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Bang Bang Chicken Fried Rice is a whirlwind of crunchy golden chicken, colorful vegetables, and steamy fried rice, all coated in a creamy-sweet Bang Bang sauce. If you love takeout but want it fresher, brighter, and bursting with contrasting textures and flavors, this recipe was made for you. Each time I cook this for friends, it disappears almost as quickly as I can plate it.
The first time I whipped this up, it was a weeknight experiment after ordering in bang bang shrimp. Since then, friends and family have started asking for it over traditional fried rice because of that addictive sauce.
Ingredients
- Boneless skinless chicken breasts: for lean protein and easy crisp-cube potential look for firm flesh with no odor
- Vegetable oil: helps the seasoning stick and crisps the chicken go for a neutral oil
- Paprika: gives warm color and a boost of flavor choose smoked for extra depth
- Garlic powder: for savory punch use fresh if you love a stronger garlic note
- Kosher salt: to season properly sprinkle from above for even coverage
- Black pepper: rounds out the spice freshly ground tastes best
- Bang Bang sauce: a creamy spicy mayo-style sauce that ties the whole thing together make your own for extra freshness or use your favorite store brand
- Sesame oil: for nutty aroma get toasted for the most flavor
- Large eggs: create richness and those classic fried rice egg ribbons farm fresh will give brighter yolks
- Carrots and white onion: bring crunch and sweetness pick firm carrots and no-sprout onions
- Green onions: for pop and freshness add them at the end for vivid color
- Garlic: finely minced for even savory flavor use plump cloves
- Long-grain white rice: works best because it stays fluffy leftover or day-old rice prevents stickiness
- Unsalted butter: for a velvety finish pick high-quality for the richest result
- Lemon juice: adds just a hint of brightness squeeze fresh for the best zing
- Soy sauce: builds up that classic umami flavor low-sodium is ideal since the sauce is already seasoned
- Frozen peas: for color and sweet bursts always check that peas are bright green
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prep and Cook the Chicken:
- Cube the chicken into bite-size pieces and toss them in vegetable oil, paprika, garlic powder, kosher salt, and black pepper. Lay the chicken in a single layer in the air fryer preheated to four hundred degrees Fahrenheit. Cook for eleven to twelve minutes, flipping halfway, until the coating crisps up golden and the interior reaches one hundred sixty-five degrees Fahrenheit. If you want extra insurance, cover the chicken with foil while it rests to keep it hot.
- Make the Egg Scramble:
- Set a large skillet on high heat and pour in a tablespoon of sesame oil. Swirl in your beaten eggs and sprinkle with kosher salt. Don’t rush this step—slowly push the eggs from the edges in, letting them gently set into soft ribbons. Slide cooked eggs onto a plate and set aside.
- Sauté the Vegetables:
- Lower the heat to medium-high. In the same skillet, add the rest of the sesame oil. Toss in diced carrots, onion, and green onions. Stir and cook until the carrots just soften and onions start turning translucent. Protect the green color of the onions by saving a handful for garnish. Toss in minced garlic and stir for one minute to wake up the aroma.
- Fry the Rice:
- Add your cooled rice to the hot vegetable skillet. Break up any clumps with your spatula and fold the grains into the vegetables. Let it sit undisturbed for a few moments between stirs—this helps develop those irresistible crispy bits.
- Bring It All Together:
- Return the eggs to the pan. Pour in melted butter, lemon juice, soy sauce, and frozen peas. Stir well and let the rice absorb the flavors, cooking another two to three minutes until the peas pop bright green.
- Sauce and Serve:
- Toss the hot, cooked chicken in half a cup of Bang Bang sauce until generously coated. Heap the rice onto plates, top with the saucy chicken, and drizzle more sauce if you love a little extra. Scatter fresh green onions on top and serve piping hot.
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Bang Bang sauce is what separates this from classic fried rice—the creamy heat and tang lift every bite. My favorite part is those golden bits of egg tucked into the rice, which remind me of family dinners where we always argued over who got the crispiest spoonful.
Storage tips
Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to three days. For best texture, reheat fried rice and chicken in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water or broth to revive moisture. The sauce can separate a bit after chilling, so stir it thoroughly before serving.
Ingredient substitutions
Swap in boneless chicken thighs for extra juiciness. For a vegetarian twist, replace chicken with crispy baked tofu cubes. If you prefer a lighter sauce, blend Greek yogurt with hot sauce instead of mayo for the Bang Bang dressing. Frozen corn or finely chopped bell peppers work well if you do not have peas or carrots.
Serving suggestions
Bang Bang Chicken Fried Rice is nearly a meal on its own but loves some crunchy sides like pickled cucumbers or a cool cabbage slaw. It also pairs well with steamed edamame or miso soup for a takeout-style spread.
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Cultural context
The classic fried rice method is an Asian staple, but the sweet-spicy Bang Bang sauce borrows from American-Chinese fusion traditions. This dish showcases the playful side of Asian-American kitchens where favorite flavors come together in one comforting pan. At home, it is a bridge between weekday ease and that excitement of ordering out.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → What makes Bang Bang sauce unique?
Bang Bang sauce combines creamy mayo with sweet and spicy flavors, giving the chicken a vibrant kick.
- → Can I use leftover rice?
Yes, day-old rice is recommended for the best texture, preventing the grains from becoming mushy.
- → Is an air fryer required for the chicken?
No, you can cook the chicken in a skillet over medium-high heat if an air fryer isn’t available.
- → Which vegetables work well in this dish?
Carrots, onions, and peas are key, but you can add bell peppers, snap peas, or mushrooms as desired.
- → Can I make this dish less spicy?
Simply reduce the amount of Bang Bang sauce or choose a milder sauce to lower the spice level.