If you’re looking for a flavorful, fun, and downright addictive dinner that comes together in under an hour, this Bang Bang Chicken Bowl is about to earn a permanent spot in your weekly rotation. Juicy air-fried chicken gets tossed in a creamy, zippy Bang Bang sauce, then layered over steaming rice with crisp veggies and a finishing touch of avocado—all the colors, all the textures, and that signature sweet-heat flavor in every single bite.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Big, Bold Flavor: Every element of this Bang Bang Chicken Bowl bursts with spicy, creamy, sweet-tangy flavor that will have you reaching for seconds.
- Better Than Takeout: Satisfy your restaurant cravings at home with fresh ingredients—no mystery chicken, just irresistible homemade magic.
- Veggie-Packed & Colorful: Crisp cabbage, carrots, and cucumber add crunch, freshness, and a rainbow of nutrients that make this bowl as beautiful as it is delicious.
- Customizable & Easy: Adaptable for every eater and ready in around 40 minutes—weeknight perfection!
Ingredients You’ll Need
One of my favorite things about the Bang Bang Chicken Bowl is how each simple ingredient shines in its own way. You don’t need fancy or hard-to-find items—each component is carefully chosen to add a pop of flavor, color, or creamy goodness to the final bowl.
- Mayonnaise: The creamy base for your bang bang sauce, binding all the flavors together in a silky, luscious dressing.
- Thai Sweet Chili Sauce: Adds a signature balance of sweet and gentle heat that defines the sauce’s personality.
- Honey: A drizzle for a subtle mellow sweetness that plays beautifully with the sauce’s spice.
- Sriracha: Brings just the right amount of heat—add more or less to dial the spice to your liking.
- Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: Cubed for even cooking and perfectly juicy bites in every forkful.
- Vegetable Oil: Helps the spices adhere and encourages a golden, lightly crisp finish during cooking.
- Paprika: Offers earthy warmth and a beautiful color to the chicken.
- Garlic Powder: Adds savory depth and an irresistible aroma.
- Kosher Salt & Black Pepper: The classic seasoning duo that enhances every flavor in the bowl.
- Prepared White Rice: The warm, fluffy base that soaks up every drop of flavorful sauce.
- Red Cabbage: Thinly sliced for crunch, color, and a hint of peppery freshness.
- Carrot: Julienned for texture and a burst of natural sweetness.
- Cucumber: Cools things down and adds crisp crunch in every bite.
- Avocado: Sliced for creamy richness that perfectly offsets the bang bang spice.
- Fresh Cilantro & Sesame Seeds: Optional garnishes that add fragrance, flavor, and a final flourish of color!
Variations
This Bang Bang Chicken Bowl is endlessly customizable—think of it as a starting point for creativity! Here are some of my favorite ways to change things up without sacrificing flavor or ease.
- Go Low-Carb: Swap the white rice for cauliflower rice or shredded lettuce for a lighter twist that’s just as satisfying.
- Make It Vegetarian: Substitute crispy tofu cubes for chicken, using the same sauce and seasoning for a plant-powered version.
- Spice It Up: Add extra Sriracha to the sauce or toss in a few chili flakes for a “hotter” experience if you’re craving a kick!
- Change Up The Veggies: Mix in bell peppers, edamame, or blanched broccoli for more flavor, color, and crunch.
How to Make Bang Bang Chicken Bowl
Step 1: Whip Up the Bang Bang Sauce
Start by creating the star of the show—the bang bang sauce! Simply add mayonnaise, Thai sweet chili sauce, honey, and Sriracha to a bowl. Stir until completely smooth and combined. I always taste it here and adjust the Sriracha for spice or honey for extra sweetness, depending on my mood. Set the sauce aside so the flavors can mingle.
Step 2: Season and Cook the Chicken
Next, toss the cubed chicken with vegetable oil, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until each piece is evenly coated. If you’re using an air fryer, arrange the chicken in a single layer, working in batches if needed, and air fry at 400°F for 11–12 minutes, flipping halfway through. You’re looking for golden, tender pieces cooked through to 165°F. (Stovetop instructions are in the notes if you prefer!)
Step 3: Toss Chicken with Sauce
Once the chicken is piping hot and juicy, transfer it to a large bowl. Pour in about ½ cup of your bang bang sauce and toss gently to coat. Every bite should be generously covered, turning the chicken into the saucy, flavor-packed centerpiece of your bowl.
Step 4: Build Your Bang Bang Chicken Bowl
Now for the best part—assembly! Divide warm rice between bowls, then arrange a rainbow of red cabbage, carrots, cucumbers, and creamy avocado on top. Spoon equal portions of your bang bang chicken onto each bowl, then finish with an extra drizzle of sauce, vibrant cilantro, and a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds for crunch. Dive in while everything’s wonderfully fresh!
Pro Tips for Making Bang Bang Chicken Bowl
- Sauce Consistency: For the dreamiest drizzle, whisk the bang bang sauce thoroughly and let it rest for 10 minutes—this melds all the flavors and allows the sauce to thicken a bit.
- Juiciest Chicken: Don’t overcrowd your air fryer basket or skillet—work in batches for the best golden edges and that irresistible tender bite.
- Veggie Prep Made Easy: Prep all the veggies while the chicken cooks so assembly is a breeze (and everything stays crisp and vibrant).
- Extra Crunch Bonus: Toast your sesame seeds in a dry skillet for a minute or two before garnishing—trust me, it’s worth it!
How to Serve Bang Bang Chicken Bowl
Garnishes
The finishing touches are everything here! I adore a scatter of fresh cilantro—its herbal, citrusy flavor lifts the entire bowl. A sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds adds just the right nutty crunch, and a final spoonful of bang bang sauce makes the presentation (and flavor!) irresistible. You can also add extra sliced green onions or a wedge of lime for extra punch.
Side Dishes
Bursting with veggies and protein, the Bang Bang Chicken Bowl is a meal in itself, but it pairs beautifully with crisp spring rolls, a bowl of miso soup, or a refreshing Asian cucumber salad. For a crowd, serve it family-style with extra rice or some warm naan or pita on the side to scoop up all that glorious sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re serving a group or want to wow at lunchtime, consider making a build-your-own Bang Bang Chicken Bowl bar—set out all the toppings and let everyone create their own masterpiece. For easy lunches, layer the veggies, chicken, and rice in a Mason jar (sauce on the bottom!), then shake and enjoy. For a fancier touch, serve in wide, shallow bowls and fan the avocado slices for that restaurant-style presentation.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Got leftovers? Store the chicken, sauce, rice, and veggies separately in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days. Keeping each component apart ensures your veggies stay crisp and your chicken retains its perfect texture.
Freezing
The sauced chicken freezes quite well! Let it cool completely, then place it in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. I don’t recommend freezing the fresh veggies or avocado—they won’t thaw nicely—but you can easily chop fresh when you’re ready to enjoy.
Reheating
Reheat the chicken gently in the microwave or a skillet until hot, then assemble with freshly warmed rice and crisp veggies. A little extra drizzle of bang bang sauce brings everything back to life—give it a quick stir if it’s thickened up in the fridge.
FAQs
-
Can I use rotisserie or precooked chicken for this Bang Bang Chicken Bowl?
Absolutely! While freshly cooked chicken takes best to the sauce, leftover or rotisserie chicken works in a pinch. Just warm it gently, toss it with the bang bang sauce, and build your bowl as directed for a nearly instant meal.
-
Is there a dairy-free option for the bang bang sauce?
Yes! Use your favorite plant-based mayonnaise for a totally dairy-free bang bang sauce—the flavor and creaminess are just as fabulous.
-
Can I make the Bang Bang Chicken Bowl ahead for meal prep?
This recipe is a meal prep superstar. Cook and portion the chicken, rice, and veggies in separate containers ahead of time. Assemble your bowls right before eating for the freshest experience.
-
How do I make the Bang Bang Chicken Bowl less spicy?
Simply reduce the amount of Sriracha or opt for a milder chili sauce. The sweet chili sauce adds gentle warmth on its own, so you can tailor the heat exactly to your taste.
Final Thoughts
If you’re ready to shake up your dinner routine with a dish that’s equal parts comforting and crave-worthy, give this Bang Bang Chicken Bowl a try! It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, flexible to your tastes, and bursting with bold, fresh flavor—no kitchen boredom here. I can’t wait for you to dig in and discover your new favorite bowl!
Print
Bang Bang Chicken Bowl Recipe
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 bowls 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Air Fry, Skillet
- Cuisine: Asian
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Bang Bang Chicken Bowl recipe is a delicious and satisfying meal featuring crispy air-fried chicken coated in a creamy and spicy bang bang sauce, served over a bed of white rice with fresh vegetables.
Ingredients
Bang Bang Sauce
- 1 1/4 cups mayonnaise
- 2/3 cup Thai sweet chili sauce
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 2 teaspoons Sriracha, or more to taste
Chicken
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Bang Bang Chicken Bowl
- 4 cups prepared white rice, warmed, divided
- 2 cups red cabbage, thinly sliced, divided
- 1 large carrot, julienned, divided
- 1 medium cucumber, halved, sliced, divided
- 1 large avocado, thinly sliced, divided
- fresh cilantro, chopped for garnish
- sesame seeds, for garnish
Instructions
- Bang Bang Sauce: To a medium bowl, combine mayonnaise, Thai sweet chili sauce, honey, and Sriracha. Set aside.
- Chicken: In a large bowl, mix oil, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Add chicken cubes and coat. Air fry at 400°F for 11-12 mins.
- Assembly: Divide rice, cabbage, carrots, cucumbers, avocado among 4 bowls. Top with cooked chicken. Garnish with remaining sauce, cilantro, and sesame seeds. Serve.
Notes
- Air fryer time may vary depending on model.
- Alternatively, skillet instructions provided.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 1276 kcal
