If you’re looking for a dish that packs bold flavor and comes together in a flash, there’s nothing quite like Bang Bang Chicken Fried Rice. This vibrant recipe delivers the sizzle of stir-fried rice, juicy marinated chicken, and crisp vegetables all tossed in a creamy, sweet-spicy sauce that will have everyone reaching for seconds. Forget takeout โ Bang Bang Chicken Fried Rice is a quick, crowd-pleasing meal that’s as fun to make as it is to eat.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Letโs take a quick peek at your new spice rack heroes! The building blocks of Bang Bang Chicken Fried Rice are basic ingredients, but each one brings something special โ color, texture, heat, or heartiness. Donโt be shy: these components are the secret to maximum flavor in every single bite.
- Chicken breast: Tender, lean, and quick-cooking, diced chicken keeps the fried rice hearty yet light.
- Day-old cooked rice: Cold, leftover rice separates beautifully in the skillet for perfect, non-mushy fried rice.
- Bell pepper: Choose red or yellow for a pop of color and sweet crunch.
- Green onions: Both the white and green parts add sharpness and that classic fried rice finish.
- Frozen peas and carrots: No need to thaw โ they add instant color, sweetness, and texture.
- Eggs: Lightly scrambled in the pan for extra richness and soft curd throughout.
- Garlic: A couple of cloves, finely minced, introduce savory depth that ties the dish together.
- Soy sauce: Provides saltiness and an umami punch that balances the bang bang sauce.
- Sriracha (or favorite hot sauce): The crucial heat in your bang bang sauce for that signature spicy kick.
- Mayonnaise: The creamy base for the sauce, making it luscious and tangy.
- Sweet chili sauce: Adds sweetness and a gentle tang, creating the crave-worthy bang bang flavor.
- Sesame oil: Just a drizzle for nutty aroma and unmistakable stir-fry flair.
- Vegetable oil: For sautรฉing, thanks to its high smoke point.
- Sesame seeds: Sprinkle on top for crunch and visual flair.
How to Make Bang Bang Chicken Fried Rice
Step 1: Prepare Your Bang Bang Sauce
Start things off by whisking together mayonnaise, sriracha, and sweet chili sauce in a bowl. This magic combo is what transforms regular chicken fried rice into Bang Bang Chicken Fried Rice. Set it aside โ youโll want to add it at just the right moment for maximum creaminess and flavor absorption.
Step 2: Sear the Chicken
Heat a splash of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add your diced chicken breast and let it cook undisturbed for a couple of minutes so it gets golden edges. Flip, stir, and cook through, then transfer the chicken to a plate so it stays juicy.
Step 3: Scramble the Eggs
Pour the beaten eggs into the same hot skillet. Donโt overthink this: just stir them gently until softly set, then slide them out to join the chicken. This way, every element of your Bang Bang Chicken Fried Rice will stay fluffy and distinct.
Step 4: Sautรฉ the Veggies
Now, add a little more oil if needed and toss in the garlic, bell pepper, and the frozen peas and carrots. Sautรฉ for a couple of minutes until everything has brightened and softened just a touch โ you want the vegetables to keep that fresh crunch!
Step 5: Stir-Fry the Rice
Add the cold, separated rice straight into the skillet with the vegetables. Spread it out, let it toast slightly, then give it a toss so the hot pan crisps it up in spots. Splash in the soy sauce and sesame oil, tossing continuously for a gorgeous caramel color and enticing aroma.
Step 6: Reunite Everything & Sauce It Up
Add your cooked chicken and scrambled eggs back into the pan, scattering in green onions for zing. Pour the bang bang sauce over the top and toss vigorously, making sure every grain of rice and chunk of chicken is gloriously coated. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
Step 7: Finish & Serve
Turn off the heat, give your Bang Bang Chicken Fried Rice a final toss, and transfer to a serving dish. Garnish with sesame seeds and a sprinkle of extra green onion if you like โ then dig in while itโs hot and saucy!
How to Serve Bang Bang Chicken Fried Rice
Garnishes
A sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds, extra sliced green onions, or even a handful of chopped cilantro will take your Bang Bang Chicken Fried Rice from everyday to โwow, did you order this out?โ If youโre feeling bold, try a few thin slices of fresh red chili for those who like it hot.
Side Dishes
Serve your Bang Bang Chicken Fried Rice with simple sides like crisp Asian cucumber salad or steamed edamame for extra freshness. If you want to go all out, pair it with egg drop soup or crunchy spring rolls for the ultimate restaurant-style spread at home.
Creative Ways to Present
Dish your Bang Bang Chicken Fried Rice into individual bowls for a cozy weeknight vibe or press it into a ring mold for a fancier dinner party look. For gatherings, try serving in lettuce cups or as filling for rice paper wraps โ itโs delicious, interactive, and sure to impress.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Let any leftovers of Bang Bang Chicken Fried Rice cool to room temperature, then store in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually meld even more overnight, so donโt hesitate to pack some for lunch the next day.
Freezing
To freeze, portion cooled rice into freezer-safe zip-top bags, squeeze out extra air, and lay them flat for easy stacking. Your Bang Bang Chicken Fried Rice can be frozen for up to 2 months; just remember, mayo-based sauces may separate slightly after thawing, but the taste remains terrific.
Reheating
For best results, reheat Bang Bang Chicken Fried Rice in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water, stirring constantly until hot and revived. The microwave works tooโjust cover loosely and heat in short bursts, stirring in between, for even warming without drying out.
FAQs
Can I use rotisserie chicken instead of raw chicken breast?
Absolutely! Chop or shred rotisserie chicken and add it in Step 6 with the sauce. Itโs a great shortcut and perfect for using up leftovers while still nailing that signature Bang Bang Chicken Fried Rice experience.
What type of rice works best for Bang Bang Chicken Fried Rice?
Day-old white rice such as jasmine or long-grain is ideal; itโs dry enough to fry up nicely without clumping. In a pinch, use freshly cooked rice thatโs cooled and fluffed well to release moisture.
How spicy is the bang bang sauce?
Itโs customizable! Sriracha brings heat, but you control the punch. Add less for mild, or more if you love things fiery. Taste as you go and remember: it should be zesty, but not overwhelming.
Can I make this dish gluten-free?
Sure thing! Choose a certified gluten-free soy sauce (or tamari) and make sure your sweet chili sauce is gluten-free too. The rest of the Bang Bang Chicken Fried Rice ingredients are naturally gluten-free.
Is it okay to swap or add vegetables?
Go for it! This recipe welcomes creativityโtry broccoli florets, snap peas, diced zucchini, or corn. Just keep total volume similar so your Bang Bang Chicken Fried Rice stays perfectly balanced.
Final Thoughts
Thereโs no better way to bring excitement to your dinner routine than with a big pan of Bang Bang Chicken Fried Rice. Itโs full of vibrant color, big flavor, and is endlessly customizable. Give it a try and watch how quickly it becomes a favorite at your table!
PrintBang Bang Chicken Fried Rice Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main-course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Fusion/Asian-American
- Diet: Halal
Description
Bang Bang Chicken Fried Rice is a bold, flavor-packed main course, combining succulent chicken with crisp vegetables and fluffy rice, all tossed in a creamy, spicy bang bang sauce. It delivers a satisfying fusion of classic fried rice and the famous sweet-heat flavors of bang bang sauce, making it a crowd-pleasing dish for lunch or dinner.
Ingredients
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 Chicken
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
For the Fried Rice
- 3 cups cooked and cooled jasmine or long-grain rice
- 3 tablespoons vegetable oil, divided
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1 cup frozen peas and carrots (thawed)
- 1/2 cup diced red bell pepper
- 4 green onions, thinly sliced, divided (reserve half for garnish)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
Instructions
- Prepare the Bang Bang Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, Sriracha, honey, and rice vinegar until smooth. Taste and adjust the spice or sweetness as desired. Set aside.
- Marinate the Chicken: In a medium bowl, toss the chicken pieces with soy sauce, cornstarch, salt, and black pepper until evenly coated. Let it marinate for at least 10 minutes while preparing other ingredients.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat 1 tablespoon vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken pieces and cook, stirring occasionally, until golden brown and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Scramble the Eggs: In the same skillet, add a bit more oil if needed. Pour in the beaten eggs, scramble quickly until just set, then transfer eggs to a separate plate.
- Stir-Fry the Vegetables: Add remaining vegetable oil to the skillet. Add thawed peas and carrots, diced red bell pepper, and half the green onions. Stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until vegetables are tender-crisp. Add minced garlic and sautรฉ for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add Rice and Combine: Add the cooked, cooled rice to the skillet. Break up any clumps and stir-fry for 2 minutes, letting it heat through and crisp slightly. Return the cooked chicken and scrambled eggs to the pan, mixing everything well.
- Finish with Sauce: Pour the bang bang sauce over the rice mixture and add soy sauce and sesame oil. Toss well to coat all ingredients evenly. Stir-fry for another 1-2 minutes until everything is hot.
- Garnish and Serve: Turn off the heat. Sprinkle with remaining green onions, and, if desired, drizzle with extra Sriracha for more heat. Serve immediately.
Notes
- Use day-old rice for the best texture and to avoid mushiness.
- Adjust the amount of Sriracha to control the spice level.
- Boneless, skinless thighs stay more tender, but breasts work well too.
- Customize by adding other veggies like corn, bean sprouts, or broccoli.
- For crunch, toss in some chopped peanuts before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1.5 cups
- Calories: 510
- Sugar: 11g
- Sodium: 1190mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 52g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 24g
- Cholesterol: 147mg
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