Are you ready for a taste sensation that will awaken your palate? Say hello to Bang Bang Chicken Fried Rice! This isn't just another fried rice recipe; it's a culinary adventure that brings together crispy chicken, a creamy, spicy, and slightly sweet Bang Bang sauce, and perfectly seasoned fried rice into one unforgettable dish. It's the ultimate upgrade to your weeknight dinner routine, offering an explosion of flavors and textures in every single bite!
Forget greasy takeout, because this homemade version is not only incredibly satisfying but also surprisingly easy to whip up. It's a fantastic way to impress your family and friends, or simply treat yourself to a restaurant-quality meal right in your own kitchen.
The Irresistible Allure of Bang Bang Chicken
The star of this dish, the Bang Bang chicken, gets its name from its distinctive preparation and vibrant flavor. Traditionally, it refers to a Szechuan dish of cold shredded chicken with a spicy sauce. Our version takes a crispy, fried approach, coating succulent chicken pieces in a sauce that balances creamy richness with a delightful kick of heat and a touch of sweetness. When combined with savory fried rice, it creates a harmonious blend that's truly addictive.
If you love dishes with a bold and comforting flavor profile, you might also enjoy our Slow Cooker Beef Curry: An Easy, Flavorful & Comforting Recipe, perfect for those cooler evenings!
Tips for Mastering Your Bang Bang Chicken Fried Rice
Start with Day-Old Rice
This is the golden rule for perfect fried rice! Freshly cooked rice is too moist, leading to a clumpy, mushy texture. Using cold, day-old rice that's been chilled in the refrigerator allows the grains to dry out, ensuring they separate beautifully and get that desirable slightly crispy texture when stir-fried. Jasmine or long-grain white rice work best.
Achieve Crispy Chicken Perfection
For truly crispy chicken, make sure not to overcrowd your pan when frying. Frying in batches ensures that each piece has enough space to cook evenly and crisp up, rather than steaming. Maintain a consistent oil temperature, around 350-375°F (175-190°C), for best results.
The Art of Stir-Frying
Stir-frying is a fast-paced cooking method, so having all your ingredients prepped and ready before you start is crucial. This practice, known as mise en place, will make the process smooth and prevent anything from burning. Keep things moving in the wok or skillet to ensure even cooking and vibrant flavors. A good Quality Chef's Knife can make your prep work much faster and safer.
Customize to Your Heart's Content
This recipe is incredibly flexible! Feel free to add more of your favorite vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, or even a handful of spinach. For an extra pop of flavor, a squeeze of fresh lime juice just before serving can brighten the entire dish. Don't be afraid to experiment with the spice level of the Bang Bang sauce to suit your preference.
Serving Suggestions
Bang Bang Chicken Fried Rice is a hearty and complete meal on its own. A sprinkle of fresh chopped green onions, a dash of sesame seeds, or a drizzle of extra Sriracha makes for a beautiful and flavorful garnish. For a lighter side, a simple cucumber salad or some steamed edamame would complement the rich flavors wonderfully. If you're planning a meal with a variety of textures and tastes, consider adding our Easy Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad: Your 15-Minute Recipe Guide! as an appetizer or side dish. Enjoy the journey of flavors!
[IMAGE_PLACEHOLDER_0]FAQs
What is Bang Bang Chicken Fried Rice?
Bang Bang Chicken Fried Rice is a vibrant fusion dish featuring crispy, tender chicken coated in a creamy, sweet, and spicy Bang Bang sauce, stir-fried with fluffy rice and colorful vegetables. It's a popular American-Chinese inspired dish known for its exciting flavor profile.
Can I adjust the spice level of the Bang Bang sauce?
Absolutely! The spice level is completely customizable. To make it less spicy, reduce the amount of Sriracha. For more heat, you can add extra Sriracha or a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce or directly to the fried rice as it cooks.
What's the secret to perfect fried rice?
The key to perfectly fluffy, non-mushy fried rice is using day-old, chilled rice. Freshly cooked rice has too much moisture, which can lead to a sticky, clumpy texture. Chilling it overnight helps dry it out, resulting in separate, tender grains when stir-fried.
What other vegetables can I add to this fried rice?
This recipe is highly versatile! Feel free to incorporate other stir-fry friendly vegetables like bell peppers, broccoli florets, snap peas, sliced mushrooms, or bean sprouts. Add them along with the onions to ensure they cook through.
Bang Bang Chicken Fried Rice
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Pescatarian (can be modified to vegetarian with tofu/no chicken)
Description
A deliciously zesty and spicy fried rice recipe featuring crispy chicken coated in a creamy Bang Bang sauce, perfect for a quick and flavorful meal.
Ingredients
1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
1/2 cup cornstarch
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon black pepper
1 cup vegetable oil (for frying)
1/2 cup mayonnaise
2 tablespoons sweet chili sauce
1-2 tablespoons Sriracha (adjust to taste)
1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup (optional)
3 cups cooked day-old white rice (jasmine or long-grain recommended)
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
1/2 cup chopped onion
1/2 cup frozen peas and carrots blend
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 large egg, whisked
2 tablespoons soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
1 teaspoon sesame oil
Salt and black pepper to taste
Chopped green onions (for garnish)
Sesame seeds (for garnish)
Instructions
Step 1: Pat chicken pieces dry with paper towels. In a medium bowl, toss the chicken with cornstarch, 1/4 teaspoon salt, and 1/8 teaspoon black pepper until each piece is evenly coated.
Step 2: Prepare the Bang Bang Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, Sriracha (starting with 1 tablespoon and adding more for desired heat), and optional honey until completely smooth. Set aside.
Step 3: Fry the Chicken: Heat 1 cup of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat until it reaches 350-375°F (175-190°C). Carefully add chicken pieces in batches, without overcrowding the pan. Fry for 3-5 minutes per batch, until golden brown and cooked through. Remove with a slotted spoon and transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
Step 4: Coat Chicken: Once all chicken is fried, transfer it to a clean bowl. Gently toss the fried chicken with about half of the prepared Bang Bang sauce until evenly coated. Set aside.
Step 5: Start Fried Rice: Carefully pour out most of the oil from the skillet, leaving about 2 tablespoons. Heat the remaining oil over medium-high heat. Add the chopped onion and cook for 2-3 minutes until softened.
Step 6: Add Vegetables and Garlic: Stir in the frozen peas and carrots and minced garlic. Cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
Step 7: Scramble Egg: Push the vegetables to one side of the pan. Pour the whisked egg into the empty space and scramble until cooked through, then break it into small pieces and mix with the vegetables.
Step 8: Combine Rice and Seasonings: Add the day-old rice to the pan. Drizzle with soy sauce and sesame oil. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Stir-fry for 3-5 minutes, breaking up any clumps, until the rice is heated through and slightly crispy.
Step 9: Final Combination: Add the coated Bang Bang chicken to the fried rice mixture. Gently toss to combine all ingredients, ensuring the chicken is well distributed.
Step 10: Serve: Serve immediately, garnished with fresh chopped green onions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds. Offer the remaining Bang Bang sauce on the side for dipping or extra drizzle.
Notes
For a healthier option, you can air-fry or bake the chicken instead of deep-frying. Adjust Sriracha to your preferred spice level. Garnish with a squeeze of fresh lime juice for an extra zesty kick!
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stir-frying, Frying
- Cuisine: Asian Fusion
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 580 kcal
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 55g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
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