Bang Bang Chicken Fried Rice Recipe

If you’ve been craving a dish that masterfully combines the bold flavors of spicy, creamy sauce with the comforting familiarity of fried rice, then you have to try this Bang Bang Chicken Fried Rice. It’s an explosion of taste and texture, where tender air-fried chicken cubes drenched in zesty bang bang sauce mingle perfectly with fluffy rice, fresh veggies, and a hint of lemon brightness. This dish wins hearts because it’s easy to make, packed with color and flavor, and so satisfying that it quickly becomes a go-to meal for lunch or dinner. Let me walk you through everything you need to know to create this irresistible Bang Bang Chicken Fried Rice from scratch!

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients might look simple, but each one plays an essential role in creating the perfect balance of flavor, texture, and color in your Bang Bang Chicken Fried Rice. From the bold spices on the chicken to the fresh veggies and velvety eggs, everything comes together to make this dish truly memorable.

• 1½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Cubed into 1-inch pieces, these are the star protein that soak up the bang bang sauce beautifully.
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil: Used for coating the chicken and helping it crisp up nicely in the air fryer.
• 1 teaspoon paprika: Adds smoky warmth and a subtle red hue to the chicken.
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Infuses a deep, aromatic garlic flavor into the chicken seasoning.
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt: Enhances all the savory elements without overpowering them.
• ½ teaspoon black pepper: Gives a mild kick and peppery balance.
• 1 cup bang bang sauce, divided: The soul of the dish — creamy, spicy, and sweet that coats the chicken perfectly.
• 2 tablespoons sesame oil, divided: Adds a nutty aroma and richness to the fried rice and veggies.
• 4 large eggs, beaten: For that fluffy, silkiness that brings lightness to the fried rice.
• ½ teaspoon kosher salt: Seasoning the eggs just right.
• 2 large carrots, diced: Bright orange pops of sweetness and texture.
• 1 large white onion, diced: Lends subtle sharpness and depth to the base flavors.
• ¼ cup green onions, diced plus extra for garnish: Adds freshness and a mild bite.
• 1 teaspoon garlic, minced: For that punch of fresh garlic fragrance when cooking veggies.
• 4 cups long-grain white rice, cooked and cooled: Leftover or day-old rice works best for that ideal fried rice texture.
• ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted: Brings richness and helps everything meld together.
• 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice: Adds a hint of brightness and balances the richness.
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce: Infuses umami and seasoning throughout the rice.
• ⅓ cup frozen peas: Little bursts of sweetness and cheerful green color.

How to Make Bang Bang Chicken Fried Rice

Step 1: Preheat and Cook Chicken

Begin by tossing your chicken cubes with vegetable oil, paprika, garlic powder, kosher salt, and black pepper. This seasoning combo ensures every bite is flavorful and lightly smoky. Then fire up your air fryer to 400°F and cook the chicken in a single layer for about 11 to 12 minutes, flipping halfway through. You’ll want a beautiful golden exterior and an internal temperature of 165°F to guarantee juicy, perfectly cooked chicken. Once done, cover with foil to keep the chicken warm while you prepare the other components.

Step 2: Scramble the Eggs

In a large skillet heated over high heat, add one tablespoon of sesame oil and pour in the beaten eggs seasoned with ½ teaspoon kosher salt. Gently scramble until they reach a soft and fluffy texture—this step adds a wonderful silkiness to the rice and keeps the dish light and fluffy. Remove the eggs from the skillet and set aside for the next steps.

Step 3: Cook the Vegetables

Lower the heat to medium-high and pour in the remaining tablespoon of sesame oil. Toss in diced carrots, onions, and green onions, letting them cook down for about five minutes until the carrots soften and the onions turn translucent. Then stir in the minced garlic and let it cook for another minute. This combination of veggies adds essential texture, sweetness, and savory depth to your Bang Bang Chicken Fried Rice.

Step 4: Fry the Rice

Now it’s time to bring in the star carb — the cooked, cooled long-grain rice. Add the rice to your skillet, breaking it up gently with a spatula so it mixes well with the veggies. Let it cook for 2 to 3 minutes, stirring occasionally, so the rice heats through and develops a slight crispiness that makes fried rice so irresistible.

Step 5: Combine Everything

Return the scrambled eggs to the skillet and add melted butter, fresh lemon juice, soy sauce, and frozen peas. Stir everything together and cook for another few minutes to meld all the flavors and heat the peas through. The lemon juice brightens the dish just enough, while the butter gives a luxurious mouthfeel.

Step 6: Finish with Bang Bang Chicken

Toss the cooked chicken cubes with half a cup of bang bang sauce until each piece is thoroughly coated in that creamy, spicy goodness. Serve the fried rice on plates and top each serving with the sauced chicken. If you want to amp up the flavor, go ahead and drizzle more bang bang sauce on top and sprinkle extra green onions for freshness and a lovely crunch.

How to Serve Bang Bang Chicken Fried Rice

Garnishes

A handful of diced green onions on top adds a lively pop of color and their signature mild onion flavor, perfectly cutting through the richness. For those who love a bit of extra flair, a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds or a wedge of lime can elevate the overall experience by adding crunchy texture and zesty brightness respectively.

Side Dishes

Bang Bang Chicken Fried Rice is fulfilling on its own, but pairing it with crisp vegetable spring rolls or a light Asian-inspired cucumber salad can make a balanced meal. A side of steamed broccoli or snap peas also blends wonderfully, bringing a fresh, green contrast that complements the warm, hearty rice dish.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun dinner party or family feast, serve the fried rice in individual mini bowls topped with the bang bang chicken and garnished with herb sprigs. You could even turn it into delicious lettuce wraps, spooning the rice and chicken mixture into crunchy romaine leaves for a handheld treat. Either way, this dish is as pretty as it is tasty!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, place any leftover Bang Bang Chicken Fried Rice in an airtight container and refrigerate. It will keep well for up to 3 days, making it a fantastic make-ahead meal for busy weekdays without sacrificing flavor or texture.

Freezing

While the chicken fried rice tastes best fresh, you can freeze leftovers in freezer-safe containers for up to one month. Keep in mind that the texture of vegetables might become softer after thawing, but reheating with a little splash of water or soy sauce helps revive the flavors nicely.

Reheating

To reheat, warm the rice and chicken in a skillet over medium heat, stirring frequently for even heating. Adding a touch of sesame oil or soy sauce can refresh the dish’s savory notes. Alternatively, use the microwave in short bursts to avoid overcooking the eggs or drying out the chicken.

FAQs

Can I use leftover cooked chicken instead of air frying fresh chicken?

Absolutely! Leftover cooked chicken can be tossed in the bang bang sauce and added at the end. Just be mindful of reheating times so the chicken doesn’t dry out.

What makes bang bang sauce special in this recipe?

Bang bang sauce combines creaminess with spice and sweetness, usually made from mayo, sweet chili, and sriracha. It’s that perfect balance that gives this fried rice its signature bold flavor and creamy texture.

Can I substitute white rice with brown rice or cauliflower rice?

Brown rice works well but may need slightly longer cooking to soften in the skillet. Cauliflower rice is a great low-carb alternative but the texture and flavor will differ quite a bit from traditional fried rice.

Is this recipe spicy? Can I adjust the heat?

The spice level depends mostly on your bang bang sauce choice. You can control the heat by selecting milder or hotter sauce or by adjusting the amount used, making it suitable for all spice preferences.

Why is day-old rice preferred for fried rice recipes?

Day-old rice has less moisture and is firmer, which prevents it from clumping or becoming mushy when stir-frying. Freshly cooked rice tends to be too soft and sticky, making the fried rice less enjoyable.

Final Thoughts

If you’ve never made Bang Bang Chicken Fried Rice before, I promise this recipe will become an instant favorite in your kitchen. The ease of preparation combined with the incredible flavor combo makes it one of the most rewarding dishes to enjoy any night of the week. Give it a try, and I’m sure you’ll love serving this saucy, comforting, colorful dish again and again!