Crispy Bang Bang Chicken Fried Rice

Get ready to elevate your weeknight dinner game with this mouthwatering recipe for Bang Bang Chicken Fried Rice. Imagine crispy chicken, fluffy rice, and a medley of vibrant veggies all tossed together in a spicy-sweet Bang Bang sauce. This dish is a flavor explosion that you can whip up in no time, perfect for those busy evenings when you crave something comforting yet exciting.

The magic of Bang Bang Chicken Fried Rice lies in the combination of textures and flavors coming together in a single skillet. Tender chicken, scrambled eggs, peas, carrots, and onions create a symphony of tastes that will have you coming back for seconds. The irresistible Bang Bang sauce ties everything together with its creamy and spicy notes, making each bite a delightful experience. Whether you’re prepping for a cozy night in or impressing your loved ones with a homemade takeout alternative, this recipe is sure to hit the spot.

With simple and everyday ingredients like boneless chicken breasts, frozen peas, and soy sauce, you can easily recreate this restaurant-worthy dish in your own kitchen. Plus, the flexibility to customize the veggies based on what you have on hand makes this recipe a versatile go-to for using up leftovers. So, grab your skillet, cook up some rice, and get ready to savor the deliciousness of Bang Bang Chicken Fried Rice with every forkful.

Quick Benefits

• Quick and easy dinner ready in less than half an hour
• Versatile recipe that can be customized with various veggies
• Perfect for prepping ahead or using up leftovers
• Creamy-spicy Bang Bang sauce adds a flavorful kick

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

• Quick and Easy: Ready in less than half an hour, perfect for busy weeknights.
• Accessible Ingredients: Uses everyday items you likely already have in your pantry.
• Versatile: Great for meal prepping or using up leftovers, and you can easily swap out veggies based on what you have on hand.
• Bold Flavors: The creamy-spicy Bang Bang sauce adds an irresistible kick to the dish.
• Family Favorite: A crowd-pleaser even for those who aren’t fans of spicy food, making it a hit with all ages.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: Prep components in advance and simply heat, mix, and serve when ready.
• Customizable: Adjust the level of spiciness in the Bang Bang sauce to suit your taste preferences.
• Cleaning is a Breeze: Cooks up in one skillet, making cleanup quick and easy.
• Restaurant-Quality: Tastes better than takeout, with the perfect blend of crispy chicken, fluffy rice, and flavorful veggies.
• Tips and Tricks: Includes helpful cooking tips like toasting the rice for added flavor and using a cast iron skillet for the perfect crunch.

Ingredients for Crispy Bang Bang Chicken Fried Rice

Chicken Preparation

• 240 ml Bang Bang sauce, split
• 680 g boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced into 1-inch chunks
• 5 g paprika
• 3 g garlic powder
• 6 g kosher salt
• 15 ml vegetable oil
• 1.5 g ground black pepper

Fried Rice Components

• 5 g garlic, minced
• 60 ml unsalted butter, melted
• 5 ml lemon juice
• 700 g long-grain white rice, cooked, then cooled
• 30 ml soy sauce
• 2 large carrots, chopped
• 4 large eggs, whisked
• 60 ml green onions, chopped, more for topping
• 53 g frozen peas
• 2.5 g kosher salt
• 30 ml sesame oil, use half now, half later
• 1 large white onion, chopped

Pro Tips for Crispy Bang Bang Chicken Fried Rice

To ensure your Bang Bang Chicken Fried Rice turns out perfectly crispy and flavorful, be sure to dice the chicken into 1-inch chunks and cook each component separately. This method guarantees that each ingredient maintains its perfect texture and flavor. Additionally, using day-old, chilled rice will prevent it from turning mushy during the frying process, resulting in fluffy, delicious fried rice.

When preparing the Bang Bang sauce, feel free to customize the level of spiciness to suit your taste preferences. Adjust the amount of sriracha in the sauce to make it more or less spicy. This way, you can tailor the tanginess, sweetness, and heat of the sauce to create a flavor profile that you love. Storing the sauce in the fridge for up to 7 days allows the flavors to meld and develop even further, enhancing the overall taste of your dish.

How to Make Crispy Bang Bang Chicken Fried Rice

Step 1: Step 01

In a bowl, coat chicken pieces with oil, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Preheat air fryer to 200°C. Arrange chicken in a single layer in the air fryer basket, flipping halfway through cooking. Cook for 11-12 minutes until browned and reaches an internal temperature of 74°C. Transfer to a bowl, cover with foil, and set aside.

Step 2: Step 02

Heat 15 ml of sesame oil in a large pan. Pour in whisked eggs, sprinkle with a pinch of salt, and scramble until large, fluffy pieces form. Transfer eggs to a plate and set aside to cool.

Step 3: Step 03

Heat the pan over medium-high heat, add the remaining sesame oil. Cook green onions, white onions, and carrots for about 5 minutes until carrots are soft. Stir in garlic and cook for another minute.

Step 4: Step 04

Add the cooled rice to the pan, break up any large clumps with a spatula, and stir to combine. Cook with the vegetables for a few minutes, stirring occasionally, until heated through.

Step 5: Step 05

Add scrambled eggs, melted butter, lemon juice, soy sauce, and frozen peas to the mixture. Cook for a few more minutes until hot and well combined.

Step 6: Step 06

Mix cooked chicken with half of the Bang Bang sauce. Serve fried rice on plates, top with chicken, pour remaining sauce, and garnish with extra green onions.

Storage Tips

Once you’ve whipped up a delicious batch of Bang Bang Chicken Fried Rice, storing any leftovers properly will ensure they stay fresh and flavorful for longer. Transfer any remaining fried rice into an airtight container and refrigerate it promptly. The dish can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. When you’re ready to enjoy the leftovers, reheat them in a nonstick skillet over medium heat. Adding a small amount of oil or water helps prevent the rice from drying out during reheating.

If you have prepared extra Bang Bang sauce or any unused portions, store them in a sealed jar in the refrigerator. Homemade Bang Bang sauce can be kept fresh for up to 7 days. Simply whisk up the mayo, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, rice vinegar, and honey according to the recipe, adjusting the sriracha to your desired spice level. Having the sauce ready to go in the fridge allows you to elevate any future dishes with its tangy, spicy, and sweet flavors. Remember that allowing the sauce to sit and marinate in the fridge can enhance its overall taste and depth.

Ingredient Substitutions

For Bang Bang Chicken Fried Rice, there are several ingredient substitutions you can make to cater to different dietary preferences or what you have on hand. If you prefer a vegetarian version, you can swap the chicken for tofu or your favorite plant-based protein. Just be sure to coat it with a vegetarian-friendly sauce or skip the Bang Bang sauce altogether for a delicious meatless option. Additionally, feel free to switch up the veggies with what you have available. Bell peppers, zucchini, spinach, or any other vegetables you enjoy can be added to the fried rice for extra crunch and flavor. Remember to adjust cooking times for firmer vegetables and add delicate greens towards the end of cooking.

If you need to make some ingredient substitutions based on availability or dietary restrictions, there are a few options to consider. If you don’t have boneless, skinless chicken breasts on hand, you can use cooked chicken you already have. Simply coat it with some warmed-up Bang Bang sauce before serving to infuse it with flavor. Moreover, for the rice, using chilled, long-grain white rice from the previous day works best to prevent the fried rice from becoming sticky. However, you can also try using other types of rice like jasmine or basmati if that’s what you have available. Just keep in mind that different rice varieties may affect the texture slightly, but it will still be delicious.

Serving Suggestions

Transform your Bang Bang Chicken Fried Rice into a visually stunning dish by serving it in individual fried rice bowls. Layer the crispy chicken, fluffy rice, and colorful veggies, then drizzle the creamy-spicy Bang Bang sauce over the top. Garnish with a sprinkle of chopped green onions for a fresh finish that will impress your guests.

For a fun twist on presentation, consider stuffing the Bang Bang Chicken Fried Rice into bell peppers or hollowed-out mini pumpkins for a festive fall-themed meal. Bake until the peppers are tender and slightly charred, then top with extra Bang Bang sauce and a sprinkle of sesame seeds for added crunch. This unique serving suggestion will elevate your dish to a whole new level and make for a memorable dining experience.

FAQs for Crispy Bang Bang Chicken Fried Rice

Can I use leftover cooked chicken for this recipe?

Absolutely, cooked chicken you already have is perfect. Just coat it with some warmed-up Bang Bang sauce right before you serve and it’ll taste great.

What type of rice works best for Bang Bang Chicken Fried Rice?

Chilled, long-grain white rice from yesterday works best. It keeps the fried rice from turning sticky and blends perfectly with the sauce.

Can I make this recipe vegetarian or vegan?

Just switch out the chicken for tofu or any plant-based protein you love. Either skip the Bang Bang sauce or grab a veggie-friendly version.

Can I substitute the vegetables in this recipe?

Totally! Mix in whatever veggies you have around. Bell peppers, zucchini, even spinach work great for more crunch and flavor.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Bang Bang Chicken Fried Rice is a fantastic dish that showcases the perfect harmony of crispy chicken, fluffy rice, and vibrant veggies all coated in a deliciously creamy and spicy Bang Bang sauce. This recipe is a great way to elevate your weeknight meals with minimal effort and maximum flavor. Whether you’re craving a cozy night in or looking to impress your loved ones with a homemade takeout favorite, this dish is sure to become a new household staple.

So, don’t hesitate to whip up a batch of Bang Bang Chicken Fried Rice for your next meal. With its simple preparation, versatile ingredient list, and mouthwatering flavors, this dish is bound to satisfy your cravings and leave you wanting more. Get ready to enjoy a delightful combination of textures and tastes that will have you coming back to this recipe time and time again. Treat yourself to a delicious homemade meal that’s sure to impress with this irresistible Bang Bang Chicken Fried Rice.