Bang Bang Chicken Fried Rice
Description
This Bang Bang Chicken Fried Rice combines two irresistible favourites: crispy, flavourful chicken and savoury fried rice coated with a creamy, spicy-sweet Bang Bang sauce. Tender chicken pieces are seasoned with paprika and spices, cooked until golden, then tossed with fluffy rice, colourful vegetables, scrambled eggs, and a delicious sauce that brings everything together.
The famous bang bang flavour comes from the perfect balance of creamy mayonnaise, sweet chilli sauce, a touch of honey, and a little heat from sriracha. Combined with classic fried rice ingredients like garlic, soy sauce, peas, carrots, and green onions, this recipe creates a restaurant-style meal right at home.
It’s a perfect weeknight dinner because it uses simple ingredients, comes together quickly, and can be customised with your favourite vegetables. It’s also a great way to use leftover rice because chilled rice creates the best fried rice texture.
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Servings: 6
Ingredients
For the Chicken
1½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
1 teaspoon paprika
1 teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon onion powder
½ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
1 tablespoon cornstarch, optional (for extra crispy chicken)
For the Fried Rice
4 cups cooked and chilled white rice (preferably day-old rice)
2 tablespoons vegetable oil or sesame oil
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 small onion, finely diced
1 cup frozen peas and carrots
3 large eggs, lightly beaten
3 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce
1 tablespoon oyster sauce
1 teaspoon sesame oil
½ teaspoon black pepper
3 green onions, sliced
For the Bang Bang Sauce
½ cup mayonnaise
¼ cup sweet chili sauce
1–2 tablespoons sriracha sauce (adjust to taste)
1 tablespoon honey
1 teaspoon rice vinegar
½ teaspoon garlic powder
For garnishing:
Extra green onions
Sesame seeds
Red pepper flakes
Fresh coriander, optional
Instructions
1. Prepare the Chicken
Pat the chicken pieces dry using a paper towel. Removing excess moisture helps the chicken brown nicely instead of steaming.
Place the chicken cubes in a bowl.
Add paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and optional cornflour.
Toss until every piece is evenly coated.
The cornflour is optional but creates a lightly crispy coating that works beautifully with the creamy bang bang sauce.
2. Cook the Chicken
Heat 1 tablespoon vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
Add the seasoned chicken pieces in a single layer.
Cook for approximately 5–7 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is golden brown and fully cooked.
The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).
Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
Do not clean the skillet because the flavourful browned bits will add extra taste to the fried rice.
3. Make the Bang-Bang Sauce
While the chicken cooks, prepare the sauce.
In a small bowl, combine:
Mayonnaise
Sweet chili sauce
Sriracha
Honey
Rice vinegar
Garlic powder
Whisk until smooth and creamy.
Taste and adjust:
Add more sriracha for extra heat.
Add more honey for sweetness.
Add more sweet chilli sauce for a stronger bang bang flavour.
Set aside.
4. Prepare the Fried Rice Base
Heat 2 tablespoons of oil in the same skillet over medium-high heat.
Add diced onion and cook for 2–3 minutes until softened.
Add minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
Add peas and carrots.
Cook for another 2 minutes until the vegetables are heated through.
5. Cook the Eggs
Push the vegetables to one side of the skillet.
Pour the beaten eggs into the empty space.
Allow them to cook for a few seconds, then scramble gently until just set.
Mix the eggs with the vegetables.
6. Add the Rice
Add the chilled cooked rice to the skillet.
Use a spatula to break apart any clumps.
Toss everything together and cook for 3–5 minutes.
The rice should become slightly toasted and absorb the flavours from the skillet.
7. Season the Fried Rice
Add:
Soy sauce
Oyster sauce
Sesame oil
Black pepper
Stir well until the rice is evenly coated.
Avoid adding too much soy sauce at once because it can make the rice wet instead of fried.
8. Combine Chicken and Rice
Return the cooked chicken to the skillet.
Mix gently until the chicken is evenly distributed throughout the fried rice.
Cook for another 2 minutes so all flavours combine.
9. Add Bang Bang Sauce
Turn off the heat.
Drizzle half of the bang-bang sauce over the chicken fried rice and toss gently.
Reserve some sauce for drizzling over individual servings.
Adding some sauce at the end keeps the creamy texture and prevents the sauce from separating.
10. Serve
Transfer the Bang Bang Chicken Fried Rice into bowls.
Top with:
Extra bang bang sauce
Green onions
Sesame seeds
Red pepper flakes
Serve warm and enjoy!
Tips for the Best Bang Bang Chicken Fried Rice
Use cold rice
Day-old refrigerated rice works best because the grains are firm and separate easily. Freshly cooked rice can become soft and sticky.
Cut chicken evenly
Uniform chicken pieces cook at the same rate and stay juicy.
Don’t overcrowd the pan
Cooking chicken in batches creates better browning and flavour.
Adjust the spice level
Bang bang sauce is easy to customise. Reduce sriracha for a mild version or increase it for a spicy kick.
Use high heat
A hot skillet gives fried rice that delicious restaurant-style texture.
Prepare ingredients before cooking
Fried rice cooks quickly, so have everything chopped and ready before starting.
Don’t overcook vegetables
Peas and carrots should stay colourful and slightly crisp.
Add sauce at the end
This keeps the creamy bang-bang flavour fresh instead of making the rice heavy.
Recipe Notes
This recipe works best with leftover cooked rice, but if you need to make rice the same day:
Cook rice normally.
Spread it on a large tray.
Allow it to cool completely.
Refrigerate for at least 1–2 hours before using.
You can replace chicken breast with:
Chicken thighs
Shrimp
Ground chicken
Turkey
Tofu
For a healthier version, use:
Brown rice instead of white rice
Greek yogurt instead of some mayonnaise
More vegetables
Less sauce
For extra crunch, add:
Cashews
Peanuts
Crispy onions
Serving Suggestions
Serve this fried rice with:
Cucumber salad
Steamed broccoli
Spring rolls
Asian-style slaw
Fresh fruit
Miso soup
It also makes a great meal-prep lunch because it reheats well.
Servings
Serves: 6 people
Each serving includes:
Flavorful chicken
Vegetable fried rice
Creamy bang bang sauce
For a larger gathering, simply double the ingredients and cook in batches.
Approximate Nutritional Information
Per serving:
Calories: 520 kcal
Protein: 38 g
Carbohydrates: 55 g
Fat: 18 g
Saturated Fat: 3.5 g
Fiber: 3 g
Sugar: 7 g
Sodium: 780 mg
Nutrition values are estimates and vary depending on ingredients and portion sizes.
Benefits of Bang Bang Chicken Fried Rice
1. High in Protein
Chicken breast provides lean protein that supports muscle maintenance and helps keep you feeling satisfied.
2. Balanced Meal
This recipe contains:
Protein from chicken and eggs
Carbohydrates from rice
Vegetables for vitamins and fiber
Healthy fats from oils and sauce
3. Uses Simple Ingredients
Most ingredients are pantry-friendly, making it an easy recipe for busy nights.
4. Great Meal Prep Option
The recipe stores well and can provide several ready-to-eat meals throughout the week.
5. Customizable Nutrition
You can easily adjust the ingredients based on your dietary goals.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
To reheat:
Stovetop:
Heat in a skillet with a splash of water or broth until warmed through.
Microwave:
Heat in 60–90 second intervals, stirring between each interval.
Keep extra bang bang sauce separate and add after reheating for the freshest flavour.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use fresh rice instead of leftover rice?
Yes, but chilled rice gives the best fried rice texture. Fresh rice can make the dish softer.
Can I make this recipe less spicy?
Absolutely. Reduce or remove the sriracha and increase the sweet chilli sauce.
Can I use chicken thighs?
Yes. Chicken thighs are slightly richer and remain very juicy.
Can I make it without mayonnaise?
Yes. Substitute with Greek yoghurt or a combination of Greek yoghurt and a small amount of mayonnaise.
Can I freeze Bang Bang Chicken Fried Rice?
Yes. Store in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight before reheating.
What makes it “Bang Bang”?
The name comes from the creamy, sweet, and spicy sauce traditionally made with mayonnaise, chilli sauce, and seasonings.
Can I add more vegetables?
Yes. Try adding:
Bell peppers
Corn
Broccoli
Mushrooms
Edamame
How do I make the chicken crispier?
Coat the chicken lightly with cornflour before cooking and avoid overcrowding the skillet.
Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes. Use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari and check that all sauces are gluten-free.
Is this good for meal prep?
Yes. Portion into containers and store refrigerated for quick lunches or dinners.
Final Note
Bang Bang Chicken Fried Rice is the perfect combination of crispy seasoned chicken, fluffy fried rice, colourful vegetables, and creamy sweet-spicy sauce. It brings restaurant-style flavour to your kitchen with simple ingredients and an easy cooking method.