Crispy Bang Bang Chicken Fried Rice

Looking to bring the vibrant flavors of a restaurant favorite straight to your dinner table? Look no further than this irresistible Bang Bang Chicken Fried Rice recipe. Picture this: succulent chicken cubes coated in a creamy and spicy Bang Bang sauce, mingling with fragrant fried rice loaded with colorful veggies. It’s a one-pan wonder that promises to satisfy your cravings for takeout, all while keeping things cozy and fresh at home.

I first whipped up this Bang Bang Chicken Fried Rice after a particularly hectic week, craving bold flavors without the fuss. To my delight, the leftovers tasted even better the next day, becoming a staple in my household. Each bite, enriched by the bright notes of green onions sprinkled on top, is a true comfort for the soul. My son is a big fan, always sneaking the sauciest chicken pieces and declaring it his ultimate comfort meal. It’s moments like these that make the extra effort entirely worth it.

This versatile dish not only keeps well for days in the fridge but also welcomes creative twists. Swap in chicken thighs or tofu for a different take, or opt for brown rice and bell peppers for added crunch. Whether enjoyed solo or as part of a lavish takeout-style spread, this Bang Bang Chicken Fried Rice is a testament to the magic that happens when global flavors meet familiar comfort food. Get ready to savor each bite and find yourself reaching for seconds—leftovers included!

Quick Benefits

• Retains Freshness and Comfort: Enjoy the flavors of takeout at home with a dish that offers extra comfort and freshness.
• Versatile Options: Customize with ingredient swaps like chicken thighs or tofu for varied taste experiences.
• Convenient Leftovers: Stays flavorful for up to four days, making it ideal for meal prep and easy reheating.

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

• Bold Flavors: The combination of tender air-fried chicken in spicy Bang Bang sauce and buttery fried rice packed with vegetables offers a bold and satisfying flavor profile.
• Easy One-Pan Meal: This recipe is quick and easy to make in one pan, making it perfect for busy weeknights when you want takeout flavors at home without the fuss.
• Family Favorite: Loved by both kids and adults, this dish is sure to become a go-to comfort meal for your family.
• Versatile: You can easily customize this recipe by swapping ingredients like using chicken thighs or tofu, adding different vegetables, or using brown rice instead of white.
• Leftover Friendly: The dish keeps well in the fridge for up to four days and tastes even better the next day, making it ideal for meal prep or leftovers.
• Global Fusion: Combining Asian-inspired Bang Bang sauce with American comfort food like fried rice showcases how home cooks can blend global flavors for a familiar and delicious meal.
• Crave-Worthy: The flavors and textures of this dish will have you coming back for more, making it a meal you’ll want to enjoy again and again.
• Tips for Success: The recipe provides useful tips such as properly cooking the chicken, using cooled rice, making Bang Bang sauce, and adding various vegetables or protein options to ensure the best results.

Ingredients for Crispy Bang Bang Chicken Fried Rice

Chicken

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

Fried Rice

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

Pro Tips for Crispy Bang Bang Chicken Fried Rice

For the perfect Bang Bang Chicken Fried Rice, remember to avoid overcooking the chicken; aim for juicy cubes by air frying or sautéing until just cooked through. This will keep the meat tender and flavorful.

To achieve fluffy fried rice, use cooled, day-old rice to prevent sticking and ensure separate grains. This will give your dish the ideal texture without turning mushy during frying.

Experiment with different vegetables and proteins to personalize your dish. Bell peppers, corn, zucchini, or broccoli can be added or swapped to suit your taste, while shrimp, tofu, or leftover steak can be delicious alternatives to chicken.

How to Make Crispy Bang Bang Chicken Fried Rice

Step 1: Marinate and Cook Chicken

Toss chicken cubes with vegetable oil, paprika, garlic powder, kosher salt, and black pepper. Preheat air fryer to 204°C. Place chicken in a single layer and air fry for 11–12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and internal temperature is 74°C. Rest chicken in a bowl covered with foil.

Step 2: Scramble Eggs

In a large skillet or wok over high heat, heat 15 ml of sesame oil. Add beaten eggs, season with kosher salt, and scramble gently until just set into soft curds. Transfer eggs to a plate and set aside.

Step 3: Sauté Aromatics and Vegetables

Lower the heat to medium-high. Pour the rest of the sesame oil into the skillet and add diced carrots, white onion, and green onions. Sauté for 5 minutes until carrots are tender. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute.

Step 4: Incorporate Rice

Add cooled, cooked rice to the skillet. Use a spatula to break up clumps and mix well with vegetables. Cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally until evenly heated.

Step 5: Finish Fried Rice

Add the scrambled eggs back to the pan along with melted butter, lemon juice, soy sauce, and frozen peas. Stir well and cook for 2–3 minutes until heated through and ingredients are mixed.

Step 6: Coat and Serve Chicken

Coat cooked chicken with 120 ml Bang Bang sauce. Serve over fried rice, drizzle with extra sauce, and garnish with diced green onions.

Storage Tips

To store Bang Bang Chicken Fried Rice, allow it to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. The dish can be stored in the refrigerator for up to four days. When reheating, gently warm the fried rice in a skillet with a splash of water to maintain its texture and flavors, or microwave it until piping hot. To preserve the crispy coating on the chicken, it’s best to store the chicken and rice separately if preparing the dish ahead of time.

For optimal results when making this dish, ensure to cook the boneless, skinless chicken breast cubes just until they are cooked through to retain their juiciness. Using cooled, day-old rice in the recipe helps prevent sticking and ensures fluffy grains in the fried rice, avoiding a mushy texture. Additionally, the Bang Bang sauce, a blend of mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, hot sauce, and a touch of honey or sugar, adds creaminess and heat to the dish. Feel free to customize the recipe by adding or swapping vegetables like bell peppers, corn, zucchini, or broccoli florets, or by incorporating alternative protein options such as shrimp, tofu, or leftover steak.

Ingredient Substitutions

For a vegetarian twist, you can swap the chicken with tofu. Cut the tofu into cubes and cook it similarly to the chicken for a protein-packed alternative. If you prefer a different protein, shrimp or leftover steak can also be used in place of chicken. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly to ensure they are cooked through.

If you don’t have Bang Bang sauce on hand, you can create a quick substitute by mixing mayonnaise with sriracha, a touch of honey, and rice vinegar. This homemade version will give a similar creamy and spicy flavor profile to the dish. Feel free to adjust the spice level by adding more or less sriracha to suit your taste preferences.

To add extra veggies and customize the dish to your liking, consider incorporating bell peppers, corn, zucchini, or broccoli florets. These vegetables will not only add color and texture but also provide a nutritional boost to the fried rice. You can mix and match these veggies based on what you have available or what your family enjoys.

Serving Suggestions

For a creative serving suggestion with Bang Bang Chicken Fried Rice, consider making fried rice-stuffed lettuce wraps. Simply scoop a generous portion of the flavorful fried rice onto a large lettuce leaf, wrap it up like a taco, and enjoy a refreshing and crunchy twist on this dish. The crisp lettuce adds a textural contrast to the savory and spicy flavors of the fried rice, making it a fun and interactive way to enjoy this meal.

Another creative idea is to transform the Bang Bang Chicken Fried Rice into a deconstructed sushi bowl. Serve the fried rice in a bowl and top it with slices of avocado, cucumber, and pickled ginger for a sushi-inspired experience. Drizzle some extra Bang Bang sauce on top for added flavor, and garnish with sesame seeds and nori strips to complete the dish. This sushi bowl variation offers a unique presentation while still delivering the delicious combination of flavors found in the original recipe.

FAQs for Crispy Bang Bang Chicken Fried Rice

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

Yes, you can substitute the chicken with options like shrimp, tofu, or leftover steak. Just make sure to adjust the cooking method for each type of protein for the best results.

How can I make Bang Bang sauce if I don’t have it on hand?

If you don’t have Bang Bang sauce, you can make a substitute by mixing mayonnaise with sriracha, a touch of honey, and rice vinegar. This DIY version will provide a similar creamy and spicy flavor profile.

What vegetables can I add or substitute in this Bang Bang Chicken Fried Rice?

You can add or swap vegetables like bell peppers, corn, zucchini, or broccoli florets based on your preference. These additions will bring extra crunch and flavors to the fried rice.

How should I cook the beaten eggs for this recipe?

Gently cook the beaten eggs in sesame oil on high heat, stirring just until set into soft curds. It’s important to remove them promptly to avoid overcooking and maintain a tender texture in the fried rice.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Bang Bang Chicken Fried Rice is a delightful fusion dish that brings together the best of both worlds – the bold flavors of Bang Bang sauce and the comforting goodness of fried rice. This recipe is not only simple to whip up but also incredibly versatile, allowing you to customize it with your favorite ingredients and protein choices.

Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight meal or planning a weekend feast, Bang Bang Chicken Fried Rice is sure to impress your family and friends. The aroma of the sizzling chicken, the fragrance of sesame oil, and the vibrant colors of the vegetables all come together in a symphony of flavors that will have everyone coming back for seconds.

So, don’t hesitate to give this Bang Bang Chicken Fried Rice recipe a try. Embrace the joy of cooking at home and savor every bite of this delicious dish that is bound to become a staple in your kitchen. Let the enticing aroma of this dish draw your loved ones to the table and create memorable moments around a hearty meal of Bang Bang Chicken Fried Rice.