Ingredients

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 (for eggs)

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 (preferably day-old)

¼ cup unsalted butter, melted

1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice

2 tablespoons soy sauce

⅓ cup frozen peas

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F. In a bowl, toss the chicken cubes with vegetable oil, paprika, garlic powder, kosher salt, and black pepper until evenly coated.

Step 2: Place the chicken in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Cook for 11 to 12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the chicken is cooked through and lightly crispy.

Step 3: Heat 1 tablespoon of sesame oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the beaten eggs seasoned with ½ teaspoon kosher salt and scramble them until just set. Remove the eggs from the skillet and set aside.

Step 4: Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of sesame oil to the skillet. Sauté the diced carrots, white onion, and ¼ cup green onions for about 5 minutes until softened. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.

Step 5: Add the cooked and cooled rice to the skillet. Break apart any clumps and stir-fry for 2 to 3 minutes until the rice starts to get slightly crispy.

Step 6: Return the scrambled eggs to the skillet. Stir in melted butter, fresh lemon juice, soy sauce, and frozen peas. Cook for an additional 2 to 3 minutes to warm everything through and combine the flavors.

Step 7: Toss the cooked chicken with ½ cup of the bang bang sauce until it is fully coated and flavorful.

Step 8: Serve the fried rice on plates or in a large serving dish. Top with the bang bang chicken pieces, drizzle with the remaining sauce, and garnish with additional green onions for a fresh finish.

Tips & Variations

Use day-old rice for the best texture, as fresh rice can be too soft and sticky for frying.

Add chopped bell peppers or snap peas for extra crunch and color.

Substitute chicken with shrimp or tofu for a different protein option.

If you don’t have an air fryer, cook the chicken in a hot skillet until browned and cooked through.

Adjust the amount of bang bang sauce to control the spice level to your taste.

FAQs

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari in place of regular soy sauce, and confirm that the bang bang sauce you use is gluten-free to keep the dish safe for gluten-sensitive diets.

What is bang bang sauce?

Bang bang sauce is a creamy, spicy sauce often made with mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, and sriracha. It adds a flavorful kick that pairs perfectly with crispy chicken.