Get ready to meet your new favorite weeknight dinner. This Bang Bang Chicken Bowl packs an incredible punch of flavor with minimal effort. Imagine perfectly crispy chicken tossed in a creamy, sweet, and spicy sauce, all served over fluffy rice with crisp, fresh toppings. It’s a restaurant-quality meal you can easily make in your own kitchen. If you love flavor-packed rice dishes, this will quickly become a staple in your meal rotation.
This recipe is designed for busy people who don’t want to compromise on taste. It’s simple, incredibly satisfying, and delivers that famous sweet and spicy Bang Bang flavor you crave. Let’s dive in and make a meal your whole family will ask for again and again.
What is a Bang Bang Chicken Bowl?
A Bang Bang Chicken Bowl is a vibrant dish centered around crispy chicken coated in a signature creamy and spicy sauce. The sauce, famously known as Bang Bang sauce, is a magical combination of mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, and a touch of sriracha for heat. The coated chicken is then served over a bed of rice and complemented with fresh, crunchy vegetables like carrots, cucumbers, and edamame, creating a delightful mix of textures and temperatures.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Incredibly Flavorful: The sauce is the star of the show—perfectly balancing creamy, sweet, and spicy notes.
- Quick and Easy: This meal comes together in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for hectic weeknights.
- Highly Customizable: Easily swap veggies, adjust the spice level, or even try a different protein to make it your own.
- Perfect for Meal Prep: The components store beautifully, allowing you to assemble delicious bowls throughout the week. For another fantastic meal prep idea, check out our Sticky Chicken and Rice Bowl.
Key Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe uses simple, easy-to-find ingredients to create its signature flavor. Here’s what you’ll need to gather.
For the Crispy Chicken:
- Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: Cut into 1-inch cubes for the perfect bite-sized pieces.
- Cornstarch: This is the secret to getting that ultra-crispy coating.
- Garlic Powder & Paprika: For seasoning the chicken and adding a layer of flavor.
- Salt and Black Pepper: To taste.
- Vegetable Oil: For pan-frying the chicken to golden perfection.
For the Bang Bang Sauce:
- Mayonnaise: The creamy base of the sauce. Use good quality mayo for the best results.
- Sweet Chili Sauce: Adds a sweet and tangy flavor with a hint of spice.
- Sriracha: For that signature kick of heat. Adjust the amount to your preference.
- Honey: Balances the spice and adds a touch of sweetness.
For Assembling the Bowls:
- Jasmine Rice: Cooked according to package directions. Quinoa or brown rice also work well.
- Shredded Carrots: For a pop of color and crunch.
- Cucumber: Diced or sliced thin for a refreshing element.
- Edamame: Shelled and cooked, adding a great source of protein and texture.
- Green Onions & Sesame Seeds: For garnish.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these simple steps to create the perfect Bang Bang Chicken Bowl right at home.
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
In a medium bowl, combine the chicken pieces with cornstarch, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Toss well until each piece of chicken is evenly coated. This cornstarch layer is what will make your chicken incredibly crispy.
Step 2: Mix the Bang Bang Sauce
In a separate small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, and honey until you have a smooth, creamy sauce. Feel free to taste and adjust the heat by adding more sriracha if you like it extra spicy. Set the sauce aside.
Step 3: Cook the Chicken
Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Once the oil is shimmering, carefully add the coated chicken pieces in a single layer, being sure not to overcrowd the pan. Cook for 3-4 minutes per side, until golden brown, crispy, and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and place it on a wire rack to drain any excess oil.
Step 4: Assemble Your Bang Bang Chicken Bowl
In a large bowl, add the crispy chicken and pour about two-thirds of the Bang Bang sauce over it. Toss gently to coat every piece. To assemble your bowls, divide the cooked jasmine rice among four bowls. Top with the saucy chicken, and arrange the shredded carrots, cucumber, and edamame around the sides. Drizzle with the remaining sauce and garnish with sliced green onions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds before serving.
Pro Tips for Success
- Don’t Crowd the Pan: For the crispiest chicken, cook it in batches if necessary. Overcrowding the pan will steam the chicken instead of frying it.
- Adjust the Sauce: The beauty of this sauce is its versatility. Add more honey for sweetness, or more sriracha for a bigger kick.
- Fresh Toppings are Key: The contrast between the warm, crispy chicken and the cool, crunchy vegetables is what makes this bowl so special. Don’t skip them!
Variations and Customizations
One of the best things about this Bang Bang Chicken Bowl is how easy it is to adapt.
- Make it Healthier: For a lighter version, you can cook the chicken in an air fryer. Just spray the coated chicken with a little oil and air fry at 400°F (200°C) for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through.
- Different Proteins: This sauce is fantastic on almost anything. Try it with shrimp, salmon, or even crispy tofu for a vegetarian option. Our Air Fryer Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos are another fan favorite!
- Add More Veggies: Feel free to add other vegetables like sliced avocado, red cabbage, or bell peppers for more color and nutrients.
Storage and Meal Prep Instructions
This recipe is a meal prep dream. To prepare in advance, cook the chicken and rice and prepare all your vegetables. Store each component in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Keep the sauce in a separate container. When you’re ready to eat, simply reheat the chicken and rice and assemble the bowls with the cold toppings and fresh sauce.
For more inspiration on easy, delicious dinners, you might also enjoy this Honey BBQ Chicken and Rice.
Frequently Asked Questions
Absolutely! The spice level is very easy to control. For a milder sauce, use less sriracha or skip it entirely. If you love heat, feel free to add more sriracha until it reaches your desired spice level.
For a lighter version, you can cook the chicken in an air fryer instead of pan-frying it. You can also serve it over quinoa or cauliflower rice instead of white rice, and load up on extra fresh vegetables. Using a light mayonnaise will also reduce the calorie count.
Yes, it’s perfect for meal prep! Cook the chicken and rice, and chop your vegetables ahead of time. Store each component in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to eat, just reheat the chicken and rice, and assemble your bowl with the fresh toppings and sauce.
Bang Bang sauce is a simple yet delicious creamy and spicy sauce. It’s typically made from a base of mayonnaise, mixed with sweet chili sauce for sweetness and tang, and sriracha or another chili sauce for a spicy kick. Our recipe also includes a touch of honey to balance the flavors.
Boneless, skinless chicken breasts cut into 1-inch cubes work perfectly for this recipe as they cook quickly and get wonderfully crispy. You could also use boneless, skinless chicken thighs if you prefer darker meat.
The Best Bang Bang Chicken Bowl Recipe
Bang Bang Chicken Bowl: The Ultimate Easy Recipe
Ingredients
Equipment
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, combine the chicken pieces with cornstarch, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Toss well until each piece of chicken is evenly coated.
- In a separate small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, and honey until smooth. Set aside.
- Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the coated chicken in a single layer and cook for 3-4 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through. Work in batches if necessary. Remove from the skillet and drain on a wire rack.
- In a large bowl, add the cooked chicken and pour about two-thirds of the sauce over it. Toss gently to coat.
- Divide the cooked jasmine rice among four bowls. Top with the saucy chicken, shredded carrots, cucumber, and edamame. Drizzle with the remaining sauce and garnish with green onions and sesame seeds.
Notes
Customize the Heat: Easily adjust the amount of sriracha in the sauce to match your spice preference.
Meal Prep Tip: Store the sauce, cooked chicken, rice, and fresh veggies in separate airtight containers in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Share Your Amazing Creation!
We are so excited for you to try this Bang Bang Chicken Bowl recipe! It’s a true crowd-pleaser that’s sure to impress. If you make it, don’t forget to leave a comment below and let us know how it turned out. And for more delicious recipe inspiration, be sure to follow us on Pinterest!
