Easy Bang Bang Chicken Fried Rice Recipe

Forget the delivery apps! Imagine incredibly crispy, golden chicken bites drenched in a luscious, creamy, sweet, and spicy sauce, all tossed with savory fried rice and vibrant veggies. Our Bang Bang Chicken Fried Rice is the ultimate one-pan wonder, set to revolutionize your weeknight meals. We’ll show you how to achieve irresistible crispy chicken and whip up the signature, addictive bang bang sauce. Get ready to ditch takeout because this homemade version is easy, impossible to resist, and truly better than takeout fried rice!

What Exactly IS Bang Bang Chicken Fried Rice?

At its heart, Bang Bang Chicken Fried Rice is an exciting fusion of two beloved Asian-inspired dishes. This unique take on Bang Bang Chicken Fried Rice combines the irresistible crunch and creamy spice of classic Bang Bang Chicken married with the comforting, savory goodness of homemade fried rice.

The Star Player: Bang Bang Chicken

The “Bang Bang” in Bang Bang Chicken refers to its iconic sauce—a creamy, spicy, and subtly sweet concoction made famous in Chinese restaurants. For our recipe, we achieve maximum indulgence with perfectly breaded and fried chicken pieces. This ensures a delightful, crispy chicken fried rice experience, offering a satisfying crunch that beautifully contrasts with the rich, velvety sauce, making it a star in our Bang Bang Chicken Fried Rice recipe.

The Perfect Foundation: Classic Fried Rice

Supporting the flavorful chicken is perfectly executed classic fried rice. This versatile dish traditionally uses leftover rice recipes, especially day-old rice. Our recipe creates that ideal savory, umami-rich base with aromatic garlic, ginger, vibrant vegetables, and fluffy scrambled eggs. It’s the perfect canvas for the bold, dynamic flavors of the bang bang chicken, ensuring every forkful is balanced and utterly delicious. It’s the ultimate chicken and vegetable stir fry taken to a new level.

Why This Recipe Will Be Your New Favorite

You’re not just making another meal; you’re crafting a culinary masterpiece with this Bang Bang Chicken Fried Rice that hits all the right notes:

Flavor Overload: A perfect balance of sweet, spicy, savory, and creamy in every bite. This isn’t just any spicy fried rice recipe; it’s an explosion of taste!
Quick & Easy: A restaurant-quality meal in under 45 minutes, ideal for busy weeknight dinner ideas.
Better Than Takeout: Fresher, often healthier, and more affordable than ordering in, without compromising flavor. You’ll agree it’s better than takeout fried rice.
Completely Customizable: Easily adjust spice, swap proteins, or load it with favorite vegetables.
Uses Leftover Rice: The perfect excuse to use up that day-old rice, making it the ultimate homemade fried rice solution!

Ingredient Breakdown: Everything You’ll Need

Crafting the perfect Bang Bang Chicken Fried Rice begins with these key ingredients.

For the Crispy Chicken

Boneless, Skinless Chicken: Breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces. Thighs offer more juiciness.
Cornstarch & Egg: Creates a light, shatteringly crispy coating.
Oil for Frying: A neutral oil with a high smoke point (e.g., vegetable, canola, or avocado oil).
Seasonings: Salt, black pepper, and paprika for foundational flavor.

For the Signature Bang Bang Sauce

This is where the magic happens – an addictive bang bang sauce recipe!

Mayonnaise: Essential creamy base. Use full-fat for best texture.
Sweet Chili Sauce: Key for signature sweet heat.
Sriracha or Hot Sauce: For an extra kick; adjust to preference.
Rice Vinegar: A touch of acidity to balance richness.
Honey or Maple Syrup (Optional): Adds sweetness if desired.

For the Perfect Fried Rice

Day-Old Cooked Rice: CRITICAL. Cold, dry rice is non-negotiable for fluffy, non-mushy fried rice. Jasmine or long-grain white rice are best.
Aromatics: Fresh garlic and ginger for depth and warmth.
Vegetables: Frozen peas, carrots, diced onion, and scallions. A wholesome chicken and vegetable stir fry.
Eggs: Scrambled eggs add texture and richness.
Sauces: Low-sodium soy sauce for umami, toasted sesame oil for nutty aroma.

How to Make Bang Bang Chicken Fried Rice: A Step-by-Step Guide

Follow these steps for an amazing Bang Bang Chicken Fried Rice experience.

Step 1: Mix the Irresistible Bang Bang Sauce

In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, rice vinegar, and optional honey. Taste and adjust. Set aside.

Step 2: Prep and Cook the Crispy Chicken

Cut chicken into 1-inch pieces, pat dry, and season.
Dip chicken in whisked egg, then dredge in cornstarch, shaking off excess.
Heat 1 inch of neutral oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.
Fry chicken in batches for 3-4 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through (165°F / 74°C internal).
Remove cooked chicken to a wire rack to drain. This is how to make crispy chicken fried rice!

Step 3: Build Your Fried Rice Flavor Base

Pour out most oil from the pan, leaving 1-2 tablespoons. Return to medium-high heat.
Sauté diced onion for 2-3 minutes. Stir in garlic and ginger for 1 minute until fragrant.
Push aromatics aside. Scramble beaten eggs until just set, then mix with aromatics.

Step 4: Fry the Rice and Veggies

Add day-old rice to the pan, breaking clumps. Increase heat to high.
Pour in soy sauce and sesame oil. Stir-fry vigorously, tossing to coat and toast rice for 3-5 minutes.
Add frozen peas and carrots. Continue stir-frying for 2-3 minutes, until heated through. This creates a perfect base for your sweet chili fried rice.

Step 5: Combine and Serve

Add crispy chicken to the fried rice. Drizzle generously with your prepared bang bang sauce recipe. Toss gently to combine. Garnish with fresh scallions and serve immediately for the ultimate easy chicken fried rice, and create your perfect bowl of Bang Bang Chicken Fried Rice!

Pro Tips for Restaurant-Quality Results

Mastering Bang Bang Chicken Fried Rice for restaurant-quality results is easy with these tips:

The Rice is Key: Always use cold, day-old rice. Its low moisture prevents mushiness. For fresh rice, spread on a baking sheet and chill for an hour.
Don’t Crowd the Pan: Fry chicken in batches. Overcrowding lowers oil temperature, causing steaming instead of crisping – vital for crispy chicken fried rice.
Taste and Adjust: Always taste bang bang sauce. Adjust sweetness or spice to your liking.
High Heat is Your Friend: Fried rice cooks best over high, consistent heat. This prevents sogginess and helps achieve “wok hei” flavor.

Fun Variations and Dietary Swaps

This Bang Bang Chicken Fried Rice recipe is incredibly versatile!

Protein Swaps

Bang Bang Shrimp: Pan-fry shrimp 1-2 minutes per side until pink, then toss with sauce.
Bang Bang Tofu: Press extra-firm tofu, cube, then pan-fry or air fry until crispy before coating.

Cooking Method Variations

Air Fryer Bang Bang Chicken: Coat chicken, then air fry at 375°F (190°C) for 10-15 minutes, flipping once.
Baked Bang Bang Chicken: Bake coated chicken at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes, flipping once.

Dietary Adjustments

Gluten-Free: Use tamari and ensure GF sweet chili sauce.
Dairy-Free: Use a high-quality vegan mayonnaise.

Storing and Reheating Instructions

While best enjoyed fresh, Bang Bang Chicken Fried Rice can be stored.

Storing: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Chicken crispiness will soften.
Reheating: Best to stir-fry in a hot pan with oil until warm. Microwaving works but yields softer texture. Freezing is not recommended.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is bang bang sauce made of?

Bang bang sauce is a creamy, sweet, and spicy mixture. It combines mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, and sriracha or hot sauce for heat. Our recipe adds rice vinegar for balance, creating a delicious creamy spicy chicken recipe element.

Can I use freshly cooked rice for fried rice?

No. Fresh rice has too much moisture, resulting in sticky, mushy fried rice. For best homemade fried rice, always use cold, day-old cooked rice.

Is Bang Bang Chicken Fried Rice very spicy?

Spice is customizable. Control heat by adjusting sriracha. As written, this recipe offers a pleasant medium warmth.

Can I make the components ahead of time?

Yes! Cook rice 1-2 days ahead. Bang bang sauce can be refrigerated up to a week. For crispiness, cook chicken fresh before serving.

What is the difference between Bang Bang Chicken and Firecracker Chicken?

Both feature crispy chicken with Asian-inspired sauces. Bang Bang Chicken has a creamy, mayonnaise-based sauce. Firecracker Chicken typically uses a thinner, stickier, spicier glaze (with brown sugar, soy sauce, and chili flakes). Both are great quick chicken recipes, but offer distinct flavor profiles.

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