Bang Bang Chicken Fried Rice Recipe

If you’re craving a dish that’s bursting with bold flavors, zippy sauces, and satisfying textures, Bang Bang Chicken Fried Rice is your new weeknight hero. This playful twist on classic fried rice is inspired by everyone’s favorite sweet-spicy “bang bang” sauce and loaded with tender chicken, crisp veggies, and fluffy rice for a one-pan meal that’s as easy to whip up as it is to fall in love with. Whether you’re spicing up leftovers or creating something special from scratch, Bang Bang Chicken Fried Rice is the kind of recipe you’ll find yourself reaching for again and again.

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

Simple, familiar ingredients come together in this dish, but each one plays a crucial role in building up flavor, texture, and that signature pop of color. Here’s a rundown of what you’ll be tossing into your skillet for the ultimate Bang Bang Chicken Fried Rice.

• Cooked jasmine rice: Day-old rice delivers the perfect bite and resists turning mushy in the pan.
• Chicken breast or thigh: Tender, juicy chicken soaks up the sweet-heat of the sauce and provides a hearty base.
• Eggs: Scrambling eggs right into the rice gives richness and classic fried rice flair.
• Mixed veggies (peas, carrots, corn): These brighten up the dish and add welcome crunch in every scoop.
• Scallions: Fresh and vibrant, scallions offer freshness and a subtle zing right at the end.
• Garlic: Essential for building flavor depth that lingers in every bite.
• Soy sauce: The umami backbone, balancing the sweetness of the “bang bang” sauce.
• Bang Bang sauce (mayonnaise, sriracha, honey or sweet chili sauce): The star! Creamy, fiery, and sweet, this brings the dish to life.
• Vegetable or sesame oil: For perfectly sautéed veggies and rice with irresistible aroma.
• Salt and pepper: For seasoning everything just right to your taste.

How to Make Bang Bang Chicken Fried Rice

Step 1: Prep All Your Ingredients

Gather all your veggies, slice up the chicken, and whisk together the bang bang sauce ingredients in a small bowl. Having everything prepped means you can keep things moving quickly once you start cooking, which is the secret to the best fried rice texture.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken

Heat a generous splash of oil in your wok or skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces with a sprinkle of salt and pepper and sauté until golden and cooked through. Remove the chicken to a plate and set aside—it’ll take on even more flavor when it gets tossed back in later.

Step 3: Scramble the Eggs

Add a little more oil if necessary, then pour the beaten eggs into the hot pan. Stir gently until just set. Once scrambled, slide the eggs onto your plate with the chicken. This trick keeps the eggs fluffy instead of dissolving into the rice.

Step 4: Sauté Aromatics and Vegetables

Add garlic to the skillet and cook for just 30 seconds until fragrant. Then, toss in your frozen mixed veggies, stirring frequently until they’re bright and warming through. The garlic sets up a big flavor base for the fried rice.

Step 5: Stir-Fry the Rice

Add the cold, cooked rice into the pan, breaking up any clumps. Drizzle with soy sauce, and use a spatula to keep everything moving so the rice heats evenly and soaks up that savory flavor. Stir-frying like this gives you tasty, separated grains every time.

Step 6: Bring It All Together

Return the cooked chicken and eggs to the pan, pour over the bang bang sauce, and toss well. You want every grain glossy and every piece of chicken coated. A final sprinkle of scallions and one last stir, and your Bang Bang Chicken Fried Rice is ready to serve!

How to Serve Bang Bang Chicken Fried Rice

Garnishes

Finish your Bang Bang Chicken Fried Rice with a confetti of sliced scallions, crunchy sesame seeds, or even a drizzle of extra bang bang sauce for more kick. If you like a little freshness, a handful of cilantro or some quick-pickled veggies make an eye-popping, tasty topping.

Side Dishes

This dish is a meal on its own, but if you want to round it out, serve it alongside sautéed bok choy, crisp cucumber salad, or steamed dumplings. The sweet and spicy flavors pair beautifully with cool, mild sides.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun spin, spoon your Bang Bang Chicken Fried Rice into lettuce cups for a party appetizer or pack it into a hot bento box for lunch. Or go family-style: serve it straight from the wok at the table, letting everyone help themselves. However you serve it, it’s sure to draw a crowd!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Transfer leftover Bang Bang Chicken Fried Rice into an airtight container and refrigerate promptly. It stays fresh and flavorful for up to 3 days, making it a fantastic meal-prep option for busy lunches or dinners.

Freezing

You can freeze portions of Bang Bang Chicken Fried Rice for up to 2 months. Cool it completely before sealing in freezer-safe bags or containers. Thaw overnight in the fridge for easy reheating.

Reheating

For best results, reheat gently in a skillet with a bit of oil over medium heat, stirring until everything is hot and revived. If using a microwave, cover and heat in short bursts, fluffing in between to avoid drying out the rice.

FAQs

Can I use rotisserie or leftover cooked chicken?

Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken is a time-saver and makes this recipe even quicker. Just chop it into bite-sized pieces and toss it in when the cooked chicken goes back into the skillet.

What kind of rice is best for Bang Bang Chicken Fried Rice?

Jasmine rice is ideal, but you can use any long-grain rice. The key is letting it chill overnight. Fresh rice tends to be too sticky and will clump instead of frying up light and fluffy.

How spicy is the bang bang sauce?

Bang bang sauce is known for its sweet-heat balance, but you control the spice! Add more or less sriracha, or try swapping it for a mild chili sauce if serving little ones or spice-shy guests.

Can I make this vegetarian?

Definitely! Swap the chicken for tofu, edamame, or more veggies and use a vegan mayonnaise in the sauce for a delicious vegetarian version of Bang Bang Chicken Fried Rice.

What other veggies can I use?

Feel free to get creative—bell peppers, broccoli, snap peas, or mushrooms all work beautifully in this stir-fry. Use what you love or what’s in your fridge for a colorful, custom touch.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a flavorful meal that livens up your dinner routine, definitely give Bang Bang Chicken Fried Rice a try. It’s punchy, comforting, and endlessly adaptable—once you taste that saucy, garlicky goodness, you’ll want to keep making it for friends, family, or just yourself!

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