If youโre ready to take your fried rice game to a whole new level, Bang Bang Chicken Fried Rice delivers everything you could want in a meal: tender bites of chicken, the signature zing of creamy Bang Bang sauce, crisp vegetables, and fluffy riceโall perfectly tossed together with just the right amount of heat. Whether youโre craving something quick for a weeknight dinner or looking to impress friends with your bold, restaurant-style flavors, this dish always earns rave reviews. Once you try your hand at Bang Bang Chicken Fried Rice, you might just find yourself making it on repeat!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of Bang Bang Chicken Fried Rice comes from combining fresh, straightforward ingredients in a way that really lets each one shine. Each item here plays a supporting role, balancing flavor, texture, and visual appeal.
- Chicken breast or thighs: Choose boneless, skinless pieces for easy cooking and tender resultsโthe chicken soaks up the sauce beautifully.
- Cooked jasmine or long-grain rice: Leftover rice from the night before works best, as it fries up fluffy and wonโt clump together.
- Bang Bang sauce: A mix of mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, and a dash of sriracha creates that irresistibly creamy, tangy heat that defines this recipe.
- Vegetables: Use a combo of diced bell peppers, green onions, and snap peas for color, crunch, and freshness.
- Garlic and ginger: Freshly minced aromatics that add an instant punch of flavor when stir-fried with the chicken.
- Soy sauce: To season the rice and pull together all the savory notes.
- Eggs: Scrambled right into the pan for extra protein and that classic fried rice touch.
- Vegetable oil: Ideal for high-heat cooking and getting those tasty, caramelized edges on the chicken and veggies.
- Fresh cilantro or parsley: Sprinkled on at the end for a pop of green and fresh flavor, if you like.
- Sesame seeds: Optional, but highly recommended for crunch and a little bit of nutty goodness!
How to Make Bang Bang Chicken Fried Rice
Step 1: Prepare the Bang Bang Sauce
Start by whisking together your mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, and sriracha in a bowl until the mixture is silky and pink. This sauce is the heart of Bang Bang Chicken Fried Riceโit brings creamy heat and a hint of sweetness. Adjust the sriracha if you want it spicier or keep it mild for more universal appeal. Set the sauce aside to mingle while you get the rest of your ingredients ready.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
Dice your chicken into bite-sized pieces and season lightly with salt and pepper. Heat a wok or large skillet over medium-high, splash in some oil, and add the chicken. Let it sear, turning just a couple of times so it stays juicy and develops those golden edges. Once cooked through, remove it from the pan so you can get the vegetables just right.
Step 3: Sautรฉ Aromatics and Vegetables
In that same pan, lower the heat slightly and add more oil if necessary. Toss in the garlic and ginger, cooking for just a minute until fragrantโit should smell incredible right away! Then mix in the bell peppers, green onions, and snap peas. Stir-fry until theyโre crisp-tender and still vibrant, building the perfect flavor base for your Bang Bang Chicken Fried Rice.
Step 4: Scramble the Eggs
Push the veggies to one side of the pan, crack the eggs into the empty space, and quickly scramble until just set. Mixing the eggs right in the pan means fewer dishes and ensures every bite gets a little richness. Combine the eggs with the veggies once cooked.
Step 5: Add Rice and Combine
Itโs time for the main event! Add your cold, cooked rice to the pan, breaking up any clumps as you go. Pour over the soy sauce and give everything a good stir so every grain gets coated and starts to absorb those delicious flavors. Add the chicken back into the pan, then drizzle in your Bang Bang sauce, tossing until everything is hot, flavorful, and well combined.
Step 6: Finish and Serve
Sprinkle in chopped fresh herbs and a scattering of sesame seeds, if you like. The herbs burst with flavor for the finishing touch, and the sesame seeds add delightful crunch. Dish up Bang Bang Chicken Fried Rice while itโs piping hotโget ready for the compliments!
How to Serve Bang Bang Chicken Fried Rice
Garnishes
Top each serving with a sprinkle of sliced green onions, fresh cilantro, and a generous pinch of toasted sesame seeds. For extra heat and visual drama, a squirt of sriracha or a few red chili flakes can really make the Bang Bang Chicken Fried Rice pop! If you want that signature restaurant look, try a little extra drizzle of Bang Bang sauce right before serving.
Side Dishes
Because Bang Bang Chicken Fried Rice is already a meal in a bowl, you donโt need much to round it out. Pair it with a crisp Asian-inspired cucumber salad, some gently steamed broccoli, or even veggie spring rolls for a light and colorful spread. If youโre hosting, some homemade dumplings or miso soup make this dish feel even more festive.
Creative Ways to Present
For dinner parties or meal prep, portion the Bang Bang Chicken Fried Rice into individual bowls or fun takeout containers. You can also press it into a small ramekin, invert onto plates, and garnish for a dramatic mound of fried rice. Little details like edible flowers or colorful sprinkles of sesame seeds can turn this dish into a true showstopper!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Bang Bang Chicken Fried Rice holds up like a champ in the fridge. Let it cool to room temperature, then transfer to an airtight containerโit will stay fresh and flavorful for up to 4 days. If youโre a meal prepper, portion it into single-serve containers for easy lunches throughout the week.
Freezing
You can freeze Bang Bang Chicken Fried Rice, though the texture of the vegetables may soften a bit when reheated. Spread cooled rice into a freezer-safe container or zip bag, squeezing out excess air. It should keep its flavor for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for best results.
Reheating
The best way to revive Bang Bang Chicken Fried Rice is in a hot skillet with a tiny splash of water or oilโthis restores moisture and brings back that freshly-cooked texture. If youโre in a rush, the microwave works just fine; cover lightly and heat in 1-minute intervals, stirring between each blast for even warmth.
FAQs
Can I make Bang Bang Chicken Fried Rice with leftover rotisserie chicken?
Absolutely! Leftover rotisserie chicken is perfect for this recipe. Just shred or dice it, then add it in after the veggies and eggs are cookedโno need for extra searing time.
Is there a vegetarian version of Bang Bang Chicken Fried Rice?
Totally! Skip the chicken and toss in cubed tofu, tempeh, or even extra vegetables. The star is the Bang Bang sauce, which pairs deliciously with plant-based proteins.
Whatโs the trick to keeping homemade fried rice from getting mushy?
The secret is using cold, day-old rice. Fresh, steamy rice contains a lot of moisture, which leads to clumping and sogginess. Refrigerated rice fries up beautifully and gives you that restaurant-style texture.
Can I adjust the spice level?
Yes! Bang Bang Chicken Fried Rice is easy to make mild or fiery. For less heat, use less sriracha in the sauce. For more spice, add extra chili sauce or toss in chili flakes as you cook.
Whatโs the best rice to use for Bang Bang Chicken Fried Rice?
Jasmine or long-grain white rice works best, as it stays distinct and fluffy. Short-grain or sticky rice can clump together, which isnโt ideal for fried rice. Always use chilled, cooked rice for best results.
Final Thoughts
If youโre craving something quick, vibrant, and undeniably crave-worthy, give Bang Bang Chicken Fried Rice a try. With bold flavors, easy prep, and endless ways to make it your own, youโll be coming back to this recipe again and againโpromise!
PrintBang Bang Chicken Fried Rice Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main-course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian Fusion
- Diet: Halal
Description
This Bang Bang Chicken Fried Rice is a tantalizing twist on classic fried rice, featuring crispy golden chicken bites tossed with tender vegetables and fluffy rice, all draped in a creamy, spicy-sweet bang bang sauce. Itโs the perfect mix of comfort, vibrant flavors, and weeknight convenience, ready in just 30 minutes.
Ingredients
For the Chicken
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
For the Bang Bang Sauce
- 1/3 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons sweet chili sauce
- 1 tablespoon Sriracha (adjust to taste)
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 teaspoon rice vinegar
For the Fried Rice
- 3 cups cooked white rice (preferably day-old, chilled)
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1/2 cup diced carrots
- 1/2 cup frozen peas
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 eggs, lightly beaten
- 2 green onions, sliced (plus extra for garnish)
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: In a medium bowl, toss the chicken pieces with cornstarch, salt, and pepper until evenly coated. Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook, stirring occasionally, until golden brown and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove chicken from the pan and set aside.
- Make the Bang Bang Sauce: While the chicken cooks, whisk together mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, Sriracha, honey, and rice vinegar in a small bowl until smooth. Set aside.
- Cook the Vegetables: In the same skillet, add 1 tablespoon vegetable oil. Add carrots and sautรฉ for 2-3 minutes until just tender. Stir in peas and garlic, cooking for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Scramble the Eggs: Push the veggies to one side of the pan. Pour the beaten eggs into the cleared side and scramble until just set, then mix together with the vegetables.
- Fry the Rice: Add the chilled rice, soy sauce, and sesame oil. Stir-fry everything together, breaking up any clumps, and cook for 2-3 minutes until heated through and combined well.
- Combine and Finish: Return the cooked chicken to the pan and pour in most of the bang bang sauce (reserve a few spoonfuls for drizzling). Stir everything together so the rice and chicken are well coated. Cook for another 1-2 minutes, then remove from heat.
- Serve: Spoon into bowls, drizzle with reserved sauce, and garnish with extra green onions. Enjoy hot!
Notes
- Use day-old rice for best textureโfreshly made rice tends to get mushy when fried.
- Adjust the amount of Sriracha in the bang bang sauce for your preferred spice level.
- Feel free to add other vegetables like bell peppers or corn.
- To make it gluten free, use tamari or coconut aminos instead of soy sauce, and check all ingredient labels.
- Try using shrimp or tofu for different protein options!
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 1/2 cups
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 970mg
- Fat: 21g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 56g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 145mg
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