Bang Bang Chicken Fried Rice: Sweet, Spicy, & Seriously Addictive!
Get ready for a flavor explosion! This Bang Bang Chicken Fried Rice takes everything you love about crispy chicken in that irresistible sweet and spicy sauce and combines it with a savory, satisfying fried rice loaded with eggs and veggies. It’s a “total flavor bomb” that’s surprisingly easy to make at home and guaranteed to become a new family favorite. Forget takeout – this is better!
Why This Dish Will Be Your New Obsession
- Unforgettable Flavor: The iconic Bang Bang sauce, with its perfect balance of sweet heat, coats crispy chicken, while the fried rice provides a savory, umami-rich base.
- Textural Delight: Crispy chicken, fluffy rice, tender-crisp veggies, and soft egg bits create an exciting mouthfeel.
- One-Pan Meal (Mostly!): While there are a few components, they come together quickly to form a complete and satisfying meal.
- Customizable Heat: Easily adjust the spice level of the Bang Bang sauce to your preference.
What You’ll Need
Here’s the full breakdown of ingredients to create this incredibly delicious Bang Bang Chicken Fried Rice:
For the Chicken:
- 1½ lbs boneless chicken breasts (cubed into 1-inch pieces)
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil
- ½ cup cornstarch
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
For the Bang Bang Sauce:
- ½ cup mayonnaise (full-fat for best results)
- ¼ cup sweet chili sauce
- 2 tbsp sriracha (adjust to your preferred spice level)
- 1 tbsp honey or maple syrup
- 1 tsp rice vinegar
For the Fried Rice:
- 3 tbsp vegetable oil (divided)
- 4 cups cooked day-old white rice (chilled is key for good fried rice!)
- 1 cup mixed frozen vegetables (peas, carrots, corn blend works great)
- ½ cup diced yellow onion
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
- 2 tbsp soy sauce (low-sodium preferred)
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- Salt and black pepper to taste
For Garnish (Optional):
- Sliced green onions
- Sesame seeds
Instructions: Let’s Make Some Magic!
1. Prepare the Chicken:
Pat the cubed chicken dry with paper towels. In a medium bowl, toss the chicken with cornstarch, salt, and pepper until evenly coated. Heat 1 tbsp vegetable oil in a large non-stick skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the chicken in a single layer (cook in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding). Cook for 4-6 minutes, flipping occasionally, until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside on a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil.
2. Make the Bang Bang Sauce:
In a medium bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, honey (or maple syrup), and rice vinegar until smooth and well combined. Taste and adjust sweetness or spice as desired. Set aside.
3. Start the Fried Rice:
Wipe out the skillet/wok used for the chicken. Add 1 tbsp vegetable oil and heat over medium-high heat. Add the diced yellow onion and cook for 2-3 minutes until softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant. Push the onions and garlic to one side of the skillet. Pour the lightly beaten eggs into the empty side. Scramble the eggs until cooked through, then break them into small pieces and mix them with the onions and garlic.
4. Add Rice and Veggies:
Add the remaining 2 tbsp vegetable oil to the skillet. Add the day-old cooked rice and frozen mixed vegetables. Stir-fry for 3-5 minutes, breaking up any clumps of rice, until the rice is heated through and slightly toasted.
5. Season the Fried Rice:
Pour the soy sauce and sesame oil over the rice and vegetables. Toss everything together to coat evenly. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
6. Combine and Serve:
Return the cooked chicken to the skillet with the fried rice. Pour about half of the prepared Bang Bang sauce over the chicken and rice. Toss gently to coat everything. You can add more sauce if you prefer it saucier. Serve immediately in bowls. Garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds, if desired. Serve any extra Bang Bang sauce on the side for dipping!
Tips for a “Flavor Bomb” Experience
- Day-Old Rice is Crucial: This is the secret to good fried rice! Freshly cooked rice is too moist and will result in soggy fried rice.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Cook the chicken and components of the fried rice in batches if your skillet isn’t large enough. Overcrowding lowers the temperature and prevents proper browning and crisping.
- Adjust Sriracha: The 2 tbsp of sriracha gives a moderate heat. If you like it spicier, add more; for less heat, reduce it.
- Veggies are Flexible: Feel free to use other quick-cooking vegetables like bell peppers, snap peas, or chopped carrots.
- Garnish for Impact: Green onions and sesame seeds not only look great but add fresh flavor and texture.
Get ready to impress yourself and anyone you share this Bang Bang Chicken Fried Rice with. It’s truly a sweet, spicy, and seriously addictive dish!