You can make this Bang Bang Chicken Fried Rice when you want a takeout-style fried rice loaded with crispy, saucy chicken and a sweet-heat Bang Bang drizzle. Juicy air-fried chicken, buttery fried rice, and a creamy, spicy sauce meet in one pan for a weeknight-friendly, crowd-pleasing meal.
Why You’ll Love This Bang Bang Chicken Fried Rice
You’ll love that this recipe layers flavor in three parts: seasoned crispy chicken, garlicky veggie fried rice, and a bold Bang Bang sauce that ties everything together. Using the air fryer for the chicken keeps it juicy with golden edges, very similar to popular Bang Bang chicken and shrimp recipes that rely on high heat for caramelization. The fried rice itself follows the same principles as classic restaurant-style fried rice—day-old rice, high heat, sesame oil, and butter—so the texture comes out fluffy, not mushy.
Because you sauce the chicken separately and drizzle extra over the top, each bite can be customized from mild to extra-spicy, which matches how Bang Bang bowls and stir-fries are often served. It also reheats well, making it great for meal prep or next-day lunches.