This Blackstone Bang Bang Chicken Fried Rice is a tasty dish with tender chicken and colorful veggies mixed with fluffy rice. It has a sweet and spicy sauce that makes it extra yummy!
Honestly, it’s a total crowd-pleaser! I love making it for friends because it’s fun to flip around on the grill. Plus, who can resist that sauce? It’s like a hug in a bowl! 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cooked Rice: Day-old rice is best because it’s a bit drier and won’t clump together. If you don’t have any, you can cook fresh rice and cool it quickly on a baking sheet to remove moisture.
Chicken Breast: Diced chicken breast is lean and cooks quickly. If you’re looking for a substitute, turkey breast works well, or you could use tofu for a vegetarian twist.
Bang Bang Sauce: This sweet and spicy sauce gives the dish its name and flavor. You can buy it ready-made or whip up a simple version with mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, and sriracha. Adjust the heat to your liking!
Vegetables: Carrots, green onions, and bell peppers add color and crunch. Feel free to switch them out with whatever veggies you have on hand — peas, corn, or broccoli are great choices.
Eggs: Eggs add protein and richness. If you’re vegan, consider using scrambled tofu or chickpea flour as a substitute.
How Do I Cook Chicken So It’s Perfectly Tender?
One key to juicy, tender chicken in this recipe is not to overcrowd the pan. When the chicken is in a single layer, it cooks evenly. Here’s how to get it just right:
- Heat the oil in your pan until it’s hot but not smoking.
- Add the chicken and don’t stir it for the first minute – this helps it brown nicely.
- Keep the cooking time to about 5-7 minutes, just until it’s no longer pink inside.
- Let the chicken rest off the heat for a minute before adding it back to the stir-fry.
How to Make Blackstone Bang Bang Chicken Fried Rice
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Ingredients:
- 2 cups cooked rice (preferably day-old)
- 1 lb chicken breast, diced
- 1/4 cup Bang Bang sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (for cooking)
- 1/2 cup carrots, diced
- 1/2 cup green onions, sliced
- 1/4 cup bell peppers, diced
- 2 eggs, beaten
- Salt and pepper to taste
Optional Garnish:
- Chopped cilantro
- Sesame seeds
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10-15 minutes of prep time and around 15-20 minutes to cook. In total, you’re looking at about 30-35 minutes to make this delicious dish from start to finish. It’s a quick and easy meal that’s packed with flavor!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Chicken:
Start by heating your Blackstone or a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once it’s hot, add in the vegetable oil. Then, toss in the diced chicken and season it with salt and pepper. Cook the chicken for about 5-7 minutes until it’s browned and fully cooked through. Once done, remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside.
2. Sauté the Vegetables:
In the same pan, add the diced carrots, sliced green onions, and diced bell peppers. Sauté these veggies for about 2-3 minutes, until they start to soften. This adds extra flavor to your fried rice!
3. Scramble the Eggs:
Now, push the sautéed vegetables to one side of the pan. Pour the beaten eggs onto the other side. Scramble the eggs until they’re fully cooked, then mix them together with the vegetables. This step adds richness to your fried rice.
4. Combine the Rice:
Next, add the cooked rice to the pan. Use a spatula to break up any clumps of rice so everything mixes well. Stir until the rice is nicely combined with the vegetables and eggs.
5. Finish with Chicken and Sauce:
Return the cooked chicken to the pan and pour the Bang Bang sauce over the rice mixture. Stir everything together thoroughly, making sure all the ingredients are well coated with the delicious sauce.
6. Heat Everything Through:
Keep cooking for an additional 2-3 minutes to ensure everything is heated through and nicely mixed together. Don’t forget to taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as you like!
7. Serve It Up:
Once everything is well combined and heated, remove it from the heat. If you’d like, garnish your Bang Bang chicken fried rice with chopped cilantro or sesame seeds. Serve immediately and enjoy your meal!
Can I Use Fresh Rice Instead of Day-Old Rice?
Yes, you can use fresh rice, but it’s best if it’s cooled to room temperature first. Freshly cooked rice tends to be stickier, which can lead to clumps in fried rice. If using fresh rice, spread it out on a baking sheet to cool quickly, then use it in the recipe.
What Can I Substitute for Bang Bang Sauce?
If you don’t have Bang Bang sauce on hand, you can make a simple substitute with equal parts mayonnaise and sweet chili sauce, adding a bit of sriracha to taste for heat. Adjust the ratios based on your flavor preference!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover fried rice in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm it gently in a skillet with a splash of water or in the microwave, stirring occasionally to heat evenly.
Can I Add Other Vegetables?
Absolutely! Feel free to get creative with your veggies. Broccoli, peas, corn, or even zucchini work great in this recipe. Just make sure to chop them small and adjust the cooking time as necessary to ensure they soften properly.
