Can I cook this with fresh rice instead of leftover rice?

Leftover rice works best because it’s dry and doesn’t clump. If fresh rice is all you’ve got, let it cool completely so it firms up.

What else can I use if I don’t have Japanese BBQ sauce?

Combine normal BBQ sauce with soy sauce, sesame oil, and mirin. Teriyaki sauce works too for a similar vibe.

Could I toss in extra veggies with this dish?

For sure! Toss in diced carrots, peas, bell peppers, or chopped green onions when you’re frying the rice.

What’s the best way to store leftovers?

Put them in the fridge for up to 3 days. Heat them on the stove with a bit of oil or add a splash of water before microwaving to keep it moist.

Would chicken thighs be okay to use instead?

Definitely! Thigh meat is super juicy and fits perfectly. Just dice it up and cook the same way as the recipe.

Flavorful BBQ Chicken Rice

Category: Meals for Every Occasion

BBQ-spiced chicken bites fried with egg and rice, covered in tangy Japanese BBQ sauce. Feeds 4 and takes only 20 minutes.

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By Ana

Updated on Mon, 23 Jun 2025 17:15:13 GMT

BBQ Chicken Rice Dish | homebitesbyana.com

Recipe FAQs

→ Can I cook this with fresh rice instead of leftover rice?: Leftover rice works best because it’s dry and doesn’t clump. If fresh rice is all you’ve got, let it cool completely so it firms up.
→ What else can I use if I don’t have Japanese BBQ sauce?: Combine normal BBQ sauce with soy sauce, sesame oil, and mirin. Teriyaki sauce works too for a similar vibe.
→ Could I toss in extra veggies with this dish?: For sure! Toss in diced carrots, peas, bell peppers, or chopped green onions when you’re frying the rice.
→ What’s the best way to store leftovers?: Put them in the fridge for up to 3 days. Heat them on the stove with a bit of oil or add a splash of water before microwaving to keep it moist.
→ Would chicken thighs be okay to use instead?: Definitely! Thigh meat is super juicy and fits perfectly. Just dice it up and cook the same way as the recipe.

Chicken BBQ Rice

Juicy BBQ chicken mixed into fried rice with eggs and sweet Japanese BBQ sauce. Quick and satisfying in just 20 minutes.

Prep Time

10 min

Cooking Time

10 min

Total Time

20 min

By: Ana

Category: Lunch & Dinner

Skill Level: Intermediate

Cuisine: Fusion-Asian

Yields: 4 Servings (4 bowls)

Dietary Preferences: Dairy-Free

Ingredients

→ Seasoning mix for the chicken

01 1 tbsp smoked paprika

02 1 tbsp dark brown sugar

03 1 tsp garlic powder

04 1 tsp cumin powder

05 1 tsp mustard powder (dry)

06 1 tsp kosher salt

07 1/2 tsp black pepper

08 1 lb chicken breast, boneless and diced

→ Making fried rice

09 2 tbsp Japanese BBQ sauce

10 3 tbsp olive oil, divided use

11 2 large eggs

12 2 cups pre-cooked rice, chilled overnight if possible

Steps

Step 01

Stir together the garlic powder, smoked paprika, brown sugar, cumin, mustard, pepper, and salt in a bowl. Coat the diced chicken pieces in this mixture and leave them to sit at room temperature for 10 to 20 minutes to soak up the flavors.

Step 02

Warm up a large pan over medium-high heat with 1 tbsp of olive oil. Drop in the chicken, spreading it out, and let it brown undisturbed for 1 to 1.5 minutes. Flip the pieces and cook till done, another 2 or 3 minutes.

Step 03

Once the chicken is done, transfer it to a clean plate or bowl while you move on to the rice.

Step 04

In the same pan, pour in the rest of the olive oil (2 tbsp). Add the cold rice and break apart any chunks as it heats through.

Step 05

Push the fried rice to one side in the pan. Crack the eggs directly into the empty space, scramble them, and mix the cooked egg back into the rice.

Step 06

Drizzle the Japanese BBQ sauce over everything. Stir well and cook for about 30 seconds to a minute to let the sauce caramelize slightly on the bottom.

Step 07

Turn off the heat, toss the chicken back in with the rice, and mix it all together. Serve it hot right away.

Notes

Rice that's been in the fridge overnight fries better since it's not too sticky.
Let the chicken sit with the spices for at least 10 minutes—it'll really boost the taste.
When cooking the chicken, don't stir it around right away. Leaving it alone helps it get that golden crust.
If Japanese BBQ sauce isn't available, blend some regular BBQ sauce with soy sauce, sesame oil, and a bit of mirin to mimic the flavor.