Bang Bang Chicken Fried Rice is a delicious recipe that combines the savory taste of chicken with the comforting texture of fried rice. I remember the first time I tried a similar dish. It was at a cozy little restaurant. The aromatic smell of sizzling chicken made my stomach rumble with excitement. That first bite was pure bliss! The creamy sauce mixed with hints of heat grabbed my attention. It was a flavor explosion that made me want to have it again and again. This recipe is worth trying because it brings that same experience right to your kitchen. It’s easy to make, fun to share, and it’s sure to please anyone at your dinner table.
Why Make This Recipe
Bang Bang Chicken Fried Rice stands out for a few reasons. First, it’s easy to prepare. You don’t need a lot of fancy skills or ingredients. With just a handful of common items, you can create something delicious that feels special. It’s perfect for busy weeknights when everyone is tired but still wants something good to eat.
Another reason this recipe is special is its flavor. The mix of sweet and spicy from the sauce pairs beautifully with the tender chicken and fluffy rice. Family members, young and old, will love how it tastes. Plus, many ingredients can be easily swapped out according to your needs. Maybe you have a family member who can’t eat gluten or someone who prefers a vegetarian option? This recipe can be adapted to fit those needs, making it a great choice for gatherings.
Finally, the satisfaction of cooking a complete meal in one pan can’t be beaten. You’ll feel proud serving this dish. It’s comforting and fills your home with wonderful smells that draw everyone in. Making Bang Bang Chicken Fried Rice can become a favorite family tradition—a meal everyone looks forward to sharing.
How to Make Bang Bang Chicken Fried Rice
Making Bang Bang Chicken Fried Rice is a straightforward process, filled with joyful moments. Start by gathering your ingredients. The sound of the sizzling chicken in the hot skillet will surely make your mouth water. When you mix in the cooked rice, the smell will shine through, filling your kitchen with warmth and comfort.
Prepare the special sauce while everything else is cooking. Each ingredient combines smoothly, creating a rich, creamy blend that you will look forward to tasting. The best part is when you toss everything together—chicken, rice, and sauce. It’s a sight to behold! The colors blend beautifully, and the aroma greets you like an old friend. Serving it hot and garnished with fresh green onions makes it even better. You and your loved ones will enjoy each bite of this tasty dish.
Ingredients
Let’s take a closer look at what you need for Bang Bang Chicken Fried Rice and why each ingredient is special:
-
1 lb boneless chicken breast: This is the star of the dish! Chicken is juicy and full of protein. Make sure you cut it into bite-sized pieces for easy eating. You can also use turkey if you prefer.
-
3 cups day-old cooked rice: Keeping rice in the fridge overnight makes it firmer and less sticky. This helps create those perfect, fluffy grains that fry up wonderfully. If you don’t have day-old rice, you can cook it fresh and let it cool for a bit.
-
2 tablespoons vegetable oil: This oil helps cook the chicken and rice without sticking. It also adds a little richness. You can swap it for olive oil if you like a different flavor.
-
1/4 cup mayonnaise: Mayonnaise makes the sauce creamy and smooth. It helps bind all the flavors together. Greek yogurt can be a low-fat alternative if you’re looking for something lighter.
-
3 tablespoons sweet chili sauce: This sauce brings sweetness and a mild kick. It’s what makes this meal special and gives it that classic Bang Bang flavor. You can find it in most grocery stores.
-
1 tablespoon sriracha: If you love heat, this spice adds a tangy kick. You can adjust the amount according to your taste, or even leave it out for a milder dish.
-
1 tablespoon soy sauce: Soy sauce adds depth and umami flavor to the dish. There are gluten-free versions available if you need them.
-
2 green onions: These are for garnishing and add a fresh bite to the meal. They make everything look pretty and colorful.
-
Salt and pepper: Simple seasonings that elevate the taste of the chicken. Feel free to adjust them according to your preferences.
Directions
Now that you have your ingredients, let’s cook Bang Bang Chicken Fried Rice! Follow these easy steps:
-
Heat the Oil: In a large skillet or wok, start by heating 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil over medium-high heat. You want the oil to shimmer but not smoke. This means it’s just right.
-
Cook the Chicken: Gently add the 1 lb of boneless chicken pieces to the hot skillet. Season them with salt and pepper. Cook the chicken for about 6-8 minutes, stirring occasionally. You want it to turn golden brown and be cooked through. To check if it’s done, you can cut a piece in half; it should no longer be pink inside. Once done, gently remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside on a plate.
-
Add the Rice: Using the same skillet, add the 3 cups of day-old cooked rice. Break up any clumps with a spatula to ensure each bite is fluffy. Stir-fry the rice for 2-3 minutes until everything is heated through. You’ll start noticing a delightful smell as the rice warms up.
-
Make the Sauce: While the rice is cooking, in a small bowl, combine 1/4 cup of mayonnaise, 3 tablespoons of sweet chili sauce, 1 tablespoon of sriracha, and 1 tablespoon of soy sauce. Stir everything together until it forms a smooth sauce. You can taste it to see if it has the right balance of sweetness and spice for you.
-
Combine Everything: Toss the cooked chicken back into the skillet with the rice. Pour the sauce over the chicken and rice mix. Stir everything well, making sure the sauce coats each piece of rice and chicken. Heat the whole mix for an additional 1-2 minutes. You will love the looks and smells of this completed dish!
-
Serve: Serve your Bang Bang Chicken Fried Rice hot on plates, garnished with sliced green onions. The fresh green onions will add a pop of color and taste to the dish.
How to Serve Bang Bang Chicken Fried Rice
Bang Bang Chicken Fried Rice can be enjoyed in various ways. You can serve it on its own as a hearty meal, perfect for a busy weeknight. It’s also great for lunch the next day if you have leftovers. Pair it with a simple vegetable soup for added comfort, or serve it alongside a crisp salad for some freshness.
If you want to take it up a notch for a casual gathering, add some spring rolls as a side. They’ll add texture and flavor, making the meal feel even more special. Enjoy it with a refreshing drink like iced tea or lemonade to balance out the spice.
How to Store Bang Bang Chicken Fried Rice
If you have leftovers, that’s fantastic! Bang Bang Chicken Fried Rice stores well and can be enjoyed again! Here’s how to keep it fresh:
-
Fridge: Place any leftovers in an airtight container and store them in the fridge. They’ll be good for about 3-4 days.
-
Freezer: If you want to save it for a longer time, you can freeze it. It’s best to divide the rice into smaller portions in freezer bags. Make sure to squeeze out any air before sealing to keep it fresh. It will stay good in the freezer for about 2-3 months.
-
Reheating: When you’re ready to enjoy it again, you can reheat the rice in the microwave. If using the frozen version, it’s a good idea to let it thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating. Warm it in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of water if it looks a bit dry.
Tips to Make Bang Bang Chicken Fried Rice
Here are some simple tips to ensure your Bang Bang Chicken Fried Rice turns out amazing:
-
Use Cold Rice: When making fried rice, using cold rice helps prevent it from being mushy. If you’re using freshly made rice, let it cool to room temperature before frying.
-
Don’t Overmix: While combining everything, stir gently to keep the rice fluffy. Overmixing can break it apart and create a sticky mess.
-
Taste as You Go: Always taste your sauce before adding it to the chicken and rice. This way, you can adjust the ingredients to your liking.
-
Spread Out: If cooking in batches, spread the rice out in the skillet instead of piling it high. This helps it cook evenly and get that perfect fried texture.
Variation
Feeling adventurous? Here are a couple of fun variations of this recipe:
-
Vegetarian Bang Bang Fried Rice: Replace chicken with firm tofu or your favorite veggies like bell peppers, broccoli, or snap peas. This keeps the dish light yet satisfying.
-
Spicy Bang Bang Chicken Fried Rice: If you enjoy heat, add some diced jalapeños or red pepper flakes to the mix for an extra kick.
-
Pineapple Addition: For a twist, add diced pineapple when you toss in the chicken and sauce. It will bring a sweet touch that pairs well with the spicy flavors.
FAQs
Q: Can I make Bang Bang Chicken Fried Rice ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the chicken and rice a day in advance. Just store them separately in the fridge. When ready to serve, you can quickly fry them together with the sauce.
Q: What’s the best way to reheat it?
The best way to reheat Bang Bang Chicken Fried Rice is in the microwave. Add a splash of water to keep rice moist and heat it in short intervals, stirring until it’s warm throughout.
Q: Can I use a different sauce?
Absolutely! If sweet chili sauce isn’t available, you can make your version with honey and soy sauce. The flavor might change, but it can still be tasty!
Bang Bang Chicken Fried Rice is not just a meal; it’s an experience. Through simple steps, you can bring a tasty dish to your table that others will love. Enjoy making it and sharing it with your family!
Print
Bang Bang Chicken Fried Rice
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
A delightful combination of juicy chicken and flavorful fried rice, enhanced by a creamy and spicy sauce.
Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 3 cups day-old cooked rice
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 3 tablespoons sweet chili sauce
- 1 tablespoon sriracha
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 2 green onions, sliced for garnish
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- In a large skillet or wok, heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil over medium-high heat until shimmering.
- Add the chicken pieces, season with salt and pepper, and cook for 6-8 minutes until golden brown and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
- Add the day-old cooked rice to the same skillet, breaking up clumps gently, and stir-fry for 2-3 minutes.
- In a small bowl, combine mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, and soy sauce to make the special sauce.
- Toss the cooked chicken back into the skillet, add the sauce, and mix well to coat everything. Heat for an additional 1-2 minutes.
- Serve hot, garnished with sliced green onions.
Notes
Use cold, day-old rice for best results. Can be adapted to vegetarian by replacing chicken with tofu or vegetables.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Asian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 620mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: Bang Bang Chicken, Fried Rice, Asian Cuisine, Quick Dinner