Name: Bang Bang Chicken Fried Rice Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: Asian Fusion
Ingredients: 1 ½ pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes; 1 tablespoon vegetable oil; 1 teaspoon paprika; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 teaspoon kosher salt; ½ teaspoon black pepper; 1 cup bang bang sauce, divided; 4 large eggs, beaten; ½ teaspoon kosher salt; 2 tablespoons sesame oil, divided; 2 large carrots, diced; 1 large white onion, diced; ¼ cup green onions, diced, plus more for garnish; 1 teaspoon garlic, minced; 4 cups long-grain white rice, cooked and cooled; ⅓ cup frozen peas; ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted; 1 teaspoon lemon juice; 2 tablespoons soy sauce

I absolutely love sharing this Bang Bang Chicken Fried Rice Recipe because it combines so many of my favorite flavors and textures in one bowl. The crispy yet saucy chicken paired with savory, buttery fried rice and fresh veggies creates a meal that’s as comforting as it is exciting. Every time I make this dish, it feels special but never complicated, making it a perfect go-to for busy weeknights or casual get-togethers. I can’t wait for you to try it and see why it’s become one of my top favorites!

Why You'll Love This Bang Bang Chicken Fried Rice Recipe

One of the things I adore about this Bang Bang Chicken Fried Rice Recipe is the bold and vibrant flavor profile. The bang bang sauce is a wonderful mix of spicy, creamy, and tangy that perfectly complements the juicy chicken pieces. When that gets tossed with the buttery fried rice that has hints of soy and lemon juice, it creates an irresistible harmony in every bite. It’s like a little party of flavors dancing together on your palate.

Another reason this recipe holds a special place in my heart is how straightforward it is to pull together, yet it feels totally restaurant-worthy. Using the air fryer for the chicken cuts down the hands-on time and gives you that perfect crispy exterior without deep frying. The rest of the ingredients are simple staples but yield such fantastic texture with fresh diced carrots, green onions, and peas adding just the right crunch and color.

I’ve made this dish for family dinners, casual lunches with friends, and even for small celebrations. It’s flexible enough to fit any occasion yet special enough to impress without any stress. I think the combination of ease, flavor, and versatility is what really makes this Bang Bang Chicken Fried Rice Recipe stand out, and I’m so excited for you to enjoy it as much as I do!

Ingredients You'll Need

The image shows a white bowl filled with small pieces of light pink raw chicken meat. The pieces are uneven in size and have a slight shine from moisture or marinade. A silver fork is placed inside the bowl on the right side, with a woman's hand holding the handle. The bowl is set on a white marbled surface with subtle textures and brown tones around the edges visible below the bowl. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The ingredients for this recipe are wonderfully simple but each plays a crucial role in bringing out the fantastic taste, texture, and vibrant look of the dish. From the tender chicken to the seasoned rice and fresh veggies, the balance of flavors is truly amazing.

TIP : You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below

Chicken breasts: Boneless and skinless, cut into cubes for even cooking and easy eating.
Vegetable oil: Helps season the chicken with spices and prevents sticking.
Paprika, garlic powder, kosher salt, black pepper: These seasonings add warmth, depth, and balance to the chicken.
Bang bang sauce: The star flavor component, bringing creaminess and a mild kick.
Sesame oil: Adds rich, nutty aroma and flavor to the rice and veggies.
Eggs: Scrambled into soft, fluffy curds for protein and texture contrast.
Carrots, white onion, green onions, garlic: Fresh vegetables for sweetness, crunch, and savory notes.
Long-grain white rice: Cooked and cooled for optimal fried rice texture and flavor absorption.
Unsalted butter: Provides luscious richness and helps everything meld together.
Lemon juice: Adds a subtle brightness that lifts all the flavors.
Soy sauce: Imparts umami and saltiness crucial for authentic fried rice taste.
Frozen peas: Adds pops of color and a slight sweetness.

Directions

Step 1: Toss the cubed chicken with vegetable oil, paprika, garlic powder, kosher salt, and black pepper until well coated.

Step 2: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F. Arrange the chicken pieces in a single layer and cook for 11 to 12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the chicken is golden and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. Once cooked, set the chicken aside in a bowl and cover with foil to keep it warm and juicy.

Step 3: While the chicken cooks, heat 1 tablespoon of sesame oil in a large skillet over high heat. Pour in the beaten eggs, sprinkle with ½ teaspoon kosher salt, and gently scramble until just set into soft, silky curds. Transfer the eggs to a plate and set aside.

Step 4: Lower the heat to medium-high and add the remaining tablespoon of sesame oil to the skillet. Add the diced carrots, white onion, and green onions. Sauté for about 5 minutes until the carrots start to soften but still have a bit of crunch. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.

Step 5: Add the cooled, cooked rice to the skillet with the vegetables. Break up any clumps with your spatula and stir to combine. Let it cook for 2 to 3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the rice is heated through and starting to get a little crispy on the bottom.

Step 6: Return the scrambled eggs to the skillet. Pour in the melted butter, lemon juice, soy sauce, and add the frozen peas. Stir well to combine everything and cook for a further 2 to 3 minutes until all ingredients are hot and evenly coated.

Step 7: Toss the cooked chicken with half of the bang bang sauce in a separate bowl until fully coated.

Step 8: Serve the fried rice on plates or in bowls topped with the bang bang sauce chicken. Drizzle the remaining bang bang sauce over the top if you like extra sauce and garnish with additional green onions for freshness and color.

Servings and Timing

This Bang Bang Chicken Fried Rice Recipe makes about 4 generous servings, perfect for a family meal or sharing with friends. The prep time is around 10 minutes, mainly for cutting and seasoning the chicken and veggies. Cooking takes about 30 minutes total, including frying the chicken and making the rice mixture. Altogether, you’re looking at roughly 40 minutes from start to finish. There is no additional resting time needed, but I recommend serving immediately for the best flavor and texture.

How to Serve This Bang Bang Chicken Fried Rice Recipe

A close-up of a bowl filled with golden fried rice mixed with cooked orange carrot cubes, bright green peas, and pieces of scrambled yellow egg. On top of the rice are browned, slightly shiny chicken pieces with a crispy texture. A silver spoon held by a woman's hand pours a light orange creamy sauce over the center of the rice. The bowl is white and sits on a surface with a white marbled texture. In the background, there is a soft-focus view of a wooden bowl with green herbs. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

I love serving this dish piping hot with a side of crisp cucumber salad or steamed edamame to add a refreshing contrast to the bold flavors and warm rice. A simple Asian-style slaw with sesame dressing also pairs beautifully, helping to lighten the meal and add a crunchy texture contrast.

When it comes to plating, I like to mound the fried rice in the center of the plate and then fan the bang bang chicken over the top or on the side, finishing with a sprinkle of fresh green onions for a pop of color and freshness. This makes the presentation feel inviting and vibrant, perfect for casual dinners or when you want to impress guests without fuss.

For drinks, I typically enjoy this with a chilled Riesling or a light, citrusy beer that balances the subtle spice of the bang bang sauce. If you prefer non-alcoholic options, iced green tea with a squeeze of lemon or sparkling water with cucumber slices elevates the meal nicely. I find this dish works wonderfully for weeknight dinners, but it’s also great for lunches, potlucks, and even small celebrations, served fresh and warm from the skillet.

Variations

One of my favorite things about this Bang Bang Chicken Fried Rice Recipe is how easy it is to customize. If you want to lighten it up, swapping the butter for olive oil or using brown rice adds a wholesome twist. For more protein variety, shrimp or tofu work beautifully, especially when you want a pescatarian or vegetarian option—just marinate the tofu in the bang bang sauce for extra flavor.

If you’re craving more heat, I love adding sriracha or fresh chopped chili flakes right into the bang bang sauce for an extra punch. For a gluten-free version, simply make sure your soy sauce is tamari or a gluten-free alternative, and the rest of the ingredients should be safe as is. You can also experiment by cooking the chicken in a skillet or oven if you don’t have an air fryer, but I personally find the air fryer gives the best crispness with the least mess.

Finally, feel free to swap out peas and carrots with other veggies you have on hand like bell peppers, snap peas, or baby corn. The key is to keep some crunch and color which brings that authentic fried rice feel that I love so much!

Storage and Reheating

Storing Leftovers

If you have any leftovers, I recommend storing the fried rice and chicken in separate airtight containers to maintain the best texture. The rice and veggies tend to hold up well for about 3 to 4 days in the refrigerator, while the chicken coated in sauce stays delicious but might become a bit softer over time.

Freezing

You can freeze the fried rice and chicken separately if you want to keep it longer. Use freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags with as much air removed as possible. It’s best to freeze in meal-sized portions. Frozen fried rice and chicken will stay good for up to 2 months. When thawing, let it defrost overnight in the fridge for best results.

Reheating

To reheat, I suggest warming the rice and veggies in a skillet or wok over medium heat to restore some of that fresh-cooked texture. Add a splash of water or soy sauce if it feels dry. Reheat the chicken gently in the microwave or in a low-heat skillet to avoid drying it out. Avoid reheating together at too high a heat to prevent overcooking the eggs or mushy chicken. This approach helps maintain the flavors and ensures every bite remains tasty and satisfying.

FAQs

Can I use leftover rice for this Bang Bang Chicken Fried Rice Recipe?

Absolutely! Using leftover cooked and cooled rice is ideal for fried rice recipes because it’s less sticky and fries up beautifully without clumping. Freshly cooked hot rice tends to become mushy, so leftover rice or rice made a day ahead works best.

What if I don’t have an air fryer to cook the chicken?

No worries at all! You can cook the chicken in a hot skillet or sauté pan with a bit of oil over medium-high heat until golden brown and cooked through, or bake it in the oven at 400°F for about 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway, until it reaches 165°F internal temperature.

Is this recipe spicy? Can I adjust the heat level?

The bang bang sauce has a mild spicy kick, but it’s very approachable for most palates. If you prefer less heat, you can use less sauce or choose a milder version of bang bang sauce. For more spice, add sriracha or crushed red pepper flakes to taste.

Can I make this recipe vegan or vegetarian?

Yes! Swap out chicken for crispy tofu or tempeh tossed in bang bang sauce, and replace eggs with scrambled tofu or just increase the veggies. Make sure to use a vegetarian or vegan bang bang sauce and tamari instead of soy sauce if needed.

What sides go well with Bang Bang Chicken Fried Rice?

I love pairing this with light sides like cucumber salad, steamed greens, or Asian-style slaw. These fresh, crisp sides balance the richness of the fried rice and keep the meal exciting and well-rounded.

Conclusion

I truly hope you give this Bang Bang Chicken Fried Rice Recipe a try soon! It’s one of those dishes that feels utterly satisfying from the very first bite and keeps getting better each time you make it. The wonderful textures, bold flavors, and ease of preparation make it a recipe I always return to when I want something delicious but fuss-free. Cooking this at home means you get all the fun of a takeout favorite with the warmth and comfort of a homemade meal. Enjoy every bite and happy cooking!