If you love bold flavor, creamy heat, and quick weeknight meals, Bang Bang Chicken Fried Rice is about to become your new favorite dinner. This irresistible dish combines tender chicken, fluffy rice, crisp vegetables, and a creamy sweet-and-spicy “bang bang” sauce that takes classic fried rice to the next level.
It’s everything you love about takeout—made fresher, faster, and even more flavorful at home.
What Is Bang Bang Sauce?
Bang Bang sauce became widely popular through dishes like Bang Bang Shrimp, known for its creamy, sweet, and slightly spicy kick.
Traditionally, bang bang sauce includes:
- Mayonnaise
- Sweet chili sauce
- Sriracha or hot sauce
- A touch of honey or sugar
When tossed into fried rice, it creates a creamy coating that clings beautifully to each grain of rice and piece of chicken.
Why You’ll Love Bang Bang Chicken Fried Rice
- Quick and ready in 30 minutes
- Bold sweet-and-spicy flavor
- Perfect use for leftover rice
- High-protein and satisfying
- Customizable heat level
- Better than takeout
If you enjoy creamy heat with a touch of sweetness, this recipe hits the perfect balance.
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs, diced
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- Salt and black pepper
For the Fried Rice:
- 3 cups cooked and chilled white rice (day-old rice works best)
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 2 eggs, lightly beaten
- 1 cup mixed vegetables (peas, carrots, corn)
- 3 green onions, sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
For the Bang Bang Sauce:
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- ¼ cup sweet chili sauce
- 1–2 teaspoons sriracha (adjust to taste)
- 1 teaspoon honey
- 1 teaspoon rice vinegar
Why Day-Old Rice Matters
Using chilled rice is critical for perfect fried rice. Fresh rice contains too much moisture, which can lead to clumping or sogginess.
Cold rice:
- Separates easily
- Fries evenly
- Absorbs sauce without becoming mushy
- Develops better texture
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, honey, and rice vinegar. Set aside.
2. Cook the Chicken
Heat 1 tablespoon oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add diced chicken, season lightly, and cook until golden and fully cooked (about 5–7 minutes). Remove and set aside.
3. Scramble the Eggs
In the same pan, add a little oil if needed. Pour in beaten eggs and scramble until just set. Remove and set aside.
4. Sauté Aromatics & Veggies
Add remaining oil. Sauté garlic for 30 seconds, then add mixed vegetables. Cook for 2–3 minutes.
5. Add Rice
Add chilled rice, breaking up any clumps. Stir-fry for 3–4 minutes until heated through and slightly crisped.
6. Combine Everything
Return chicken and eggs to the pan. Toss to combine.
7. Add Bang Bang Sauce
Reduce heat slightly and drizzle the sauce over the rice. Toss gently until evenly coated.
8. Garnish & Serve
Top with green onions and serve hot.
Flavor Profile
Bang Bang Chicken Fried Rice delivers:
- Creamy texture
- Sweet chili warmth
- Mild heat from sriracha
- Savory soy undertones
- Tender chicken
- Slight crispness from stir-fried rice
It’s indulgent but balanced.
How to Customize It
Make It Extra Spicy
- Add more sriracha
- Stir in red pepper flakes
- Add diced jalapeños
Lighten It Up
- Use light mayonnaise or Greek yogurt
- Increase vegetable ratio
- Use brown rice
Add Crunch
- Top with crispy fried onions
- Sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds
- Add chopped cashews
Low-Carb Version
Swap rice for cauliflower rice.
What to Serve with Bang Bang Chicken Fried Rice
While this dish is filling on its own, it pairs well with:
- Egg rolls
- Steamed dumplings
- Asian cucumber salad
- Hot and sour soup
- Stir-fried green beans
For drinks:
- Iced green tea
- Sparkling water with lime
- Light lemonade
Storage & Reheating
Refrigeration
Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freezing
Freeze for up to 2 months. The sauce may slightly change texture after thawing.
Reheating
Reheat in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water to loosen.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Using fresh rice – Causes soggy texture.
- Adding sauce too early – Can prevent rice from crisping.
- Overcrowding the pan – Leads to steaming instead of frying.
- Overcooking chicken – Makes it dry.
Nutritional Overview
Bang Bang Chicken Fried Rice provides:
- High-quality protein
- Balanced carbohydrates
- Moderate fats
- Customizable vegetable content
To make it healthier:
- Reduce sauce amount
- Increase vegetables
- Use avocado oil
- Choose brown or jasmine rice in moderation
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use rotisserie chicken?
Yes! Simply skip the chicken cooking step and stir it in with the rice.
Is Bang Bang sauce very spicy?
It’s mildly spicy, but you can adjust heat by reducing or increasing sriracha.
Can I meal prep this?
Absolutely. It reheats well and makes excellent leftovers.
Why This Recipe Works
Classic fried rice relies on high heat, proper rice texture, and quick cooking. Adding bang bang sauce at the end ensures the rice remains slightly crisp while still coated in creamy, sweet heat.
The combination of savory soy, tender chicken, fluffy rice, and creamy chili sauce creates a bold, addictive dish that feels indulgent but is easy enough for any night of the week.
Final Thoughts
Bang Bang Chicken Fried Rice is the perfect fusion of classic fried rice and creamy spicy flavor. It’s fast, customizable, and packed with bold taste in every bite.
Whether you’re cooking for family, meal prepping, or satisfying a takeout craving, this dish delivers comfort and excitement all in one pan.
Print
Bang Bang Chicken Fried Rice
Ingredients
For the bang bang sauce:
- ¼ cup mayonnaise
- 2 tbsp sweet chili sauce
- 1 tbsp sriracha (adjust to taste)
- 1 tbsp honey or maple syrup
- 1 tsp rice vinegar
- 1 garlic clove, minced
For the fried rice:
- 2 tbsp neutral oil (like avocado or vegetable), divided
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cubed
- Salt & black pepper to taste
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 3 cups cooked & cooled white or brown rice (day-old preferred)
- 1 cup frozen peas & carrots mix
- 2 green onions, sliced
- Optional: 1 tbsp soy sauce, sesame seeds, lime wedges
Instructions
- Make sauce: Whisk all bang bang sauce ingredients in a small bowl. Set aside.
- Cook chicken: Heat 1 tbsp oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high. Season chicken with salt and pepper; cook 5–6 min until golden and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
- Scramble eggs: In same skillet, add remaining oil. Pour in beaten eggs; scramble until just set. Remove and set aside.
- Stir-fry rice: Add rice and peas & carrots to skillet. Cook 3–4 min, stirring often, until heated through.
- Combine: Return chicken and eggs to skillet. Add bang bang sauce; toss everything together until evenly coated and hot.
- Finish: Stir in green onions and optional soy sauce. Garnish with sesame seeds and lime wedges.
💡 Pro Tips:
– Use cold, day-old rice for best texture—fresh rice gets mushy.
– For extra crunch, top with crushed peanuts or crispy wonton strips.
– Make it vegetarian: swap chicken for tofu or extra veggies.
Prep Time & Nutrition (per serving, serves 4):
Servings: 4 | Calories: 380 | Net Carbs: 38g | Fats: 18g | Protein: 22g