Bang Bang Chicken Fried Rice

Mediterranean-Inspired | Spicy, Creamy & High-Protein

This Bang Bang Chicken Fried Rice brings bold flavor with a Mediterranean twist. While “Bang Bang” sauce is often associated with sweet-spicy seafood dishes, this version blends creamy yogurt, chili heat, garlic, and lemon with heart-healthy olive oil — inspired by vibrant coastal cooking styles found in Italy and Greece.

It’s satisfying, protein-packed, and perfect for using leftover rice.

🍚 Ingredients (Serves 4)

For the Chicken:

2 cups cooked chicken breast, diced
1 tablespoon olive oil
2 cloves garlic, minced
½ teaspoon smoked paprika
½ teaspoon dried oregano
Salt & black pepper to taste

For the Fried Rice:

3 cups cooked and cooled brown rice (best if day-old)
1 cup mixed vegetables (peas, carrots, bell peppers)
2 eggs, lightly beaten
1 tablespoon olive oil
2 green onions, sliced

For the Mediterranean “Bang Bang” Sauce:

½ cup plain Greek yogurt
1 tablespoon olive oil
1–2 teaspoons chili sauce or sriracha
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 teaspoon honey
1 clove garlic, grated
Pinch salt

👩‍🍳 Instructions

1️⃣ Prepare the Sauce

In a small bowl, whisk together Greek yogurt, olive oil, chili sauce, lemon juice, honey, garlic, and salt.
Set aside.

2️⃣ Cook the Chicken

Heat olive oil in a large skillet or wok over medium heat.
Add garlic and sauté briefly.
Add diced chicken, paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper.
Cook 3–4 minutes until warmed and lightly golden.
Remove and set aside.

3️⃣ Scramble the Eggs

In the same pan, add a little olive oil if needed.
Pour in beaten eggs and scramble until just cooked. Remove and set aside.

4️⃣ Stir-Fry the Rice

Add olive oil to the pan.
Add vegetables and sauté 2–3 minutes.
Stir in cooked rice, breaking up clumps. Cook 4–5 minutes until heated through.

5️⃣ Combine

Return chicken and eggs to the pan.
Stir well and cook another 2 minutes.

6️⃣ Finish

Turn off heat.
Drizzle Bang Bang sauce over rice and toss gently.
Garnish with green onions.

Serve warm.

🌿 Mediterranean Benefits

Lean protein from chicken
Whole-grain brown rice for fiber
Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise
Olive oil for heart health
Balanced sweet-spicy flavor

🍽 Serving Ideas

Serve with cucumber-tomato salad
Add a squeeze of extra lemon
Top with toasted sesame seeds
Pair with grilled vegetables
Use as meal-prep lunch bowls

🔥 Tips for Perfect Fried Rice

✔ Use cold, day-old rice for best texture
✔ Don’t overcrowd the pan
✔ Adjust spice level to taste
✔ Add spinach at the end for extra greens
✔ Finish with a drizzle of olive oil

🧊 Storage

Refrigerate up to 4 days
Reheat in skillet for best texture
Not ideal for freezing (sauce texture may change)

❓ Q & A

Q1: Can I make it low-carb?

Yes! Substitute rice with cauliflower rice.

Q2: Can I use rotisserie chicken?

Absolutely — it saves time and adds flavor.

Q3: Can I make it dairy-free?

Replace Greek yogurt with dairy-free yogurt alternative.

Q4: Is it very spicy?

It’s mildly spicy. Adjust chili sauce to your preference.

Q5: Can I add shrimp?

Yes! Shrimp pairs beautifully with the Bang Bang sauce.