There’s something magical about the blend of smoky, tangy barbecue flavors and the comforting warmth of fried rice. This Barbecue Chicken Fried Rice is not only a quick, one-pan wonder but also a perfect way to elevate your leftovers into a vibrant and satisfying meal. Whether you’re reminiscing about summer cookouts or simply craving bold, comforting flavors, this dish promises to deliver.
Imagine tender chunks of barbecue-seasoned chicken mingling with fluffy rice, colorful veggies, and a sweet-savory sauce that ties everything together. It’s hearty enough for dinner yet quick enough to whip up on a busy weeknight. Let’s dive into this mouthwatering recipe and bring a taste of barbecue to your kitchen all year round!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes, this is a perfect weeknight dinner or quick lunch option.
- Flavor-Packed: Smoky, tangy, and sweet barbecue flavors are balanced with savory fried rice for an unforgettable dish.
- Versatile: A great way to use up leftover rice and chicken or experiment with other veggies and proteins.
- Kid-Friendly: The barbecue flavor is a hit with kids and adults alike.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 2 tablespoons cooking oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small onion, diced
- 1 cup cooked chicken, shredded or diced (use barbecue-seasoned chicken for the best flavor)
- 3 cups cooked rice, preferably day-old
- 1 cup mixed vegetables (carrots, peas, and corn work great)
- 3 tablespoons barbecue sauce
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil (optional, for added flavor)
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 2 tablespoons green onions, chopped (for garnish)
- Salt and pepper to taste
How to Make Barbecue Chicken Fried Rice
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients
Start by gathering and prepping all your ingredients. If you’re using leftover rice, make sure it’s separated into individual grains for the best results. Chop your veggies and shred or dice the chicken.
Step 2: Sauté Aromatics
Heat a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the cooking oil, then toss in the minced garlic and diced onions. Stir-fry until fragrant and the onions become translucent, about 2 minutes.
Step 3: Add the Chicken
Add the cooked chicken to the pan and stir-fry for another 2-3 minutes, letting it soak in the flavors of the garlic and onions.
Step 4: Cook the Vegetables
Toss in the mixed vegetables, stirring frequently until they are tender but still crisp, about 3-4 minutes.
Step 5: Mix in the Rice
Add the cooked rice to the pan, breaking up any clumps with your spatula. Stir everything together to evenly distribute the ingredients.
Step 6: Add the Sauces
Pour in the barbecue sauce and soy sauce, mixing thoroughly to coat the rice and chicken evenly. Add a dash of sesame oil if you’re using it, and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.
Step 7: Cook the Eggs
Push the rice mixture to one side of the pan and pour the beaten eggs into the empty space. Let them set slightly before scrambling them and mixing them into the rice.
Step 8: Garnish and Serve
Once everything is combined and heated through, turn off the heat and sprinkle the chopped green onions over the top. Serve hot and enjoy!
Helpful Tips
- Day-Old Rice Works Best: Freshly cooked rice can be too moist for fried rice. If you’re using fresh rice, spread it out on a tray and let it cool before cooking.
- Customize the Veggies: Feel free to use whatever vegetables you have on hand—bell peppers, broccoli, or zucchini would be great additions.
- Boost the BBQ Flavor: Marinate your chicken in barbecue sauce before cooking or add a smoky paprika sprinkle for extra depth.
- Cook Over High Heat: High heat ensures that the ingredients fry quickly without steaming, giving you that classic fried rice texture.
Recipe Details
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stir-Fry
- Cuisine: Fusion
- Diet: Kid-Friendly
Notes
- For a slightly tangier kick, add a splash of lime juice before serving.
- Leftover fried rice can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet for best results.
Nutritional Information
- Calories: 320
- Protein: 18g
- Fat: 10g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sodium: 580mg
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use another protein besides chicken?
Absolutely! Swap in shrimp, beef sausage, or turkey ham for variety. Even tofu works well for a vegetarian option.
What if I don’t have barbecue sauce?
You can make a quick homemade version with ketchup, brown sugar, a splash of soy sauce, and a pinch of smoked paprika.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prep the ingredients in advance, but fried rice is best served fresh. If you must reheat, do so in a hot skillet to revive the flavors and texture.
Storage Instructions
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, add a splash of water or extra barbecue sauce to the skillet and stir-fry over medium heat until warmed through. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it can make the rice gummy.
Related Recipes
If you enjoyed this Barbecue Chicken Fried Rice, you’ll love these recipes:
Conclusion
Barbecue Chicken Fried Rice is the ultimate comfort food with a smoky twist. It’s perfect for transforming leftovers into something special while satisfying those barbecue cravings. Whether you’re making it for yourself or serving it up for family dinner, this dish is bound to become a household favorite. Grab a fork (or chopsticks) and dive in—you won’t regret it!
Print
Barbecue Chicken Fried Rice
Description
There’s something magical about the blend of smoky, tangy barbecue flavors and the comforting warmth of fried rice. This Barbecue Chicken Fried Rice is not only a quick, one-pan wonder but also a perfect way to elevate your leftovers into a vibrant and satisfying meal. Whether you’re reminiscing about summer cookouts or simply craving bold, comforting flavors, this dish promises to deliver.
Imagine tender chunks of barbecue-seasoned chicken mingling with fluffy rice, colorful veggies, and a sweet-savory sauce that ties everything together. It’s hearty enough for dinner yet quick enough to whip up on a busy weeknight. Let’s dive into this mouthwatering recipe and bring a taste of barbecue to your kitchen all year round!
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons cooking oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small onion, diced
- 1 cup cooked chicken, shredded or diced (use barbecue-seasoned chicken for the best flavor)
- 3 cups cooked rice, preferably day-old
- 1 cup mixed vegetables (carrots, peas, and corn work great)
- 3 tablespoons barbecue sauce
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil (optional, for added flavor)
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 2 tablespoons green onions, chopped (for garnish)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients
Start by gathering and prepping all your ingredients. If you’re using leftover rice, make sure it’s separated into individual grains for the best results. Chop your veggies and shred or dice the chicken.
Step 2: Sauté Aromatics
Heat a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the cooking oil, then toss in the minced garlic and diced onions. Stir-fry until fragrant and the onions become translucent, about 2 minutes.
Step 3: Add the Chicken
Add the cooked chicken to the pan and stir-fry for another 2-3 minutes, letting it soak in the flavors of the garlic and onions.
Step 4: Cook the Vegetables
Toss in the mixed vegetables, stirring frequently until they are tender but still crisp, about 3-4 minutes.
Step 5: Mix in the Rice
Add the cooked rice to the pan, breaking up any clumps with your spatula. Stir everything together to evenly distribute the ingredients.
Step 6: Add the Sauces
Pour in the barbecue sauce and soy sauce, mixing thoroughly to coat the rice and chicken evenly. Add a dash of sesame oil if you’re using it, and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.
Step 7: Cook the Eggs
Push the rice mixture to one side of the pan and pour the beaten eggs into the empty space. Let them set slightly before scrambling them and mixing them into the rice.
Step 8: Garnish and Serve
Once everything is combined and heated through, turn off the heat and sprinkle the chopped green onions over the top. Serve hot and enjoy!
Notes
- For a slightly tangier kick, add a splash of lime juice before serving.
- Leftover fried rice can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet for best results.
