Name: Bang Bang Chicken Fried Rice
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Fusion
Ingredients: 1 lb chicken breast or thighs, diced into bite-sized pieces; 3 cups cooked jasmine rice (preferably day-old); 1/2 cup diced bell peppers; 1/2 cup peas (fresh or frozen); 1/2 cup diced carrots; 2 green onions, chopped (for garnish); 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tbsp fresh ginger, minced; 3 tbsp bang bang sauce (a mix of mayo, sriracha, and sweet chili sauce); 2 tbsp soy sauce; 1 tbsp sesame oil; 2 tbsp vegetable oil or peanut oil (for stir-frying)

Looking for bold flavors? Bang Bang Chicken Fried Rice mixes spicy, savory, and crispy elements in an easy one-pan dish that satisfies cravings and brightens up any mealtime. This flavorful fusion combines tender chicken with vibrant vegetables, aromatic garlic, and that addictive bang bang sauce, all tossed with perfectly cooked rice for a mouthwatering experience you’ll want to make again and again.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick and Simple: Ready in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
Flavor Explosion: The spicy bang bang sauce adds a punch that balances savory and sweet beautifully.
One-Pan Wonder: Minimal cleanup required since everything cooks in a single skillet or wok.
Customizable: Easy to add your favorite veggies or switch proteins for variety.
Room for Leftovers: Tastes even better the next day, ideal for meal prep.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of Bang Bang Chicken Fried Rice lies in its simple yet essential ingredients, each bringing unique textures and flavors that come together in perfect harmony. Fresh vegetables add crunch and color, the chicken delivers protein, and the rice acts as the perfect base to soak up all those bold seasonings.

Chicken breast or thighs: Choose tender pieces for juiciness and quick cooking.
Cooked jasmine rice: Day-old rice works best for that ideal fried texture without clumping.
Vegetables (bell peppers, peas, carrots): Fresh or frozen options provide vibrant color and natural sweetness.
Garlic and ginger: Essential aromatics that build deep flavor from the start.
Bang bang sauce: A spicy, creamy mix of mayo, sriracha, and sweet chili sauce adding signature heat and tang.
Soy sauce and sesame oil: Bring savory umami notes and a nutty finish.
Green onions: Fresh, crunchy toppings that amp up brightness and texture.
Vegetable oil or peanut oil: High smoke point oils ideal for stir-frying without burning.

Variations for Bang Bang Chicken Fried Rice

If you love tweaking recipes to your taste or need to accommodate dietary preferences, this Bang Bang Chicken Fried Rice is a dream to adapt. Swap ingredients or boost flavors easily for a personalized twist every time you make it.

Spicy Kick Up: Add extra sriracha or chili flakes for those who love blazing heat.
Vegetarian Version: Replace chicken with crispy tofu or tempeh for a plant-based delight.
Low Carb: Use cauliflower rice instead of jasmine rice to keep it light and keto-friendly.
Extra Crunch: Toss in chopped cashews or peanuts for satisfying texture contrast.
Shellfish Swap: Substitute chicken with shrimp or scallops for a seafood-inspired meal.

Bang Bang Chicken Fried Rice Full of Flavor

How to Make Bang Bang Chicken Fried Rice

Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients

Start by dicing the chicken into bite-sized pieces and chopping your vegetables finely. Mince garlic and ginger so they blend easily and set aside your cooked rice, ideally day-old for the best frying results.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken

Heat oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces and cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes, then remove from the pan and set aside.

Step 3: Sauté Aromatics and Vegetables

In the same pan, add a bit more oil if needed. Toss in garlic and ginger, stirring quickly until fragrant, then add chopped vegetables like bell peppers, peas, and carrots. Cook until tender-crisp.

Step 4: Fry the Rice

Add the rice to the pan, breaking up any clumps with a spatula. Stir-fry everything together, allowing the rice to get slightly crispy on the edges for that satisfying texture.

Step 5: Combine and Sauce

Return the cooked chicken to the pan. Drizzle soy sauce, sesame oil, and the luscious bang bang sauce evenly over the mixture. Toss everything gently but thoroughly to coat each grain and piece of chicken in that unforgettable flavor.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Finish off by stirring in chopped green onions and serving straight from the skillet while it’s hot and fragrant.

Pro Tips for Making Bang Bang Chicken Fried Rice

Use Day-Old Rice: It’s drier and helps achieve the perfect fried texture without becoming mushy.
High Heat Cooking: Stir-fry on high heat to get that slight char and vibrant flavors.
Cook Chicken Separately: Prevent overcooking and maintain juicy, tender pieces.
Keep Sauce Ready: Mix bang bang sauce ahead of time for quick assembly.
Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Give ingredients space so they brown nicely instead of steaming.

How to Serve Bang Bang Chicken Fried Rice

Garnishes

Top with fresh sliced green onions, toasted sesame seeds, or even a handful of chopped cilantro for an extra layer of freshness and crunch.

Side Dishes

This dish pairs wonderfully with simple cucumber salad, steamed broccoli, or spring rolls to complement its bold, spicy flavors while balancing the meal.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve Bang Bang Chicken Fried Rice in individual bowls with lime wedges on the side to add a zesty twist, or pack it into lettuce wraps for a fun handheld option.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Allow the Bang Bang Chicken Fried Rice to cool completely, then transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days.

Freezing

This dish freezes well; portion into freezer-safe containers and freeze up to 2 months for convenient future meals.

Reheating

Reheat in a skillet over medium heat or microwave until hot throughout, adding a splash of water or oil if it feels dry.

FAQs

Can I use brown rice instead of jasmine rice?

Absolutely! Brown rice can be used, but keep in mind it has a chewier texture and takes longer to cook, so plan accordingly.

Is Bang Bang Chicken Fried Rice very spicy?

The spice level depends on how much bang bang sauce and sriracha you add, so feel free to adjust to your taste.

Can I prepare the chicken in advance?

Yes, cooking chicken ahead and storing it separately helps speed up the final assembly and keeps it tender.

What is the best oil to use for stir-frying?

Peanut oil or vegetable oil are great for high-heat cooking because they have a high smoke point and neutral flavors.

How can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Simply swap the chicken for tofu or tempeh and use vegetable-based sauces to keep the dish vegetarian-friendly without sacrificing flavor.

Final Thoughts

Bang Bang Chicken Fried Rice is truly a dinner game-changer, blending vibrant flavors and easy techniques into a dish that feels both indulgent and approachable. Once you try it, you’ll love how versatile it is for busy nights or casual weekend meals. So grab your skillet, get cooking, and treat yourself to this irresistible, flavor-packed favorite!

Bang Bang Chicken Fried Rice

Author: Anna
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Category: Main Course
Method: Stir-Frying
Cuisine: Fusion
Diet: Contains poultry, can be adapted for vegetarian or low-carb diets

Print Recipe

Description

Bang Bang Chicken Fried Rice is a quick and flavorful one-pan dish that combines tender chicken, vibrant vegetables, aromatic garlic and ginger, and a spicy creamy bang bang sauce, all tossed with perfectly cooked jasmine rice. Ready in under 30 minutes, it’s perfect for busy weeknights and offers a bold blend of spicy, savory, and crispy elements to satisfy your cravings.

Instructions

Prep Your Ingredients: Dice the chicken into bite-sized pieces, finely chop the vegetables, and mince garlic and ginger. Set aside the cooked jasmine rice, ideally day-old to ensure the best frying texture.
Cook the Chicken: Heat vegetable or peanut oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces and cook until browned and cooked through, about 5 to 7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.
Sauté Aromatics and Vegetables: In the same pan, add a little more oil if needed. Add minced garlic and ginger, stirring quickly until fragrant. Then add the chopped bell peppers, peas, and carrots, cooking until vegetables are tender-crisp.
Fry the Rice: Add the cooked jasmine rice to the pan, breaking up any clumps with a spatula. Stir-fry everything together, allowing the rice to become slightly crispy on the edges for added texture.
Combine and Sauce: Return the cooked chicken to the pan. Drizzle soy sauce, sesame oil, and bang bang sauce evenly over the mixture. Toss everything gently but thoroughly to coat the rice and chicken in the flavorful sauce.
Garnish and Serve: Stir in the chopped green onions and serve while hot directly from the skillet. Optionally, garnish with toasted sesame seeds or cilantro.

Notes

Use day-old jasmine rice for best texture and avoid mushiness.
Stir-fry on high heat for vibrant flavors and slight char.
Cook chicken separately to maintain tenderness and avoid overcooking.
Prepare the bang bang sauce ahead of time for quick assembly.
Avoid overcrowding the pan to ensure proper browning instead of steaming.
Adjust spiciness by varying the amount of sriracha or sweet chili sauce in the bang bang sauce.
For variations, substitute chicken with tofu, tempeh, shrimp, or scallops as desired.