Pin it
Bang Bang Chicken Fried Rice is my go-to dish when I want takeout flavor at home with extra comfort and freshness. Tender air-fried chicken tossed in a creamy, spicy Bang Bang sauce meets buttery, savory fried rice packed with vegetables. This recipe pulls together in one pan and it never fails to satisfy my family after a busy day.
I remember making this after a hectic week when everyone was craving something bold but not too complicated. The leftovers even tasted better the next day and now my husband always checks for extra in the fridge.
Ingredients
- Boneless skinless chicken breasts: diced for tender protein bites Opt for fresh high-quality chicken for best results
- Vegetable oil: helps the seasoning adhere evenly Choose a neutral oil with a high smoke point
- Paprika: brings subtle warmth Use smoked if you like a deeper flavor
- Garlic powder: boosts umami without chopping fresh cloves
- Kosher salt: for balanced seasoning Larger crystals distribute more evenly than table salt
- Ground black pepper: adds gentle heat and complexity Freshly cracked if possible
- Bang Bang sauce: signature creamy tangy-spicy finish Use a good store-bought or your favorite homemade blend
- Sesame oil: flavors both the eggs and rice Choose toasted sesame oil for its nutty aroma
- Large eggs: for classic fried rice richness Farmfresh eggs give the best flavor and color
- Carrots and white onion: diced small for sweetness and crunch Fresh produce makes this shine
- Green onions: add freshness and visual pop Save extra for garnish
- Garlic: minced for that essential aromatic base
- Long-grain white rice: cooled so it does not get mushy Chilled day-old rice delivers the best texture
- Unsalted butter: for silky mouthfeel and buttery undertones European-style butter brings extra richness
- Freshly squeezed lemon juice: balances all the flavors and brightens the rice
- Soy sauce: essential savoriness Low-sodium is ideal for control
- Frozen peas: quick-cooking for color sweetness and nutrition Choose petite peas for best tenderness
Instructions
- Prep and Air Fry the Chicken:
- Mix diced chicken with vegetable oil paprika garlic powder kosher salt and black pepper in a large bowl. Preheat the air fryer to two hundred four degrees Celsius or four hundred degrees Fahrenheit. Arrange chicken cubes in a single layer in the fryer basket. Cook for eleven to twelve minutes turning once halfway through until golden browned and fully cooked to thermometer temperature of seventy-four degrees Celsius or one hundred sixty-five degrees Fahrenheit. Transfer chicken to a bowl and cover with foil to keep warm.
- Scramble the Eggs:
- Heat one tablespoon of sesame oil in a big skillet or wok set over high heat. Pour in the beaten eggs seasoned with kosher salt. Stir gently until soft fluffy curds form and eggs are just set. Slide eggs onto a plate and set aside.
- Sauté the Vegetables:
- Lower heat to medium-high. Add the second tablespoon of sesame oil to the skillet. Toss in diced carrots white onion and green onion. Cook for about five minutes stirring often until carrots become tender and onions are fragrant. Stir in minced garlic and sauté for one extra minute for maximum flavor.
- Fry the Rice:
- Add the cooled cooked long-grain white rice to the pan. Use a spatula to break up any clumps and mix thoroughly with the vegetables. Keep stirring for two to three minutes so the rice heats evenly.
- Combine and Season Everything:
- Return scrambled eggs to the skillet with rice. Pour in melted unsalted butter freshly squeezed lemon juice soy sauce and frozen peas. Mix everything gently but thoroughly to coat every grain and let the flavors come together over medium heat for two to three minutes until hot and well blended.
- Sauce and Serve:
- Toss cooked chicken cubes with roughly half of the Bang Bang sauce until well coated. Plate your fried rice first then top with the saucy chicken. Drizzle any remaining sauce over the top and scatter extra green onions for a colorful finish.
Pin it
Big thanks to the green onions here which lift the whole dish especially when added fresh on top at the end. My son always sneaks the sauciest pieces of chicken and claims this is his ultimate comfort meal which makes it all worth it.
Storage Tips
This fried rice keeps well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days. Reheat gently in a skillet with a splash of water or microwave until piping hot. If prepping ahead keep the chicken and rice separate so the coating stays crisp.
Ingredient Substitutions
Swap chicken thighs for more juicy results or use tofu for a vegetarian spin. If you do not have Bang Bang sauce mix mayonnaise with sriracha a touch of honey and rice vinegar. Brown rice works well instead of white and you can add bell peppers for extra crunch.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this with a simple cucumber salad or quick pickled vegetables to balance the richness. Turn leftovers into fried rice-stuffed lettuce wraps for a fun twist. It stands alone for dinner but pairs well with miso soup or steamed edamame for a takeout-style feast.
Cultural Context
Bang Bang sauce started as a Szechuan-inspired drizzle for crispy chicken but here it bridges Asian and American comfort food with fried rice. This dish reflects how home cooks blend global flavors for familiar meals everyone loves.
Pin it
This is the kind of meal you will crave again and again. Make extra—the leftovers just get tastier overnight.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → How do I keep chicken juicy for this dish?
Use boneless skinless chicken breast, cut into cubes, and avoid overcooking. Air fry or sauté until just cooked through to retain juices.
- → Why should the rice be cooled before frying?
Cooled rice prevents sticking and enables fluffy grains when frying, avoiding mushy texture. It's best to use day-old rice if possible.
- → What is bang bang sauce made of?
Bang bang sauce typically combines mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, hot sauce, and a touch of honey or sugar for creaminess and heat.
- → Can I use other vegetables in the fried rice?
Absolutely! Bell peppers, corn, zucchini, or broccoli florets can be added or swapped to suit your preference.
- → Can I substitute chicken with another protein?
Shrimp, tofu, or leftover steak work well as alternatives. Marinate and cook each accordingly for best results.
- → How do you get fluffy scrambled eggs for fried rice?
Gently cook beaten eggs in sesame oil on high heat, stirring just until set into soft curds, then remove promptly to avoid overcooking.