Bang Bang Chicken Fried Rice Recipe

If you crave the vibrant zing of bang bang sauce and the heartiness of a classic takeout stir fry, Bang Bang Chicken Fried Rice is about to steal your heart (and your weeknight dinner rotation). This dish brings together tender chunks of chicken, crisp vegetables, aromatic rice, and a creamy-spicy bang bang sauce that ties everything together with a flavor-packed punch. It’s satisfying, crave-worthy, and endlessly customizable, making it the perfect meal for sharing or meal prep. Let’s get sizzling!

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

There’s beauty in the simplicity of this ingredient list: every element is there for a reason, building layers of savory, sweet, and spicy flavor and irresistible texture. Gather these essentials before you heat up your favorite skillet or wok.

• Chicken breast: Go for boneless, skinless chicken breast for a lean protein that stays juicy when seared quickly.
• Cooked jasmine rice: Day-old, refrigerated rice is best as it fries up fluffy and separate, never mushy.
• Vegetable oil: Neutral flavored oil allows the flavor of the sauce and aromatics to shine.
• Red bell pepper: Adds sweetness, crunch, and a pop of color.
• Frozen peas: Tiny bursts of green bring freshness and a classic fried rice vibe.
• Green onions: Both the whites and greens bring gentle onion flavor and visual appeal.
• Eggs: Scrambling eggs into the rice adds silkiness and extra protein.
• Soy sauce: Savory umami forms the foundation of every great fried rice.
• Sriracha: Essential for layering heat through the sauce and fried rice.
• Mayonnaise: This is the creamy base for the signature bang bang sauce.
• Sweet chili sauce: Balances the heat with its lovely sticky sweetness.
• Rice vinegar: A quick splash brightens the entire dish at the end.
• Sesame seeds: Lend a gentle crunch and nutty finish for both flavor and garnish.

How to Make Bang Bang Chicken Fried Rice

Step 1: Mix Up the Signature Bang Bang Sauce

Before you start cooking, whisk together mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, and a splash of rice vinegar until smooth and creamy. This bang bang sauce, with its perfect blend of sweet, spicy, and tangy, is the heartbeat of Bang Bang Chicken Fried Rice. Set it aside to drizzle later and, trust me, try not to taste-test it all before it hits the rice!

Step 2: Prep and Cook the Chicken

Cut the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces and season lightly with salt and pepper. Heat vegetable oil in your wok or large nonstick skillet over medium-high, then add the chicken in a single even layer. Sear until golden and just cooked through; this should take about 5-6 minutes. Remove to a plate and keep warm so each bite stays tender.

Step 3: Sauté the Vegetables

In the same pan, add a bit more oil if needed. Toss in bell peppers and the white parts of the green onions. Sauté for just 1-2 minutes to keep their crunch, then add in the peas. The goal? Bright, colorful veggies that add bursts of flavor to every forkful.

Step 4: Scramble the Eggs

Push the veggies to the side of the pan and crack the eggs directly into the empty space. Use a spatula to gently scramble until just set. Mixing the eggs right in saves time and keeps cleanup simple, plus the eggs soak up all those delicious pan flavors.

Step 5: Fry the Rice

Add your chilled jasmine rice to the pan, breaking up any clumps with your spatula. Stir-fry everything together so the rice heats through and picks up bits of flavor from the pan. Sprinkle in the soy sauce and a dash of sriracha, tossing well. Now, return the cooked chicken and let everything sizzle together for another minute or two.

Step 6: Add the Bang Bang Sauce

Turn off the heat and drizzle most of the prepared bang bang sauce over the rice. Carefully fold the sauce in, coating everything in that creamy, slightly spicy goodness. Save a little sauce for a final flourish on top when serving if you like things extra saucy!

How to Serve Bang Bang Chicken Fried Rice

Garnishes

The right garnishes take this craveable Bang Bang Chicken Fried Rice over the top. Sprinkle with sesame seeds, scatter the remaining sliced green onion tops, and finish with a decadent zigzag of the reserved bang bang sauce. A squeeze of lime is optional, but its zippy brightness makes every bite pop.

Side Dishes

This dish is a meal in itself, but it plays well with crunchy sides like cucumber salad, steamed broccoli, or egg rolls. If you’re hosting friends, a platter of edamame and a pot of jasmine tea set the scene for a fun, casual dinner spread that lets your Bang Bang Chicken Fried Rice shine in the center.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, scoop your Bang Bang Chicken Fried Rice into lettuce cups or hollowed-out bell peppers for a handheld meal. If you’re meal-prepping, spoon it into mason jars and layer with extra veggies for a colorful grab-and-go lunch. You can even stuff the rice into nori sheets for a fusion-style sushi wrap!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Bangs of flavor even on day two! Let any leftover Bang Bang Chicken Fried Rice cool to room temperature, then transfer to an airtight container. It will taste fresh and fabulous for up to four days in the fridge.

Freezing

If you’re meal prepping ahead, Bang Bang Chicken Fried Rice freezes like a dream. Portion it into individual containers, seal tightly, and enjoy within 1-2 months. The key is to thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating so the texture stays spot-on.

Reheating

For best results, reheat Bang Bang Chicken Fried Rice gently in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or extra sauce to revive moisture. You can microwave it, too; just cover loosely so it steams through evenly. Don’t forget a fresh sprinkle of green onions and sesame seeds before serving again!

FAQs

Can I use leftover rotisserie chicken instead?

Absolutely! Shred or dice rotisserie chicken and add it at the end, just before tossing with the rice and sauce. It’s a fantastic way to save time while enjoying Bang Bang Chicken Fried Rice on busy nights.

What’s the best rice for this recipe?

Day-old jasmine rice is the gold standard for fried rice because its grains stay separated and fluffy after frying. If you use freshly cooked rice, try spreading it on a tray and letting it cool uncovered for an hour first.

How spicy is Bang Bang Chicken Fried Rice?

This dish has a moderate kick from sriracha and sweet chili sauce, but you’re always in control! Dial the spice up or down by adjusting the sriracha in both the fried rice and the bang bang sauce.

Can I make this vegetarian?

Yes, simply swap the chicken for diced, sautéed tofu or a mix of your favorite stir-fry veggies. The bang bang sauce is naturally vegetarian, so you can keep all that creamy, craveable flavor.

How do I keep fried rice from being soggy?

The secret is to start with cold, day-old rice. It fries up quickly without releasing too much moisture, ensuring every bite of Bang Bang Chicken Fried Rice is perfectly fluffy and never wet.

Final Thoughts

Give this Bang Bang Chicken Fried Rice a spot in your kitchen lineup and let its bold, saucy personality win you over. Whether you’re indulging solo, cooking for friends, or jazzing up leftovers, you’ll never tire of that irresistible flavor. Go ahead—grab your wok and make magic tonight!

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