This Bang Bang Chicken Fried Rice combines juicy, golden-brown chicken coated in a sweet and spicy sauce with perfectly seasoned fried rice, fluffy scrambled eggs, colorful vegetables, and fresh green onions. It’s a delicious restaurant-style dinner you can make at home in just 35 minutes!
Prep Time: 15 minutes Cook Time: 20 minutes Total Time: 35 minutes Servings: 4–6 Difficulty: Easy
Ingredients
For the Chicken
- 1½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon paprika
For the Bang Bang Sauce
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- ¼ cup sweet chili sauce
- 2 tablespoons sriracha sauce (adjust to taste)
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic
For the Fried Rice
- 4 cups cooked jasmine rice, preferably chilled overnight
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 3 large eggs, lightly beaten
- 1 cup frozen peas and carrots, thawed
- ½ cup chopped green onions
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon fresh grated ginger
- 3 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce (optional)
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
For Garnish
- 2 tablespoons chopped green onions
- 1 teaspoon sesame seeds (optional)
- Extra Bang Bang sauce for drizzling
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Rice
Cook jasmine rice according to package directions if you haven’t already prepared it.
Spread the cooked rice on a baking sheet and allow it to cool completely before refrigerating.
For the best fried rice texture, use rice that has been refrigerated overnight. Cold rice stays separate and prevents the finished dish from becoming mushy.
Step 2: Make the Bang Bang Sauce
In a medium bowl, combine the mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, honey, rice vinegar, soy sauce, and minced garlic.
Whisk until smooth and creamy.
Taste and adjust the spice level by adding more sriracha for extra heat or additional honey for sweetness.
Set the sauce aside in the refrigerator until ready to use.
Step 3: Season the Chicken
Place the chicken cubes in a large mixing bowl.
Add cornstarch, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and paprika.
Toss until the chicken is evenly coated with the seasoning mixture.
The cornstarch creates a lightly crispy exterior while keeping the chicken tender and juicy.
Step 4: Cook the Chicken
Heat 1 tablespoon vegetable oil in a large nonstick skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
Add the seasoned chicken pieces in a single layer, working in batches if necessary.
Cook for approximately 6–8 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken becomes golden brown and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
Remove the cooked chicken from the skillet and transfer it to a plate.
Step 5: Coat the Chicken with Sauce
Allow the chicken to cool slightly, then place it in a clean bowl.
Add ⅓ cup of the prepared Bang Bang sauce and gently toss until each piece is evenly coated.
Reserve the remaining sauce for serving. Do not return the mayonnaise-based sauce to high heat, as it may separate.
Step 6: Scramble the Eggs
Heat 1 tablespoon vegetable oil in the same skillet over medium heat.
Pour in the beaten eggs.
Gently scramble for approximately 1–2 minutes until just set.
Transfer the eggs to a separate plate and set aside.
Step 7: Sauté the Vegetables
Add the remaining tablespoon of vegetable oil to the skillet.
Add the peas and carrots and cook for 2–3 minutes, stirring frequently.
Stir in the minced garlic, grated ginger, and half of the chopped green onions.
Cook for another 30–60 seconds until fragrant.
Step 8: Fry the Rice
Increase the heat to medium-high.
Add the cold cooked rice to the skillet, breaking up any large clumps with a wooden spoon.
Spread the rice evenly across the cooking surface and allow it to fry briefly before stirring.
Cook for 3–5 minutes, tossing occasionally, until the rice is heated through and lightly toasted.
Step 9: Season the Fried Rice
Drizzle the soy sauce, oyster sauce, and sesame oil over the rice.
Add the black pepper and stir well to distribute the seasonings evenly.
Return the scrambled eggs to the skillet and gently fold them into the rice.
Continue cooking for 1–2 minutes until everything is evenly combined.
Step 10: Assemble the Bang Bang Chicken Fried Rice
Transfer the fried rice to a large serving bowl or platter.
Arrange the golden, sauce-coated chicken pieces generously over the rice.
Drizzle additional Bang Bang sauce over the top.
Sprinkle with the remaining chopped green onions and sesame seeds.
Serve immediately while hot and fresh.
Tips for Perfect Bang Bang Chicken Fried Rice
1. Always Use Cold Rice
Freshly cooked rice contains too much moisture, which can cause soggy fried rice. Refrigerated rice produces the best texture.
2. Don’t Overcrowd the Pan
Cook the chicken in batches to achieve a beautifully golden exterior.
3. Balance the Sauce
Bang Bang sauce should have the perfect combination of sweetness, creaminess, and gentle heat. Adjust the sriracha to your preference.
4. Use High Heat for the Rice
Medium-high heat helps create the lightly toasted flavor associated with restaurant-style fried rice.
5. Add Sauce Just Before Serving
Tossing the chicken with Bang Bang sauce shortly before serving helps preserve its lightly crispy coating.
Delicious Variations
Spicy Bang Bang Fried Rice: Add extra sriracha, red pepper flakes, or diced jalapeños.
Shrimp Bang Bang Fried Rice: Replace chicken with peeled and deveined shrimp and cook until opaque and fully cooked.
Vegetable Bang Bang Fried Rice: Substitute the chicken with crispy tofu and add broccoli, bell peppers, mushrooms, or zucchini.
Pineapple Bang Bang Fried Rice: Add ½ cup diced pineapple for a delicious sweet-and-savory tropical twist.
Extra Crispy Chicken: Cook the cornstarch-coated chicken in an air fryer at 400°F (200°C) for approximately 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until it reaches 165°F internally.
Storage and Reheating
Refrigerator: Store the cooked chicken and fried rice in separate airtight containers for up to 3–4 days. Refrigerate promptly, within 2 hours of cooking.
Freezer: Freeze the fried rice and cooked chicken separately for up to 2 months. Store the sauce separately and prepare a fresh batch for the best texture.
Reheating: Reheat the rice and chicken until steaming hot throughout, reaching 165°F (74°C). Add a splash of water to keep the rice moist. Drizzle with freshly prepared Bang Bang sauce before serving.
Nutritional Information
Approximate values per serving, based on 6 servings:
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 650 kcal |
| Protein | 38 g |
| Carbohydrates | 57 g |
| Fat | 29 g |
| Fiber | 3 g |
| Sugar | 11 g |
Nutrition values are estimates and depend on serving size, sauce quantity, and specific ingredients.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Yes! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs are an excellent alternative. They remain juicy and tender and work beautifully with the sweet and spicy sauce.
Can I make Bang Bang Chicken Fried Rice ahead of time?
Absolutely. Prepare the rice, sauce, and chicken separately, then combine just before serving for the best taste and texture.
Is Bang Bang sauce very spicy?
It has a mild to moderate kick depending on the amount of sriracha used. Reduce the sriracha for a milder version or increase it for extra heat.
Can I use brown rice?
Yes. Brown rice is a great substitute for jasmine rice. Make sure it is fully cooked and chilled before frying.
What makes Bang Bang Chicken Fried Rice different from regular chicken fried rice?
The signature Bang Bang sauce adds a creamy, sweet, tangy, and slightly spicy flavor that complements the savory fried rice and crispy chicken.
Conclusion
Bang Bang Chicken Fried Rice is a satisfying, flavor-packed meal that combines the comfort of classic chicken fried rice with the irresistible sweetness and spice of Bang Bang sauce.
With tender chicken, fluffy seasoned rice, scrambled eggs, colorful vegetables, and a delicious creamy glaze, this easy homemade recipe is perfect for weeknight dinners, family meals, or meal prepping.
It’s a wonderful alternative to takeout, made with simple ingredients and ready in approximately 35 minutes.