If you’re on the hunt for the ultimate comfort food with a flavor explosion, look no further than Bang Bang Chicken Fried Rice. This recipe is the kind of one-pan wonder you’ll crave time and again—a perfect mashup of tender chicken, fluffy rice, crispy veggies, and a creamy zingy sauce. It’s fast, punchy, slightly spicy, and utterly satisfying, making it perfect for weeknight dinners or impressing friends at a casual get-together. With each forkful, you get that magical mix of sauciness, savoriness, and a touch of heat, all holding hands in a way that makes this dish unforgettable.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Bang Bang Chicken Fried Rice lies in its accessible, everyday ingredients that have big personalities. Each one shines in its own way—some add crunch, others bring heat, and a few deliver that signature creamy indulgence that sets this fried rice apart from the rest.
- Chicken breast: Juicy, tender pieces that soak up the sauce and provide the perfect protein base.
- Cooked jasmine rice: Day-old rice is best for achieving those separated, non-mushy grains and a satisfyingly chewy texture.
- Bell pepper: Adds a pop of sweetness and crunch, brightening up every bite.
- Scallions: For that subtle oniony kick and a splash of vibrant green at the end.
- Frozen peas: They bring color and a hint of sweetness without any extra prep work.
- Eggs: Soft scrambled for silkiness, binding everything together and adding delicious richness.
- Soy sauce: A must for umami depth and seasoning throughout the dish.
- Bang Bang sauce (mayonnaise, sriracha, sweet chili sauce, honey): This famous creamy-spicy sauce is what makes the dish sing—don’t skimp!
- Garlic: Elevates everything with its unmistakable aroma and flavor.
- Vegetable oil: For high-heat stir-frying, ensuring those lovely, crispy edges.
- Sesame seeds: Optional, but they add an appealing nutty finish and extra crunch.
How to Make Bang Bang Chicken Fried Rice
Step 1: Mix the Signature Bang Bang Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sriracha, sweet chili sauce, and honey until the mixture is smooth, creamy, and slightly orange-pink in color. This sauce is the backbone of Bang Bang Chicken Fried Rice, giving it irresistible creaminess with a playful balance of sweet heat. Set the sauce aside so it’s ready to swoop in at just the right moment.
Step 2: Prep Your Ingredients
Dice your chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces, chop the bell pepper and scallions, and measure out all your veggies. Having everything ready to go is the true secret to stir-fry success since the cooking goes lightning fast. If your rice is cold from the fridge, break up any clumps with your fingers so each grain will fry up perfectly.
Step 3: Cook the Chicken
Heat a tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large wok or nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces and sprinkle with a little salt. Stir-fry until the chicken is just cooked through and spot a bit of light browning—about 4–5 minutes. Scoop the chicken out and keep warm—don’t worry, it’ll return for a saucy reunion soon.
Step 4: Scramble the Eggs
Add a touch more oil if needed, then pour in the beaten eggs. Let them set slightly, then gently push them around with a spatula to create large, soft curds. As soon as the eggs are mostly set but still moist, remove them from the pan and set aside. This step guarantees pockets of pillowy egg in every bite of your Bang Bang Chicken Fried Rice.
Step 5: Stir-Fry the Veggies and Rice
Add the garlic to the pan, stir for just 30 seconds until fragrant, then toss in the bell pepper and frozen peas. Fry for about 2 minutes, letting the vegetables stay bright and somewhat crisp. Next, add your day-old rice, breaking up any clumps and pressing it into the pan’s surface so it gets a bit golden underneath. Splash in the soy sauce and toss everything together.
Step 6: Bring It All Together
Return the cooked chicken and eggs to the pan, followed by half of the prepared Bang Bang sauce. Toss and stir vigorously so every kernel and chunk is coated with flavor. Sprinkle in the scallions, take a minute to taste and adjust seasoning, then remove from heat.
Step 7: Drizzle and Garnish
Transfer your fragrant Bang Bang Chicken Fried Rice to a serving dish. Drizzle the rest of the Bang Bang sauce right over the top and finish with sesame seeds for that crave-worthy nutty crunch. Serve immediately while everything is piping hot and aromatic.
How to Serve Bang Bang Chicken Fried Rice
Garnishes
For maximum pizzazz, top Bang Bang Chicken Fried Rice with extra sliced scallions, a generous sprinkle of sesame seeds, and an added drizzle of Bang Bang sauce. A few paper-thin slices of red chili or radish make the plate pop and dial up the heat just a notch more if you’re a spice lover!
Side Dishes
This dish is a star on its own, but you can pair it with crunchy Asian-style cucumber salad, steamed edamame, or even simple miso soup. These sides offer a nice balance and keep the meal feeling light, fresh, and cheerful—even for weeknights.
Creative Ways to Present
Try mounding Bang Bang Chicken Fried Rice into lettuce cups or scooping it into vibrant bell pepper halves for a fun, hand-held serving idea. You can also pack it into small bowls and invert onto plates for adorable rice domes drizzled with extra sauce. Kids (and adults!) will love the playful presentations almost as much as the flavor.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Bang Bang Chicken Fried Rice tastes just as good the next day! Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. If you plan to enjoy later, keep any sauce garnish separate until serving so your rice stays fresh and not soggy.
Freezing
You can freeze portions of Bang Bang Chicken Fried Rice for up to one month. For best results, let everything cool completely before transferring to freezer-safe containers. Label with the date and don’t forget to save a little extra sauce for drizzling after reheating.
Reheating
To bring your Bang Bang Chicken Fried Rice back to life, reheat gently in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth to prevent drying out. Microwave works too, stirring every 30 seconds until piping hot. Always add the finishing drizzle of sauce after reheating for maximum creaminess.
FAQs
Can I use leftover rotisserie chicken?
Absolutely! Shredded rotisserie chicken is a fantastic shortcut. Just add it in towards the end when combining with the rice and veggies so it stays juicy and absorbs that luscious Bang Bang flavor.
Is there a way to make Bang Bang Chicken Fried Rice spicier?
You bet—add extra sriracha to your Bang Bang sauce or toss in a pinch of red pepper flakes when stir-frying. Taste as you go, and adjust to suit your spice threshold!
Can I substitute the mayonnaise in the Bang Bang sauce?
If you’re looking for a lighter version, swap in Greek yogurt or even vegan mayo. Just keep in mind that the creaminess is key to the sauce’s signature character, so don’t skip it entirely!
What’s the best rice for fried rice recipes like this one?
Day-old, long-grain rice (like jasmine or basmati) works best. The grains are firmer and less sticky than freshly cooked rice, making for perfect fried rice that never turns mushy.
Can I make Bang Bang Chicken Fried Rice vegetarian?
Of course! Swap the chicken for crispy tofu or just focus on veggies. The real magic is in the Bang Bang sauce—keep that, and you’ll have a sensational meatless option everyone will love.
Final Thoughts
If you’re ready to shake up your dinner routine, give this Bang Bang Chicken Fried Rice a whirl. It’s bold, satisfying, and a little addictive in the best possible way. Grab your wok, whip up that creamy sauce, and discover just how joyful (and customizable!) this dish can be—your taste buds will thank you for making such a flavor-packed feast!
PrintBang Bang Chicken Fried Rice Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main-course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian Fusion
- Diet: Halal
Description
Bang Bang Chicken Fried Rice is a vibrant, flavor-packed main course that combines tender pieces of chicken, fluffy rice, colorful vegetables, and a creamy, spicy Bang Bang sauce. Quick to prepare and loaded with satisfying textures, it’s perfect for a busy weeknight meal or to impress at your next potluck.
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 1 lb (450g) boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
For the Rice:
- 3 cups cooked jasmine or long grain rice (preferably day-old and chilled)
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 3 eggs, lightly beaten
- 1 cup frozen peas and carrots (thawed)
- 4 green onions, sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
For the Bang Bang Sauce:
- 1/3 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons sweet chili sauce
- 1 tablespoon Sriracha (adjust to taste)
- 1 teaspoon honey
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
For Garnish (optional):
- Chopped cilantro
- Additional sliced green onions
- Sesame seeds
Instructions
- Prep the Chicken – In a bowl, combine the chicken pieces with soy sauce, cornstarch, salt, and pepper. Toss until evenly coated and set aside while prepping the other ingredients.
- Make the Bang Bang Sauce – In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, Sriracha, honey, and rice vinegar until smooth. Taste and adjust the spice level if desired. Set aside.
- Cook the Chicken – Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the chicken in a single layer and cook for 5–7 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden and cooked through. Remove chicken to a plate and keep warm.
- Scramble the Eggs – In the same pan, add a touch more oil if needed. Pour in the beaten eggs and scramble gently until just set. Transfer the eggs to the plate with the chicken.
- Stir-Fry the Vegetables – Add the remaining oil to the pan, then sauté the garlic for 30 seconds until fragrant. Add the peas and carrots, stir-frying for 2 minutes until they begin to soften.
- Combine Rice and Protein – Add the cold cooked rice, breaking up any clumps. Stir-fry for 2–3 minutes until heated through, then return the cooked chicken and eggs to the pan. Toss well to mix. Stir in the green onions.
- Add the Bang Bang Sauce – Pour the prepared Bang Bang sauce over the rice mixture. Toss until everything is evenly coated and the sauce is creamy and distributed throughout.
- Garnish and Serve – Serve hot, topped with extra green onions, chopped cilantro, and sesame seeds if desired.
Notes
- Day-old, chilled rice works best to prevent the fried rice from being mushy.
- Adjust the heat level of the Bang Bang sauce by increasing or decreasing the Sriracha.
- Use rotisserie or leftover chicken for a shortcut, simply sauté to heat before adding to the rice.
- You can add other vegetables like bell peppers or snap peas for extra color and crunch.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (about 1 1/2 cups)
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 830mg
- Fat: 23g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 48g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 135mg
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