Bang Bang Chicken Fried Rice Recipe

If you’re looking for a dinner that brings restaurant-level excitement right to your kitchen, this Bang Bang Chicken Fried Rice is about to become your new favorite weeknight hero. Succulent cubes of juicy chicken tossed in a creamy, sweet, and spicy Bang Bang sauce are layered over a skillet of fluffy fried rice full of colorful veggies, tender scrambled eggs, and a hint of savory sesame and soy. Every bite is packed with irresistible flavor and texture, making it perfect for sharing with friends or savoring all by yourself. This recipe dials up comfort food with bold zing and always gets rave reviews!

Ingredients You’ll Need

You won’t need a ton of fancy products to make Bang Bang Chicken Fried Rice, but each ingredient plays a crucial role: from crispy chicken to vibrant veggies and the signature Bang Bang sauce, everything earns its spot in the pan. Gather these pantry staples and a few fresh items, and you’ll be on your way to a better-than-takeout masterpiece.

• Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts: These form the protein backbone, staying juicy and tender when cubed and air-fried.
• Vegetable Oil: Keeps the chicken moist while helping the seasoning coat each bite.
• Paprika: Adds a subtle warmth and color to the chicken.
• Garlic Powder: Brings a sweet, roasted depth to every bite.
• Kosher Salt: Essential for seasoning both chicken and rice layers just right.
• Ground Black Pepper: A touch of spice to balance the sweetness of the sauce.
• Bang Bang Sauce: The signature creamy, sweet and spicy element—don’t skimp, it makes the dish!
• Sesame Oil: Infuses the rice with that irresistible nutty, toasty aroma you love in Asian takeout.
• Large Eggs: Soft curds add richness and satisfying body to the fried rice.
• Carrots: Dice them small for pops of sweetness and color.
• White Onion: Savory depth and aroma rounds out the flavor profile.
• Green Onions: Both cooked in and sprinkled on top, they give every forkful a fresh finish.
• Minced Garlic: Saute it for a minute for a punch of fragrant flavor.
• Cooked Long-Grain White Rice: Day-old rice works best for authentic texture—not mushy at all!
• Unsalted Butter: A luxurious swirl that gives the rice glossy richness.
• Lemon Juice: Just a splash wakes up all the other flavors.
• Soy Sauce: Infuses umami and saltiness through the entire rice base.
• Frozen Peas: They add color and sweet pops of green for both bite and beauty.

How to Make Bang Bang Chicken Fried Rice

Step 1: Prep and Cook the Chicken

Start by tossing your chicken cubes with a drizzle of vegetable oil, paprika, garlic powder, kosher salt, and black pepper in a large bowl. This seasoning step gives every piece huge flavor. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (204°C), then spread the chicken in a single layer. Air fry for about 11–12 minutes, flipping halfway, until each bite is golden and cooked through to 165°F (74°C). Once it’s done, keep the chicken warm under foil while you work on the fried rice.

Step 2: Scramble the Eggs

Heat one tablespoon of sesame oil in your largest nonstick skillet or wok over high heat. Pour in the beaten eggs, sprinkle with a pinch of kosher salt, and use a spatula to gently scramble them until just set—aim for soft, fluffy curds rather than dry, hard bits. Scoop the eggs onto a plate and set aside for now.

Step 3: Sauté the Veggies

Lower the heat to medium-high and add that second tablespoon of sesame oil. Toss in your carrots, white onion, and half of the green onions. Stir-fry for about five minutes, letting the carrots go tender and the onions turn translucent and fragrant. Right at the end, add the minced garlic and cook for just a minute more, stirring so the garlic doesn’t burn.

Step 4: Fry the Rice

Crank the heat back up and add your cold, cooked long-grain white rice straight into the pan. Take a minute to break up any clumps with your spatula, folding the rice around so the veggies mix through and the entire batch is heated evenly. Let it sit undisturbed occasionally, so some grains get a tiny bit crispy—this step is key for that fried rice magic!

Step 5: Layer in the Good Stuff

Return your reserved scrambled eggs to the pan, then pour in the melted unsalted butter, lemon juice, soy sauce, and frozen peas. Stir everything together, letting the butter coat the rice for shine and flavor, and cook for another two to three minutes until the peas are heated through and everything is piping hot. Your Bang Bang Chicken Fried Rice base is now complete!

Step 6: Assemble and Top with Bang Bang Sauce

Toss your cooked chicken with about half of your Bang Bang sauce until every piece is blissfully coated. Mound a generous helping of fried rice into bowls or plates, top with that glistening Bang Bang chicken, and drizzle as much of the remaining sauce as you like over the top. Sprinkle with more fresh green onions—and dig in!

How to Serve Bang Bang Chicken Fried Rice

Garnishes

Top your plate of Bang Bang Chicken Fried Rice with a sprinkle of finely sliced green onions for a fresh, vibrant flourish. For extra crunch and heat, scatter on toasted sesame seeds or a few thinly sliced fresh chilies. If you want to up the creamy factor, add a zigzag of extra Bang Bang sauce or even a dollop of sriracha mayo just before serving.

Side Dishes

I love pairing Bang Bang Chicken Fried Rice with a crisp cucumber salad, steamed edamame, or a simple bowl of miso soup. A side of quick stir-fried broccoli can also balance the richness of the dish and make the meal feel especially complete. If you’re hosting friends, try serving it family-style with crab rangoon or fresh spring rolls.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun, restaurant-style twist, serve the rice in individual bowls, topped with skewered Bang Bang chicken bites, or even wrap a scoop of the fried rice and chicken in a crisp lettuce leaf for a fresh handheld appetizer. If you have kids or want an interactive meal, lay out a toppings bar with extra sauce, chopped nuts, jalapeños, and fresh herbs for DIY rice bowls!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Bang Bang Chicken Fried Rice keeps beautifully in the fridge for up to 3 days. Transfer leftovers to an airtight container as soon as they cool to room temperature to preserve the flavors and keep everything tasting fresh.

Freezing

You can freeze portions of Bang Bang Chicken Fried Rice for up to 2 months. Let the dish cool completely, then pack it into freezer-safe containers or resealable bags. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating to maintain the best texture, especially for the chicken.

Reheating

For best results, reheat your Bang Bang Chicken Fried Rice in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth if needed to loosen it up. You can also use the microwave in short bursts, stirring in between, until everything is steaming hot. Drizzle on extra Bang Bang sauce after reheating for a just-made taste.

FAQs

Can I use rotisserie or leftover chicken in Bang Bang Chicken Fried Rice?

Absolutely! Just shred or dice your cooked chicken and warm it gently before tossing in Bang Bang sauce. It’s a great way to repurpose leftovers and infuses them with brand new flavor.

Is there a substitute for Bang Bang sauce if I can’t find it at the store?

Homemade Bang Bang sauce is simple: mix mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, a little sriracha, and a dash of honey or sugar. This smoky, creamy sauce is what makes Bang Bang Chicken Fried Rice stand out!

Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Definitely. Swap the chicken for crispy tofu cubes or sautéed mushrooms and use a vegetarian Bang Bang sauce. You’ll still get that awesome flavor and saucy kick!

Do I have to use day-old rice?

For the very best fried rice texture, yes—day-old, chilled rice is drier and fries up to perfection. If you’re in a hurry, spread freshly cooked rice out on a tray and chill it quickly in the fridge to help it dry out.

What’s the best way to control the spiciness level?

Start with less sriracha or chili in your Bang Bang sauce, then adjust to taste. You can also serve hot sauce on the side if you’re feeding a spice-loving crowd alongside someone who prefers milder flavors.

Final Thoughts

If you love takeout-style fried rice and crave bold, creamy, tangy flavors, Bang Bang Chicken Fried Rice might just become your new obsession. Try it once, and you’ll find yourself returning to this recipe for quick weeknight dinners or crowd-pleasing gatherings every single time.

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