Bang Bang Chicken Fried Rice

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Crispy chicken and veggies tossed in Bang Bang sauce over fluffy fried rice with eggs. Sweet, spicy, and vibrant.

This bang bang chicken fried rice combines two beloved takeout favorites into one spectacular dish – crispy, golden air-fried chicken tossed in creamy, spicy-sweet Bang Bang sauce served atop restaurant-style fried rice loaded with fluffy scrambled eggs and colorful vegetables. The Bang Bang sauce – a luscious blend of sweet chili sauce, creamy mayo, and sriracha – coats the tender chicken pieces, creating that addictive sweet-heat combination that made the original Bang Bang shrimp famous. The fried rice provides the perfect foundation: individual grains of rice kissed with sesame oil, studded with tender vegetables, and enriched with butter and soy sauce. Every forkful delivers textural contrast, flavor complexity, and complete satisfaction. This is fusion cooking at its finest – accessible, impressive, and genuinely delicious.

Why You’ll Love This Bang Bang Chicken Fried Rice

• Two favorites in one dish – Combines the viral Bang Bang sauce trend with classic fried rice for ultimate fusion satisfaction
• Restaurant-quality at home – Achieves the texture, flavor, and presentation of high-end Asian fusion restaurants without specialty equipment
• Air fryer efficiency – The chicken cooks hands-free in the air fryer while you prepare the fried rice, streamlining the process
• Complete one-dish meal – Protein, vegetables, rice, and eggs create nutritionally balanced, fully satisfying dinner
• Sweet-spicy balance – The Bang Bang sauce provides that crave-worthy combination of sweet, creamy, and spicy that appeals universally
• Texture perfection – Crispy chicken, fluffy rice, tender vegetables, and soft scrambled eggs deliver multiple textural experiences
• Customizable heat – Adjust the Bang Bang sauce spiciness to suit any palate from mild to fire
• Make-ahead friendly – Uses leftover rice and can be partially prepped ahead for quick final assembly

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Bang Bang Chicken:

• 680g boneless, skinless chicken breasts (1½ pounds), cut into 1-inch cubes – lean protein providing substantial satisfaction
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil – prevents sticking and aids browning in the air fryer
• 1 teaspoon paprika – adds warm color and subtle smokiness
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder – contributes savory aromatic depth
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt – seasons the chicken throughout
• ½ teaspoon black pepper – provides gentle heat and complexity
• 240ml Bang Bang sauce (1 cup), divided – the signature sweet-spicy creamy sauce (typically mayo, sweet chili sauce, and sriracha)

For the Fried Rice:

• 2 tablespoons sesame oil, divided – provides distinctive nutty, toasted flavor essential to fried rice
• 4 large eggs, beaten – adds protein, richness, and classic fried rice texture
• ½ teaspoon kosher salt – seasons the eggs
• 2 large carrots, diced (approximately 200g) – adds sweetness, color, and crunch
• 1 large white onion, diced (approximately 200g) – provides aromatic base and sweetness
• ¼ cup diced green onions (approximately 4-5 stalks), plus more for garnish – mild onion flavor and visual appeal
• 1 teaspoon minced garlic – aromatic depth essential to fried rice
• 4 cups cooked and cooled long-grain white rice (approximately 800g) – the foundation, best when day-old
• ¼ cup melted unsalted butter (57g) – adds richness and helps coat rice grains
• 1 teaspoon lemon juice – brightens flavors and cuts richness
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce – provides salty umami depth
• ⅓ cup frozen peas (approximately 55g) – adds pop of color and sweet vegetable element

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare and cook the chicken In a large bowl, toss the cubed chicken with vegetable oil, paprika, garlic powder, kosher salt, and black pepper until evenly coated. Preheat your air fryer to 200°C (400°F). Arrange the seasoned chicken in a single layer in the air fryer basket – don’t overcrowd; work in batches if necessary. Air fry for 11-12 minutes, flipping the pieces halfway through cooking, until the chicken is golden brown and reaches an internal temperature of 74°C (165°F). Transfer the cooked chicken to a bowl and cover with aluminum foil to keep warm while you prepare the rice.

Scramble the eggs Heat 1 tablespoon of sesame oil in a large skillet or wok over high heat. Once the oil shimmers, pour in the beaten eggs and sprinkle with ½ teaspoon kosher salt. Using a spatula, gently scramble the eggs into soft curds – don’t overcook them as they’ll cook more when added back to the rice later. Transfer the scrambled eggs to a plate and set aside.

Cook the vegetables Reduce the heat to medium-high and add the remaining 1 tablespoon of sesame oil to the same skillet. Add the diced carrots, white onion, and green onions. Cook for approximately 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the carrots become tender and the onions turn translucent and begin to caramelize slightly. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 additional minute until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.

Fry the rice Add the cooled rice to the skillet, breaking up any clumps with your spatula and stirring it into the vegetables. Press the rice gently against the pan surface to help develop slight crispiness. Let it cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until heated through and beginning to toast slightly. The rice should separate into individual grains rather than remaining in clumps.

Finish the fried rice Add the scrambled eggs back to the skillet, breaking them into smaller pieces as you stir. Add the melted butter, lemon juice, soy sauce, and frozen peas. Stir everything together thoroughly and cook for 2-3 more minutes until the peas are heated through and everything is evenly coated and hot. The rice should be glossy and aromatic.

Coat chicken with Bang Bang sauce In the bowl with the warm chicken, add ½ cup (120ml) of Bang Bang sauce and toss to coat every piece evenly. The sauce should cling to the chicken, creating a creamy, glossy coating.

Assemble and serve Divide the fried rice among four serving plates or bowls. Top each portion with the Bang Bang sauce-coated chicken. If desired, drizzle additional Bang Bang sauce over the top for extra flavor and visual appeal. Garnish generously with extra diced green onions for fresh color and mild onion flavor. Serve immediately while hot.

Recipe Notes & Tips

• Day-old rice essential – Freshly cooked rice is too moist and creates mushy fried rice; use rice that’s been refrigerated at least overnight
• Air fryer alternative – If no air fryer available, cook chicken in a large skillet over medium-high heat for 6-8 minutes, turning occasionally until golden and cooked through
• Bang Bang sauce preparation – Typically ½ cup mayo, ¼ cup sweet chili sauce, 1-2 tablespoons sriracha, and 1 teaspoon rice vinegar whisked together
• High heat crucial – Fried rice requires high heat to prevent steaming; ensure wok or skillet is very hot before adding ingredients
• Don’t overcrowd pan – Too much rice at once creates steam rather than frying; use large skillet or cook in batches
• Customize heat level – Adjust sriracha in Bang Bang sauce to preference; start conservative and add more if desired
• Cold ingredients okay – Cold leftover rice works perfectly; it actually fries better than warm rice
• Sesame oil is finishing oil – Use as flavoring, not primary cooking oil; high heat can make it bitter

Nutritional Information

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: 523 calories per serving
Fats: 15.4g per serving
Carbohydrates: 62.8g per serving
Proteins: 31.7g per serving

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Perfect Pairings

• Asian cucumber salad – Cool, refreshing side that contrasts with the warm, rich main dish
• Steamed edamame – Simple protein-rich appetizer or side that complements the Asian flavors
• Hot and sour soup – Traditional pairing that adds variety to the meal
• Spring rolls or pot stickers – Crispy appetizers that complete the takeout-style experience
• Iced green tea or jasmine tea – Traditional beverage pairing that cleanses the palate
• Sake or light Asian beer – Adult beverage options that complement the sweet-spicy flavors

Ideal Occasions

• Weeknight dinners – Quick enough for regular rotation yet impressive enough to feel special
• Leftover rice rescue – Perfect solution for using day-old rice in something exciting
• Meal prep – Portions beautifully and reheats well for easy weekday lunches
• Casual entertaining – Impressive presentation and flavors without requiring advanced skills
• Family-friendly dinners – Familiar components appeal to all ages while introducing new flavors
• Budget-conscious meals – Uses affordable ingredients to create restaurant-quality results

Storage & Serving Tips

• Refrigerator storage – Store fried rice and chicken separately in airtight containers for up to 4 days
• Reheating method – Warm fried rice in skillet over medium heat with splash of water; microwave chicken covered for 1-2 minutes
• Sauce storage – Store extra Bang Bang sauce separately in refrigerator for up to 1 week
• Freezing option – Freeze fried rice (without chicken) for up to 2 months; add freshly cooked chicken when serving
• Serving temperature – Best served hot immediately after preparation when chicken is crispy and rice is steaming
• Leftover creativity – Use leftover fried rice for lunch bowls or breakfast fried rice with additional eggs

Creative Variations to Try

• Shrimp swap – Replace chicken with large shrimp for seafood version (reduce air fryer time to 6-8 minutes)
• Tofu option – Use extra-firm tofu cubes for vegetarian version (press well before air frying)
• Cauliflower rice – Replace white rice with cauliflower rice for low-carb alternative
• Extra vegetables – Add bell peppers, snap peas, broccoli, or water chestnuts for more veggie content
• Pineapple addition – Toss in ½ cup diced pineapple for sweet-savory Hawaiian twist
• Spicy upgrade – Add sliced jalapeños or red pepper flakes for extra heat
• Cashew crunch – Top with roasted cashews for textural contrast and nutty richness
• Brown rice version – Use brown rice for more fiber and nutrients (requires slightly longer cooking time)

Troubleshooting Common Issues

• Mushy rice – Used fresh rice instead of day-old; always use cold, refrigerated rice for best texture
• Rice sticking to pan – Pan not hot enough or not enough oil; ensure proper heat before adding rice
• Chicken dry – Overcooked in air fryer; check at 11 minutes and remove immediately when reaching 74°C (165°F)
• Bang Bang sauce too thick – Add water 1 tablespoon at a time to thin to desired consistency
• Too salty – Reduce soy sauce to 1 tablespoon; use low-sodium soy sauce if preferred
• Vegetables undercooked – Cut vegetables smaller or cook longer before adding rice
• Eggs rubbery – Overcooked scrambled eggs; cook just until set and add back later as directed

Why This Recipe Works

This bang bang chicken fried rice succeeds because it combines complementary cooking techniques optimized for home kitchens. The chicken seasoning creates flavorful crust through Maillard reaction in the air fryer’s high, circulating heat. Air frying produces crispy exterior while maintaining juicy interior without deep frying’s oil and mess. The Bang Bang sauce – emulsion of mayo, sweet chili sauce, and sriracha – coats the warm chicken, creating creamy, spicy-sweet layer. Day-old refrigerated rice has dried surface starches that fry rather than steam, creating the characteristic separate grain texture. High heat and proper technique (cooking vegetables first, adding rice, then seasonings) develops complex flavors through caramelization. Sesame oil adds authentic nutty aroma. Butter enriches the rice while soy sauce provides umami depth. Lemon juice brightens and balances richness. Scrambling eggs separately prevents overcooking and ensures fluffy texture. The combination of textures – crispy chicken, fluffy rice, tender vegetables, soft eggs – creates multi-dimensional eating experience. Each serving contains 523 calories, providing excellent protein (31.7g from chicken and eggs), carbohydrates (62.8g from rice), moderate healthy fats (15.4g from sesame oil, butter), and vegetables, creating complete, balanced meal.

Final Thoughts

This bang bang chicken fried rice represents the best of fusion cooking – honoring traditional fried rice fundamentals while incorporating contemporary flavor trends that resonate with modern palates. There’s genuine brilliance in how the viral Bang Bang sauce elevates familiar fried rice into something special and crave-worthy. What makes this recipe exceptional is the attention to proper technique: day-old rice, high heat cooking, appropriate seasoning balance, and understanding that each component serves specific purpose. The air fryer streamlines preparation while delivering restaurant-quality crispy chicken without the hassle of deep frying. This isn’t complicated cooking – it’s smart technique applied to accessible ingredients, proving that impressive results don’t require professional training or exotic ingredients. Whether you’re building weeknight dinner repertoire, seeking healthier takeout alternatives, or wanting to impress with minimal effort, this dish delivers consistently. The beauty lies in its adaptability – adjust heat levels, swap proteins, modify vegetables, and it remains fundamentally successful. So gather your leftover rice, preheat your air fryer, and prepare to create a dish that will have everyone asking for seconds and requesting the recipe. This is the kind of meal that becomes regular rotation staple, the one that proves homemade versions can exceed restaurant quality while costing less and using fresher ingredients.