Mediterranean Bang Bang Chicken Fried Rice
This bold and vibrant dish blends spicy Bang Bang-style chicken with classic fried rice and Mediterranean flair. Tender chicken is coated in a creamy, sweet-spicy sauce and stir-fried with fluffy rice, veggies, eggs, and herbs for a crave-worthy fusion dinner. It’s perfect for weeknights, meal prep, or an exciting takeout-style meal at home—fresh, customizable, and full of flavor.
Time
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20–25 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Servings: 4–5
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
1½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
1 teaspoon smoked or sweet paprika
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon kosher salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
Bang Bang Sauce (makes approx. 1 cup):
½ cup mayonnaise (or Greek yogurt)
2 tablespoons honey
2 tablespoons sweet chili sauce
1–2 teaspoons gochujang or sriracha (adjust for heat)
1 tablespoon rice vinegar or lemon juice (optional, for tang)
Fried Rice:
2 tablespoons sesame oil, divided
4 large eggs, beaten
½ teaspoon kosher salt
3 cups cooked jasmine or basmati rice (preferably day-old)
1 cup frozen peas and carrots (thawed)
½ red onion, diced (optional)
½ zucchini, chopped (optional)
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved (optional)
½ cup crumbled feta cheese (optional for Mediterranean twist)
¼ cup chopped parsley or basil
Zest of 1 lemon (optional)
Instructions
Make the Bang Bang Sauce:
In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, honey, sweet chili sauce, sriracha (or gochujang), and rice vinegar until smooth. Taste and adjust spice and sweetness. Set aside.
Cook the Chicken:
In a large skillet or wok, heat 1 tablespoon vegetable oil over medium-high heat.
Season chicken cubes with paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
Sear chicken for 7–8 minutes until golden brown and cooked through.
Toss with about half of the Bang Bang sauce and remove from heat.
Scramble the Eggs:
In the same pan (or separate nonstick pan), add 1 tablespoon sesame oil.
Pour in the beaten eggs and season with ½ teaspoon salt.
Scramble gently until just set. Remove and set aside.
Fry the Rice and Veggies:
Heat remaining 1 tablespoon sesame oil.
Add peas and carrots, onion, and zucchini (if using) and sauté for 2–3 minutes.
Stir in cooked rice and let it sit undisturbed for 1–2 minutes to crisp slightly.
Stir in the scrambled eggs, cherry tomatoes, lemon zest, and cooked chicken.
Finish and Serve:
Drizzle remaining Bang Bang sauce over the top.
Stir in chopped parsley or basil and top with feta if desired.
Serve warm, garnished with extra chili flakes or fresh herbs.
Tips & Variations
Tips:
Use Day-Old Rice: For the best texture, cold, dry rice is ideal. If using freshly cooked rice, spread it out on a tray and chill it in the fridge for 30 minutes.
Adjust Bang Bang Sauce to Taste: The sweetness, spice, and tang can be fine-tuned. Add more honey for sweetness, more sriracha/gochujang for heat, or lemon/rice vinegar for brightness.
Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Cook the chicken in batches if needed to maintain a good sear.
Egg Tip: Scramble eggs separately to keep them fluffy and well-distributed in the final dish.
Variations:
Protein Options: Substitute chicken with shrimp, tofu, tempeh, or even crispy chickpeas for a vegetarian version.
Vegetable Boost: Add baby spinach, diced bell peppers, olives, or sun-dried tomatoes for extra Mediterranean flair.
Grain Swap: Use cooked farro, quinoa, or cauliflower rice instead of white rice.
Sauce Twist: Use harissa instead of sriracha/gochujang for a deeper Mediterranean heat.
Q&A
Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
A: Yes! Prep the sauce and cook the rice and chicken in advance. Store separately and reheat when ready to stir-fry.
Q: What makes this dish Mediterranean?
A: Mediterranean elements include olive oil, lemon zest, feta, parsley, and optional veggies like zucchini and cherry tomatoes—infused into an Asian-style base.
Q: Is it very spicy?
A: The Bang Bang sauce is customizable. Start with less heat (sriracha/gochujang) and add more to taste.
Q: How do I store leftovers?
A: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet or microwave.
Q: Can I freeze it?
A: Yes, but omit fresh herbs and tomatoes until reheating for the best texture.
Estimated Nutrition (Per Serving – based on 5 servings)
Note: Actual values will vary depending on ingredients and optional add-ins.
Calories: ~530 kcal
Protein: ~38g
Carbohydrates: ~45g
Fat: ~23g
Fiber: ~4g
Sugar: ~8g
Sodium: ~800mg
Conclusion
Mediterranean Bang Bang Chicken Fried Rice is the ultimate flavor mashup—where creamy heat meets herb-fresh brightness, and classic fried rice gets a gourmet, fusion-style upgrade. With tender chicken, crispy rice, vibrant veggies, and a drizzle of spicy-sweet Bang Bang sauce, it’s a dish that delivers comfort and flair in every bite. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or meal-prepping lunches, this one’s a guaranteed hit.