
This bang bang chicken fried rice transforms ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary meal that's bursting with flavor and texture. The sweet-spicy sauce coats tender chicken pieces that sit atop a bed of perfectly seasoned fried rice, creating a dish that satisfies every craving in one delicious bowl.
I first made this recipe when my sister visited last spring and was craving something with a bit of kick. The combination of crispy chicken and flavorful rice was such a hit that it's now in our regular rotation, especially when we need a quick but impressive meal.
Ingredients
- Boneless skinless chicken breasts: Cut into 1 inch cubes creates the perfect bite sized pieces that cook quickly and evenly
- Vegetable oil: Helps the spices adhere to the chicken while promoting browning
- Paprika: Adds beautiful color and mild smoky flavor to the chicken
- Garlic powder: Infuses each chicken piece with aromatic flavor without burning like fresh garlic might
- Kosher salt: Enhances all the flavors look for Diamond Crystal brand for best results
- Black pepper: Adds subtle heat that complements the bang bang sauce
- Bang bang sauce: Provides the signature sweet spicy creamy flavor that makes this dish special
- Sesame oil: Imparts authentic Asian flavor use toasted sesame oil for maximum impact
- Large eggs: Create soft curds that add richness and protein throughout the dish
- Kosher salt: Enhances the flavor of every component
- Carrots: Add natural sweetness and beautiful color select firm bright orange ones
- White onion: Provides aromatic base flavor and slight sweetness
- Green onions: Add fresh herbaceous notes choose ones with bright green tops
- Garlic: Minced fresh provides aromatic depth that dried cannot match
- Longgrain white rice: Cooled and day old works best as fresh rice can become mushy
- Unsalted butter: Adds rich flavor and helps create crispy edges on the rice
- Fresh lemon juice: Brightens all flavors with subtle acidity
- Soy sauce: Provides umami depth and beautiful color use low sodium if preferred
- Frozen peas: Add sweet pops of color and nutrition no need to thaw beforehand
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Season the Chicken:
- Combine the cubed chicken with vegetable oil and all seasonings in a large bowl using your hands to ensure every piece gets evenly coated. This thorough coating creates a flavorful exterior that will later absorb the bang bang sauce beautifully. Preheat your air fryer thoroughly to ensure immediate searing of the chicken.
- Air Fry to Perfection:
- Arrange the seasoned chicken in a single layer in your air fryer basket without overcrowding which ensures proper air circulation. Cook at 400°F for exactly 11 to 12 minutes flipping each piece halfway through cooking. The chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F and develop a gorgeous golden exterior. Transfer to a bowl and cover with foil to retain moisture while preparing the rice.
- Create Fluffy Egg Curds:
- Heat your first tablespoon of sesame oil in a large skillet or wok over high heat until it shimmers. Pour in the beaten eggs seasoned with salt and use a silicone spatula to gently move them around the pan. Cook just until they form soft pillowy curds but remain slightly moist as they will continue cooking when added back to the rice. This should take only about 60 to 90 seconds.
- Sauté the Vegetables:
- Reduce the heat to medium high and add your remaining sesame oil to the same skillet. Add your precisely diced carrots onion and green onions allowing them to cook for a full 5 minutes until the carrots soften slightly but still maintain some texture. Add the minced garlic last cooking for just one minute to prevent burning which would create bitterness.
- Crisp the Rice:
- Add your day old rice to the vegetable mixture breaking up any clumps with your spatula. Allow the rice to cook undisturbed for 30 seconds at a time before stirring to develop crispy edges. Continue this process for 2 to 3 minutes until you notice some rice grains becoming golden and slightly crunchy which provides textural contrast in the final dish.
- Combine and Finish:
- Return the scrambled eggs to the skillet along with melted butter lemon juice soy sauce and frozen peas. Stir everything thoroughly for 2 to 3 minutes ensuring the butter and soy sauce coat every grain of rice. The peas will thaw and warm through while maintaining their bright green color. Meanwhile toss your warm chicken with half cup of bang bang sauce ensuring each piece is generously coated. Serve the chicken atop the fried rice drizzle with additional sauce if desired and garnish with fresh green onions.

The bang bang sauce is really the star of this recipe. I discovered it years ago at a local restaurant and became obsessed with recreating it at home. The combination of sweet chili sauce and mayonnaise creates this irresistible creamy texture with just the right balance of heat and sweetness that my kids absolutely love.
Make Ahead Options
This recipe works beautifully for meal prep since the components can be prepared separately ahead of time. Cook your rice a day or two before and refrigerate it uncovered until the grains dry out slightly. This actually improves the final texture of your fried rice making it less likely to become mushy. The chicken can be seasoned and stored uncooked in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before air frying. You can even prepare the bang bang sauce up to five days ahead keeping it in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
Clever Substitutions
This recipe welcomes adaptations based on what you have available. Brown rice can replace white rice for added fiber just note it may require slightly more cooking time to crisp up properly. Chicken thighs make an excellent substitute for chicken breasts offering more moisture and flavor though you may need to increase cooking time by 2 minutes. For a vegetarian version swap the chicken with extra firm tofu pressed and cubed the same way. If you prefer less heat in your bang bang sauce add a tablespoon of honey to balance the spice level while maintaining that signature sweet kick.

Serving Suggestions
Serve this vibrant dish family style in a large shallow bowl allowing everyone to see the beautiful colors and textures. Accompany it with simple sides like cucumber salad dressed with rice vinegar and sesame seeds for refreshing contrast. For a complete Asian inspired feast add steamed edamame sprinkled with flaky sea salt and perhaps some quick pickled vegetables. This dish pairs wonderfully with a cold Tsingtao beer for adults or a sparkling lemonade for a family friendly option that cuts through the richness.
The History Behind Bang Bang
The name bang bang chicken comes from the traditional Sichuan preparation where poached chicken is pounded with a wooden mallet or bang bang before being dressed with a spicy sauce. Our version takes creative liberties by combining this concept with American Chinese fried rice creating a fusion dish that honors both culinary traditions. The sauce has evolved significantly in Western kitchens becoming creamier and often sweeter than its Chinese counterpart but maintains that signature spicy kick that makes it so addictive and perfect for transforming simple ingredients into an exciting meal.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → How do I cook the chicken for this dish?
The chicken is marinated with oil, spices, and half of the bang bang sauce, then air fried at 400°F for 11-12 minutes, flipping halfway. Ensure it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
- → Can I make the fried rice without day-old rice?
Yes, you can use freshly cooked rice, but let it cool completely before adding it to the skillet to prevent it from becoming mushy.
- → What is Bang Bang Sauce made of?
Bang Bang Sauce is typically a combination of mayo, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, and a touch of honey or sugar for balance.
- → Can I use a skillet instead of an air fryer for the chicken?
Yes, you can pan-fry the coated chicken in a large skillet over medium heat until golden brown and cooked through.
- → What can I substitute for sesame oil?
If you don't have sesame oil, use a neutral oil like vegetable or canola oil, though sesame oil provides a unique nutty flavor.