Easy Bang Bang Chicken Fried Rice

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Bang Bang Chicken Fried Rice is a flavorful and satisfying dish that combines the best of both worlds: crispy chicken and perfectly seasoned fried rice. The chicken is coated in a smoky paprika and garlic powder mixture before being tossed in the creamy, spicy Bang Bang sauce. The fried rice is rich with vegetables, eggs, and a hint of sesame oil, making it the perfect base for the chicken. Topped with green onions and a squeeze of fresh lemon, every bite is bursting with savory, spicy, and tangy notes. It’s a complete meal that’s as comforting as it is exciting.

Ingredients

Chicken:

• 680 g boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 2.5 cm cubes
• 15 ml vegetable oil
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 0.5 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 240 ml Bang Bang sauce, divided

Fried Rice:

• 30 ml sesame oil, divided
• 4 large eggs, beaten
• 0.5 teaspoon kosher salt
• 2 large carrots, diced
• 1 large white onion, diced
• 60 ml green onions, diced, plus more for garnish
• 1 teaspoon garlic, minced
• 800 g cooked long-grain white rice, cooled
• 60 ml unsalted butter, melted
• 1 teaspoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
• 30 ml soy sauce
• 55 g frozen peas

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Cook the Chicken:
   • Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
   • In a bowl, toss the cubed chicken with paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
   • Add the seasoned chicken to the skillet and cook for 6-8 minutes, or until the chicken is golden brown and fully cooked through.
   • Once cooked, remove from heat and toss with half of the Bang Bang sauce. Set aside.
2. Prepare the Fried Rice:
   • In the same skillet or wok, heat 15 ml of sesame oil over medium heat. Add the beaten eggs and scramble until fully cooked, then remove and set aside.
   • Add the remaining sesame oil to the skillet, then sauté the diced carrots, onion, and green onions for about 3-4 minutes until the vegetables are tender.
   • Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
   • Stir in the cooled rice and cook for 3-5 minutes, breaking up any clumps and ensuring the rice is heated through.
3. Finish the Fried Rice:
   • Stir in the cooked eggs, melted butter, soy sauce, and frozen peas. Cook for another 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally.
   • Add the freshly squeezed lemon juice, then taste and adjust seasoning with salt if needed.
4. Combine the Chicken and Rice:
   • Add the cooked chicken to the fried rice and toss everything together to combine.
   • Drizzle the remaining Bang Bang sauce over the top and give it a final stir.
5. Serve:
   • Garnish with extra green onions and serve immediately.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 4
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes

Variations

• Vegetarian Option: Skip the chicken and use tofu or tempeh as a protein alternative. Ensure it’s well-seasoned before adding it to the fried rice.
• Extra Spice: For a spicier version, add extra chili flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the Bang Bang sauce before tossing the chicken.
• Vegetable Addition: You can add other vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach to the fried rice for added color and nutrition.
• Rice Alternative: Swap out the white rice for brown rice or quinoa for a healthier, fiber-packed version of this dish.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Leftover Bang Bang Chicken Fried Rice can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Reheating: Reheat in a skillet or wok over medium heat with a splash of water or broth to prevent the rice from drying out. Alternatively, you can reheat it in the microwave.

FAQs

Can I use leftover rice for this recipe?

Yes, leftover rice works great for fried rice as it’s less sticky and fries up more easily than freshly cooked rice.

Can I use a different sauce for the chicken?

If you don’t have Bang Bang sauce, you can try using a combination of mayonnaise, sriracha, and honey for a similar creamy and spicy sauce.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

This recipe can be made gluten-free by using gluten-free soy sauce or tamari instead of regular soy sauce.

How can I make the chicken extra crispy?

To make the chicken extra crispy, try dredging the chicken pieces in a little flour or cornstarch before cooking, or use a deep fryer instead of pan-frying.

Can I freeze Bang Bang Chicken Fried Rice?

Yes, this dish can be frozen for up to 1 month. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat on the stove or microwave.

Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?

Yes, brown rice can be used instead of white rice, though you may need to adjust the cooking time slightly.

What other vegetables can I add to the fried rice?

You can add bell peppers, peas, spinach, or broccoli for additional flavor and nutrition.

How can I make this dish spicier?

You can add extra sriracha to the Bang Bang sauce, sprinkle chili flakes on top, or mix in hot sauce when stirring the rice.

How do I prevent the rice from becoming mushy?

Make sure your rice is fully cooled before using it for fried rice. Freshly cooked rice can be too sticky, so spreading it out to cool helps prevent it from getting mushy.

Can I make this dish in advance?

Yes, you can prep the chicken and vegetables in advance, and assemble the fried rice when you’re ready to cook.

Conclusion

Bang Bang Chicken Fried Rice is a fun, flavorful, and easy-to-make dish that brings the heat and deliciousness of Bang Bang sauce to a classic fried rice. With tender chicken, savory rice, and a delightful mix of veggies, it’s the perfect dish for a quick weeknight dinner or a meal to impress friends and family. Whether you stick with the classic or add your own twists, this dish will quickly become a favorite in your recipe rotation.

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