If you’re ready to knock dinnertime out of the park, you’ve got to try Bang Bang Chicken Fried Rice—a bold, flavor-packed stir-fry that delivers all the punchy sweetness, heat, and satisfying crunch you crave, with pan-seared chicken and chewy rice soaking up every bit of that irresistible bang bang sauce. This isn’t just your grandma’s fried rice; it’s dinner with a kick, perfect for busy weeknights or showing off to your takeout-loving friends. It’s colorful, comforting, and one of those “how have I lived without this?” kind of meals.
Ingredients You’ll Need
You’ll be amazed at how this crave-worthy Bang Bang Chicken Fried Rice needs just a handful of staple ingredients—each one pulling its weight for bold flavor, texture, and visual appeal. There’s nothing complicated here, but the result is special every time!
- Chicken breast: Boneless, skinless, and diced, it soaks up marinade and stays juicy after a quick, high-heat fry.
- Cooked jasmine rice: Day-old rice holds up best in the pan—don’t skip this for that signature chewy fried rice bite.
- Vegetable oil: A neutral oil with a high smoke point is your friend for crisping the chicken and veggies without burning.
- Frozen peas and carrots: These add bursts of color, sweetness, and crunch without any fuss—straight from the freezer is fine!
- Eggs: Whisked and scrambled right into the wok, they add fluffiness and extra protein.
- Green onions: Sliced both for the stir-fry and as a fabulous fresh garnish at the end.
- Garlic: Fresh is best—one or two finely minced cloves add a savory undercurrent to everything.
- Bang bang sauce (mayo, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, honey, rice vinegar): This creamy, spicy-sweet masterpiece is the dish’s signature, and it couldn’t be easier to stir together.
- Soy sauce: For classic umami depth and that glossy fried rice sheen.
- Salt & pepper: Just enough to balance the flavors at every step.
How to Make Bang Bang Chicken Fried Rice
Step 1: Mix the Signature Bang Bang Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, honey, and rice vinegar. Taste, then tweak the heat or sweetness to your liking—this creamy, vibrant sauce is the soul of Bang Bang Chicken Fried Rice, so don’t be afraid to make it your own. Set some aside for drizzling at the end for maximum wow factor.
Step 2: Prep and Cook the Chicken
Toss your diced chicken breast with a little soy sauce, salt, and pepper, then sear it in a hot wok or large skillet with a splash of oil. Let it get beautifully golden and cooked through—don’t overcrowd the pan so it browns, not steams. Once cooked, set the chicken aside so you can get maximum pan heat for the next steps.
Step 3: Scramble the Eggs
Push the heat up, add a bit more oil if needed, and pour in the beaten eggs. Gently stir and scramble just until they’re soft and barely set—nobody wants rubbery eggs. Slide them out of the pan onto a plate to keep them tender while you move on.
Step 4: Stir-Fry Rice and Vegetables
With the pan still hot, add the garlic, frozen peas, and carrots. Cook for a minute or so until fragrant and just tender, then crank up the heat and toss in the cold rice. Spread it out and let the bottom sizzle for a minute—this helps get those delicious, crispy bits every fried rice fan loves.
Step 5: Combine Everything and Add the Sauce
Return the chicken and eggs to the pan, pour most of your bang bang sauce over (save a little for serving), and sprinkle on the green onions. Stir-fry everything together until steamy hot and fully coated, then taste and adjust soy, salt, or extra heat to finish your Bang Bang Chicken Fried Rice masterpiece.
How to Serve Bang Bang Chicken Fried Rice
Garnishes
A final flourish of thinly sliced green onions, black or white sesame seeds, and a generous drizzle of extra bang bang sauce on top will make your Bang Bang Chicken Fried Rice really pop. For a little crunch, try some fried shallots or chopped peanuts sprinkled over just before serving.
Side Dishes
This showstopper holds its own, but it also loves a little company—think steamed edamame, Asian cucumber salad for coolness, or crispy spring rolls. If you’re hosting, a big platter of Bang Bang Chicken Fried Rice alongside some miso soup or a light slaw makes the meal irresistible.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve Bang Bang Chicken Fried Rice in hollowed-out pineapple halves for a tropical touch, or scoop it into bowls and top each with a jammy soft-boiled egg. Let everyone customize their plates with extra sauce and garnishes—make it interactive and let the flavors shine!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, Bang Bang Chicken Fried Rice keeps brilliantly in an airtight container for up to 3 days in the fridge. The flavors meld and deepen overnight, making leftovers taste almost better the next day.
Freezing
You can absolutely freeze portions for later—just cool completely, then transfer to freezer-safe bags or containers. Bang Bang Chicken Fried Rice will keep its flavor and texture for up to a month; the bang bang sauce can be frozen separately for last-minute drizzling.
Reheating
To revive your rice, toss leftovers in a hot skillet or wok with a splash of water to return some steam and fluffiness. Microwave works in a pinch, but for best results, reheat on the stove so everything gets piping hot and fresh-tasting.
FAQs
Can I use rotisserie chicken or cooked leftover chicken?
Definitely! Shredded or chopped rotisserie chicken is a super-speedy shortcut for Bang Bang Chicken Fried Rice—just warm it in the pan to soak up those flavors with the fried rice and sauce.
What if I don’t have day-old rice?
If you’re short on time, spread freshly cooked rice on a tray and pop it in the fridge or freezer to chill and dry out for at least 20 minutes. This helps stop the rice from turning mushy.
Is this recipe spicy?
Bang Bang Chicken Fried Rice hits a lovely moderate heat thanks to sriracha in the sauce, but you can always dial it up or down—omit sriracha for a mild version, or add extra for a fiery finish.
Are there vegetarian options?
Absolutely! Simply swap in crispy tofu for chicken, or bulk it up with mushrooms and extra veggies. The bang bang sauce is already vegetarian, so you won’t miss a thing flavor-wise.
Can I use another type of rice?
Jasmine rice gives that signature fragrance and slightly sticky fried rice texture, but you can substitute with long-grain white rice or even brown rice for a nutty twist—just be sure it’s cooked and cooled first.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend Bang Bang Chicken Fried Rice enough—every time I make it, it disappears in record time. Whether you’re spicing up your weeknight dinner or impressing a crowd, this dish brings fun, flavor, and a little wow factor to your table. Grab your pan and get cooking—it’s time to make Bang Bang Chicken Fried Rice your new comfort food favorite!
