Bang Bang Chicken Fried Rice

Bang Bang Chicken Fried Rice Recipe Introduction

Bang Bang Chicken Fried Rice elevates the classic fried rice experience by incorporating tender, crispy chicken pieces tossed in a signature creamy and spicy bang bang sauce. This fusion dish combines the best elements of Asian stir-fry techniques with bold American flavors, creating a restaurant-quality meal that’s surprisingly easy to make at home. The dish features perfectly seasoned fried rice as a base, topped with golden chicken pieces that have been coated in a deliciously addictive sauce made from mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, and sriracha. Each bite delivers a perfect balance of textures and flavors, from the fluffy rice and crisp vegetables to the tender chicken with its signature creamy-spicy coating.

Storage Options

Refrigerator Storage: Store leftover Bang Bang Chicken Fried Rice in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Allow the dish to cool completely before refrigerating to maintain food safety and prevent condensation.

Freezer Storage: While best enjoyed fresh, Bang Bang Chicken Fried Rice can be frozen for up to 2-3 months in freezer-safe containers. Note that the texture may change slightly upon thawing, particularly the bang bang sauce coating.

Reheating Instructions: Reheat refrigerated portions in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through, or in a skillet over medium heat until heated through. For frozen portions, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Summary

Bang Bang Chicken Fried Rice is a delicious fusion dish that combines crispy chicken pieces coated in a creamy, spicy bang bang sauce with perfectly seasoned fried rice. This recipe serves 4-6 people and takes approximately 45 minutes to complete. The dish features day-old rice stir-fried with vegetables and eggs, topped with golden chicken pieces that have been coated in a signature sauce made from mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, and sriracha. The result is a restaurant-quality meal that balances sweet, spicy, and savory flavors with varied textures.

Equipment

• Large wok or heavy-bottomed skillet
• Medium mixing bowl
• Small whisk
• Sharp knife
• Cutting board
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Spatula or wooden spoon
• Paper towels
• Serving bowls
• Small saucepan (optional)

Ingredients

For the Bang Bang Sauce:

• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 1/4 cup sweet chili sauce
• 2-3 tablespoons sriracha (adjust to taste)
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger

For the Chicken:

• 1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 large eggs, beaten
• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• Vegetable oil for frying

For the Fried Rice:

• 4 cups day-old cooked jasmine rice
• 3 tablespoons vegetable oil, divided
• 3 large eggs, lightly beaten
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced
• 1 cup frozen peas and carrots
• 3 green onions, sliced
• 3 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

For Garnish:

• 2 green onions, thinly sliced
• 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
• Fresh cilantro (optional)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Bang Bang Sauce: In a small mixing bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, rice vinegar, garlic powder, and ground ginger until smooth. Set aside.
2. Prepare the Chicken: Cut chicken into bite-sized pieces (about 1-inch cubes). Set up a breading station with three shallow dishes: flour mixed with salt, pepper, and paprika in one, beaten eggs in another, and panko breadcrumbs in the third.
3. Bread the Chicken: Dredge each chicken piece in flour, then egg, then panko breadcrumbs, pressing gently to ensure coating adheres. Place on a plate and let rest for 10 minutes.
4. Cook the Chicken: Heat about 1 inch of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat to 350°F. Fry chicken pieces in batches for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature 165°F). Transfer to paper towels to drain.
5. Prepare the Fried Rice Base: Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a large wok or skillet over high heat. Add beaten eggs and scramble until just set. Remove and set aside.
6. Cook Vegetables: Add another tablespoon of oil to the same pan. Add diced onion and cook for 2-3 minutes until softened. Add minced garlic and ginger, cooking for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
7. Add Rice: Add the day-old rice to the pan, breaking up any clumps with a spatula. Stir-fry for 3-4 minutes until rice is heated through and slightly crispy.
8. Season the Rice: Add frozen peas and carrots, soy sauce, oyster sauce, and sesame oil. Stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until vegetables are heated through. Return scrambled eggs to the pan and mix gently.
9. Combine with Bang Bang Sauce: Add the fried chicken pieces to a large bowl and toss with the prepared bang bang sauce until evenly coated.
10. Final Assembly: Serve the fried rice in bowls and top with the bang bang chicken. Garnish with sliced green onions, sesame seeds, and fresh cilantro if desired.

Notes

• Day-old rice is crucial for proper fried rice texture as it’s drier and won’t become mushy when stir-fried
• The bang bang sauce can be made up to 3 days in advance and stored in the refrigerator
• Chicken thighs provide more flavor and remain juicier than chicken breasts
• Oil temperature is important for achieving crispy chicken without overcooking
• The dish is best served immediately after assembly to maintain the chicken’s crispiness

Tips for Success

Rice Preparation: Use day-old rice that has been refrigerated, as this removes excess moisture and prevents the fried rice from becoming sticky or mushy. If you don’t have day-old rice, spread freshly cooked rice on a baking sheet and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.

Chicken Coating: Allow the breaded chicken to rest for 10 minutes before frying to help the coating adhere better. This prevents the breading from falling off during cooking.

Oil Temperature: Maintain oil temperature at 350°F for optimal frying. If the oil is too hot, the coating will burn before the chicken cooks through; too cool, and the chicken will absorb excess oil.

High Heat Cooking: Use high heat for the fried rice to achieve the characteristic “wok hei” flavor and prevent ingredients from steaming rather than frying.

Sauce Consistency: Adjust the bang bang sauce consistency by adding more mayonnaise for creaminess or more sweet chili sauce for a thinner consistency and extra sweetness.

Additional Tips and Variations

Vegetable Variations: Feel free to substitute or add vegetables such as bell peppers, snap peas, corn, or broccoli to customize the fried rice to your preferences. Just ensure vegetables are cut to similar sizes for even cooking.

Spice Level Adjustments: Control the heat level by adjusting the amount of sriracha in the bang bang sauce. For milder versions, reduce sriracha and add more sweet chili sauce. For extra heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper.

Protein Alternatives: While chicken is traditional, you can substitute with shrimp, pork, or even firm tofu for different protein options. Cooking times may need adjustment based on the protein choice.

Rice Alternatives: While jasmine rice is preferred, you can use other long-grain rice varieties or even cauliflower rice for a lower-carb option.

Make-Ahead Options: The bang bang sauce can be prepared several days in advance. The chicken can also be breaded earlier in the day and refrigerated until ready to fry.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can I use fresh rice instead of day-old rice for this Bang Bang Chicken Fried Rice? A: While day-old rice is strongly recommended for optimal texture, you can use fresh rice if spread on a baking sheet and refrigerated for at least 30 minutes to remove excess moisture.

Q: How spicy is the bang bang sauce in this Bang Bang Chicken Fried Rice recipe? A: The spice level is moderate and customizable. Start with 2 tablespoons of sriracha and adjust according to your heat tolerance.

Q: Can I bake the chicken instead of frying for this Bang Bang Chicken Fried Rice? A: Yes, you can bake the breaded chicken at 400°F for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through, though it won’t be quite as crispy as the fried version.

Q: How long does Bang Bang Chicken Fried Rice last in the refrigerator? A: Properly stored Bang Bang Chicken Fried Rice will keep for 3-4 days in the refrigerator in an airtight container.

Q: Can I make Bang Bang Chicken Fried Rice without eggs? A: Yes, you can omit the eggs or substitute with scrambled tofu for a vegan alternative while maintaining the dish’s protein content.

Q: What’s the best way to reheat leftover Bang Bang Chicken Fried Rice? A: Reheat in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave, stirring occasionally. The chicken may lose some crispiness but will still be delicious.

Conclusion

Bang Bang Chicken Fried Rice represents the perfect marriage of comfort food and exciting flavors, delivering a meal that satisfies both familiar cravings and adventurous palates. This fusion dish transforms simple ingredients into something extraordinary through the combination of properly executed fried rice techniques and the irresistible appeal of bang bang sauce.

The beauty of Bang Bang Chicken Fried Rice lies not just in its delicious taste, but in its practical versatility. It’s an excellent solution for using leftover rice, provides a complete meal in one dish, and can be customized to suit various dietary preferences and spice tolerances. Whether you’re feeding a family on a busy weeknight or impressing guests with your culinary skills, this recipe delivers consistent, restaurant-quality results.

By following the detailed instructions and tips provided, home cooks can achieve the perfect balance of crispy chicken, flavorful fried rice, and that signature creamy-spicy bang bang sauce that makes this dish so memorable. The key to success lies in using day-old rice, maintaining proper oil temperature for frying, and not being afraid to adjust the sauce to your personal taste preferences.

Bang Bang Chicken Fried Rice proves that fusion cuisine doesn’t have to be complicated to be exceptional. With its combination of accessible ingredients and straightforward techniques, this recipe makes it easy to bring exciting new flavors to your dinner table while honoring the traditions that make fried rice such a beloved dish worldwide.