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Bang Bang Chicken Fried Rice

Experience the ultimate weeknight delight with this Bang Bang Chicken Fried Rice! Tender chicken bites coated in creamy, sweet, and spicy Bang Bang sauce, served over savory, perfectly textured fried rice. It's fast, easy, and bursting with vibrant flavors, making it a guaranteed crowd-pleaser for any dinner rotation.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course, Weeknight Meal
Cuisine: American-Asian Fusion, Asian
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Chicken
  • 1.5 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts cut into 1-inch cubes
  • 1 tbsp vegetable oil
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp kosher salt
  • 0.5 tsp ground black pepper
  • 1 cup Bang Bang sauce divided
For the Fried Rice
  • 2 tbsp sesame oil divided
  • 4 large eggs beaten
  • 0.5 tsp kosher salt
  • 2 large carrots diced
  • 1 large white onion diced
  • 0.25 cup green onions diced, plus more for garnish
  • 1 tsp garlic minced
  • 4 cups cooked long-grain white rice cooled (day-old, chilled rice)
  • 0.25 cup unsalted butter melted
  • 1 tsp freshly squeezed lemon juice
  • 2 tbsp soy sauce
  • 0.33 cup frozen peas

Equipment

  • Mixing bowl
  • Air fryer
  • Large Skillet
  • Wok
  • Spatula

Method
 

  1. Step 1: Prep and Cook Chicken. In a mixing bowl, combine cubed chicken breasts with vegetable oil, paprika, garlic powder, kosher salt, and black pepper. Toss until coated. Preheat your air fryer to 204°C (400°F). Arrange chicken in a single layer in the air fryer basket; cook for 11–12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden, cooked through, and reaches an internal temperature of 74°C (165°F). Transfer to a bowl and cover with foil to keep warm.
  2. Step 2: Scramble Eggs. Heat 1 tablespoon of sesame oil in a large skillet or wok over high heat. Pour in beaten eggs, season with a pinch of kosher salt, and gently scramble until just set into soft, fluffy curds. Scoop onto a plate and set aside.
  3. Step 3: Sauté Vegetables. Reduce heat to medium-high. Add the remaining sesame oil to the skillet. Toss in diced carrots, white onion, and green onions. Sauté for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until carrots start to tenderize. Stir in minced garlic and cook for 1 additional minute.
  4. Step 4: Add and Heat Rice. Add the cooled, cooked long-grain white rice to the skillet. Use your spatula to break up any clumps and stir everything together. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 2–3 minutes until the rice is heated through.
  5. Step 5: Combine Fried Rice Ingredients. Return the scrambled eggs to the pan. Add melted unsalted butter, lemon juice, soy sauce, and frozen peas. Stir everything thoroughly, ensuring all ingredients are combined and piping hot, cooking for another 2–3 minutes.
  6. Step 6: Sauce and Serve. Take your warm, cooked chicken and coat it generously with ½ cup of your Bang Bang sauce. Plate up your fried rice, pile the sauced chicken on top, and drizzle with extra Bang Bang sauce if desired. Garnish with extra diced green onions for a fresh finish. Serve immediately.

Notes

Substitutions & Additions: For protein, swap chicken with shrimp, crispy tofu, or pork tenderloin. Boost veggies with broccoli florets, bell peppers, corn, mushrooms, or snap peas. For extra heat, add red pepper flakes or sriracha. Experiment with brown rice or jasmine rice, ensuring it's day-old and cooled. Different sauces like sweet chili, teriyaki, or peanut sauce can be used instead of Bang Bang sauce.
Tips for Success: Always use day-old, chilled rice to prevent sogginess. Don't overcrowd the pan when cooking chicken or sautéing rice, as this can steam instead of sear. Use high heat for fried rice to achieve slightly crisped grains. Prep all ingredients ahead of time for a faster cooking process. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed before serving.
Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat in the microwave or, for best results, warm in a skillet over medium heat with a tiny splash of water or oil to revive texture.