Bang Bang Chicken Fried Rice Recipe

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Cook Time: 15 minutes

Ingredients:

• 2 skinless, boneless chicken breasts
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons avocado oil, plus more as needed
• 3 cups cooked white rice
• 2 tablespoons garlic paste
• 2 tablespoons ginger paste
• 1 large egg, beaten
• 2 teaspoons low-sodium soy sauce, plus more to taste
• 2 teaspoons sesame oil, plus more to taste
• 2 green onions, chopped

For the Bang Bang Sauce:

• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 2 tablespoons sweet chili sauce
• 1 tablespoon hot sauce, such as Tabasco

Directions:

1. Start by gathering all the ingredients. Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper, then cut them into bite-sized chunks.
2. Heat 2 tablespoons of avocado oil in a wok or large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken pieces and cook, stirring frequently, until browned and cooked through (about 5 minutes). Once done, remove the chicken from the wok and set it aside.
3. In the same wok, add a bit more oil if necessary. Add the cooked rice and stir-fry for about 1 minute. Then add the garlic and ginger paste, cooking for another minute until fragrant.
4. Pour in the beaten egg and cook, stirring frequently, until the egg becomes opaque, around 2 minutes.
5. Lower the heat to medium-low. Return the cooked chicken to the wok and mix everything together. Stir in the soy sauce and sesame oil, tasting and adjusting the seasoning with more soy sauce or sesame oil if needed.
6. Once everything is well-mixed and heated through, remove the wok from the heat. Scoop the chicken and rice mixture into bowls and garnish with chopped green onions.
7. For the Bang Bang Sauce, whisk together mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, and hot sauce in a bowl. Drizzle this sauce over the chicken rice bowls before serving.

Cook's Note: If you prefer cooked green onions, you can add them in Step 5. You can also garnish with chopped cilantro if you like.

Nutrition Facts (per serving):

• Calories: 414
• Total Fat: 26g (33% Daily Value)
• Saturated Fat: 4g (20% Daily Value)
• Cholesterol: 73mg (24% Daily Value)
• Sodium: 454mg (20% Daily Value)
• Total Carbohydrate: 28g (10% Daily Value)
• Dietary Fiber: 1g (2% Daily Value)
• Total Sugars: 3g
• Protein: 16g (33% Daily Value)
• Vitamin C: 4mg (5% Daily Value)
• Calcium: 32mg (2% Daily Value)
• Iron: 2mg (10% Daily Value)
• Potassium: 206mg (4% Daily Value)

Note: Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000-calorie diet. Your daily values may vary depending on your calorie needs. Consult a healthcare provider if following a medically restricted diet.

The Story Behind Bang Bang Chicken Fried Rice

Bang Bang Chicken Fried Rice is a modern fusion dish that combines the flavors of classic Chinese stir-fried rice with the bold, spicy-sweet elements of Bang Bang Chicken. The original Bang Bang Chicken, also known as "Bon Bon Chicken," traces its roots to Sichuan cuisine in China, famous for its balanced combination of heat, sweetness, and savory depth. Over time, Western adaptations of this dish emerged, blending the spicy Bang Bang sauce with familiar comfort foods like fried rice, creating a dish that is both vibrant and approachable.

Regional Variations and Characteristics

While Bang Bang Chicken originated in Sichuan province, the fried rice version is largely an American innovation. In Asian-American cuisine, this dish typically uses leftover rice, diced chicken, and stir-fried vegetables, making it both quick and versatile. Regional adaptations may vary: some coastal areas favor the addition of seafood, while urban restaurants often incorporate bell peppers, peas, or carrots for added color and texture. The defining characteristic, however, remains the iconic Bang Bang saucea blend of mayonnaise, chili, and a touch of sweetnessthat sets it apart from other fried rice dishes.

How It Differs From Similar Dishes

Unlike standard fried rice, which is often seasoned with soy sauce and garlic alone, Bang Bang Chicken Fried Rice features a distinctive creamy-spicy sauce that coats each bite of chicken and rice. It differs from General Tso's chicken fried rice, which emphasizes deep-fried chicken and a sweet-savory glaze, and also stands apart from Thai-style fried rice, which usually relies on fish sauce, lime, and a sharper chili profile. The fusion of creamy, sweet, and spicy elements makes Bang Bang Chicken Fried Rice uniquely rich in flavor while still maintaining the simplicity of a classic fried rice base.

Common Serving Occasions

This dish is commonly served in casual dining restaurants, especially those focusing on Asian fusion cuisine, as well as in takeout and home-cooked meals. It works well as a main course for lunch or dinner and is often presented in individual bowls, topped with chopped green onions or cilantro. Some restaurants enhance the presentation by drizzling extra Bang Bang sauce over the rice just before serving, creating an eye-catching contrast of color and flavor.

Fun and Interesting Facts

• The name "Bang Bang" is said to originate from the sound made when tenderizing the chicken with a wooden stick, a traditional preparation method in Sichuan.
• Bang Bang Chicken became widely popular in the United States after being introduced in Chinese-American restaurants in the 1980s, often as a mild, creamy version to appeal to Western palates.
• Using leftover rice for fried rice is not only convenient but also enhances the texture, preventing the grains from becoming too soft or sticky during stir-frying.
• The combination of mayonnaise with sweet chili sauce may seem unusual, but it provides the perfect balance of heat, sweetness, and creaminess that defines the dish.
• Bang Bang Chicken Fried Rice is an excellent example of culinary fusion, blending traditional Asian techniques with Western flavor preferences to create a globally loved comfort food.

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