Description: A delightful fusion of crispy, savory chicken and flavorful fried rice, all coated in a creamy, spicy bang bang sauce. This recipe offers a quick and satisfying meal that’s sure to become a family favorite.
Ingredients:
For the Chicken:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cubed into approximately 1-inch pieces
- ½ cup cornstarch
- 1 large egg, beaten
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- Neutral oil for frying (such as canola, vegetable, or peanut oil)
For the Bang Bang Sauce:
- ½ cup mayonnaise (full-fat or light, depending on preference)
- 2 tablespoons sriracha (adjust to taste for desired spice level)
- 2 tablespoons sweet chili sauce
- 1 teaspoon rice vinegar
- Optional: 1 teaspoon sugar or honey (to balance the flavors, especially if your sriracha is very spicy)
For the Fried Rice:
- 3 cups cooked white rice, preferably day-old and chilled (Jasmine rice works exceptionally well)
- 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce (low-sodium recommended)
- 1 cup frozen mixed vegetables (such as peas, carrots, corn, and green beans) or fresh vegetables, diced
- 2 green onions, thinly sliced, for garnish
- Optional toppings: crushed peanuts, sesame seeds, red pepper flakes for extra spice
Preparation:
Step 1: Prepare the Bang Bang Sauce: In a medium-sized bowl, combine the mayonnaise, sriracha, sweet chili sauce, and rice vinegar. If desired, add sugar or honey to taste. Whisk all ingredients together until smooth and creamy. Set aside in the refrigerator to allow the flavors to meld while you prepare the rest of the dish. The sauce can be made up to a day in advance.
Step 2: Prepare the Chicken: Cut the chicken breasts into uniform, bite-sized pieces, roughly 1-inch cubes. Season the chicken cubes generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper. In a shallow dish, place the cornstarch. In a separate shallow dish, beat the egg until light and frothy. Dredge each chicken cube in the cornstarch, ensuring it’s fully coated on all sides. Then, dip the cornstarch-coated chicken into the beaten egg, allowing any excess egg to drip off.
Step 3: Fry the Chicken: Pour enough neutral oil into a large skillet or wok to reach a depth of about ½ inch. Heat the oil over medium-high heat until it shimmers, or a small piece of chicken sizzles immediately upon contact. Carefully add the chicken pieces to the hot oil in a single layer, being careful not to overcrowd the pan. Fry the chicken for approximately 3-4 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C). Remove the fried chicken from the skillet using a slotted spoon and place it on a wire rack or paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
Step 4: Cook the Fried Rice: Wipe out the skillet or wok to remove any remaining oil and debris. Add the sesame oil to the skillet and heat over medium-high heat. Pour the beaten eggs into the skillet and cook, stirring constantly, until they are just set but still slightly moist. Push the scrambled eggs to one side of the skillet. Add the frozen mixed vegetables (or fresh diced vegetables) to the skillet and stir-fry for 2-3 minutes, until they are tender-crisp.
Step 5: Combine and Finish: Add the cooked day-old rice to the skillet with the vegetables and scrambled eggs. Use a spatula or wooden spoon to break up any clumps of rice. Pour the soy sauce over the rice and vegetables, and toss everything together until the rice is evenly coated with the soy sauce. Add the crispy fried chicken back into the skillet with the fried rice mixture.
Step 6: Coat with Bang Bang Sauce: Drizzle the prepared bang bang sauce over the chicken and fried rice. Gently toss everything together to ensure that the chicken and rice are evenly coated with the sauce. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently, until the sauce is heated through and slightly thickened.
Step 7: Garnish and Serve: Remove the Bang Bang Chicken Fried Rice from the heat and garnish with thinly sliced green onions and, if desired, crushed peanuts, sesame seeds, or red pepper flakes. Serve immediately while hot.
Why You Will Love This Recipe:
This Bang Bang Chicken Fried Rice recipe is a winner for several reasons:
- Flavor Explosion: The combination of crispy fried chicken, savory fried rice, and the creamy, spicy bang bang sauce creates an unforgettable flavor experience. The sauce is sweet, spicy, and tangy, perfectly complementing the chicken and rice.
- Quick and Easy: This recipe comes together relatively quickly, making it ideal for busy weeknights. Using day-old rice also saves time and improves the texture of the fried rice.
- Customizable: You can easily adjust the spice level by adding more or less sriracha to the bang bang sauce. You can also substitute the mixed vegetables with your favorite veggies, such as broccoli, bell peppers, or mushrooms.
- Crowd-Pleaser: This dish is sure to be a hit with both kids and adults. The familiar flavors of fried chicken and fried rice are elevated by the unique and delicious bang bang sauce.
- Great for Leftovers: Bang Bang Chicken Fried Rice tastes even better the next day, as the flavors have had time to meld together. It’s perfect for meal prepping or packing for lunch.
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve as a complete meal on its own.
- Pair with a side of steamed broccoli or a fresh salad for a balanced meal.
- Garnish with extra green onions, sesame seeds, or crushed peanuts for added flavor and texture.
- Serve with egg rolls or spring rolls for an Asian-inspired feast.
Tips:
- Use Day-Old Rice: Day-old rice is drier than freshly cooked rice, which prevents the fried rice from becoming mushy. Spread the cooked rice out on a baking sheet and refrigerate it for at least a few hours before using it.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: When frying the chicken, be sure not to overcrowd the pan. Overcrowding will lower the oil temperature and result in soggy, unevenly cooked chicken. Fry the chicken in batches if necessary.
- Adjust the Spice Level: The amount of sriracha in the bang bang sauce can be adjusted to your preference. Start with 2 tablespoons and add more to taste.
- Make Ahead: The bang bang sauce can be made up to a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator. The chicken can also be fried ahead of time and reheated in the oven or microwave before adding it to the fried rice.
- Use a Wok: If you have a wok, it is ideal for making fried rice because it distributes heat evenly and allows you to toss the ingredients easily. However, a large skillet will also work.
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Nutritional Information: (Estimated, per serving)
- Calories: Approximately 600-700
- Protein: 30-40g
- Sodium: 800-1000mg (depending on soy sauce used)
Conclusion:
Bang Bang Chicken Fried Rice is a flavorful and satisfying dish that’s perfect for any occasion. With its crispy chicken, savory rice, and creamy, spicy sauce, it’s sure to become a family favorite. This recipe is easy to customize, so feel free to experiment with different vegetables and spice levels to create your own unique version. Enjoy!
Questions and Answers:
- Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
- Yes, you can substitute brown rice for white rice. However, keep in mind that brown rice has a slightly nuttier flavor and chewier texture than white rice, which may affect the overall taste and consistency of the dish. Also, brown rice may require slightly more cooking time to achieve the desired texture.
- Can I make this recipe vegetarian or vegan?
- Absolutely! To make this recipe vegetarian or vegan, substitute the chicken with tofu or tempeh. Press the tofu to remove excess moisture, then cube it and coat it in cornstarch before frying. You can also use a vegan mayonnaise for the bang bang sauce.
- Can I add other vegetables to the fried rice?
- Yes, feel free to add any vegetables you like to the fried rice. Some great options include broccoli, bell peppers, mushrooms, onions, and snap peas. Just be sure to dice the vegetables into small pieces so they cook evenly.
- How can I make the bang bang sauce less spicy?
- If you prefer a milder sauce, reduce the amount of sriracha in the recipe. You can also add a touch more sugar or honey to balance the heat. Another option is to use a milder chili sauce instead of sriracha.
- How long does Bang Bang Chicken Fried Rice last in the refrigerator?
- Bang Bang Chicken Fried Rice can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat thoroughly before serving.
