Bang Bang Chicken Fried Rice is everything I crave in an easy weeknight meal vibrant veggies crisp chicken and luscious sweet-spicy sauce all layered over fluffy rice. I first tried merging fried rice with bang bang chicken after a busy day and suddenly it became my favorite way to get dinner on the table fast but never boring.
Why Youâll Love This Recipe
Brings takeout flavors home with simple pantry ingredients
Ready in under 45 minutes start to finish
Adaptable to your favorite veggies or protein swaps
Perfect way to use up leftover cooked rice
I first made this when my husband requested something both cozy and a bit spicy and now it is the most requested comfort meal on rainy days at our house.
Ingredients
Boneless skinless chicken breasts: the base for tender protein bite size for faster even cooking
Vegetable oil: coats the chicken for even browning pick a neutral high smoke point oil
Paprika: adds warmth and color smoked paprika is great if you have it
Garlic powder: boosts savory notes and pairs beautifully with the sauce
Kosher salt: draws out flavor in chicken and veggies
Black pepper: brings gentle heat
Bang Bang sauce: sweet spicy creamy backbone of the dish use a good quality or make your own for more control
Sesame oil: infuses fried rice with nutty aroma and authentic flavor use toasted for richer taste
Large eggs: provide protein and give fried rice that classic fluffy texture look for bright yellow yolks
Carrots and white onion: key veggies for crunch and savory base choose carrots that are firm and onions free of soft spots
Green onions: add sharpness and color save some to sprinkle on top at the end
Garlic: fresh minced gives sharp flavor edge
Long grain white rice: day old and chilled for best results prevents mushy texture
Unsalted butter: melts into rice for richness
Lemon juice: brightens and balances the sauce
Soy sauce: classic salty depth use low sodium if you want more control
Frozen peas: for bright sweet pop
Choose fresh veggies and day-old riceâthese details raise the dish to restaurant quality.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Prep and Season the Chicken:
Toss chicken cubes in oil paprika garlic powder salt and pepper until every piece is well coated this sets the stage for flavorful crispy bites
Cook the Chicken:
Air fry cubes in a single layer at four hundred degrees until golden and cooked through about twelve minutes flipping halfway this locks in juiciness and caramelizes edges or use a skillet for similar results
Scramble the Eggs:
Heat sesame oil over high and pour in the beaten eggs gently scramble them seasoned with a dash of salt until just set into soft curds remove and reserve do not overcook for the creamiest texture
Sauté the Veggies:
Reduce skillet heat and add more sesame oil sauté carrots onion and green onions for five minutes until the carrots become tender and onion translucent stir in garlic during the final minute to avoid burning
Fry the Rice:
Add cold rice to skillet break apart clumps and stir with veggies cook a few minutes until everything is heated and rice starts to get a little crispy bottom
Combine and Season:
Add scrambled eggs melted butter lemon juice soy sauce and peas blend everything together stirring to ensure every grain of rice is slicked and evenly mixed finish until peas are just tender and rice is piping hot
Sauce the Chicken and Serve:
Toss cooked chicken with bang bang sauce and spoon over the fried rice drizzle with extra sauce if you like and finish with fresh green onion for color and zip
You Must Know
Great for meal prep tastes even better next day
Feeds a hungry group with minimal hands on time
Customizable with whatever protein or veggies you have
This homemade Bang Bang sauce brings a sweet creamy spiciness that I always associate with family movie nights when my kids kept sneaking tastes of the sauce before dinner hit the table.
