Bang Bang Chicken Fried Rice
This dish combines the comforting flavors of fried rice with the spicy, sweet twist of Bang Bang sauce. A complete meal in one bowl, it's perfect for weeknight dinners or meal prep.
Ingredients
For the Chicken
- 1.5 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
- 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup Bang Bang sauce, divided
For the Fried Rice
- 2 tablespoons sesame oil, divided
- 4 large eggs, beaten
- 0.5 teaspoon kosher salt
- 2 large carrots, diced
- 1 large white onion, diced
- 0.25 cup green onions, diced, plus more for garnish
- 1 teaspoon garlic, minced
- 4 cups long-grain white rice, cooked and cooled Day-old rice works best
- 0.25 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 0.33 cup frozen peas
Instructions
Preparation
- Toss the cubed chicken with vegetable oil, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
- Preheat the air fryer to 400°F.
Cooking the Chicken
- Cook the chicken in a single layer for 11-12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and cooked to 165°F.
- Set aside in a bowl covered with foil to keep warm.
Making the Fried Rice
- Heat 1 tablespoon of sesame oil in a large skillet over high heat.
- Pour in the beaten eggs, sprinkle with kosher salt, and scramble gently until just set into soft curds.
- Transfer to a plate and set aside.
- Reduce the heat to medium-high and add the remaining sesame oil.
- Add diced carrots, white onion, and green onions, cooking for about 5 minutes until the carrots are tender.
- Stir in minced garlic and cook for 1 more minute.
- Add the cooled rice to the skillet, breaking it up with a spatula and stirring into the vegetables.
- Let it cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until heated through.
- Add the scrambled eggs, melted butter, lemon juice, soy sauce, and peas.
- Stir well and cook for 2-3 more minutes until everything is hot and evenly coated.
Assembly and Serving
- Toss the cooked chicken with ½ cup of Bang Bang sauce.
- Serve the fried rice topped with the sauced chicken, drizzle with remaining sauce if desired, and garnish with extra green onions.
Notes
Use day-old rice for the best texture. Feel free to add other vegetables like bell peppers, peas, or broccoli for added nutrition and flavor. Adjust the spice level by adding more or less Bang Bang sauce based on your preference.