If you’re craving a meal that’s creamy, crispy, spicy, and sweet all at once, the Bang Bang Chicken Bowl is your ultimate flavor fix. This dish features tender, crispy chicken bites drizzled with a fiery-sweet bang bang sauce, all nestled atop a bed of fluffy rice and vibrant vegetables. What makes it even more irresistible? The explosive combo of heat and creaminess in the sauce that hits every taste bud.
Whether you’re planning a weeknight dinner or a meal prep session, the Bang Bang Chicken Bowl delivers gourmet flavors in a fuss-free format that’s simple to assemble. This Asian-American fusion favorite turns pantry staples and easy techniques into a restaurant-quality bowl you’ll crave again and again.
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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
There are countless reasons to add this Bang Bang Chicken Bowl to your rotation:
- Flavor Fusion: Spicy, tangy, sweet, and creamy — every bite is a flavor bomb.
- Quick & Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes, with ingredients you probably already have.
- Meal Prep Friendly: The components can be made ahead and stored separately.
- Customizable: Swap in cauliflower for a vegetarian twist or switch rice with quinoa.
- Kid-Friendly: Simply reduce the spice for little taste buds.
Bonus: If you enjoyed spicy chicken combinations like the Hot Honey Chicken Bowl, you’ll love this too.
Ingredients for Bang Bang Chicken Bowl
Creating this knockout recipe starts with simple, flavorful ingredients:
For the Chicken:
- Chicken Breast (boneless, skinless): Lean protein that crisps beautifully when breaded.
- Cornstarch or Flour: Creates a crunchy coating when fried or baked.
- Egg: Helps the breading stick.
- Salt and Pepper: Base seasoning to enhance the chicken’s flavor.
For the Bang Bang Sauce:
- Mayonnaise: Provides a creamy, cooling base.
- Sweet Chili Sauce: Brings sweetness and mild heat.
- Sriracha: Adds that signature kick.
- Honey (optional): Boosts sweetness and balances heat.
For the Bowl:
- Jasmine Rice or Brown Rice: A soft, fluffy base to soak up all the sauce.
- Shredded Carrots, Cucumbers, Edamame, and Red Cabbage: Adds crunch and freshness.
- Green Onions & Cilantro: For color and a pop of herby flavor.
- Sesame Seeds: Optional garnish for crunch and nutty flavor.
How to Make Bang Bang Chicken Bowl
Follow these easy steps for a flawless bowl every time:
Step 1: Prep the Chicken
Cut the chicken into bite-sized chunks. Season lightly with salt and pepper. Dredge each piece in flour or cornstarch, dip in whisked egg, and coat again in flour. Set aside.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
Fry the coated chicken pieces in a skillet over medium-high heat with a light layer of oil until golden brown and cooked through. Alternatively, bake or air fry for a lighter option.
Step 3: Make the Sauce
In a bowl, whisk together mayo, sweet chili sauce, and sriracha. Adjust sweetness with honey if desired. Taste and tweak the spice to your liking.
Step 4: Assemble the Bowl
Layer warm rice in a bowl. Top with the crispy chicken and drizzle generously with the bang bang sauce. Add fresh veggies like carrots, cucumber, and red cabbage around the chicken.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Sprinkle green onions, cilantro, and sesame seeds for texture and color. Serve immediately.
If you’re into layered flavors, you might also love the contrast in Sheet Pan Chicken Pitas with Herby Ranch Slaw.
Tips for Making the Recipe
For the best Bang Bang Chicken Bowl, here are pro-level tips to elevate every component:
- Double dredge the chicken for extra crunch that holds up under the sauce.
- Use chilled rice if you’re meal prepping—this prevents sogginess.
- Customize heat by adjusting sriracha and chili sauce proportions.
- Air fryer friendly: Just spray breaded chicken with oil and cook at 400°F for 10–12 minutes.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan when frying, or your chicken won’t crisp properly.
One tip that’s often overlooked? Let the fried chicken rest on a wire rack to keep it crisp while assembling your bowl.
How to Serve Bang Bang Chicken Bowl
You’ve got options when it comes to enjoying your Bang Bang Chicken Bowl. Serve it as a:
- Power lunch topped with avocado and quinoa for extra nutrition.
- Dinner centerpiece with a side of miso soup or sesame noodles.
- Party bowl bar: Set out toppings and let guests build their own bowls.
- Wrap filling: Stuff leftovers into a wrap for an easy on-the-go lunch.
The vibrant color and bold flavor also pair perfectly with fresh summer salads like this Tomato and Artichoke Salad with Capers.
Make Ahead and Storage
Meal prepping this bowl is a breeze:
- Make the sauce up to 5 days ahead; store it in an airtight container in the fridge.
- Prep and cook the chicken 1–2 days in advance and reheat in the oven or air fryer to restore crispness.
- Chop vegetables a day ahead and store separately to keep them fresh and crunchy.
- Store leftovers in divided containers. Keep the sauce separate to avoid sogginess.
These tips let you whip up a crave-worthy lunch even on your busiest days.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a bang bang chicken bowl?
A Bang Bang Chicken Bowl is a deconstructed version of the classic Bang Bang Chicken dish featuring crispy chicken drizzled in spicy, creamy sauce over rice with fresh veggies.
What is the sauce in Bang Bang Chicken?
The bang bang sauce is a creamy blend of mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, and sometimes honey — creating a perfect balance of sweet and heat.
What is a bang bang bowl?
A bang bang bowl includes a base (usually rice), crispy protein (chicken or shrimp), vegetables, and a bang bang sauce, assembled together like a nourish bowl.
What to put with bang bang chicken?
Common pairings include jasmine rice, shredded carrots, cucumber, edamame, avocado, or even noodles. A side of soy-glazed greens also works well.
Why do they call it bang bang chicken?
The name comes from the traditional Chinese method of tenderizing chicken with a stick or mallet—literally “bang bang”—though Western versions focus more on the sauce.
What does Bang Bang sauce consist of?
The basic bang bang sauce includes mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, and sriracha. Some versions add honey, vinegar, or lime juice for extra depth.
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Bang Bang Chicken Bowl
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
Crispy golden chicken, bold and creamy bang bang sauce, fresh veggies, and rice all in one powerhouse bowl.
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1/2 cup cornstarch or flour
- 1 egg
- Salt and pepper to taste
- For the Bang Bang Sauce:
- 1/3 cup mayonnaise
- 3 tablespoons sweet chili sauce
- 1 tablespoon sriracha
- 1 teaspoon honey (optional for added sweetness)
For the Bowl:
- 2 cups cooked jasmine rice
- 1/2 cup shredded carrots
- 1/2 cup edamame (steamed)
- 1/2 cup shredded red cabbage
- 1/2 cucumber, thinly sliced
- 2 green onions, chopped
- Cilantro and sesame seeds for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Cut the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces. Season lightly with salt and pepper.
- Dredge and Coat: Dredge each chicken piece in cornstarch or flour, dip into a beaten egg, and then coat again in cornstarch or flour. Set aside on a plate.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat a skillet over medium-high heat with a light layer of oil. Fry chicken pieces in batches until golden brown and cooked through, about 4-5 minutes per side. Alternatively, air fry at 400°F for 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway.
- Make the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, and honey until smooth and creamy. Adjust heat to taste.
- Assemble the Bowl: Divide cooked rice into bowls. Arrange carrots, cabbage, edamame, and cucumber around the bowl. Add the crispy chicken in the center.
- Top and Serve: Drizzle bang bang sauce generously over the chicken. Garnish with green onions, cilantro, and sesame seeds. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Notes
Customize with cauliflower for a vegetarian version or switch rice with quinoa.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Frying or Air Frying
- Cuisine: Asian-American
Keywords: Bang Bang Chicken Bowl, spicy chicken bowl, creamy chili sauce