Name: Bang Bang Chicken Fried Rice Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: Asian Fusion
Ingredients: 1 ½ pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes; 1 tablespoon vegetable oil; 1 teaspoon paprika; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 teaspoon kosher salt; ½ teaspoon black pepper; 1 cup Bang Bang sauce, divided; 2 tablespoons sesame oil, divided; 4 large eggs, beaten; ½ teaspoon kosher salt; 2 large carrots, diced; 1 large white onion, diced; ¼ cup green onions, diced, plus more for garnish; 1 teaspoon garlic, minced; 4 cups long-grain white rice, cooked and cooled; ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted; 1 teaspoon lemon juice; 2 tablespoons soy sauce; ⅓ cup frozen peas

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Bang Bang Chicken Fried Rice is a deliciously balanced meal, offering everything you love about fried rice, but with an extra kick from the tangy and spicy Bang Bang sauce. The crispy chicken, mixed with tender vegetables, fluffy scrambled eggs, and savory rice, creates a perfect combination of textures and flavors. With easy-to-find ingredients and a relatively quick cooking time, it’s the ultimate comfort food with a bit of a spicy twist!

Ingredients

For the Chicken:

1 ½ pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
1 teaspoon paprika
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon kosher salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
1 cup Bang Bang sauce, divided

For the Fried Rice:

2 tablespoons sesame oil, divided
4 large eggs, beaten
½ teaspoon kosher salt
2 large carrots, diced
1 large white onion, diced
¼ cup green onions, diced, plus more for garnish
1 teaspoon garlic, minced
4 cups long-grain white rice, cooked and cooled
¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
1 teaspoon lemon juice
2 tablespoons soy sauce
⅓ cup frozen peas

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Cook the Chicken:

Toss the cubed chicken with vegetable oil, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Cook the chicken in a single layer for 11-12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and cooked through (165°F internal temperature). Set aside and cover with foil to keep warm.

Scramble the Eggs:

Heat 1 tablespoon sesame oil in a large skillet over high heat. Pour in the beaten eggs, sprinkle with salt, and scramble gently until just set into soft curds.
Transfer the eggs to a plate and set aside.

Cook the Vegetables:

Reduce the heat to medium-high and add the remaining sesame oil to the skillet.
Add the carrots, onion, and green onions, and cook for about 5 minutes until the carrots are tender.
Stir in the garlic and cook for 1 more minute.

Make the Fried Rice:

Add the cooled rice to the skillet, breaking it up with a spatula and stirring it into the vegetables. Let cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until heated through.

Finish the Fried Rice:

Add the scrambled eggs, melted butter, lemon juice, soy sauce, and peas to the skillet. Stir well and cook for 2-3 more minutes until everything is hot and evenly coated.

Combine and Serve:

Toss the cooked chicken with ½ cup of Bang Bang sauce.
Serve the fried rice topped with the sauced chicken, drizzle with the remaining sauce if desired, and garnish with extra green onions.

Servings and timing

Servings: 4 servings
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes

Variations

Spicy: If you love spice, increase the amount of Bang Bang sauce or add some red pepper flakes or chopped fresh chilies to the fried rice.
Vegetarian Option: Skip the chicken and use tofu or tempeh instead for a vegetarian version. You can also add extra vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms.
Add More Protein: If you’d like more protein, try adding shrimp or grilled chicken in place of the chicken.
Rice Alternatives: You can substitute the white rice with brown rice, quinoa, or cauliflower rice for a healthier or lower-carb version.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, simply warm the fried rice and chicken in a skillet over medium heat or microwave until heated through. If the rice seems dry, add a splash of water or soy sauce to rehydrate it.

FAQs

1. Can I use pre-cooked chicken?

Yes, you can use pre-cooked chicken to save time. Simply toss the pre-cooked chicken in the Bang Bang sauce and add it to the fried rice during the final step.

2. Can I make this dish without an air fryer?

Yes, you can cook the chicken in a skillet. Just heat some vegetable oil in a pan over medium-high heat and cook the chicken until golden and cooked through (about 6-7 minutes per side).

3. Can I make this ahead of time?

You can prepare the chicken, fried rice, and sauce ahead of time and store them separately in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, simply combine everything in a skillet and heat through.

4. How do I make the fried rice if I don’t have leftover rice?

You can use freshly cooked rice, but make sure to cool it down before using it in the fried rice to avoid sogginess. Spread it out on a baking sheet and let it cool for 10-15 minutes.

5. Can I use a different sauce instead of Bang Bang sauce?

Yes, you can use a sweet chili sauce, sriracha mayo, or a homemade spicy mayo in place of the Bang Bang sauce, depending on your preference.

6. How can I make this dish spicier?

To increase the heat, you can add more Bang Bang sauce, or toss in red pepper flakes, cayenne pepper, or a drizzle of sriracha to the fried rice.

7. Can I make this dish without peas?

Yes, you can leave out the peas or substitute them with other vegetables like bell peppers, snap peas, or edamame.

8. Can I make this dish gluten-free?

Yes, you can make this dish gluten-free by using tamari or coconut aminos in place of soy sauce, and ensuring that your Bang Bang sauce is gluten-free.

9. Can I freeze the fried rice?

Yes, you can freeze the fried rice. Place it in an airtight container or freezer bag and store it in the freezer for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, reheat in the microwave or on the stove.

10. Can I use a different type of rice?

Yes, you can use other types of rice such as brown rice, jasmine rice, or basmati rice for a different flavor and texture.

Conclusion

Bang Bang Chicken Fried Rice is a quick, delicious, and satisfying meal that brings a blend of spicy, savory, and sweet flavors to your dinner table. With crispy chicken, flavorful fried rice, and creamy Bang Bang sauce, this dish is sure to be a hit with family and friends. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight meal or prepping for lunch, this recipe delivers big on taste and convenience. Enjoy!