Bang Bang Chicken Bowl Recipe

Craving a big, bold meal that checks every flavor box—from creamy and spicy to crunchy and fresh? The Bang Bang Chicken Bowl is your new obsession! It’s an all-in-one bowl bursting with juicy chicken, crisp veggies, fluffy rice, and that irresistible sweet-spicy bang bang sauce. Trust me, this is one of those dishes you’ll be dreaming about long after the last bite.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every item in this bowl brings something special—the vibrant vegetables add color and crunch, the chicken soaks up that dreamy bang bang sauce, and the rice ties it all together with comfort. Each ingredient has a purpose, but you’ll find the list refreshingly straightforward.

• Mayonnaise: The creamy base for the bang bang sauce—use full-fat for richness, or swap in light if you prefer.
• Thai Sweet Chili Sauce: Gives the sauce its signature sweetness and a touch of heat—don’t substitute with regular chili sauce as it won’t have the same balance.
• Honey: Adds another layer of sweet stickiness and helps the sauce cling beautifully to the chicken.
• Sriracha: The kick! Adjust to your preferred spice level.
• Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: Cut into bite-sized cubes for quick, even cooking and maximum flavor absorption.
• Vegetable Oil: Coats the chicken, ensuring it cooks up juicy in the air fryer or skillet.
• Paprika & Garlic Powder: These spices add depth and a gentle warmth to the chicken.
• Kosher Salt & Black Pepper: Because simple seasoning is key for truly tasty chicken.
• Cooked White Rice: Fluffy, warm rice soaks up every drop of sauce—jasmine or basmati both work wonders here.
• Red Cabbage: Brings color and a crisp, refreshing bite.
• Carrot (Julienned): For crunch and a slight sweetness that pops against the spicy sauce.
• Cucumber: Adds coolness and textural contrast, balancing the heat and creaminess.
• Avocado: Silky and buttery, avocado makes every forkful a dream.
• Fresh Cilantro & Sesame Seeds: The final flourish—herby freshness and a little nutty crunch!

Variations

Bang Bang Chicken Bowl is endlessly adaptable! You can swap out flavors and components in a heartbeat to suit plant-based diets, gluten-free needs, or whatever veggies you’ve got in the fridge. Don’t hesitate to get creative with your own twist.

• Make it Vegetarian: Swap out the chicken for crispy tofu, or even roasted chickpeas, tossing them in bang bang sauce for that same crave-worthy kick.
• Low-Carb Swap: Use cauliflower rice in place of white rice—it’s fluffy, light, and soaks up the sauce beautifully.
• Add Extra Crunch: Top your bowl with crushed peanuts, crispy wonton strips, or even roasted edamame for bonus texture.
• Switch Up the Veggies: Try bell peppers, snap peas, or shredded lettuce for a fresh new base each time.
• Spice It Up: Stir in a little extra sriracha or sprinkle sliced jalapeños on top for a fiery finish!

How to Make Bang Bang Chicken Bowl

Step 1: Whisk Up the Bang Bang Sauce

Ready for the magic? In just seconds, combine mayonnaise, Thai sweet chili sauce, honey, and sriracha in a bowl. Stir until smooth and dreamy, then set aside—you’ll want to sneak a taste, trust me. This sauce packs that signature sweet, tangy, and spicy punch!

Step 2: Season and Cook the Chicken

In a large bowl, toss your chicken cubes with oil, paprika, garlic powder, and a generous pinch of salt and pepper. For air fryer lovers, cook the seasoned chicken at 400°F for 11-12 minutes, flipping halfway, until perfectly golden and juicy. No air fryer? Sauté in a skillet over medium-high heat until cooked through. However you cook it, the smell will be irresistible!

Step 3: Toss Chicken with Bang Bang Sauce

Once the chicken is piping hot and cooked, place it in a bowl and add about ½ cup of that gorgeous sauce. Toss well—you want every piece coated in creamy, spicy goodness that clings like a hug.

Step 4: Build Your Bang Bang Chicken Bowl

Get ready to assemble! Spoon a mound of rice into four bowls, then arrange the crisp red cabbage, carrots, cucumber, creamy avocado, and finally a big scoop of your saucy bang bang chicken on top. Don’t hold back—make it vibrant and generous.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Drizzle with extra bang bang sauce and sprinkle liberally with fresh cilantro and sesame seeds. The combination of flavors and textures is absolute perfection—dig in while it’s warm!

How to Serve Bang Bang Chicken Bowl

Garnishes

Garnishing is where your Bang Bang Chicken Bowl goes from delicious to dazzling! Sprinkle bright cilantro, toasted sesame seeds, a few thinly sliced scallions, or even a squeeze of lime for a zesty finish. A couple of extra chili slices will make it Instagram-worthy—and give a subtle heat boost.

Side Dishes

This bowl is glorious on its own, but you can pair it with crunchy spring rolls, a refreshing mango salad, or even some miso soup for a full spread. If you’re entertaining, set out extra veggies and dipping sauces so everyone can build their perfect bowl.

Creative Ways to Present

Bang Bang Chicken Bowl shines in all sorts of settings! Try layering it mason jar–style for meal-prep lunches, serving in wide shallow bowls for dinner parties, or even making tiny “bang bang bites” on appetizer spoons. Family style is fun too—set out all the toppings so everyone can customize their masterpiece.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftovers in individual airtight containers, keeping the sauce separate when possible so nothing gets soggy. The Bang Bang Chicken Bowl components keep well for up to three days in the fridge—making lunch or dinner the next day a total breeze!

Freezing

If you want to freeze, focus on the chicken: freeze the cooked, unsauced chicken cubes in a zip-top bag for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight, then reheat and toss in bang bang sauce. Avoid freezing fresh veggies or avocado—they’re best prepped fresh for optimal crunch and color.

Reheating

To reheat, gently warm the chicken in the microwave or a skillet until hot. If you’ve kept the sauce separate, toss the chicken in sauce after reheating so it stays creamy—not oily or separated. Warm your rice, then assemble your bowl fresh with crisp veggies and new avocado slices.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

Your next meal needs to be this Bang Bang Chicken Bowl—trust me, you’ll love every bold, fresh bite. It’s fun, flavorful, and guaranteed to wow anyone lucky enough to share it with you. Give it a try and don’t forget to make extra sauce—you’ll find yourself drizzling it over everything!

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