Sweet, spicy, and sizzling with flavor, this Bang Bang Fried Rice is the fusion comfort food you didn’t know you needed. Tender chicken bites tossed in a punchy, creamy bang bang sauce meet crispy rice and colorful veggies in one ultra-satisfying skillet meal. It’s a weeknight dinner that feels like a takeout upgrade — bold, saucy, and absolutely addictive.

What sets this dish apart is the texture and contrast: slightly crunchy rice edges, creamy spice-kissed chicken, and bursts of sweetness from diced carrots and peas. It comes together fast, especially if you have leftover rice on hand, and you can adjust the heat to suit your spice tolerance. Whether you’re craving something easy or a new twist on fried rice, this recipe has your name on it.

What Kind of Chicken Should I Use?

Boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts both work beautifully in this dish. Thighs bring extra juiciness and flavor, while breasts keep it lean. Cube them evenly so they cook quickly and stay tender. You can also use rotisserie chicken or pre-cooked grilled chicken to speed things up.

Ingredients for the Bang Bang Fried Rice

Cooked Rice – Day-old jasmine or basmati rice works best for that slightly crispy texture.

Chicken – Bite-sized pieces of chicken thigh or breast bring savory protein and soak up the bang bang sauce like a dream.

Vegetables – A classic mix of peas, carrots, and corn adds color and sweetness. Frozen mixed veggies make prep effortless.

Garlic – Fresh minced garlic deepens the flavor with a touch of pungency.

Soy Sauce – A splash of umami that binds the rice and boosts savory notes.

Bang Bang Sauce – Made from mayo, sweet chili sauce, Sriracha, and a dash of honey. Creamy, spicy, sweet perfection.

Oil – For frying the chicken and rice; sesame oil is great for extra flavor, but any neutral oil works.

How To Make the Bang Bang Fried Rice

Step 1: Cook the Chicken

Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the cubed chicken and cook until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from skillet and set aside.

Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics

In the same skillet, add a bit more oil if needed and toss in the minced garlic. Sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.

Step 3: Stir-Fry the Vegetables

Add the frozen mixed vegetables and stir-fry until tender and lightly browned, about 3-4 minutes.

Step 4: Crisp the Rice

Add the cooked rice to the skillet. Press it down slightly and let it sit for a minute to develop some crispiness. Stir and repeat for more texture.

Step 5: Bring It All Together

Return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Pour in soy sauce and toss everything until well combined.

Step 6: Add Bang Bang Sauce

Drizzle the bang bang sauce over the rice and gently stir to coat everything evenly. Let it cook for another 1-2 minutes, then serve hot.

Serving and Storing Bang Bang Fried Rice

Serve this dish hot straight from the skillet, garnished with chopped green onions or a sprinkle of sesame seeds for extra flair. It pairs well with a crisp side salad or a light cucumber slaw.

To store leftovers, let the fried rice cool completely, then transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet with a splash of water or soy sauce to revive its flavor and moisture.

Frequently Asked Questions

How spicy is bang bang fried rice?

It has a noticeable kick from the Sriracha, but it’s mellowed by the mayo and sweet chili sauce. You can adjust the heat to your liking.

Can I use shrimp or tofu instead of chicken?

Absolutely. Shrimp cooks fast and adds a seafood twist, while tofu makes it vegetarian-friendly. Just make sure to press and crisp the tofu before adding.

What if I don’t have leftover rice?

Cook a fresh batch, then spread it out on a tray and chill it in the fridge for at least an hour. Cold rice fries better than hot, steamy rice.

Is bang bang sauce store-bought or homemade?

You can find pre-made versions, but it’s easy to mix at home with mayo, sweet chili sauce, Sriracha, and honey.

Can I meal prep this?

Yes! Prepare all components separately and combine when ready to serve, or store it as one dish and reheat in portions.

What oil is best for frying?

Sesame oil adds a lot of depth, but any high-smoke point oil like avocado or vegetable oil works well too.

Want More Dinner Ideas?

If you loved this Bang Bang Fried Rice, don’t miss these satisfying recipes:

One Pan Sweet and Tangy BBQ Sausage Rice for a hearty, smoky one-skillet meal.

Garlic Chicken Lo Mein if you’re craving takeout-style noodles.
Beef and Rotini in Garlic Parmesan Sauce for a creamy pasta comfort fix.
Sticky Honey Garlic Steak and Rotini for a bold, sweet-and-savory twist.

One Skillet Spicy Honey BBQ Sausage Pasta if you love smoky heat in a pasta dish.

Save This Pin + Share Your Results

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dinner board so you can come back to it any time.

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you go with chicken, shrimp, or tofu? Add extra heat or keep it mellow?

I love seeing how these meals come to life in your kitchen. Share your tips, swaps, or questions—let’s inspire each other to cook bold and delicious.

Bang Bang Fried Rice

Author: Olivia McKenney
Total Time: 30 minutes

Yield: 4 servings

Print Recipe

Description

This Bang Bang Fried Rice brings together golden chicken, crisp-tender veggies, and bold, creamy bang bang sauce for a dish that’s sweet, spicy, and crave-worthy. Perfect for weeknights, leftovers, or impressing with minimal effort. It’s a skillet meal that punches above its weight in flavor.

Instructions

Heat 1 tablespoon oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook until golden and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
In the same skillet, add remaining oil and garlic. Sauté until fragrant, about 30 seconds.

Add mixed vegetables and stir-fry for 3–4 minutes until tender.
Add rice, pressing it down to crisp for 1 minute before stirring. Repeat for added texture.
Return chicken to the skillet. Add soy sauce and mix everything together.

Stir in bang bang sauce. Let everything heat through for 1–2 minutes.
Serve hot, garnished with green onions or sesame seeds if desired.

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Dinner