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This hearty Bang Bang Chicken Fried Rice transforms simple ingredients into an explosion of flavor that satisfies every craving. The crispy chicken pieces coated in sweet-spicy sauce paired with savory fried rice creates a restaurant-quality meal right in your own kitchen.
I first made this recipe when my pantry was nearly empty and takeout wasn't an option. What started as a desperation dinner has become our Friday night tradition, with my kids fighting over who gets the last spoonful of that irresistible Bang Bang sauce.
Ingredients
- Boneless skinless chicken breasts create the perfect protein base with their mild flavor that absorbs the Bang Bang sauce beautifully. Look for plump pieces with even thickness.
- Vegetable oil helps create that golden exterior on the chicken without burning the spices.
- Paprika garlic powder salt and pepper form our essential seasoning blend that ensures every bite of chicken is flavorful.
- Bang Bang sauce brings that signature sweet heat that makes this dish unforgettable. The creamy mayo base balances the spice perfectly.
- Sesame oil provides that authentic Asian flavor profile that cannot be substituted. Use toasted sesame oil for deeper flavor.
- Large eggs add protein and silky texture throughout the rice. Farm fresh makes a noticeable difference in color and flavor.
- Carrots onions and green onions form our aromatic vegetable base. Choose firm bright colored carrots for best results.
- Day old long grain white rice is absolutely crucial. Freshly cooked rice contains too much moisture and will turn mushy.
- Unsalted butter adds richness and helps create those crispy rice edges everyone fights over.
- Soy sauce provides that umami depth that ties everything together. Low sodium allows you to control the salt level.
- Frozen peas add color and sweet pops of flavor. No need to thaw them beforehand.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Season the Chicken
- Combine cubed chicken with vegetable oil paprika garlic powder salt and pepper in a large bowl. Ensure each piece is evenly coated for consistent flavor. This seasoning blend creates a flavorful base that complements the Bang Bang sauce without overwhelming it.
- Air Fry to Perfection
- Preheat your air fryer to 400°F for optimal crispiness. Arrange chicken in a single layer avoiding overcrowding which would steam rather than crisp the pieces. Cook for 11 to 12 minutes flipping halfway through cooking time. The chicken should reach 165°F internally and have a gorgeous golden exterior. The air fryer gives you that deep fried texture without excessive oil.
- Cook the Eggs
- Heat 1 tablespoon sesame oil in a large skillet or wok until shimmering but not smoking. Pour in beaten eggs seasoned with kosher salt and use a spatula to gently move them around the pan. You want soft velvety curds not rubbery overcooked pieces. Remove them just when they're set but still moist. This takes about 1 to 2 minutes depending on your heat.
- Sauté the Vegetables
- Reduce the heat to medium high and add the remaining sesame oil. Add diced carrots white onion and green onions to the hot oil. Cook for about 5 minutes stirring occasionally until the carrots have softened slightly but still maintain some bite. Add minced garlic and cook for just one more minute until fragrant. Cooking garlic too long will make it bitter rather than aromatic.
- Fry the Rice
- Add your cooled rice to the vegetable mixture breaking up any clumps with your spatula. Spread it across the entire surface of the pan allowing it to make contact with the hot surface. Let it cook undisturbed for 30 seconds intervals before stirring. This creates those coveted crispy bits that add texture. Continue this process for 2 to 3 minutes until the rice is heated through.
- Combine All Elements
- Gently fold in your scrambled eggs melted butter lemon juice soy sauce and frozen peas. The butter coats each grain of rice adding richness while the lemon juice brightens the flavors. The frozen peas will defrost almost instantly from the residual heat. Stir everything together and cook for another 2 to 3 minutes until piping hot and fragrant.
- Finish with Bang Bang Sauce
- Toss your cooked chicken with half cup of Bang Bang sauce ensuring each piece is generously coated. Serve the fried rice topped with the sauced chicken and drizzle with additional sauce if desired. Garnish with fresh green onions for color contrast and bright flavor.
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The Bang Bang sauce is truly the heart of this recipe. I discovered it years ago at a local restaurant and became obsessed with recreating it at home. My family now requests this dish for birthdays and special occasions telling me they prefer it over any takeout version weve ever had.
Perfecting Your Rice
The secret to exceptional fried rice lies in using properly cooled day old rice. Freshly cooked rice contains too much moisture which makes it sticky and prone to clumping. Cooking rice the day before and refrigerating it allows the grains to dry out slightly giving you that distinct chewy texture with separate grains that Chinese restaurants achieve. If youre in a hurry spread freshly cooked rice on a baking sheet and place it in the freezer for 15 minutes to cool quickly and remove excess moisture.
Customize Your Heat Level
The beauty of Bang Bang sauce is how easily you can adjust its spiciness to suit your familys preferences. For a milder version reduce the sriracha or sweet chili sauce in your Bang Bang sauce and increase the mayo slightly. For heat lovers add a teaspoon of gochujang or extra sriracha. You can even divide the sauce before adding the chicken creating a mild batch for sensitive palates and an extra spicy version for those who crave that fiery kick.
Make Ahead Options
This recipe works beautifully as a meal prep option. The components can be prepared separately and assembled just before serving. Cook the rice up to three days ahead and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The chicken can be seasoned marinated and even cooked a day in advance. When ready to serve simply reheat the chicken in the air fryer for 2 to 3 minutes to restore its crispiness before tossing with the Bang Bang sauce. The vegetables can be chopped and stored in containers ready to sauté just before serving.
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Pro Tips
Always start with a very hot pan when making fried rice. The initial sizzle creates that authentic wok flavor that elevates homemade versions.
Break up any rice clumps with your hands before adding to the pan. This ensures even cooking and prevents gummy sections in your finished dish.
For an extra flavor boost try browning the butter before adding it to the rice. The nutty notes complement the sesame oil beautifully.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → What is Bang Bang sauce made of?
Bang Bang sauce is a sweet and spicy mayo-based sauce often made with mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, hot sauce, and a splash of honey or lime juice for balance.
- → How can I cook the chicken without an air fryer?
If you don’t have an air fryer, you can cook the chicken in a skillet over medium-high heat for 6-8 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden and cooked through.
- → What’s the best rice for fried rice?
Day-old, cooled long-grain white rice works best for fried rice, as it avoids becoming mushy and helps maintain the dish’s ideal texture.
- → Can I use other vegetables in the fried rice?
Yes, feel free to use vegetables like bell peppers, snap peas, corn, or even mushrooms for added variety and texture.
- → How can I make this dish less spicy?
To reduce the spiciness, use less hot sauce in the Bang Bang sauce or replace it with a mild alternative like ketchup or additional sweet chili sauce.
- → Can I use pre-cooked chicken for this recipe?
Yes, you can use pre-cooked chicken. Simply toss it in Bang Bang sauce before adding it to the fried rice to replicate the same flavor.