If you’re looking for a dish that’s bold, colorful, and absolutely loaded with flavor, the Bang Bang Chicken Bowl is about to become your new go-to weeknight dinner. This vibrant bowl brings together juicy, crispy chicken tossed in a creamy, spicy-sweet bang bang sauce, all nestled over fluffy rice and packed with fresh veggies for crunch and contrast. Every bite is a party of textures and tastes, making it perfect for anyone who craves a meal that’s as fun as it is satisfying. Simple enough for busy days but special enough to impress, this is the kind of recipe you’ll make on repeat.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The Bang Bang Chicken Bowl keeps things refreshingly simple, relying on just a handful of kitchen staples and a few fresh ingredients. Each component plays a starring role, building layers of flavor, crunch, and color that make every bite memorable.
- Chicken breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts create juicy, tender bites that soak up all that irresistible sauce.
- Salt: A little goes a long way to bring out the natural flavors in the chicken.
- Black pepper: Adds a subtle heat and depth to the seasoning.
- Garlic powder: Infuses the chicken with a gentle garlic aroma without overpowering the dish.
- Cornstarch: Coats each piece of chicken for a crispy, golden crust when pan-fried.
- Olive oil: For quick sautéing, giving the chicken a gorgeous sear.
- Cooked rice: White or brown rice provides a comforting, neutral base to soak up all the saucy goodness.
- Shredded lettuce or cabbage: Adds a fresh, crisp layer that balances the richness of the sauce.
- Shredded carrots: Bring a pop of color and a hint of natural sweetness.
- Avocado: Sliced avocado gives creamy, cool contrast to the spicy chicken.
- Green onions: Chopped for a zippy, fresh garnish.
- Sesame seeds (optional): For a nutty finish and a little extra crunch.
- Mayonnaise (for Bang Bang Sauce): The creamy base that makes the sauce so luscious.
- Sweet chili sauce (for Bang Bang Sauce): Adds a touch of sweetness and gentle heat.
- Sriracha (for Bang Bang Sauce): Brings the perfect kick—adjust to your spice preference!
- Honey (for Bang Bang Sauce): Rounds out the spice with a hint of mellow sweetness.
- Rice vinegar (for Bang Bang Sauce): Gives the sauce its signature tangy lift.
How to Make Bang Bang Chicken Bowl
Step 1: Whisk Up the Bang Bang Sauce
Start by making the star of the show: the bang bang sauce! In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, honey, and rice vinegar until everything is smooth and well-blended. This creamy, spicy-sweet sauce is the magic that ties the whole Bang Bang Chicken Bowl together. Set it aside—you’ll want it ready for drizzling and tossing.
Step 2: Season and Coat the Chicken
Take your chicken breast pieces and season them generously with salt, black pepper, and garlic powder. Next, toss the seasoned chicken with cornstarch until every piece is coated. This step is key for getting that signature crispy exterior once you cook the chicken, so don’t skip it!
Step 3: Cook the Chicken
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the cornstarch-coated chicken pieces in a single layer and let them cook for about 6 to 8 minutes, turning occasionally, until they’re golden and cooked through. The cornstarch will help create a light, crispy crust that holds up perfectly to the sauce. Once cooked, remove the pan from the heat and toss the chicken with a few tablespoons of the bang bang sauce, making sure each piece gets a good coating.
Step 4: Assemble Your Bowls
Time to build your Bang Bang Chicken Bowl! Divide the cooked rice between two serving bowls. Top each with a generous handful of shredded lettuce or cabbage, a sprinkle of shredded carrots, creamy avocado slices, and your saucy chicken. Finish off with extra bang bang sauce drizzled over the top, then sprinkle on green onions and sesame seeds if you’re feeling fancy.
How to Serve Bang Bang Chicken Bowl
Garnishes
The right garnishes can take your Bang Bang Chicken Bowl from tasty to unforgettable. Don’t hold back! A scatter of sesame seeds adds a subtle nutty crunch, while extra green onions bring a pop of color and a sharp, fresh bite that cuts through the creamy sauce. For even more zing, add a lime wedge on the side for squeezing.
Side Dishes
While the Bang Bang Chicken Bowl is a complete meal on its own, it pairs beautifully with simple sides. Try a quick cucumber salad, steamed edamame, or roasted broccoli for extra veggies. If you’re in the mood for something heartier, crispy spring rolls or dumplings are always a welcome addition.
Creative Ways to Present
Get playful with presentation! Serve your Bang Bang Chicken Bowl in a wide, shallow dish for a “build-your-own” vibe at the table, or make a fun mini bowl version for a party or lunchbox. Layer the ingredients in a mason jar for a portable lunch, or arrange everything bento-style with the sauce on the side for dipping.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with extra Bang Bang Chicken Bowl components, store each part separately in airtight containers in the fridge. The chicken and rice will keep for up to 3 days, while the veggies are best enjoyed fresh. Keep the sauce in its own container so it stays creamy and doesn’t make anything soggy.
Freezing
While the fresh veggies and avocado don’t freeze well, you can freeze the cooked chicken and rice for meal prep magic. Let them cool completely, then portion into freezer-safe bags or containers. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating and assembling with fresh toppings.
Reheating
To reheat, warm the chicken and rice in the microwave or on the stovetop until piping hot. If the chicken seems a bit dry, add a splash of water or an extra drizzle of bang bang sauce before reheating. Assemble your bowl with fresh veggies and avocado just before serving for the best taste and texture.
FAQs
Can I make the Bang Bang Chicken Bowl gluten-free?
Absolutely! Just be sure to use gluten-free versions of chili sauce and mayonnaise, and double-check all your condiments. The base ingredients are naturally gluten-free, making this recipe very easy to adapt for dietary needs.
What can I use instead of chicken?
Feel free to switch things up! This recipe is fantastic with shrimp, crispy tofu, or even thinly sliced beef for different flavors and textures. Just adjust the cooking time as needed for your protein of choice.
How spicy is the bang bang sauce?
The sauce brings a nice gentle heat, but it’s easy to customize. If you love spice, add more sriracha. Prefer things milder? Use less sriracha or swap it out for a bit more sweet chili sauce.
Can I prep the ingredients ahead of time?
Definitely! You can cook the chicken and rice a day in advance and whip up the sauce ahead of time. Just store everything separately and assemble the bowls when you’re ready to eat for the freshest results.
Is this Bang Bang Chicken Bowl good for meal prep?
Yes, it’s a meal prep superstar! Pack the chicken, rice, and veggies in individual containers, keeping the sauce separate until you’re ready to eat. Add the avocado right before serving to keep it fresh and green.
Final Thoughts
There’s something undeniably satisfying about digging into a Bang Bang Chicken Bowl—every forkful is a burst of flavor and texture that keeps you coming back for more. Whether you’re whipping it up for a quick weeknight dinner or meal prepping for the busy week ahead, this dish is sure to become a favorite. Give it a try and make it your own—I promise, you’re going to love every bite!
Print
Bang Bang Chicken Bowl Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Bang Bang Chicken Bowl is a flavorful and satisfying Asian-inspired dish featuring tender chicken tossed in a creamy, spicy bang bang sauce, served over a bed of rice with fresh vegetables and garnished with green onions and sesame seeds. Perfect for a quick and delicious dinner, it combines a sweet, spicy, and tangy sauce with wholesome ingredients for a balanced meal.
Ingredients
Chicken and Bowl Ingredients
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 cup cooked white or brown rice
- 1 cup shredded lettuce or cabbage
- 1/2 cup shredded carrots
- 1/2 avocado, sliced
- 2 green onions, chopped
- Sesame seeds for garnish (optional)
Bang Bang Sauce
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons sweet chili sauce
- 1 tablespoon sriracha (adjust to taste)
- 1 teaspoon honey
- 1 teaspoon rice vinegar
Instructions
- Prepare the Bang Bang Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, honey, and rice vinegar until smooth. Set aside to allow flavors to meld.
- Season the Chicken: In a medium bowl, season the bite-sized chicken pieces with salt, black pepper, and garlic powder. Toss the chicken with cornstarch until evenly coated to ensure a crispy texture when cooked.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the coated chicken pieces and cook for 6 to 8 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through.
- Toss Chicken with Sauce: Remove the skillet from heat and toss the cooked chicken with a few tablespoons of the prepared bang bang sauce to coat evenly and add flavor.
- Assemble the Bowls: Divide the cooked rice evenly between two bowls. Top each with shredded lettuce or cabbage, shredded carrots, sliced avocado, and the sauced chicken pieces.
- Finish and Serve: Drizzle additional bang bang sauce over the assembled bowls. Garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds, if desired. Serve immediately to enjoy the dish at its freshest.
Notes
- For a low-carb option, replace the rice with cauliflower rice.
- This dish works well with shrimp or tofu as a substitute for chicken.
- Use gluten-free mayonnaise and sweet chili sauce to make the recipe gluten-free.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 680mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 19g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
