Bang Bang Chicken Fried Rice – Spicy-Sweet Chicken Comfort in Every Bite 🍲🔥🍗
Introduction:
If you’re craving something fresh, full of crunch, and bursting with flavor—meet your new favorite dinner: the **Bang Bang Chicken Fried Rice**.
This vibrant dish combines tender cubes of seasoned chicken, soft scrambled eggs, fluffy fried rice, and a signature **bang bang sauce**—a sweet, tangy, slightly spicy dressing that ties everything together with a punch of flavor.
Whether you’re meal prepping for the week, looking for a healthy dinner option, or just want to enjoy restaurant-quality taste at home, this bowl delivers bold Asian fusion flavor without any complicated steps.
In this article, we’ll walk you through how to make your own **Bang Bang Chicken Fried Rice** at home—from ingredient lists and step-by-step instructions to serving tips, variations, and answers to frequently asked questions. Let’s start cooking!
Ingredients:
To make your own batch of **Bang Bang Chicken Fried Rice**, gather the following ingredients:
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- Main Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons sesame oil (divided for frying and finishing)
- 4 large eggs, beaten
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt (plus more to taste)
- 1½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil (for searing chicken)
- 1 teaspoon paprika (for depth and mild smokiness)
- 1 cup frozen peas and carrots (or fresh stir-fried veggies)
- 2 cups cooked and cooled jasmine or basmati rice (day-old rice works best)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1-inch piece of ginger, grated (or ½ tsp ground ginger)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Main Ingredients:
-
- Bang Bang Sauce:
- ¼ cup mayonnaise
- 2 tbsp sweet chili sauce
- 1 tbsp Sriracha (adjust to taste)
- 1 tbsp honey or agave syrup
- 1 tsp rice vinegar or lime juice
- ½ tsp sesame oil (optional, for depth)
- Pinch of salt
- Bang Bang Sauce:
- Garnish Suggestions:
- Chopped green onions or chives
- Toasted sesame seeds
- Lime wedges
- Fried wonton strips or crispy noodles (for extra crunch)
Instructions:
Follow these easy steps to create your very own **Bang Bang Chicken Fried Rice** at home:
Step 1: Scramble the Eggs
Heat 1 tablespoon of sesame oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add beaten eggs and a pinch of salt. Cook like scrambled eggs until softly set, then break into small pieces and remove from the pan.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
Using the same pan, add 1 tablespoon vegetable oil. Season chicken cubes with salt, pepper, and paprika, then cook in batches until golden brown and fully cooked—about 6–7 minutes per batch. Remove and set aside.
Step 3: Sauté Aromatics
Add the remaining sesame oil to the pan. Stir in minced garlic and grated ginger. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant and golden, being careful not to burn them.
Step 4: Add Veggies and Rice
Add the peas and carrots (or other veggies) and stir-fry for 3–4 minutes until tender-crisp.
Stir in the cooked rice and toss well to coat in the aromatics and veggies. Press down gently with a spatula to help it crisp up on the bottom if desired.
Step 5: Combine Everything
Add the cooked chicken and scrambled eggs back into the pan. Stir everything together thoroughly so the flavors meld beautifully.
Step 6: Make the Bang Bang Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, Sriracha, honey, rice vinegar, and a splash of sesame oil until smooth and well combined.
Taste and adjust the spice level or sweetness as needed. Set aside for serving.
Step 7: Serve Warm
Divide the fried rice evenly between four bowls or plates. Drizzle the bang bang sauce generously over each portion.
Garnish with green onions, sesame seeds, and a squeeze of lime juice for brightness.
Enjoy while still warm and gooey!
Serving and Storage Tips:
These colorful bowls are great fresh out of the pan, but here are some helpful tips for storing and reheating leftovers:
- Serving Suggestions: Serve with pickled vegetables, miso soup, or a side of edamame for an authentic Asian-inspired meal experience.
- Reheating: Reheat individual portions in the microwave or oven. If microwaving, cover with a damp paper towel to prevent drying out.
- Storage: Store cooled components separately in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 4 days. This keeps the rice from getting mushy and the chicken from drying out.
- Meal Prep Friendly: Pre-cook and divide all ingredients into meal-prep containers for quick grab-and-go lunches or dinners throughout the week.
- Freezing: While not ideal for freezing due to the rice texture, you can freeze the cooked chicken and sauce for up to 2 months and reheat with fresh sides when ready to eat.
Variations:
Want to customize your **Bang Bang Chicken Fried Rice**? Try these tasty twists:
- Veggie Version: Skip the chicken and use baked tofu, marinated tempeh, or chickpeas for a meatless alternative.
- Different Base: Swap rice for quinoa, couscous, or lettuce wraps for a grain-free or low-carb version.
- Add Crunch: Top with crushed peanuts, crispy chow mein noodles, or toasted almonds for extra texture.
- Spicy Kick: Add more Sriracha or mix in a dash of hot sauce for serious fire lovers.
- Gluten-Free: Use tamari instead of soy sauce and ensure all other ingredients are certified gluten-free.
- Protein Swaps: Use shrimp, salmon, or ground turkey for different protein sources while keeping the same bold flavor.
Tips:
Want your **Bang Bang Chicken Fried Rice** to come out perfectly every time? Follow these expert tips:
- Use Fresh Chicken: Fresh chicken gives the best texture and flavor. Avoid overly processed or frozen chicken unless properly thawed.
- Don’t Overcook the Chicken: Keep an eye on the internal temperature—it should reach 165°F (74°C), no more, or it will dry out.
- Prep Ahead: Chop veggies and cook rice ahead of time to speed up assembly during busy nights.
- Balance the Sauce: Adjust the amount of honey and Sriracha based on your preference—some like it sweet, others like it fiery!
- Toast the Rice First: For nuttier flavor, toast the uncooked rice in a bit of oil before adding water or broth.
- Keep It Colorful: Mix in colorful veggies like purple cabbage, red bell peppers, or edamame for visual appeal and nutrition.
- Double the Sauce: The bang bang sauce is so good, double it for drizzling, dipping, or future meals.
Conclusion:
The **Bang Bang Chicken Fried Rice** is more than just a meal—it’s a complete flavor experience that blends savory, sweet, spicy, and crunchy elements into one satisfying plate.
With its juicy chicken, crisp vegetables, comforting rice base, and addictive bang bang sauce, this dish is perfect for anyone who loves bold Asian-inspired flavor without spending hours in the kitchen.
Whether you’re making it for a quick weeknight dinner, packing it for lunch, or meal prepping for the week ahead, this recipe is versatile, nutritious, and totally customizable.
So go ahead—grab your wok, fire up the stove, and start building your own **Bang Bang Chicken Fried Rice** today. Your taste buds—and your schedule—will thank you!
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I use frozen veggies?
Absolutely! Just be sure to drain excess moisture before sautéing to avoid sogginess.
What kind of chicken works best?
Chicken breast is lean and classic, but thighs offer more flavor and juiciness. Both work well depending on your preference.
How do I store leftover fried rice?
Store rice and chicken separately in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 4 days. Assemble just before eating for best texture.
Can I make this vegan?
Yes! Use tofu or jackfruit instead of chicken and substitute regular mayo with vegan mayo for the sauce. Use agave or maple syrup in place of honey.
Is there a lighter version?
Yes! Use less oil, opt for low-fat mayo in the sauce, and choose brown rice or cauliflower rice for a healthier twist.
Why is it called “Bang Bang”?
“Bang bang” refers to the spicy-sweet balance in the sauce—sweet first (“bang”), then heat (“bang”). It’s a fun, punchy way to describe the flavor explosion!
Can I use Greek yogurt instead of mayo?
Yes! Substitute half or all of the mayonnaise with plain Greek yogurt for a healthier twist on the bang bang sauce.
How many calories per serving?
Each **Bang Bang Chicken Fried Rice** contains approximately 500–550 calories, depending on portion size and sauce amount used.