Crispy Bang Bang Chicken Fried Rice

If you’re looking to elevate your weeknight dinner game, look no further than Bang Bang Chicken Fried Rice. Picture this: crispy seasoned chicken coated in that irresistible sweet and spicy bang bang sauce, all mingling with perfectly seasoned fried rice. It’s a symphony of flavors and textures that will have everyone reaching for seconds. This recipe is a game-changer, taking a regular meal and turning it into something truly special.

The first time I made Bang Bang Chicken Fried Rice, my usually picky eater of a son devoured his plate and asked for seconds. That’s the power of this dish – it’s so delicious that even the toughest critics will be won over. I’ve spent countless times perfecting this recipe, and trust me, the secret is in letting the rice get slightly crispy for that extra texture. It’s these little details that make all the difference in creating a dish that’s not just a meal but an experience.

Whether you’re cooking for your family or hosting a gathering, Bang Bang Chicken Fried Rice is sure to impress. The beauty of this recipe lies in its versatility – swap the chicken for shrimp, add more veggies, or crank up the heat with extra jalapeños. And the best part? You can prep ahead of time to make weeknight cooking a breeze. So, get ready to savor the flavors of this indulgent yet comforting dish that’s perfect for any occasion.

Quick Benefits

• Flavorful and Addictive: The sweet and spicy bang bang sauce adds a burst of flavor to the crispy seasoned chicken and perfectly seasoned fried rice.
• Texture Variety: The combination of tender rice, scrambled eggs, crisp vegetables, and saucy chicken creates a satisfying meal with a mix of textures.
• Family-Friendly: Even picky eaters are drawn to this dish, making it a hit with both kids and adults.
• Customizable and Versatile: Easily swap ingredients like chicken for shrimp, add bell peppers or jalapeños for more flavor, or switch up the veggies for a dish tailored to your preferences.

Why You’ll Love This Crispy Bang Bang Chicken Fried Rice Recipe

• The crispy seasoned chicken coated in the addictive sweet and spicy bang bang sauce adds a flavorful punch to the dish.
• The combination of textures – tender rice, scrambled eggs, crisp vegetables, and saucy chicken – creates a satisfying and mouthwatering meal.
• Even picky eaters like teenagers enjoy this dish; it’s a hit with kids and adults alike.
• The recipe is versatile and allows for customization – you can swap chicken for shrimp, add bell peppers or jalapeños for more flavor, or use different vegetables like corn for variety.
• The fried rice base can be prepared in advance and tastes even better after the flavors have had time to meld, making it a convenient meal prep option.
• The dish strikes a balance between being special enough for company yet easy enough for a weeknight dinner, making it a go-to recipe for both casual and celebratory occasions.

Ingredients for Crispy Bang Bang Chicken Fried Rice

Chicken

• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 cup bang bang sauce, divided
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 1 ½ pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes

Fried Rice

• 2 tablespoons sesame oil, divided
• 1 teaspoon lemon juice
• ½ teaspoon kosher salt
• 4 cups long-grain white rice, cooked and cooled
• 1 teaspoon garlic, minced
• 2 large carrots, diced
• ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• ¼ cup green onions, diced, plus more for garnish
• ⅓ cup frozen peas
• 1 large white onion, diced
• 4 large eggs, beaten

How to Make Crispy Bang Bang Chicken Fried Rice

Step 1: Season and cook chicken

Coat cubed chicken with oil, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Preheat air fryer to 400°F. Cook chicken in a single layer for 11-12 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and reaches 165°F. Keep warm by covering with foil in a bowl.

Step 2: Scramble the eggs

In a large skillet over high heat, heat 1 tablespoon of sesame oil. Pour in beaten eggs, sprinkle with salt, and scramble gently until soft curds form. Transfer to a plate and set aside.

Step 3: Cook the vegetables

Lower the heat to medium-high and add the rest of the sesame oil. Cook carrots, onion, and green onions for approximately 5 minutes until carrots are tender. Add garlic and cook for an additional minute.

Step 4: Add rice and mix

Stir in the cooled rice with a spatula, breaking it up and mixing with the vegetables. Cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until heated.

Step 5: Combine everything

Combine scrambled eggs, melted butter, lemon juice, soy sauce, and peas. Stir and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until heated through and evenly coated.

Step 6: Finish and serve

Coat the cooked chicken with ½ cup of Bang Bang sauce. Serve the fried rice with the sauced chicken on top, and optionally drizzle with more sauce. Garnish with additional green onions.

Storage Tips

Once you have made the delicious Bang Bang Chicken Fried Rice, storing it properly will ensure you can enjoy it later. The fried rice base, along with the vegetables and seasonings, can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two days. The flavors will continue to meld, and the dish may even taste better the next day. When ready to eat, you can quickly reheat the rice base in a pan before adding freshly cooked chicken to retain its crispy texture.

It’s important to note that the chicken is best cooked fresh to maintain its crispy texture. Therefore, it’s recommended to store any leftover cooked chicken separately from the fried rice. You can store the cooked chicken in a separate airtight container in the fridge for up to two days. To enjoy this dish at its best, consider prepping all your ingredients ahead of time to make assembling and cooking the meal quicker for busy weeknights. With a little planning, you can easily recreate this flavorful dish for future meals that are both convenient and satisfying.

Ingredient Substitutions

For a seafood twist, consider substituting the chicken with shrimp. Shrimp cooks quickly and pairs well with the bang bang sauce, offering a delicious alternative to the chicken. It’s a great option for those looking for a lighter protein or craving a different flavor profile.

If you’re looking to add more vegetables or vary the texture, try incorporating diced bell peppers along with the carrots and onions. Bell peppers will bring a crunchy element and vibrant color to the dish, enhancing both the visual appeal and the overall texture. You can choose a mix of bell peppers for a colorful presentation or stick to one color for a more uniform look.

Feel free to customize the heat level by adjusting the spiciness of the bang bang sauce. To increase the heat, you can add diced jalapeños along with the garlic or simply incorporate more sriracha into the sauce. This allows you to tailor the dish to your preference, whether you prefer a mild kick or a fiery flavor.

Serving Suggestions

To elevate the presentation of your bang bang chicken fried rice, consider serving it in individual portions in small bowls or even hollowed-out bell peppers for a fun twist. Top each serving with a sprinkle of diced green onions and a drizzle of extra bang bang sauce for an extra pop of flavor and color. For a complete dining experience, pair the dish with a side of quick pickled cucumbers or a refreshing cucumber salad, enhancing the overall meal with a contrasting crunch and tangy freshness.

For a customizable and interactive dining experience, set up a DIY bang bang chicken fried rice bar for your next gathering. Place bowls of additional toppings like diced bell peppers, jalapeños, and extra bang bang sauce on the table, allowing guests to create their own personalized flavor combinations. Consider providing alternative protein options like shrimp or tofu to cater to different dietary preferences and spice up the party with a playful touch while keeping the meal engaging and enjoyable for everyone.

FAQs for Crispy Bang Bang Chicken Fried Rice

Can I use a different type of meat instead of chicken in this recipe?

Absolutely! You can easily swap the chicken for shrimp if you’re looking for a quicker cooking option. The shrimp will pair well with the bang bang sauce and give the fried rice a delicious seafood twist.

How can I make this dish spicier?

If you prefer a spicier kick to your bang bang chicken fried rice, you can add diced jalapeños along with the garlic for extra heat. Additionally, you can increase the amount of sriracha in the bang bang sauce to amp up the spice level to your liking.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

While the fried rice base keeps well in the fridge for a couple of days and actually tastes better as the flavors blend, it’s best to cook the chicken fresh when you’re ready to eat. Reheated chicken tends to lose its crispy texture, so for optimal taste and texture, prepare the chicken just before serving.

What are some recommended side dishes to serve with this bang bang chicken fried rice?

To complement the flavors of the dish, you can serve a simple cucumber salad with rice vinegar to provide a refreshing contrast to the richness of the fried rice. Steamed broccoli is another great option if you’re looking to add more vegetables to the meal. For parties, consider offering extra bang bang sauce on the side for those who enjoy an extra kick of heat.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Bang Bang Chicken Fried Rice has truly become a staple in our household, satisfying even the pickiest eaters with its flavorful combination of crispy chicken and savory fried rice. The beauty of this dish lies not only in its delicious taste but also in its versatility – feel free to customize it with your favorite veggies or proteins to suit your preferences.

I hope this recipe inspires you to get creative in the kitchen and enjoy the process of cooking something that brings joy to your loved ones. Whether you’re cooking for a special occasion or just a regular weeknight, Bang Bang Chicken Fried Rice is sure to bring a smile to everyone’s face. So go ahead, whip up a batch of this delightful dish and savor the delicious flavors of homemade goodness.

Crispy Bang Bang Chicken Fried Rice

Indulge in crispy Bang Bang Chicken Fried Rice, a flavorful medley of spicy-sweet chicken, perfectly seasoned rice, and colorful veggies.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time15 Minutes

Cook Time25 Minutes

Total Time40 Minutes

CuisineAsian-American

Skill LevelEasy

Servings4 Servings

Ingredients

Chicken

• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 cup bang bang sauce, divided
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 1 ½ pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes

Fried Rice

• 2 tablespoons sesame oil, divided
• 1 teaspoon lemon juice
• ½ teaspoon kosher salt
• 4 cups long-grain white rice, cooked and cooled
• 1 teaspoon garlic, minced
• 2 large carrots, diced
• ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• ¼ cup green onions, diced, plus more for garnish
• ⅓ cup frozen peas
• 1 large white onion, diced
• 4 large eggs, beaten

Instructions

1. Season and cook chicken: Coat cubed chicken with oil, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Preheat air fryer to 400°F. Cook chicken in a single layer for 11-12 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and reaches 165°F. Keep warm by covering with foil in a bowl.
2. Scramble the eggs: In a large skillet over high heat, heat 1 tablespoon of sesame oil. Pour in beaten eggs, sprinkle with salt, and scramble gently until soft curds form. Transfer to a plate and set aside.
3. Cook the vegetables: Lower the heat to medium-high and add the rest of the sesame oil. Cook carrots, onion, and green onions for approximately 5 minutes until carrots are tender. Add garlic and cook for an additional minute.
4. Add rice and mix: Stir in the cooled rice with a spatula, breaking it up and mixing with the vegetables. Cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until heated.
5. Combine everything: Combine scrambled eggs, melted butter, lemon juice, soy sauce, and peas. Stir and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until heated through and evenly coated.
6. Finish and serve: Coat the cooked chicken with ½ cup of Bang Bang sauce. Serve the fried rice with the sauced chicken on top, and optionally drizzle with more sauce. Garnish with additional green onions.