Bang Bang Chicken: The Ultimate Bang Bang Chicken and Fried Rice Recipe
Introduction to Bang Bang Chicken
Bang Bang Chicken is an exciting dish that combines tender, flavorful chicken with a spicy and creamy sauce, served over a bed of delicious fried rice. This recipe is perfect for those who love vibrant flavors and a satisfying meal. Whether you’re cooking for family or friends, this dish is sure to impress with its bold taste and appealing presentation.
A Personal Story Behind My Bang Bang Chicken Journey
Growing up, my family loved to gather around the dinner table for meals filled with laughter and great food. One of our favorites was a spicy chicken dish that always brought a smile to everyone’s face. As I learned to cook, I wanted to recreate that joy, and thus, my journey with Bang Bang Chicken began. It has since become a staple in my home, bringing warmth and happiness to every meal.
What Makes This Bang Bang Chicken Recipe Special?
What sets this recipe apart is the irresistible Bang Bang Sauce that infuses the chicken with flavor. The combination of crispy chicken and savory fried rice creates a balanced dish that is both comforting and exciting. Plus, the air fryer method ensures that the chicken remains juicy while getting that perfect golden crunch. This recipe is easy to follow, making it accessible for cooks of all skill levels.
The Full Bang Bang Chicken Recipe
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 (250 g) 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 garlic, minced
- 4 cups long-grain white rice, cooked and cooled
- ¼ cup (½ stick / 57 g) unsalted butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- ⅓ cup (45 g) frozen peas
Instructions
- In a large bowl, mix the cubed chicken with vegetable oil, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper until well coated. This step ensures that the chicken is flavorful.
- Preheat the air fryer to 400°F. Preheating is crucial for achieving that crispy texture.
- Place the seasoned chicken in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Cook for 11–12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. Remember, cooking times may vary based on the air fryer model.
- Transfer the cooked chicken to a medium bowl, cover with foil to keep warm, and set aside.
- In a large skillet over high heat, add 1 tablespoon of sesame oil. Pour in the beaten eggs, sprinkle with salt, and scramble gently until just set. Transfer eggs to a plate. This step adds a rich texture to the fried rice.
- Reduce heat to medium-high. Add the remaining sesame oil, diced carrots, onion, and green onions. Cook for about 5 minutes until carrots are tender. Stir in minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
- Add the cooled rice to the skillet, breaking it up with a spatula and stirring into the vegetables. Cook for 2–3 minutes until heated through.
- Mix in the scrambled eggs, melted butter, lemon juice, soy sauce, and peas. Stir well and cook for another 2–3 minutes until everything is hot and coated. This creates a deliciously creamy fried rice.
- Just before serving, mix the cooked chicken with ½ cup of Bang Bang Sauce. The sauce adds that signature kick!
- Serve by topping the fried rice with the bang bang chicken. Drizzle with additional Bang Bang Sauce if desired and garnish with extra green onions for a pop of color.
Serving Suggestions and Variations for Bang Bang Chicken
This dish is fantastic on its own, but you can also serve it with a side of steamed broccoli or a light salad for a refreshing contrast. For those who love a bit of heat, consider adding some red pepper flakes to the fried rice for an extra kick. You can also swap the chicken for shrimp or tofu for a different protein option. The versatility of this recipe makes it suitable for various dietary preferences!
Frequently Asked Questions About Bang Bang Chicken
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the chicken and fried rice in advance. Store them separately in the refrigerator and reheat when ready to serve. Just be mindful to heat thoroughly.
Is Bang Bang Sauce spicy?
The Bang Bang Sauce has a kick to it, but you can adjust the spiciness by adding more or less sauce to your chicken. If you’re sensitive to spice, use less sauce or mix it with some mayonnaise for a milder flavor.
Can I freeze leftovers?
Absolutely! Both the chicken and fried rice can be frozen. Just ensure they are stored in airtight containers. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
No alcoholic drinks allowed, please substitute with a non-alcoholic option.
Recipe Stats
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cooking Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Calories per Serving: 480
- Servings: 6
Bang Bang Chicken and Fried Rice
Equipment
- Air fryer For cooking the chicken.
- Skillet For making the fried rice.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 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
- 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
- 0.25 cup unsalted butter melted
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 0.33 cup frozen peas
Instructions
- In a large bowl, mix the cubed chicken with vegetable oil, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper until well coated. This step ensures that the chicken is flavorful.
- Preheat the air fryer to 400°F. Preheating is crucial for achieving that crispy texture.
- Place the seasoned chicken in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Cook for 11–12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. Remember, cooking times may vary based on the air fryer model.
- Transfer the cooked chicken to a medium bowl, cover with foil to keep warm, and set aside.
- In a large skillet over high heat, add 1 tablespoon of sesame oil. Pour in the beaten eggs, sprinkle with salt, and scramble gently until just set. Transfer eggs to a plate. This step adds a rich texture to the fried rice.
- Reduce heat to medium-high. Add the remaining sesame oil, diced carrots, onion, and green onions. Cook for about 5 minutes until carrots are tender. Stir in minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
- Add the cooled rice to the skillet, breaking it up with a spatula and stirring into the vegetables. Cook for 2–3 minutes until heated through.
- Mix in the scrambled eggs, melted butter, lemon juice, soy sauce, and peas. Stir well and cook for another 2–3 minutes until everything is hot and coated. This creates a deliciously creamy fried rice.
- Just before serving, mix the cooked chicken with ½ cup of Bang Bang Sauce. The sauce adds that signature kick!
- Serve by topping the fried rice with the bang bang chicken. Drizzle with additional Bang Bang Sauce if desired and garnish with extra green onions for a pop of color.