Bang Bang Chicken Fried Rice Recipe

I absolutely adore combining bold flavors and comforting textures, and this Bang Bang Chicken Fried Rice Recipe does just that for me. It’s a vibrant twist on my favorite Bang Bang Chicken, paired perfectly with toasty, savory fried rice. The crispy chicken tossed in a creamy, spicy sauce layered on fluffy rice makes every bite a celebration of spice and satisfaction. I find this recipe incredibly rewarding because it’s straightforward yet delivers so much flavor, making it one of my go-to dishes when I want something exciting but easy to whip up.

Why You’ll Love This Bang Bang Chicken Fried Rice Recipe

What excites me most about this Bang Bang Chicken Fried Rice Recipe is the incredible balance of flavor profiles. The creamy, spicy Bang Bang sauce clings to the crispy chicken, giving it this lively kick that’s mellowed just enough by the rich mayonnaise and honey. Pairing that with the warm, umami-packed fried rice, which has subtle notes from sesame oil and soy sauce, creates a harmony of savory, sweet, and spicy that really sings. Every bite feels layered with taste, and I’m convinced it’s impossible to get bored eating it.

I also love how approachable this dish is. Despite feeling like something special, it comes together quickly with simple ingredients and a handful of steps. It’s perfect for weeknight dinners where I want to impress my family without spending hours in the kitchen. Plus, it’s versatile enough for various occasions—whether it’s a casual family meal, a fun dinner party dish, or even meal prepping lunches for the week. This recipe stands out because it brings restaurant-quality flavor into my home kitchen in such an easy way.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe uses straightforward, essential ingredients that each add their own magic to the dish. From the crispy chicken coated in a blend of flour and cornstarch, to the aromatic base of shallots, garlic, and ginger, every element plays a key role in delivering the perfect texture, color, and depth of flavor.

• Cooked white rice (1 ½ cups): Day-old rice works best for that ideal fried rice texture without sogginess.
• Shallot (1, chopped): Adds a gentle sweetness and delicate onion flavor.
• Garlic (2 cloves, minced): Boosts aroma and savory richness.
• Fresh ginger (1 tsp, minced): Brings subtle warmth and zest.
• Red pepper flakes (1 tsp): Provides a hint of heat that complements the Bang Bang sauce.
• Frozen peas and carrots (¾ cup): For a pop of color and natural sweetness.
• Sesame oil (2 tsp): Imparts that nutty, toasted flavor that’s signature in fried rice.
• Soy sauce (4 tbsp): Deepens the umami and balances the spice.
• Eggs (2): Scrambled into the rice for additional protein and texture.
• Mayonnaise (½ cup): The creamy base of the Bang Bang sauce that makes it luscious.
• Garlic chili paste (2 tbsp): Adds garlicky heat and richness to the sauce.
• Spicy honey (2 tbsp): Creates a beautiful sweet-spicy contrast.
• Sriracha (2 tbsp): Gives the sauce its signature fiery kick.
• Salt (1 tsp) and black pepper (1 tsp): Essential seasoning for both sauce and chicken.
• Chicken breasts (2, diced): The star protein, crispy and tender.
• Flour (¼ cup) and cornstarch (¼ cup): For that irresistible crispy coating.
• Water (¼ cup, add gradually): To bind the chicken coating just right.
• Frying oil (½ cup): Needed for crisping the chicken to golden perfection.
• Optional garnish – Green onions, extra sriracha or spicy honey: These elevate the dish visually and add fresh, vibrant notes.

Directions

Step 1: In a medium bowl, combine the diced chicken with flour, cornstarch, salt, pepper, and water. Mix until the coating is slightly sticky but well distributed. This step is key to getting that perfect crispy texture after frying.

Step 2: Heat ½ cup frying oil in a wok or deep skillet over medium heat. Once hot, carefully add the coated chicken pieces. Fry them for about 10 to 12 minutes, turning occasionally so each side gets golden brown and crispy. When done, transfer the chicken to a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.

Step 3: In the same pan, add a little more oil if necessary. Toss in the chopped shallot, minced garlic, and fresh ginger. Sauté these aromatics for 30 seconds to 1 minute, until their fragrance fills the kitchen and the shallots become translucent.

Step 4: Add the frozen peas and carrots to the pan, stirring well to thaw and combine flavors. Let them cook for a minute or two so they retain a bit of crunch and natural sweetness.

Step 5: Stir in the day-old cooked rice, breaking apart any clumps as you go. Pour in sesame oil and soy sauce evenly over the rice and vegetables. Mix thoroughly to coat every grain with the savory sauce.

Step 6: Push the rice mixture to one side of the pan. Crack the two eggs directly into the cleared space and scramble them quickly. Once cooked, fold the eggs into the rice, adding a light, fluffy texture that makes the dish even more satisfying.

Step 7: Whisk together mayonnaise, garlic chili paste, spicy honey, sriracha, salt, and black pepper in a bowl to create the Bang Bang sauce. Make sure it’s smooth and well blended.

Step 8: Toss the crispy fried chicken generously in the Bang Bang sauce, ensuring every piece is coated. The creamy, spicy sauce transforms the chicken into something truly special.

Step 9: To serve, plate the fried rice first, then layer the Bang Bang chicken on top. Garnish with freshly chopped green onions and, if desired, drizzle with extra sriracha or spicy honey for an added burst of heat and sweetness. Serve immediately while everything is warm and aromatic.

Servings and Timing

This Bang Bang Chicken Fried Rice Recipe serves 4 people generously, making it perfect for families or sharing with friends. The prep time is about 10 minutes, mostly for chopping and prepping ingredients, while the cooking time is roughly 20 minutes. In total, you’re looking at around 30 minutes to have a hot, flavorful dinner on the table. There’s no resting time needed, so it’s great for when you want a quick, satisfying meal without waiting.

How to Serve This Bang Bang Chicken Fried Rice Recipe

I love serving this dish hot straight from the pan, as the crispy chicken and fragrant fried rice are at their best when freshly cooked. It works wonderfully as a stand-alone main, but I often complement it with a simple side salad dressed with a light vinaigrette to balance out the richness. Crunchy cucumber salad or lightly pickled vegetables also add a refreshing contrast that uplifts the meal.

When it comes to presentation, I like to plate the rice neatly in a mound and arrange the Bang Bang chicken on top or slightly to the side for a visually appealing, layered look. Sprinkling bright green onions over the top adds a pop of color and freshness. For an extra special touch, a drizzle of sriracha or spicy honey zigzagged over the chicken can make it even more inviting.

For beverages, I find this dish pairs beautifully with crisp white wines like a Riesling or Sauvignon Blanc, which balance the spicy, creamy flavors. For a non-alcoholic option, iced green tea or a sparkling citrus drink is perfect to refresh the palate. This Bang Bang Chicken Fried Rice Recipe is an all-around winner for weeknight dinners, casual gatherings, or anytime you want to treat yourself and your loved ones to something bursting with flavor and texture.

Variations

I often experiment with ingredient swaps to keep this Bang Bang Chicken Fried Rice Recipe fresh and exciting. For example, swapping chicken breasts for tender chicken thighs adds extra juiciness and depth of flavor. If you prefer seafood, shrimp works beautifully tossed in the same Bang Bang sauce and fried with rice. For a vegetarian twist, crispy tofu cubes coated and fried in the same way are a delicious substitute that absorbs all those bold flavors wonderfully.

For those looking for dietary modifications, making this gluten-free is easy by using tamari or a gluten-free soy sauce alternative, and swapping the flour for rice flour or a gluten-free mix works perfectly for coating chicken. If you want a vegan adaptation, try using vegan mayonnaise and omitting the eggs in the fried rice—just add more veggies or cubed tofu for protein.

Cooking methods can also shift to suit your style. Instead of deep-frying, I sometimes pan-fry the chicken in less oil for a lighter version that’s still crispy enough. You can even bake coated chicken pieces on a wire rack at 425°F for about 20 minutes, flipping halfway, which is less hands-on but still tasty. No matter which variation you try, the soul of this Bang Bang Chicken Fried Rice Recipe remains vibrant and delicious.

Storage and Reheating

Storing Leftovers

I always store leftovers in airtight containers to keep the flavors fresh and the chicken crispy for as long as possible. Placing the Bang Bang Chicken Fried Rice in the fridge, it will stay good for about 3 to 4 days. To help maintain the crispiness of the chicken, I separate the fried rice and chicken if possible, reheating them with care. Glass or BPA-free plastic containers with securely fitting lids work best for storing.

Freezing

This dish can be frozen, but I recommend freezing the fried rice and Bang Bang chicken separately if you can. Pack them into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty resealable bags, removing as much air as possible. The frozen dish will keep well for up to 2 months. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge for best results. Freezing may soften the crispy coating slightly, but it still delivers fantastic flavor.

Reheating

To reheat and bring back the best texture, I prefer reheating in a hot skillet or wok rather than the microwave. For the fried rice, a quick stir-fry over medium heat with a splash of oil revitalizes the grains and heats it evenly. For the chicken, warming it gently in a pan helps preserve as much crispiness as possible. Avoid overcooking when reheating to keep the sauce from becoming too thick or losing its vibrancy. If microwaving, do short bursts and stir in between to avoid sogginess.

FAQs

Can I use freshly cooked rice for this recipe?

While you can, I highly recommend using day-old rice because it’s drier and less sticky, which helps achieve that perfect fried rice texture. Freshly cooked rice tends to be too moist, causing clumps and a mushy result.

Is there a way to make this recipe less spicy?

Absolutely! You can reduce the amount of garlic chili paste and sriracha in the Bang Bang sauce, or swap spicy honey for regular honey to dial down the heat without losing the saucy creaminess. Adjust gradually to suit your taste.

Can I prepare parts of this recipe in advance?

Yes! You can make the Bang Bang sauce ahead of time and store it in the fridge. Also, the chicken coating mixture and the cooked rice can be prepared before cooking, making your cooking process faster and stress-free when it’s mealtime.

What kind of oil is best for frying the chicken?

I prefer neutral oils with a high smoke point, like vegetable or canola oil, because they produce a crisp crust without imparting extra flavors. Avoid olive oil as it can burn at frying temperatures.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Definitely. Use tamari instead of regular soy sauce and substitute the all-purpose flour with rice flour or another gluten-free flour blend for coating the chicken. Just check all labels to ensure all products fit your dietary needs.

Conclusion

Every time I make this Bang Bang Chicken Fried Rice Recipe, it feels like a special occasion at home. The combination of crispy chicken, bold, creamy sauce, and perfectly seasoned fried rice is just irresistible. I genuinely hope you try it soon and enjoy all the layers of flavor and texture as much as I do. Trust me, once you make this, it will become a cherished favorite that’s as fun to prepare as it is to eat.

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