If you’re on the hunt for a meal that bursts with flavor, brings a playful kick of heat, and is satisfying enough to fend off all weeknight hunger, Bang Bang Chicken Fried Rice is about to become your new obsession. This dish takes everything you love about classic fried rice and elevates it with crispy, golden chicken bites and a creamy, spicy Bang Bang sauce that clings to every grain. It’s satisfying, vibrant, and totally addictive—which is why I keep coming back to it for weeknight dinners or low-key lunch parties with friends. If you’re ready for dinner heroics, let’s dive into what makes Bang Bang Chicken Fried Rice so craveable!

Bang Bang Chicken Fried Rice Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Bang Bang Chicken Fried Rice is one of those magical recipes where simple ingredients team up for seriously unforgettable results. Each component brings its own punch: crispy chicken, fluffy rice, colorful veggies, and—of course—that utterly addictive Bang Bang sauce pull all the flavors together. Here’s your shopping list, plus a few tips to nail every element:

Chicken breast or thighs: Bite-sized pieces of boneless, skinless chicken give you great texture—use thighs for extra juiciness.
Cornstarch: Coating the chicken in cornstarch before pan-frying is the secret to crispy, golden pieces.
Salt and pepper: Season every layer for restaurant-worthy flavor.
Cooked white rice (preferably day-old): Drier, chilled rice won’t clump and fries up perfectly in the pan—make extra the night before!
Vegetable oil: Any neutral oil works here; it gets things sizzling hot for frying.
Carrots and bell pepper: Diced small for gorgeous bursts of color and sweet crunch.
Green onions: Stir through and scatter on top for freshness and mild onion flavor.
Frozen peas: Thawed and tossed in for their familiar pop of sweetness.
Eggs: Swirled in for classic fried rice silkiness.
Bang Bang sauce (mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, Sriracha, honey, rice vinegar): This creamy, spicy-sweet sauce is the flavor bomb that ties the whole dish together—you’ll want to drizzle it over everything, trust me.
Soy sauce: Gives a deep, savory oomph and extra color to the rice.
Sesame oil: Just a drizzle at the end infuses the whole pan with toasty, nutty aroma.

How to Make Bang Bang Chicken Fried Rice

Step 1: Whip Up the Bang Bang Sauce

Before anything else, stir together your mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, Sriracha, honey, and rice vinegar in a bowl. This luxurious, creamy, spicy concoction is the soul of Bang Bang Chicken Fried Rice—it’s essential that you get a good mix so it coats everything evenly later. Taste and tweak to your perfect heat and sweetness level. Set it aside; it might be hard to resist licking the spoon.

Step 2: Get the Chicken Extra Crispy

Toss your chicken pieces with salt, pepper, and a generous coating of cornstarch. Heat oil in a large skillet or wok until it shimmers, then lay in the chicken in a single layer. Sauté until golden and crisp on all sides—don’t crowd the pan, and work in batches if needed. Once the chicken is cooked and crunchy, transfer it to a plate and get ready for the magic to happen.

Step 3: Sauté the Veggies

In the same pan, add a touch more oil if needed. Throw in your diced carrots and bell pepper, and fry until just tender, about 2–3 minutes. Stir in those green onions and peas just until vibrant—the aroma at this point is already irresistible.

Step 4: Scramble the Eggs

Push the veggies to one side of the pan. Crack the eggs into the empty space and gently scramble until softly set. This step gives Bang Bang Chicken Fried Rice a silky, luscious texture that’s impossible to beat.

Step 5: Combine Rice, Chicken, and Sauce

Time to upgrade everything! Tip in the cold, cooked rice, and use a spatula to break up any clumps. Pour over soy sauce and a drizzle of sesame oil. Stir well so every grain gets a little color. Add your crispy chicken and most of the Bang Bang sauce, tossing until everything is glossy and well coated. Save a spoonful of sauce for drizzling over the top at the end—you’ll thank yourself later.

Step 6: Finish and Serve

Let everything cook together for another couple of minutes, then taste for seasoning. Pile the Bang Bang Chicken Fried Rice onto plates or a big family-style platter. Drizzle that last bit of Bang Bang sauce, sprinkle with green onion, and serve immediately while it’s hot and super fragrant.

How to Serve Bang Bang Chicken Fried Rice

Garnishes

Don’t skip those final flourishes! Scatter extra green onions, sesame seeds, and maybe even a few chopped peanuts across your Bang Bang Chicken Fried Rice right before serving. Each bite gets a little zing, crunch, and pop of color—just like restaurant takeout, but fresher and way more fun.

Side Dishes

Bang Bang Chicken Fried Rice is a full meal on its own, but it pairs beautifully with a light cucumber salad, steamed edamame, or crisp Asian slaw for something refreshing. If you’re in the mood for a big spread, toss together some simple dumplings or kimchi for tangy contrast.

Creative Ways to Present

For a playful twist, scoop the Bang Bang Chicken Fried Rice into lettuce cups or hollowed-out bell peppers for a party-ready appetizer. It’s seriously crowd-pleasing when served in individual bowls and topped with a bright, runny fried egg for extra richness. Don’t forget, takeout-style boxes make for fun, portable lunches, too!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Banged-out a big batch? Store leftover Bang Bang Chicken Fried Rice in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making tomorrow’s lunch something to look forward to.

Freezing

This dish freezes surprisingly well! Let the fried rice cool, spoon it into freezer-friendly containers, and stash it away for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for best results.

Reheating

For the best texture, reheat Bang Bang Chicken Fried Rice in a hot, lightly greased skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through. The microwave works too, although the chicken will lose a little crispiness—but a quick extra drizzle of Bang Bang sauce brings everything right back to life.

FAQs

Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?

Absolutely! Brown rice makes Bang Bang Chicken Fried Rice nuttier and a bit chewier, and is a wonderful way to sneak in some whole grains. Just be sure it’s cold before frying so it doesn’t turn mushy.

Is there a dairy-free version of the Bang Bang sauce?

Yes! Simply use your favorite vegan mayonnaise for the sauce—the rest of the ingredients are naturally dairy-free. You’ll still get all that creamy, spicy-sweet flavor.

What’s the best way to make the chicken crispy?

Coating the chicken in cornstarch and frying it in hot oil (in batches to avoid steaming) is the classic route. Make sure the oil is shimmering-hot for that perfect golden crunch in your Bang Bang Chicken Fried Rice.

Can I use rotisserie chicken or tofu instead?

Of course! Shredded rotisserie chicken is a great shortcut. For a vegetarian option, cube and crisp up tofu instead—both absorb the Bang Bang sauce beautifully!

How spicy is Bang Bang Chicken Fried Rice?

The heat level is totally customizable. If you like it mild, use less Sriracha in the sauce; for serious spice lovers, add more and top with sliced fresh chilis.

Final Thoughts

If you’re ready to shake up your dinner routine and treat yourself to something exciting, don’t miss out on Bang Bang Chicken Fried Rice. It’s quick, colorful, packed with bold flavors, and almost guaranteed to make you smile. Try it once, and I wouldn’t be surprised if it ends up in regular rotation in your kitchen, too!