If you’re craving a dish that bursts with flavor, texture, and just the right hint of spice, you absolutely cannot miss this Bang Bang Chicken Fried Rice Recipe. It takes the classic comfort of fried rice and cranks it up with crispy, golden fried chicken tossed in a creamy, spicy bang bang sauce that coats every bite with irresistible zest. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or impressing friends with a twist on an old favorite, this recipe balances savory, sweet, tangy, and spicy notes in a way that’ll have you coming back for seconds. Trust me, once you’ve made this Bang Bang Chicken Fried Rice Recipe, it’s going to become a go-to in your kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is half the fun and the key to nailing this recipe. Each component is simple but plays an essential role—whether it’s the day-old rice providing the perfect texture, the aromatic shallots and garlic for a fragrant base, or the homemade bang bang sauce that brings that signature creamy heat. Let’s dive into what you’ll need!
- 1 ½ cups cooked white rice, preferably day-old: Day-old rice is dryer, which helps avoid soggy fried rice and gives that ideal fluffy texture.
- 1 shallot, chopped: Brings a mild onion flavor that’s sweeter and less pungent than regular onions.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Adds depth and that irresistible garlic punch to the dish.
- 1 tsp fresh ginger, minced: Offers a zesty spice that brightens the whole dish.
- 1 tsp red pepper flakes: For a touch of heat that plays nicely with the creamy sauce.
- ¾ cup frozen peas and carrots: Adds color, sweetness, and a bit of crunch to balance the dish.
- 2 tsp sesame oil: Infuses a nutty aroma that makes the fried rice unforgettable.
- 4 tbsp soy sauce: Provides savory umami and saltiness to the rice.
- 2 eggs: Scrambled into the rice, they add richness and protein.
- ½ cup mayonnaise: Forms the creamy base of the bang bang sauce for luscious coating.
- 2 tbsp garlic chili paste: Brings garlic flavor with a spicy kick.
- 2 tbsp spicy honey: Balances spice with a touch of sweetness and sticky texture.
- 2 tbsp sriracha: Adds that signature tangy heat inherent in bang bang sauces.
- 1 tsp salt: Enhances all the flavors without overpowering.
- 1 tsp black pepper: Gives a subtle warm heat.
- 2 chicken breasts, diced: The star protein, perfect for crisping up.
- ¼ cup flour: Works with cornstarch to create a crispy fried coating.
- ¼ cup cornstarch: Helps the chicken get extra crisp and light.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential for seasoning the chicken and fried rice.
- ¼ cup water, add 1 tbsp at a time if needed: Binds the coating ingredients for the chicken.
- ½ cup frying oil: For perfectly crisp fried chicken.
- Green onions, chopped: Adds fresh, vibrant flavor and a pop of color when garnishing.
- Extra sriracha or spicy honey drizzle: Optional, but highly recommended for an extra zing when serving.
How to Make Bang Bang Chicken Fried Rice Recipe
Step 1: Coat and Fry the Chicken
We start by creating a slightly sticky coating for the chicken. Combine the diced chicken breasts with flour, cornstarch, salt, pepper, and water. This mixture is what gives the chicken that enviable crispy crust once fried. Heat half a cup of frying oil in a wok or deep pan over medium heat, then fry the chicken pieces for about 10 to 12 minutes, turning occasionally, until they are golden brown and irresistibly crunchy. Once cooked, transfer them to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil. This step is what sets the base for a perfectly crispy bang bang chicken topping.
Step 2: Prepare the Fried Rice Base
Using the same pan keeps the flavor and minimizes cleanup. If needed, add a bit more oil and sauté the chopped shallot, garlic, and ginger until they become fragrant and soft—roughly 30 seconds to a minute. These aromatics infuse the rice with a warm, savory base flavor. Then add the frozen peas and carrots, stirring them in well to heat through and add a sweet crunch and bright pops of color to your fried rice.
Step 3: Stir-Fry the Rice and Eggs
Now comes the heart of the dish. Add the day-old cooked rice to the pan, breaking up any clumps with your spatula to ensure an even fry. Drizzle in the sesame oil and soy sauce, making sure every grain is nicely coated with that salty, nutty goodness. Push the rice to one side of the pan, crack in the two eggs on the empty space, and scramble them until cooked through. The eggs add a soft, rich texture, making the fried rice more filling and flavorful. Then gently mix the scrambled eggs into the rice until evenly distributed.
Step 4: Toss Chicken in the Bang Bang Sauce
In a separate bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, garlic chili paste, spicy honey, sriracha, salt, and black pepper to make the luscious bang bang sauce. This creamy, spicy concoction is what elevates the chicken from simple fried chicken to the signature bang bang style. Toss the crispy fried chicken pieces in the sauce, making sure each piece is fully coated in that finger-licking goodness.
Step 5: Assemble and Serve
Plate your savory fried rice and generously top it with the bang bang chicken. Add a sprinkle of fresh green onions for a fresh contrast and optional drizzle of extra sriracha or spicy honey if you want to turn up the heat or sweetness. Serve immediately for the best texture and flavor. Trust me, this is when it all comes together—you’re going to love every bite of this Bang Bang Chicken Fried Rice Recipe!
How to Serve Bang Bang Chicken Fried Rice Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh chopped green onions are a must-have—they add brightness and a subtle crunch that cuts through the richness of the sauce. If you’re feeling adventurous, a light sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds gives a lovely nutty pop. For extra zing, drizzle some more sriracha or spicy honey on top.
Side Dishes
This dish shines on its own, but pairing it with a simple cucumber salad or steamed bok choy with a drizzle of soy sauce and sesame oil can bring a refreshing balance. Light, crisp vegetable sides complement the creamy boldness of the bang bang chicken fried rice beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve this fried rice in crispy lettuce cups or hollowed-out bell peppers for a festive, hand-held option. You can also layer it in a bowl with avocado slices, pickled red onions, or even a fried egg on top for an extra indulgence. The versatility of this Bang Bang Chicken Fried Rice Recipe means it can fit into casual family dinners or stylish dinner parties alike.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Allow leftover Bang Bang Chicken Fried Rice to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Stored in the refrigerator, it will keep well for up to 3 days. This makes it an excellent make-ahead lunch or quick dinner option.
Freezing
If you want to freeze this dish, separate the chicken and rice portions first for best texture retention. Freeze them separately in sealed containers for up to 2 months. The chicken coated in bang bang sauce may lose some crispiness but retains all its delicious flavor.
Reheating
Reheat the fried rice in a skillet or wok over medium heat, stirring frequently to warm it evenly. For the chicken, reheating in the oven on a baking sheet at 350°F (175°C) helps restore some crispness. Alternatively, a quick microwave reheat works well if you’re in a hurry. Add a splash of water to avoid drying out the rice.
FAQs
Can I use freshly cooked rice instead of day-old rice?
While freshly cooked rice technically works, day-old rice is much better as it’s drier and less sticky, which prevents your fried rice from becoming mushy. If you only have fresh rice, spread it out on a baking sheet to cool and dry a bit before using.
Is this recipe very spicy?
The recipe has a pleasant kick thanks to the sriracha, chili paste, and red pepper flakes, but the spicy honey balances that heat with sweetness, creating a rounded flavor. You can adjust the spice level by reducing or increasing the sriracha or chili paste to suit your taste.
Can I substitute the chicken with a vegetarian option?
Absolutely! Use crispy fried tofu or even cauliflower florets coated in the same batter and sauce for a delicious vegetarian version of the Bang Bang Chicken Fried Rice Recipe.
What’s the best way to chop the green onions for garnish?
For the best texture and color, slice green onions thinly on a bias (diagonal cut). This increases surface area and adds a pretty look and subtle crunch as a fresh topping.
Can I prepare the bang bang sauce ahead of time?
Yes! Making the bang bang sauce up to two days ahead and storing it refrigerated allows the flavors to meld beautifully. Just give it a quick stir before tossing with the fried chicken.
Final Thoughts
I hope you’re as excited as I am for this Bang Bang Chicken Fried Rice Recipe. It’s one of those dishes that feels like a warm, flavorful hug in every bite and comes together with surprisingly easy steps and ingredients. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or a crowd, this dish delivers on taste, texture, and that crave-worthy bang bang sauce. Give it a try and watch it become an instant favorite in your home kitchen!
Print
Bang Bang Chicken Fried Rice Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Asian
Description
This Bang Bang Chicken Fried Rice recipe combines crispy fried chicken coated in a spicy, creamy bang bang sauce with savory stir-fried rice loaded with vegetables and scrambled eggs. Quick and flavorful, it uses day-old rice for perfect texture and is cooked entirely on the stovetop for a satisfying one-pan meal bursting with Asian-inspired flavors.
Ingredients
For the Chicken
- 2 chicken breasts, diced
- ¼ cup flour
- ¼ cup cornstarch
- Salt and pepper to taste
- ¼ cup water (add 1 tbsp at a time if needed)
- ½ cup frying oil
For the Fried Rice
- 1 ½ cups cooked white rice, preferably day-old
- 1 shallot, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp fresh ginger, minced
- 1 tsp red pepper flakes
- ¾ cup frozen peas and carrots
- 2 tsp sesame oil
- 4 tbsp soy sauce
- 2 eggs
For the Bang Bang Sauce
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 2 tbsp garlic chili paste
- 2 tbsp spicy honey
- 2 tbsp sriracha
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
To Garnish
- Green onions, chopped
- Extra sriracha or spicy honey drizzle
Instructions
- Coat and Fry the Chicken: In a bowl, mix diced chicken with flour, cornstarch, salt, pepper, and water until the coating is slightly sticky. Heat ½ cup frying oil in a wok or deep pan over medium heat. Fry the chicken for 10-12 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden brown and crispy. Remove and drain on paper towels.
- Prepare the Fried Rice Base: In the same pan, add more oil if needed. Sauté chopped shallot, minced garlic, and ginger for 30 seconds to 1 minute until fragrant and softened. Stir in frozen peas and carrots to combine well.
- Stir-Fry the Rice: Add the day-old rice to the pan, breaking up any clumps with a spatula. Pour in sesame oil and soy sauce, mixing thoroughly to coat all the rice evenly. Push rice to one side, crack in the eggs on the cleared side, and scramble until fully cooked. Mix scrambled eggs into the rice evenly.
- Toss Chicken in Bang Bang Sauce: Whisk mayonnaise, garlic chili paste, spicy honey, sriracha, salt, and black pepper in a bowl until smooth. Toss the crispy fried chicken pieces in this sauce until fully coated.
- Assemble and Serve: Plate the fried rice and generously top with the bang bang chicken. Garnish with chopped green onions and optionally drizzle extra sriracha or spicy honey. Serve immediately while hot and enjoy.
Notes
- Using day-old rice prevents sogginess and helps achieve perfect fried rice texture.
- Adjust the amount of spicy honey and sriracha to control the heat level in the bang bang sauce.
- Ensure the frying oil is hot enough to get a crispy chicken crust but not smoking to avoid burning.
- Can substitute chicken breasts with thighs for juicier meat.
- Use a wok or large deep skillet for even cooking and easy stirring.
