Bang Bang Chicken Fried Rice
A fusion masterpiece! This dish combines crispy fried chicken with the sweet-spicy kick of Bang Bang sauce, all tossed into savory fried rice. It’s a complete meal in one skillet.
Recipe: Bang Bang Chicken Fried Rice
Prep Time: 25 mins | Cook Time: 20 mins | Serves: 4
Ingredients:
For the Bang Bang Chicken:
· 1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
· ½ cup buttermilk or milk
· 1 tsp salt
· ½ tsp black pepper
· 1 cup all-purpose flour
· 2 tsp cornstarch
· 1 tsp garlic powder
· ½ tsp paprika
· Oil for frying (vegetable or canola)
For the Bang Bang Sauce:
· ½ cup mayonnaise
· ¼ cup sweet chili sauce
· 2 tbsp honey or sriracha (adjust for heat preference)
· 1 tbsp rice vinegar
· 1 tsp sriracha (optional, for extra heat)
For the Fried Rice:
· 3 cups cold, cooked jasmine or long-grain rice (day-old is best)
· 2 large eggs, beaten
· 1 cup frozen peas and carrots, thawed
· ½ cup corn kernels (fresh, frozen, or canned)
· 3 green onions, thinly sliced (white and green parts separated)
· 3 cloves garlic, minced
· 2 tbsp soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
· 1 tbsp oyster sauce (optional but recommended)
· 1 tsp sesame oil
· 2 tbsp neutral oil (like vegetable or canola)
· Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Marinate the Chicken:
· In a bowl, combine chicken pieces with buttermilk, salt, and pepper. Let sit for 15-20 minutes while you prep other ingredients.
2. Make the Bang Bang Sauce:
· Whisk together all sauce ingredients in a small bowl until smooth. Set aside.
3. Fry the Chicken:
· In a separate bowl, mix flour, cornstarch, garlic powder, and paprika.
· Heat 1 inch of oil in a deep skillet or Dutch oven to 350°F (175°C).
· Drain chicken from buttermilk, then dredge each piece in the flour mixture, pressing to adhere.
· Fry in batches for 4-5 minutes until golden brown and cooked through. Drain on a wire rack.
· Once all chicken is fried, toss in a bowl with half of the Bang Bang sauce. Reserve the rest for drizzling.
4. Make the Fried Rice:
· Heat 1 tbsp neutral oil in a large wok or skillet over high heat.
· Add beaten eggs and scramble until just set. Remove to a plate.
· Add remaining 1 tbsp oil to the wok. Add white parts of green onions and garlic, stir-fry for 30 seconds.
· Add peas, carrots, and corn. Stir-fry for 2 minutes until heated through.
· Add cold rice, breaking up any clumps. Stir-fry for 3-4 minutes until rice is hot.
· Return eggs to the wok. Add soy sauce, oyster sauce, and sesame oil. Toss everything together.
· Stir in green onion tops. Taste and adjust seasoning.
5. Assemble and Serve:
· Divide fried rice among bowls or plates.
· Top with Bang Bang chicken pieces.
· Drizzle with remaining sauce.
· Garnish with extra green onions and sesame seeds if desired.
Pro Tips for Perfect Fried Rice:
· Use Day-Old Rice: Fresh rice is too moist and will become mushy. Spread fresh rice on a baking sheet and refrigerate uncovered for at least 2 hours if in a hurry.
· High Heat is Key: A very hot wok/skillet gives that classic “wok hei” (breath of the wok) flavor and prevents steaming.
· Prep Everything First: Have all ingredients measured and ready before you start cooking—fried rice comes together fast!
· Customize Your Veggies: Bell peppers, broccoli, or snap peas work great too.
· Protein Variations: Use shrimp, tofu, or leftover roast pork instead of chicken.
Make It a Meal:
Serve with a simple side of:
· Asian Cucumber Salad (thinly sliced cucumbers with rice vinegar, sesame oil, and a pinch of sugar)
· Egg Drop Soup or Miso Soup
· Steamed edamame sprinkled with sea salt
Storage and Reheating:
· Store components separately if possible. Chicken stays crispier when stored apart from rice.
· Reheat rice in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water to refresh.
· Reheat chicken in an air fryer or toaster oven to maintain crispiness (microwave will make it soggy).
This dish perfectly balances textures and flavors—crispy, saucy chicken with savory, vegetable-packed rice. It’s a crowd-pleaser that’s worth the extra step of frying the chicken!
Enjoy your homemade takeout masterpiece!