Bang Bang Chicken Fried Rice
Bang Bang Chicken Fried Rice is a fun and flavorful dish that combines the goodness of fried rice with the spicy kick of bang bang sauce. This dish is not just tasty but also a great way to use leftover rice and have a delicious meal ready in no time.
Why Make This Recipe
Making Bang Bang Chicken Fried Rice is a fantastic choice for many reasons. First, it’s super quick to prepare, making it perfect for busy weeknights. Second, it’s versatile; you can use whatever protein or veggies you have on hand. Plus, the creamy and spicy bang bang sauce elevates simple fried rice into something truly special.
How to Make Bang Bang Chicken Fried Rice
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked day-old rice
- 1 lb chicken breast or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1/2 cup bang bang sauce (a mix of mayo, sweet chili sauce, and sriracha)
- 1 cup diced bell peppers
- 1/2 cup peas
- 1/2 cup diced carrots
- 2-3 tbsp soy sauce
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 green onions, chopped
- 2 tbsp oil (vegetable or sesame oil) for frying
Protein swaps: shrimp, tofu, or beef
Additional veggies: snap peas, corn, chopped broccoli
Adjust sriracha or chili sauce amount for spice preference
Cauliflower rice as low-carb alternative
Vegan mayo substitute for dairy-free option
Directions
- Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces. Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook for 5-7 minutes until golden and cooked through. Remove from the pan and set aside.
- In the same pan, add more oil if needed. Toss in diced bell peppers, peas, carrots, and minced garlic. Stir-fry for 3-4 minutes until the vegetables are tender-crisp but still vibrant.
- Add the cold cooked rice to the pan, breaking up any clumps. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Stir everything together and cook for a few minutes to heat through.
- Drizzle bang bang sauce evenly over the rice mixture along with soy sauce. Stir thoroughly to coat every grain with the creamy, spicy flavor. Toss in the chopped green onions last for freshness.
- Give the fried rice a final toss to combine all flavors perfectly. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed. Serve hot with optional garnishes such as sliced green onions, toasted sesame seeds, or extra bang bang sauce.
How to Serve Bang Bang Chicken Fried Rice
Bang Bang Chicken Fried Rice is best served hot. You can enjoy it on its own or pair it with some crispy spring rolls or a light salad. Add extra chopped green onions or a sprinkle of sesame seeds on top for a nice finishing touch.
How to Store Bang Bang Chicken Fried Rice
You can store leftover Bang Bang Chicken Fried Rice in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply pop it in the microwave or stir-fry it in the pan with a little splash of oil until heated through.
Tips to Make Bang Bang Chicken Fried Rice
- Use day-old rice for the best texture. Fresh rice may turn mushy when cooked.
- Feel free to mix and match your favorite veggies based on what you have.
- If you like it spicier, add more sriracha or chili sauce to the bang bang sauce.
Variation
You can easily adapt this recipe by using shrimp, tofu, or beef instead of chicken. Swap in different vegetables like snap peas, corn, or broccoli for a unique twist each time you make it!
FAQs
1. Can I use frozen vegetables for this recipe?
Yes, frozen vegetables work great! Just add them directly to the pan and stir-fry until they are heated through.
2. Is bang bang sauce hard to make?
Not at all! You can make bang bang sauce at home by mixing mayo, sweet chili sauce, and sriracha to your taste.
3. Can I make Bang Bang Chicken Fried Rice vegan?
Yes! You can substitute the chicken with tofu and use vegan mayo in the bang bang sauce to make it dairy-free.
Enjoy your cooking and delight in the tasty flavors of Bang Bang Chicken Fried Rice!
