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

Step 1: In a large bowl, toss the cubed chicken with vegetable oil, paprika, garlic powder, kosher salt, and black pepper until evenly coated.

Step 2: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F. Arrange the chicken in a single layer in the air fryer basket, working in batches if needed. Air fry for 11–12 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and cooked through to 165°F internal temperature.

Step 3: Transfer the cooked chicken to a medium bowl and tent with foil to keep warm.

Step 4: Heat 1 tablespoon of sesame oil in a large skillet over high heat. Add beaten eggs sprinkled with kosher salt and scramble gently until just set into soft curds. Remove eggs and set aside.

Step 5: Reduce heat to medium-high and add remaining 1 tablespoon of sesame oil, carrots, diced onion, and green onions. Cook for 5 minutes or until carrots soften. Stir in minced garlic and cook 1 more minute.

Step 6: Add the cooled rice to the skillet, breaking it up with a spatula and stirring into the vegetables. Cook for 2–3 minutes, stirring occasionally until heated through.

Step 7: Stir in the scrambled eggs, melted butter, lemon juice, soy sauce, and frozen peas. Continue cooking for 2–3 minutes until everything is hot and well combined.

Step 8: Just before serving, toss the cooked chicken with ½ cup of bang bang sauce.

Step 9: To serve, mix the bang bang chicken into the fried rice or top the rice with the chicken. Drizzle with remaining bang bang sauce if desired and garnish with extra green onions.

Tips & Variations

Use leftover cooked rice chilled overnight for the best fried rice texture that’s less sticky.

For added crunch, sprinkle toasted sesame seeds or chopped peanuts on top.

Substitute the air fryer with a hot skillet or oven baking to cook the chicken if an air fryer is unavailable.

Add bell peppers or snap peas for additional vegetables and color.

Adjust the amount of bang bang sauce to control spice level and creaminess.

FAQs

Can I make this recipe without an air fryer?

Yes, you can cook the chicken in a hot skillet with a little oil until golden and cooked through, or bake it in a 400°F oven on a lined baking sheet for about 15–18 minutes, flipping halfway.

What is bang bang sauce?

Bang bang sauce is a creamy, spicy sauce typically made from mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, and sriracha. It pairs well with fried chicken or seafood and adds a flavorful kick to dishes like this fried rice.