This Bang Bang Chicken Fried Rice combines crispy, seasoned chicken tossed in a sweet and spicy sauce with savory fried rice, scrambled eggs, and fresh vegetables. It’s a hearty, flavorful dish that brings all the excitement of a takeout favorite into my kitchen—no delivery required.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it fuses two comforting dishes into one amazing meal. The tender, crispy chicken coated in creamy Bang Bang sauce delivers bold flavor, while the rice is packed with texture from the veggies and richness from the eggs and butter. It’s quick, easy, and perfect for a weeknight dinner or a casual gathering. Plus, I get to use up any leftover rice, making it super convenient.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

1½ 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
2 tablespoons sesame oil, divided
4 large eggs, beaten
½ teaspoon kosher salt
2 large carrots, diced
1 large white onion, diced
¼ cup green onions, diced, plus more for garnish
1 teaspoon minced garlic
4 cups long-grain white rice, cooked and cooled
¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
1 teaspoon lemon juice
2 tablespoons soy sauce
⅓ cup frozen peas

Directions

I toss the chicken with vegetable oil, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until evenly coated.
I preheat the air fryer to 400°F, place the chicken in a single layer, and cook for 11–12 minutes, flipping halfway through until golden and cooked through. Then I set it aside and keep it warm.
In a large skillet over high heat, I add 1 tablespoon of sesame oil. Once hot, I pour in the beaten eggs, season with salt, and scramble them gently. I transfer the eggs to a plate and set aside.
I reduce the heat to medium-high, add the remaining sesame oil, and sauté the carrots, white onion, and green onions for about 5 minutes. I stir in the garlic and cook for another minute.
I add the rice to the skillet, breaking up clumps and letting it heat through for 2–3 minutes.
I return the scrambled eggs to the pan, then add butter, lemon juice, soy sauce, and peas. I stir to combine and cook for a few more minutes.
I toss the cooked chicken with ½ cup of the Bang Bang sauce.
To serve, I top the fried rice with the sauced chicken, drizzle more Bang Bang sauce if I want, and garnish with green onions.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 4
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes

Variations

I swap the chicken with shrimp or tofu when I want to change things up.
I add extra vegetables like bell peppers or snap peas for more crunch and color.
I sometimes use brown rice or cauliflower rice as a healthier base.
I adjust the amount of sriracha in the sauce depending on how spicy I want it.

Storage/Reheating

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
To reheat, I warm the fried rice in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water or soy sauce. In a pinch, I microwave it with a damp paper towel on top.
I freeze portions in airtight containers for up to 3 months, then thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

FAQs

What is Bang Bang sauce made of?

Bang Bang sauce is typically made with mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, and sriracha. Sometimes I add a touch of honey or lemon juice for extra balance.

Can I use freshly cooked rice?

Yes, but I prefer day-old rice because it’s firmer and less sticky. If I use fresh rice, I cool it quickly in the fridge first to dry it out a bit.

Do I need an air fryer for the chicken?

No. I often pan-fry the chicken in a hot skillet with oil for about 6–8 minutes, turning until it’s golden and fully cooked.

Can I make this vegetarian?

Yes. I replace the chicken with crispy tofu or a meatless alternative and make sure all the sauces I use are vegetarian.

Can I prep this dish ahead of time?

Absolutely. I often cook the rice, chop the veggies, and make the sauce ahead of time. Then I just cook the chicken and bring everything together when I’m ready to eat.

Conclusion

This Bang Bang Chicken Fried Rice is everything I want in a meal: flavorful, quick, and deeply satisfying. It’s flexible enough to suit my tastes and easy enough for busy nights. Whether I’m feeding a family or meal prepping for the week, it never disappoints.