Bang Bang Chicken Fried Rice Recipe: Your New Weeknight Favorite

Hey there, my dear kitchen adventurers! Do you ever get that craving for a truly satisfying, flavorful meal that feels like a special treat but comes together in a flash? I know I do! Sometimes, after a long day, the thought of takeout sounds amazing, but nothing beats the comfort and deliciousness of a homemade meal. That’s where this incredible Bang Bang Chicken Fried Rice swoops in to save the day! This recipe isn’t just easy and quick; it’s bursting with vibrant flavors that will make your taste buds sing, and it’s destined to become a memorable staple in your dinner rotation. Get ready to ditch the delivery menu, because we’re making something truly spectacular, right here in your kitchen!

Why You’ll Love Bang Bang Chicken Fried Rice

You’re about to discover why this recipe is an absolute game-changer. It’s got everything you could possibly want in a weeknight meal, and then some!

• Fast: From prep to plate, you’ll be enjoying this delightful dish in under 30 minutes. Perfect for busy evenings!
• Easy: No complicated techniques here! Simple steps, straightforward ingredients, and a delicious outcome.
• Giftable: While perhaps not “giftable” in the traditional sense, this dish is so good, you’ll want to share it with friends and family (if you can bear to part with it!). It’s a wonderful potluck contribution or a thoughtful meal for a new parent.
• Crowd-pleasing: The sweet and spicy Bang Bang sauce combined with savory fried rice and tender chicken is a flavor explosion that everyone, from kids to adults, will adore.

Ingredients

Let’s gather our lineup of deliciousness! Most of these you probably already have in your pantry or can easily grab at your local grocery store.

For the Chicken:

• 1 ½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Cut these into 1-inch cubes. You want bite-sized pieces that cook up quickly and evenly.
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil: Just a touch to help those spices adhere and get that gorgeous golden-brown sear.
• 1 teaspoon paprika: For a lovely color and a hint of smoky sweetness.
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Because, really, can you ever have too much garlic?
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt: Essential for bringing out all those wonderful flavors.
• ½ teaspoon ground black pepper: A classic seasoning that adds a little kick.
• 1 cup Bang Bang sauce, divided: This is the star of the show! It’s creamy, sweet, and has just the right amount of spicy zing.

For the Fried Rice:

• 2 tablespoons sesame oil, divided: This oil is key for that authentic, nutty Asian-inspired flavor in your fried rice.
• 4 large eggs, beaten: We’re going to scramble these up into fluffy, tender curds.
• ½ teaspoon kosher salt: To season our eggs just right.
• 2 large carrots, diced: Adds a pop of color and a touch of sweetness and crunch.
• 1 large white onion, diced: Forms the aromatic base of our fried rice.
• ¼ cup green onions, diced, plus more for garnish: Fresh and vibrant, these add a mild oniony flavor and a beautiful green hue.
• 1 teaspoon garlic, minced: More garlic! You know the drill – flavor central.
• 4 cups cooked long-grain white rice, cooled: This is crucial! Day-old, chilled rice is your best friend for non-soggy, perfectly textured fried rice.
• ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted: Adds a richness and silky texture to the rice.
• 1 teaspoon freshly squeezed lemon juice: A secret weapon! A little acidity brightens everything up.
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce: The savory backbone of our fried rice.
• ⅓ cup frozen peas: Quick, easy, and adds another lovely pop of color and sweetness.

How to Make Bang Bang Chicken Fried Rice

Alright, let’s get cooking! Follow these simple steps, and you’ll be digging into a mouthwatering meal in no time.

1. First things first, let’s get that chicken perfectly seasoned. In a mixing bowl, combine your cubed chicken breasts with the vegetable oil, paprika, garlic powder, kosher salt, and black pepper. Give it a good toss until every piece is beautifully coated. Now, preheat your air fryer to a toasty 204°C (400°F). Arrange your seasoned chicken in a single layer in the air fryer basket – don’t overcrowd it, or it won’t get crispy! Cook for 11–12 minutes, making sure to flip them halfway through, until they’re golden, cooked through, and reach an internal temperature of 74°C (165°F). For more air frying chicken tips, check out our ultimate guide to perfect air-fried chicken fries. Once done, transfer the chicken to a bowl and cover it with foil to keep it warm and juicy while you whip up the rice.

2. Now for the fried rice magic! Grab a large skillet or wok and heat 1 tablespoon of sesame oil over high heat. Once shimmering, pour in your beaten eggs, season them with a pinch of kosher salt, and gently scramble them until they’re just set into soft, fluffy curds. You don’t want them completely dry, just cooked through. Scoop these delightful eggs onto a plate and set them aside for a moment.

3. Reduce the heat to medium-high. Add the remaining sesame oil to your skillet. Toss in your diced carrots, white onion, and green onions. Sauté these veggies for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until those carrots start to tenderize nicely. Then, stir in your minced garlic and cook for just 1 additional minute – that garlic can burn quickly, so keep an eye on it!

4. It’s rice time! Add your cooled, cooked long-grain white rice to the skillet. This is where using day-old, chilled rice makes all the difference; it helps prevent the fried rice from getting mushy. Use your spatula to break up any clumps and stir everything together, ensuring the rice is well incorporated with your colorful vegetables. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 2–3 minutes until the rice is heated through. If you’re looking for even more inspiration for delightful rice dishes, you might enjoy our Crispy Garlic Chicken Fried Rice recipe!

5. Bring back those scrambled eggs to the pan. Add the melted unsalted butter, lemon juice (trust me on this one, it’s a game-changer!), soy sauce, and those bright frozen peas. Stir everything thoroughly, making sure every grain of rice and every veggie is coated in that savory goodness. Cook for another 2–3 minutes until all the ingredients are combined and piping hot.

6. Almost there! Take your warm, cooked chicken and coat it generously with ½ cup of your Bang Bang sauce. Now, plate up your glorious fried rice, pile that sauced chicken on top, and if you’re anything like me, drizzle a little extra Bang Bang sauce over everything. Garnish with those extra diced green onions for a fresh finish. Voila! Dinner is served!

Substitutions & Additions

This recipe is wonderfully flexible! Feel free to get creative and make it your own.

• Protein Power: Not a chicken fan? Swap it out for shrimp, tofu (crisped up in the air fryer!), or even pork tenderloin. For a different but equally delicious chicken dish, try our Spicy Cajun Chicken Stir-Fry.
• Veggie Boost: Add a medley of your favorite vegetables! Broccoli florets, bell peppers, corn, mushrooms, or snap peas would all be fantastic additions.
• Spice It Up: If you love heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the chicken seasoning or a dash of sriracha to your Bang Bang sauce.
• Rice Varieties: While long-grain white rice is classic, feel free to experiment with brown rice for a nuttier flavor and added fiber. Just make sure it’s day-old and cooled!
• Sauce Swaps: If Bang Bang isn’t your thing, you could use a sweet chili sauce, teriyaki, or even a peanut sauce for a different flavor profile.

Tips for Success

To ensure your Bang Bang Chicken Fried Rice is nothing short of amazing, keep these little tips in mind:

• Use Cold Rice: This is probably the most important tip for fried rice! Freshly cooked, warm rice tends to be too moist and will lead to soggy fried rice. Cook your rice ahead of time and chill it in the fridge for at least a few hours, or ideally, overnight.
• Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: When cooking the chicken in the air fryer or sautéing the rice in the skillet, give everything enough space. Overcrowding lowers the temperature and steams the food instead of searing it, preventing that delicious golden-brown crust. Work in batches if necessary.
• High Heat is Your Friend: For fried rice, you want a hot skillet to get those lovely slightly crisped grains of rice and perfectly cooked veggies.
• Prep Ahead: Chop all your vegetables and chicken ahead of time. This makes the actual cooking process incredibly fast and stress-free. You can also cook and chill your rice a day in advance.
• Taste and Adjust: Always taste your fried rice before serving and adjust seasonings as needed. A little extra soy sauce, a squeeze more lemon, or a dash of salt can make all the difference.

How to Store Bang Bang Chicken Fried Rice

Got leftovers? Lucky you! This dish makes for fantastic next-day lunch.

Store any leftover Bang Bang Chicken Fried Rice in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, you can microwave it until heated through, or for best results, warm it up in a skillet over medium heat with a tiny splash of water or oil to revive the flavors and texture. I personally love reheating it in a skillet; it helps bring back some of those crispy bits!

FAQs

Q: What is Bang Bang sauce?
A: Bang Bang sauce is a creamy, sweet, and spicy sauce, often made with mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, and a touch of sriracha or other hot sauce. It’s famous for its irresistible flavor and usually accompanies crispy shrimp or chicken.

Q: Can I make this vegetarian?
A: Absolutely! Simply omit the chicken and add extra vegetables like bell peppers, broccoli, or mushrooms. You could also use crispy tofu or tempeh as a protein substitute. Adjust the seasonings and sauce to taste.

Q: My fried rice is soggy, what did I do wrong?
A: The most common culprit for soggy fried rice is using freshly cooked, warm rice, which contains too much moisture. Always use day-old, chilled rice. Also, ensure your skillet is hot enough and don’t overcrowd the pan, which can lower the temperature and steam the ingredients.

Q: Can I use different types of rice?
A: While long-grain white rice is recommended for its texture, you can experiment with other types like brown rice or jasmine rice. Just remember that the key is for the rice to be cooked and thoroughly cooled before adding it to the skillet.

We hope you adore this Bang Bang Chicken Fried Rice as much as we do! For more delicious recipes and kitchen inspiration, be sure to follow us on Pinterest!