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This hearty Bang Bang Chicken Fried Rice transforms leftover rice into an incredible meal bursting with flavor. The combination of tender air-fried chicken, fluffy eggs, and colorful vegetables creates a restaurant-quality dish right in your kitchen.
I first created this recipe when trying to impress my spouse with something better than takeout. Now it's our Friday night tradition when we want comfort food without leaving home. The combination of crispy chicken and that addictive Bang Bang sauce makes everyone ask for seconds.
Ingredients
- Boneless skinless chicken breasts: Cut into cubes; the protein foundation that stays juicy when air fried.
- Vegetable oil: Helps chicken crisp up in the air fryer.
- Paprika: Adds beautiful color and mild smokiness.
- Garlic powder: Infuses the chicken with flavor without burning.
- Kosher salt: Enhances all flavors; use Diamond Crystal for best results.
- Black pepper: Adds subtle heat and complexity.
- Bang Bang sauce: Provides the signature creamy spicy flavor profile.
- Sesame oil: Gives authentic Asian flavor with its nutty aroma.
- Large eggs: Create pillowy protein pockets throughout the dish.
- Carrots: Add sweetness and beautiful color.
- White onion: Creates aromatic foundation for the dish.
- Green onions: Provide fresh flavor and pretty garnish.
- Garlic: Fresh minced garlic adds aromatic depth.
- Long grain white rice: Forms the base of the dish; day-old works best.
- Unsalted butter: Adds incredible richness to the rice.
- Lemon juice: Brightens all the flavors with subtle acidity.
- Soy sauce: Delivers umami and saltiness throughout.
- Frozen peas: Add pops of sweetness and vibrant color.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Season the Chicken:
- Combine cubed chicken with vegetable oil, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper in a large bowl. Toss thoroughly to ensure even coating. The seasonings create a flavorful base before the Bang Bang sauce is added.
- Air Fry to Perfection:
- Preheat your air fryer to 200°C. Arrange the seasoned chicken in a single layer, working in batches if needed. Air fry for 11 to 12 minutes, turning halfway through cooking. The chicken should reach an internal temperature of 74°C and develop a beautiful golden exterior. Place in a bowl and cover with foil to keep warm while preparing the rice.
- Create the Egg Component:
- Heat half the sesame oil in a large skillet or wok over high heat until shimmering. Pour in beaten eggs seasoned with salt. Let them set slightly before gently folding to create large, soft curds. Cook just until no longer runny but still moist. Remove to a plate and set aside. Overcooking will make them rubbery.
- Sauté the Vegetables:
- Reduce heat to medium high and add remaining sesame oil to the same skillet. Add diced carrots, white onion, and green onions. Sauté for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until carrots begin to soften but still maintain some crispness. Add minced garlic and cook for just 1 minute more until fragrant. The garlic burns easily so watch carefully.
- Incorporate the Rice:
- Add your cooled rice to the vegetable mixture, breaking up any clumps with your spatula. Cold rice separates better than freshly cooked. Stir continuously to combine rice with vegetables and toast the grains slightly. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes until the rice is heated through and begins to crisp slightly around the edges.
- Combine All Components:
- Gently fold in the scrambled eggs, melted butter, lemon juice, soy sauce, and frozen peas. The frozen peas will defrost quickly in the hot rice. Stir thoroughly to distribute all ingredients evenly and cook for another 2 to 3 minutes until everything is piping hot and well combined.
- Finish with Bang Bang Sauce:
- Toss the cooked chicken pieces with half the Bang Bang sauce in a separate bowl until well coated. Serve the fried rice topped with the sauced chicken, drizzle with additional Bang Bang sauce as desired, and garnish with extra green onions for freshness and color.
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The Bang Bang sauce is truly the star of this dish. I discovered this magical combination when experimenting with different Asian-inspired sauces. My daughter, who typically dislikes spicy food, devoured this and asked for the recipe to take to college. Something about the creamy sweet heat just makes everything taste better.
Make Ahead Tips
This recipe is perfect for meal planning. You can prepare all components separately up to two days in advance. Cook and cool the rice, air fry the chicken, and store in an airtight container, and chop all vegetables. When ready to serve, simply reheat and combine everything according to the final steps. The Bang Bang sauce actually improves after sitting in the refrigerator for a day as the flavors meld beautifully.
Perfect Bang Bang Sauce
If you're making your own Bang Bang sauce rather than using store-bought, combine 120ml mayonnaise, 60ml sweet chili sauce, 15ml sriracha, 5ml rice vinegar, and 5g honey. Adjust the sriracha to your preferred spice level. This homemade version allows you to control exactly how spicy, sweet, or tangy you want your sauce. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week.
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Vegetable Variations
While this recipe specifies carrots, peas, and onions, you can customize the vegetable mix based on what you have available. Try adding diced bell peppers, snap peas, corn, or broccoli florets. Just ensure that harder vegetables are sautéed longer and softer ones are added later in the cooking process. I often clean out my vegetable drawer with this recipe, making it different each time. For a nutritional boost, consider adding spinach or kale in the final minutes of cooking.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I use leftover chicken instead of making fresh?
Yes, leftover chicken works well. Just toss the pre-cooked chicken in warm Bang Bang sauce before serving to infuse flavor.
- → What type of rice is best for fried rice?
Day-old, long-grain white rice is ideal for fried rice as it prevents clumping and absorbs the sauce evenly.
- → How can I make this dish vegetarian?
Swap the chicken for tofu or your favorite plant-based protein, and skip the Bang Bang sauce or use a vegetarian alternative.
- → Can I add more vegetables to the fried rice?
Absolutely! Feel free to add bell peppers, zucchini, or any other vegetables you prefer for extra texture and flavor.
- → What is the best way to reheat leftovers?
Reheat the fried rice in a non-stick skillet over medium heat with a splash of water or oil to restore moisture and prevent sticking.