Description: An explosion of flavor in every bite! This Bang Bang Chicken Fried Rice combines succulent air-fried chicken coated in a creamy, spicy Bang Bang sauce with perfectly cooked fried rice packed with colorful vegetables and fluffy scrambled eggs. It’s a restaurant-quality meal you can easily make at home.
Ingredients:
For the Chicken:
- 1½ lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp kosher salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 cup Bang Bang sauce, divided (store-bought or homemade – see notes for a quick recipe)
For the Fried Rice:
- 2 tbsp sesame oil, divided
- 4 large eggs, beaten
- ½ tsp kosher salt
- 2 large carrots, diced
- 1 large white onion, diced
- ¼ cup green onions, diced (plus more for garnish)
- 1 tsp garlic, minced
- 4 cups long-grain white rice, cooked and cooled (day-old rice is best)
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 tsp lemon juice
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- ⅓ cup frozen peas
Preparation:
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken: Cut the chicken breasts into 1-inch cubes. This size is ideal for quick and even cooking in the air fryer. Ensuring the pieces are roughly the same size will prevent some pieces from overcooking while others remain undercooked.
Step 2: Season the Chicken: In a bowl, toss the cubed chicken with vegetable oil, paprika, garlic powder, kosher salt, and black pepper. The oil helps the spices adhere to the chicken and promotes even browning in the air fryer. The paprika and garlic powder add depth of flavor, while salt and pepper enhance the natural taste of the chicken. Make sure each piece is coated well.
Step 3: Air Fry the Chicken: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Place the seasoned chicken in the air fryer basket in a single layer. It’s crucial to avoid overcrowding the basket to ensure the chicken cooks evenly and gets crispy. If necessary, cook the chicken in batches. Cook for 11-12 minutes, flipping halfway through. The chicken is done when it’s golden brown and its internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness.
Step 4: Keep Chicken Warm: Once cooked, transfer the chicken to a plate and cover it with foil to keep it warm while you prepare the fried rice. This prevents the chicken from cooling down too much and ensures it stays juicy and tender.
Step 5: Scramble the Eggs: In a large skillet or wok over high heat, add 1 tablespoon of sesame oil. Sesame oil adds a nutty aroma and flavor that complements the other ingredients in the fried rice. Pour in the beaten eggs, sprinkle with kosher salt, and scramble gently into soft curds. Avoid overcooking the eggs; they should be slightly soft and moist.
Step 6: Set Eggs Aside: Transfer the scrambled eggs to a plate and set aside. This prevents them from overcooking and becoming rubbery when you add them back into the fried rice later.
Step 7: Sauté the Vegetables: Reduce the heat to medium-high. Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of sesame oil to the skillet. Add the diced carrots, onions, and green onions. Sauté for about 5 minutes, or until the carrots are tender-crisp. Cooking the vegetables until they are slightly softened enhances their flavor and texture.
Step 8: Add Garlic: Add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook for 1 more minute, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can become bitter.
Step 9: Fry the Rice: Add the cooked and cooled long-grain white rice to the skillet. Break it up with a spatula and stir into the vegetables. Using day-old rice is crucial for making good fried rice, as it has less moisture and will fry up better.
Step 10: Cook the Rice: Cook the rice for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it is heated through. Make sure to break up any clumps of rice to ensure it cooks evenly and gets coated with the flavors of the vegetables and oil.
Step 11: Finish the Rice: Stir in the scrambled eggs, melted butter, lemon juice, soy sauce, and frozen peas. The melted butter adds richness and flavor to the rice, while the lemon juice brightens it up. The soy sauce provides a savory umami flavor, and the frozen peas add a pop of color and freshness.
Step 12: Combine and Heat: Cook for another 2-3 minutes, until everything is hot and evenly coated. Stir frequently to prevent the rice from sticking to the skillet.
Step 13: Sauce the Chicken: Toss the cooked chicken with ½ cup of Bang Bang sauce. Make sure the chicken is evenly coated in the sauce for maximum flavor.
Step 14: Assemble and Serve: Serve the fried rice topped with the sauced chicken. Drizzle the remaining Bang Bang sauce over the top if desired. Garnish with extra green onions for a pop of color and freshness.
Why You Will Love This Recipe:
This Bang Bang Chicken Fried Rice is a symphony of flavors and textures that will tantalize your taste buds. The succulent, slightly spicy chicken pairs perfectly with the savory fried rice, creating a balanced and satisfying meal. It’s also incredibly versatile – you can easily customize it with your favorite vegetables and protein. Plus, it’s a great way to use up leftover rice! This recipe is also quicker and healthier than takeout, making it a perfect weeknight dinner option. The air fryer method for the chicken cuts down on added oil without sacrificing crispiness. Finally, the combination of sweet, savory, and spicy flavors makes it a crowd-pleaser, sure to become a family favorite.
Serving Suggestions:
- Garnish with extra green onions, sesame seeds, or a drizzle of sriracha for added flavor and visual appeal.
- Serve with a side of steamed broccoli or a simple side salad for a complete and balanced meal.
- Offer a variety of toppings and condiments, such as extra Bang Bang sauce, soy sauce, or chili garlic sauce, to allow everyone to customize their dish.
- Pair with a refreshing beverage like iced tea or lemonade.
- For a vegetarian option, substitute the chicken with tofu or tempeh.
Tips:
- Use day-old rice for the best texture in your fried rice. Freshly cooked rice tends to be too moist and can result in mushy fried rice.
- Don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket when cooking the chicken. Cook in batches if necessary to ensure even cooking.
- Adjust the amount of Bang Bang sauce to your liking. If you prefer a milder flavor, use less sauce.
- Feel free to add other vegetables to the fried rice, such as bell peppers, mushrooms, or bean sprouts.
- For a spicier kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the fried rice.
- To make your own Bang Bang sauce, whisk together mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, and sriracha to taste.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Nutritional Information: (Approximate, may vary based on specific ingredients used)
- Calories: 650-750 per serving
- Protein: 40-50g per serving
- Sodium: 800-1000mg per serving
Conclusion:
This Bang Bang Chicken Fried Rice is a flavorful and satisfying meal that is sure to become a staple in your kitchen. With its perfect blend of sweet, savory, and spicy flavors, this dish is a delightful experience. It’s easy to make, customizable, and a definite crowd-pleaser. So gather your ingredients, follow the simple steps, and get ready to enjoy a taste of restaurant-quality fried rice in the comfort of your own home! This recipe is a testament to how simple ingredients and clever cooking techniques can come together to create something truly special. Enjoy!
5 Questions and Answers About This Recipe:
Q1: Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
A: Yes, you can substitute brown rice for white rice. However, keep in mind that brown rice takes longer to cook and has a slightly different texture. Ensure the brown rice is cooked and cooled before using it in the fried rice recipe. The cooking time for the fried rice may also need to be adjusted slightly to ensure the brown rice is heated through properly.
Q2: Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
A: Absolutely! You can easily make this recipe vegetarian by replacing the chicken with tofu or tempeh. Simply cut the tofu or tempeh into cubes and season it with the same spices used for the chicken. You can air fry or pan-fry the tofu or tempeh until golden brown and crispy. Then, toss it with the Bang Bang sauce as directed in the recipe.
Q3: Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
A: While it’s best enjoyed fresh, you can prepare the individual components of this recipe ahead of time. Cook the chicken and rice separately and store them in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to assemble the dish, simply reheat the chicken and rice, and then follow the remaining steps of the recipe. However, it’s not recommended to assemble the entire dish ahead of time, as the rice may become soggy.
Q4: What is Bang Bang sauce?
A: Bang Bang sauce is a creamy, spicy sauce that typically consists of mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, and sriracha. The exact proportions of each ingredient can be adjusted to suit your taste. Some variations may also include other ingredients, such as honey, rice vinegar, or garlic.
Q5: Can I use a different cooking method for the chicken?
A: Yes, you can use a different cooking method for the chicken if you don’t have an air fryer. You can pan-fry the chicken in a skillet over medium-high heat until it’s cooked through and golden brown. Alternatively, you can bake the chicken in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 20-25 minutes, or until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
