
Pile your BBQ Chicken Fried Rice Recipe high in a big serving bowl for everyone to dig in, or portion it into individual bowls with chopsticks for a fun, casual dinner. Hosting friends? Mold the fried rice into ramekins, then invert onto plates for a chef-worthy presentation. You can even stuff it into bell peppers and bake for a colorful twist!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Let your fried rice cool to room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container. It’ll keep happily in the fridge for up to 4 days, making those busy lunches or next-day dinners a total breeze.
Freezing
BBQ Chicken Fried Rice Recipe is freezer-friendly! Pop cooled portions into freezer-safe bags or containers, pressing out the air to avoid freezer burn. Freeze for up to 2 months, and label with the date so you’ll remember to grab some for an easy, last-minute meal.
Reheating
For the best results, reheat leftover fried rice in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of oil or water, stirring often until hot. The microwave will work in a pinch; just cover loosely and reheat in 1-minute bursts, fluffing with a fork between intervals.
FAQs
Can I use leftover rotisserie or grilled chicken?
Absolutely! In fact, BBQ Chicken Fried Rice Recipe is the perfect way to use up leftover rotisserie or grilled (even barbecued) chicken. The smoky flavors from the grill really amp up the final dish.
What kind of rice works best?
Day-old cold rice is ideal — jasmine or long-grain white rice fry up beautifully without turning mushy. Leftover takeout rice works wonders, too!
Is it possible to make this gluten-free?
Yes! Just choose gluten-free barbecue sauce and soy sauce. Double-check your other ingredients to be sure, and you’re good to go with a gluten-free BBQ Chicken Fried Rice Recipe.
How spicy is this dish?
It’s pretty mild by default, but you can kick up the heat with some chipotle powder, smoked paprika, or a dash of hot sauce stirred in with the barbecue sauce.
Can I add extra vegetables?
Definitely! Toss in diced bell peppers, snap peas, or broccoli florets for more crunch and color. Just add them with the frozen veggies and stir-fry until crisp-tender.
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving a recipe that’s bursting with bold flavors yet simple enough for a busy weeknight, you genuinely need to try this BBQ Chicken Fried Rice Recipe. It’s the kind of dish that’ll have everyone asking for seconds and begging for the recipe. So grab those leftovers, fire up the skillet, and let this irresistible combo bring some seriously happy smiles to your table!
Print
BBQ Chicken Fried Rice Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This BBQ Chicken Fried Rice recipe is a delicious and easy way to use up leftover chicken. With a blend of savory barbecue sauce, soy sauce, and a hint of black pepper, this dish is packed with flavor. The addition of mixed vegetables adds color and nutrition, making it a satisfying meal for any day of the week.
Ingredients
Vegetable oil:
2 tablespoons,
Eggs:
2 large (lightly beaten),
Cooked Chicken:
1 pound (chopped or shredded),
Cooked Rice:
3 cups (preferably day-old),
Frozen Mixed Vegetables:
1 cup (carrots, peas, corn),
Green Onions:
3 (sliced),
Garlic:
2 cloves (minced),
Barbecue Sauce:
½ cup,
Soy Sauce:
1 tablespoon,
Black Pepper:
½ teaspoon,
Garnish:
extra green onions or sesame seeds (optional)
Instructions
- Heat oil and cook eggs: Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a skillet, scramble the eggs, and set aside.
- Cook chicken and vegetables: Cook garlic, add chicken, rice, and mixed vegetables. Stir well.
- Season and combine: Add barbecue sauce, soy sauce, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly.
- Finish and garnish: Return eggs, toss to combine, and cook briefly. Garnish with green onions or sesame seeds.
Notes
- Use leftover rotisserie chicken or BBQ grilled chicken for added flavor.
- For a smoky kick, add a dash of smoked paprika or chipotle powder.
- Works great with jasmine or long-grain white rice.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stir-Fry
- Cuisine: Asian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 430
- Sugar: 10 g
- Sodium: 710 mg
- Fat: 16 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 45 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 26 g
- Cholesterol: 135 mg
