Name: Japanese BBQ Chicken Fried Rice Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: Japanese
Ingredients: 2–3 boneless skinless chicken breasts, diced; ½ cup BBQ sauce (your favorite brand), divided; 4 cups cooked jasmine rice (preferably day-old); 1 cup mixed vegetables (peas, carrots, corn); 2 green onions, chopped; 2 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce; 1 tablespoon cooking oil (vegetable or canola)

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Introduction

This Japanese BBQ Chicken Fried Rice is a flavorful and satisfying dish that combines tender marinated chicken with savory BBQ sauce and vibrant vegetables. Perfect for using up day-old rice, it’s a quick and tasty meal for any day of the week.

A close-up of a round white bowl filled with a large mound of fried rice layered with pieces of grilled chicken that have a shiny, dark brown glaze and slightly charred edges. The rice grains are light brown with visible bits of orange carrot and green onions scattered on top and mixed throughout. The grilled chicken pieces have a glossy texture and are spread evenly over the rice, adding rich color contrast. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface with soft natural light enhancing the warm tones of the dish. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

2–3 boneless skinless chicken breasts, diced
4 cups cooked jasmine rice (preferably day-old)
½ cup BBQ sauce (your favorite brand)
1 cup mixed vegetables (peas, carrots, corn)
2 green onions, chopped
2 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce

Instructions

Step 1: Marinate the diced chicken in half of the BBQ sauce for at least 15 minutes to infuse flavor.
Step 2: Heat a tablespoon of oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the marinated chicken until golden brown and fully cooked, about 6 to 8 minutes.
Step 3: Add the mixed vegetables to the skillet and sauté until heated through, about 3 to 4 minutes.
Step 4: Stir in the cooked jasmine rice along with the soy sauce and the remaining BBQ sauce. Mix well and cook for another 2 minutes to combine flavors.
Step 5: Sprinkle the chopped green onions over the rice just before serving, stirring gently to distribute.

Tips & Variations

Use day-old rice for the best texture, as fresh rice can be too soft and sticky for frying.
Try adding scrambled eggs or diced pineapple for extra flavor and texture.
Adjust the BBQ sauce amount to your taste—more for a stronger smoky flavor, less for a lighter touch.
Substitute chicken with tofu or shrimp for a different protein option.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave, adding a splash of water or soy sauce to keep it moist.

How to Serve

A close-up of cooked chicken fried rice in a white bowl, showing several layers: the base layer has shiny, soft rice grains mixed with small bright green peas and diced orange carrots. On top, there are medium-sized pieces of browned, slightly glazed chicken with a rich caramel color and a glossy texture. The rice looks fluffy and has a light brown color from the sauce. Everything is well mixed with juicy and tender chicken pieces spread evenly throughout. The bowl sits on a white marbled texture surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use other types of rice for this recipe?

While jasmine rice is preferred for its fragrance and texture, you can use other long-grain rice varieties. Just ensure the rice is cooked and cooled prior to frying to prevent clumping.

Is it necessary to marinate the chicken in BBQ sauce?

Marinating the chicken enhances the flavor and tenderness, but if you’re short on time, cooking the chicken first and then tossing it with BBQ sauce during frying still works well.