Bang Bang Chicken Fried Rice Recipe

If you’re craving a meal that’s bursting with flavor and packed with the satisfying textures of crispy chicken and perfectly seasoned rice, you’re in for a treat. This Bang Bang Chicken Fried Rice Recipe is one of those dishes I make when I want comfort food with a little kick and a whole lot of yum. It’s simple but feels so special—perfect for a weeknight dinner or an impressive weekend feast for friends. Stick around, and I’ll walk you through exactly how to get that bang bang sauce just right and fry up the chicken so it’s irresistibly crispy every time.

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient plays a key role in this recipe—day-old rice for that perfect fried texture, fresh aromatics for punch, and a homemade bang bang sauce that ties it all together. I’ll share some tips on picking the best versions when you shop so your dish turns out amazing.

• Cooked white rice: Day-old rice is less sticky and works best for fried rice—it crisps up beautifully without clumping.
• Shallot: I love its mild sweetness; it adds gentle onion flavor without overpowering the dish.
• Garlic: Freshly minced garlic brings that classic savoriness; avoid pre-minced for best flavor.
• Fresh ginger: Adds bright warmth that makes the sauce and fried rice taste vibrant.
• Red pepper flakes: For subtle heat; adjust to your family’s spice tolerance.
• Frozen peas and carrots: Convenient and perfectly timed; thaw just a bit before tossing in.
• Sesame oil: A little goes a long way to adding nutty depth to the fried rice.
• Soy sauce: Use a good-quality one with balanced saltiness; low sodium versions work well too.
• Eggs: They add richness and texture, helping everything stick together nicely.
• Mayonnaise: The creamy base for bang bang sauce; the secret to that silky, spicy coating.
• Garlic chili paste: This packs a flavorful punch; substitute with sambal oelek if needed.
• Spicy honey: A sweet-heat element that elevates the sauce; you can swap for regular honey plus chili flakes.
• Sriracha: Boosts heat and tang in the sauce—feel free to add more or less.
• Chicken breasts: Diced for quick frying; boneless and skinless keeps it simple.
• Flour and cornstarch: Mixing these creates that perfect batter that crisps up chicken beautifully.
• Salt and pepper: Essential seasonings to bring out flavor in both chicken and sauce.
• Frying oil: Use a neutral oil with a high smoke point, like vegetable or canola oil, for crispy results.
• Green onions (optional garnish): Adds freshness and a pop of color on top.

Variations

One thing I love about this Bang Bang Chicken Fried Rice Recipe is how flexible it is. Over time, I’ve played with different ingredients to match what I have on hand or tweak the spice level according to who’s eating.

• Vegetarian option: Swap chicken for crispy tofu or tempeh cubes coated and fried the same way—just as delicious.
• Extra veggies: Feel free to add bell peppers, snap peas, or corn for more crunch and color. My family loves the added sweetness of fresh corn.
• Mild sauce: If you’re sensitive to heat, tone down the sriracha and chili paste and boost the honey for balanced sweetness.
• Make it gluten-free: Use tamari instead of soy sauce, and make sure your chili paste has no gluten.

How to Make Bang Bang Chicken Fried Rice Recipe

Step 1: Coat and Fry the Chicken for Maximum Crispy Goodness

Start by combining the diced chicken with flour, cornstarch, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Slowly add water one tablespoon at a time until the mixture feels just a bit sticky—this helps the coating stick better. When you fry the chicken in hot oil, it crisps up so beautifully, and trust me, that crunch is worth every extra step. Fry over medium heat for 10-12 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken turns a gorgeous golden brown. Once done, transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil.

Step 2: Sauté Aromatics and Veggies to Build Flavor

Using the same pan where you fried the chicken (just add a little more oil if needed), toss in the chopped shallot, garlic, and fresh ginger. Sauté for about 30 seconds to a minute, until you can really smell those lovely scents filling the air—I always find this step instantly makes the kitchen feel homier. Then, stir in the frozen peas and carrots and cook until they’re warmed through.

Step 3: Stir-Fry the Rice and Eggs Like a Pro

Add your day-old cooked white rice to the pan next—break up any clumps with your spatula and stir well to combine with the aromatics and veggies. Drizzle the sesame oil and soy sauce evenly over the rice, tossing to mix. Then, push the rice to one side of the pan and crack two eggs into the empty space. Scramble the eggs gently and, once cooked, combine everything together. This technique helps the eggs stay fluffy and get distributed evenly.

Step 4: Toss That Crispy Chicken in Bang Bang Sauce

While your rice is finishing up, whisk together mayonnaise, garlic chili paste, spicy honey, sriracha, salt, and pepper in a bowl to create the iconic bang bang sauce. Once mixed, toss your crispy fried chicken pieces in this sauce until they’re fully coated and you see that beautiful, glossy, spicy glaze. This sauce is what takes the recipe from great to absolutely crave-worthy.

Step 5: Assemble and Serve with Style

Plate a generous portion of the fried rice, top it with your sauced-up bang bang chicken, and sprinkle with chopped green onions for freshness and crunch. If you want to turn up the heat or sweetness, drizzle a little extra sriracha or spicy honey on top. Serve immediately and enjoy the joyful medley of textures and flavors!

How to Serve Bang Bang Chicken Fried Rice Recipe

Garnishes

I always top this dish with fresh green onions because they add a crisp brightness that cuts through the richness of the sauce. Some extra sriracha or a drizzle of spicy honey on top brings a gorgeous finish and lets everyone customize heat level bite by bite. If you want to get fancy, a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds is a lovely touch too.

Side Dishes

My family usually pairs this with simple steamed or roasted veggies—broccoli and snap peas work beautifully. For a little contrast, I sometimes serve a light Asian cucumber salad or quick pickled radishes alongside, which add a refreshing crunch that balances the spicy fried rice.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I’ve served this fried rice in carved-out bell peppers or halved avocados to make it extra fun and eye-catching. Another great idea is layering the fried rice and chicken in a clear glass bowl to show off all the vibrant colors—it’s a hit at potlucks! Don’t underestimate the power of a nice platter and fresh herbs to make it feel restaurant-worthy.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. I like to keep the bang bang chicken separate from the fried rice so the chicken stays crispier and doesn’t get soggy overnight. When serving, you can toss them back together for that perfect flavor combo.

Freezing

Freezing fried rice with bang bang chicken can be done, but the texture changes a bit after thawing—the rice can get a little drier, and the chicken may lose some crispiness. If you want to freeze, flash-freeze the chicken pieces separately on a tray first, then transfer to a freezer bag. Rice freezes okay but I recommend reheating gently to avoid drying it out.

Reheating

When reheating, stovetop is my favorite method. Warm the rice in a skillet with a splash of water or a little oil to restore moisture. Reheat the bang bang chicken quickly in a separate pan to keep the crust crisp. Avoid using the microwave for long stretches or you’ll lose that crispy texture.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Bang Bang Chicken Fried Rice Recipe quickly became one of my family’s favorites because it’s both comforting and exciting all at once. There’s something so rewarding about making your own bang bang sauce and seeing that crispy chicken coated in it, all piled onto fluffy fried rice. I hope you’ll give this a try and make it your own—whether that’s adding more veggies, toning down the spice, or pairing it with your favorite side dish. Cooking an easy, flavorful meal that impresses everyone? That’s what this recipe delivers every single time!

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