Bang Bang Chicken Fried Rice is one of those dishes that feels like a weeknight miracle. It’s quick, comforting, and has just the right balance of spicy, creamy, and savory flavors. If you’re a fan of takeout fried rice but crave a twist with bold sauces, this recipe is about to become your new favorite.
With crispy rice, juicy chicken, sweet peas, scrambled eggs, and a luscious bang bang sauce that ties everything together, every bite delivers flavor and texture. The best part? It comes together in just one pan and makes the perfect use of leftover rice.
What Makes It “Bang Bang”?
The term “Bang Bang” originally comes from a Thai-inspired sweet and spicy mayo sauce that gained massive popularity thanks to dishes like Bang Bang Shrimp. The sauce is simple but powerful, usually made with mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, and Sriracha. In this fried rice version, the sauce isn’t just a drizzle on top—it’s mixed in, coating every grain of rice with creamy, zesty heat. That’s what makes this recipe stand out from classic fried rice.
Ingredients for Bang Bang Chicken Fried Rice
For the Fried Rice
- 1 cup (200g) cooked chicken breast, diced
(Use grilled, rotisserie, or leftover chicken for convenience.) - 2 cups (250g) cooked long-grain rice
(Day-old rice is best for a crispy texture.) - ½ cup (75g) frozen peas
(Adds sweetness and color.) - 2 green onions, chopped
- 2 tablespoons vegetable or sesame oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 eggs, beaten
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For the Bang Bang Sauce
- ¼ cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons Thai sweet chili sauce
- 1 teaspoon Sriracha (or more if you like it hot)
- 1 teaspoon honey (optional, for balance)
Optional Toppings
- Sesame seeds
- Chopped peanuts
- Extra green onion
- Drizzle of Sriracha or chili oil
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Make the Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, Sriracha, and honey. Taste and adjust spice or sweetness as you like. Set aside.
2. Cook the Eggs
Heat 1 tablespoon oil in a wok or large skillet over medium heat. Add beaten eggs, scramble them quickly, then remove from the pan and set aside.
3. Sauté Chicken and Aromatics
Add the remaining oil to the skillet. Stir in diced chicken, garlic, and green onions. Cook for 2–3 minutes until the garlic is fragrant and chicken is warmed through. Toss in frozen peas and cook for another minute.
4. Add the Rice
Stir in the day-old rice, breaking up clumps as you go. Let it sit for 1–2 minutes before stirring again so it crisps on the bottom. Season lightly with salt and pepper.
5. Mix in Eggs and Sauce
Return the scrambled eggs to the skillet. Pour in the prepared bang bang sauce and stir until everything is coated evenly. Cook for one more minute to heat the sauce through.
6. Serve and Garnish
Scoop into bowls and finish with sesame seeds, chopped peanuts, green onions, or a drizzle of chili oil for extra heat.
Pro Tips for the Perfect Fried Rice
- Use cold, day-old rice: Fresh rice tends to clump and turn mushy. Cold rice fries beautifully.
- Don’t crowd the pan: Give the rice space to crisp instead of steam.
- Control the heat: Start medium-high, then reduce slightly when adding sauce so it doesn’t burn.
- Adjust spice levels: Add more Sriracha or chili flakes for extra heat, or reduce if cooking for kids.
- Make it your own: Toss in leftover veggies like carrots, bell peppers, corn, or even broccoli for variety.
How to Serve Bang Bang Chicken Fried Rice
This fried rice is satisfying on its own, but you can elevate it with creative serving ideas:
- Pair with egg rolls or dumplings for a takeout-style dinner.
- Scoop into crisp lettuce wraps for a light, crunchy twist.
- Top with a fried egg for a hearty brunch option.
- Balance the spice by serving alongside cucumber salad or kimchi.
Variations and Substitutions
Swap the Protein
- Ground chicken, turkey, or pork
- Leftover rotisserie chicken
- Shrimp tossed in the sauce before serving
Make It Vegetarian
- Replace chicken with crispy tofu or edamame
- Bulk it up with mushrooms, zucchini, or broccoli
Try Different Grains
- Brown rice
- Quinoa
- Cauliflower rice for a low-carb twist
Make It Vegan
- Use vegan mayonnaise
- Replace honey with agave
- Use plant-based protein like tempeh or tofu
Storage and Meal Prep
This dish is perfect for cooking ahead and packing for lunches.
- Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Reheat: Microwave or reheat in a skillet with a splash of water or oil.
- Meal Prep: Divide into containers and store extra sauce separately for freshness.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Combines the comfort of fried rice with the bold flavor of bang bang sauce.
- Quick and budget-friendly—perfect for busy weeknights.
- Endlessly customizable to fit your taste or dietary needs.
- Kid-friendly when you dial down the spice.
What People Are Saying
“Made this for dinner and OMG the bang bang sauce is out of this world!” – Taylor S.
“My go-to way to use up leftover rice. It’s better than takeout!” – Brandon R.
“So simple and so satisfying. I meal prepped it for work lunches and it reheats like a dream.” – Hannah K.
FAQs About Bang Bang Chicken Fried Rice
Can I use freshly cooked rice?
You can, but it won’t crisp up as nicely as day-old rice. If you must use fresh, spread it on a tray and chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes before frying.
Is this recipe very spicy?
It has a mild to medium heat level, but you can adjust easily. Add more Sriracha for extra spice or reduce it for a milder version.
Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes! Just ensure your soy sauce (if you add any) and sweet chili sauce are gluten-free.
What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?
Reheat in a skillet with a little oil to restore crispness. Microwaving works too, but it won’t be as crispy.
Can I use other vegetables?
Absolutely. Bell peppers, carrots, corn, broccoli, or even spinach can be added to the mix.
Does the bang bang sauce keep well?
Yes, you can make it up to 3 days ahead and store in the fridge. Give it a quick stir before using.
Final Thoughts
Bang Bang Chicken Fried Rice is more than just another fried rice recipe—it’s a bold, fusion-style dish that combines creamy heat with crispy rice textures. Ready in minutes, customizable to your taste, and perfect for using up leftovers, this dish is bound to become a weeknight favorite.
Whether you serve it straight from the pan, pack it into meal prep boxes, or dress it up with garnishes, this recipe delivers flavor in every single bite.