Bang Bang Chicken Fried Rice
What amazing flavors are found in this Asian dish! The combination of the chicken & the fried rice make for the ideal pairing!
Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 lbs. boneless & skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1″ cubes
- 1 T. vegetable oil
- 1 tsp. paprika
- 1 tsp. garlic powder
- 1 tsp. kosher salt, or to taste
- 1/2 tsp. black pepper, or to taste
- 1 c. Bang Bang sauce, divided
Fried Rice Ingredients:
- 2 T. sesame oil, divided
- 4 large eggs
- 1 tsp. kosher salt, or to taste
- 2 large carrots, diced
- 1 large white onion, diced
- 1/4 c. green onions, diced
- 1 tsp. garlic cloves, minced
- 4 c. long-grain white rice, cooked & cooled
- 1/4 c. unsalted butter, melted
- 1 tsp. lemon juice
- 2 T. soy sauce
- 1/3 c. frozen peas
Directions:
- In a bowl toss the cubed chicken with the vegetable oil, paprika, garlic powder, salt (to taste) & black pepper (to taste). Preheat air fryer to 400° F & cook chicken in a single layer for 11-12 minutes. Flip the chicken halfway through, until golden & cooked to 165° F. Set aside in a bowl covered with foil to keep warm.
- Heat 1 T. of the sesame oil in a large skillet over high heat. Pour in beaten eggs, sprinkle with kosher salt (to taste) & scramble gently until just set into soft curds. Transfer to a plate then set them aside.
- Reduce the heat to medium-high & cook the remaining sesame oil. Add diced carrots, white onion & green onions. Cook for about 5 minutes until the carrots are tender. Stir in the minced garlic & cook for 1 more minute.
- Add the cooked rice to to the skillet, breaking it up with a spatula & stirring it into the vegetables. Let it cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until heated through.
- Add the scrambled eggs, melted butter, lemon juice, soy sauce & peas. Stir well & cook for 2-3 minutes more. Until everything is hot & evenly coated.
- Toss in the cooked chicken with 1/2 c. of the Bang Bang sauce. Serve fried rice topped with the sauced chicken, drizzle the remaining sauce (if desired) & garnish with the extra green onions!
Tips:
- Use day-old cooked rice for the best fried rice texture to avoid mushiness.
- If an air fryer is unavailable, cook the chicken in a skillet for 6-8 minutes over medium-high heat, turning occasionally.
- Bang Bang sauce is a sweet & spicy mayo-based sauce integral to this dish.