Bang Bang Chicken Fried Rice

Here’s a delicious recipe for Bang Bang Chicken Fried Rice—a flavorful, easy-to-make dish featuring crispy chicken, spicy bang bang sauce, and savory fried rice. It’s the perfect combination of spicy, creamy, and satisfying, with loads of flavor in every bite!

Ingredients (serves 4)

For the Fried Rice:

• 2 cups cooked rice (preferably day-old or cold rice)
• 2 tbsp sesame oil (or vegetable oil)
• 2 eggs, lightly beaten
• 1/2 cup onion, diced
• 1/2 cup frozen peas and carrots (or fresh, if preferred)
• 1/2 cup bell pepper, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2-3 tbsp soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
• 1 tsp rice vinegar (optional, for extra tang)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2-3 green onions, chopped (for garnish)

For the Bang Bang Chicken:

• 1 lb chicken breast or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1/2 cup cornstarch (for coating)
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp paprika
• 2 tbsp oil for frying

For the Bang Bang Sauce:

• 1/4 cup mayonnaise
• 2 tbsp sweet chili sauce
• 1 tbsp sriracha (adjust for spice level)
• 1 tsp honey (optional, for sweetness)
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp rice vinegar (optional, for extra tang)

Instructions

1. Make the Bang Bang Sauce:

1. In a small bowl, combine mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, honey (if using), garlic powder, and rice vinegar.
2. Mix well until smooth and creamy. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed (more sriracha for heat, more honey for sweetness).

2. Cook the Bang Bang Chicken:

1. In a shallow bowl or plate, mix together the cornstarch, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika.
2. Coat the chicken pieces in the cornstarch mixture, pressing lightly to make sure each piece is well-coated.
3. Heat 2 tbsp of oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
4. Once the oil is hot, add the chicken pieces in a single layer (you may need to do this in batches). Fry for about 4-5 minutes per side, or until golden and crispy on the outside and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.

3. Prepare the Fried Rice:

1. In the same skillet, add 1 tbsp of sesame oil and heat over medium heat.
2. Add the diced onion, bell pepper, and garlic. Sauté for about 3-4 minutes until softened.
3. Add the frozen peas and carrots and cook for another 2-3 minutes, until the veggies are heated through.
4. Push the veggies to one side of the skillet, add the remaining sesame oil, and pour in the beaten eggs. Scramble the eggs until cooked through.
5. Add the cooked rice to the skillet. Use a spatula to break up any clumps and mix everything together.
6. Add soy sauce, rice vinegar (if using), and a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir everything together and let the rice cook for another 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.

4. Combine Chicken with Rice:

1. Add the crispy Bang Bang chicken pieces to the fried rice and stir gently to combine.
2. Drizzle about half of the Bang Bang sauce over the chicken and rice, tossing everything to coat.

5. Serve:

1. Garnish with chopped green onions.
2. Serve the fried rice hot, with extra Bang Bang sauce on the side for dipping or drizzling.

Tips:

• Customize the Heat: Adjust the sriracha and sweet chili sauce to your taste. If you prefer it less spicy, use less sriracha or skip it entirely.
• Add Veggies: You can sneak in more veggies like zucchini, mushrooms, or spinach to make the dish even more nutritious.
• Rice: Day-old rice works best for fried rice because it’s a bit drier and less sticky. If using fresh rice, let it cool for a bit before frying.
• Make It Ahead: You can prepare the Bang Bang chicken and sauce ahead of time, and store them separately in the fridge. Assemble the fried rice when ready to serve.

This Bang Bang Chicken Fried Rice is a delicious and filling meal with the perfect balance of savory, sweet, and spicy. It’s sure to be a hit whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or meal prepping for the week. 🍚🍗🌶️