Name: Bang Bang Chicken Bowl Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
Ingredients: 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces; 2 tablespoons cornstarch; Salt and pepper to taste; 2 tablespoons vegetable oil; 2 cups cooked white or brown rice; 1 cup shredded lettuce or cabbage; 1/2 cup shredded carrots; 1/2 cucumber, thinly sliced; 2 green onions, sliced; Optional toppings: sesame seeds, chopped cilantro; 1/3 cup mayonnaise; 2 tablespoons sweet chili sauce; 1 tablespoon sriracha (adjust to taste); 1 tablespoon honey; 1 teaspoon rice vinegar

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If you’re craving a fast and flavor-packed meal that ticks every box—creamy, spicy, sweet, and crunchy—the Bang Bang Chicken Bowl is your ticket to dinnertime happiness. This beloved dish brings the craveable flavors of Bang Bang sauce right to your kitchen, with tender bites of chicken, crisp veggies, fluffy rice, and a zingy, sweetly spicy sauce you’ll want to drizzle on everything. Whether it’s a quick weeknight meal or a meal prep favorite, the Bang Bang Chicken Bowl proves that bold, fresh, and satisfying food doesn’t need to be complicated.

Bang Bang Chicken Bowl Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

One of the beauties of the Bang Bang Chicken Bowl is its straightforward lineup of everyday ingredients. Each one pulls its weight, building layers of taste, vibrancy, and texture that turn the ordinary into something extra special.

Chicken breasts: Boneless, skinless, and cut into bite-sized pieces for quick cooking and maximum juiciness.
Cornstarch: Creates a lightly crisp coating on the chicken and helps the sauce cling deliciously.
Salt and pepper: Simple seasoning that lets all the other flavors shine.
Vegetable oil: Ideal for getting the chicken golden and perfectly cooked in the skillet.
Cooked rice (white or brown): The hearty, comforting base that catches every drop of sauce.
Shredded lettuce or cabbage: Adds irresistible crunch and a refreshing contrast.
Shredded carrots: Brings sweetness, color, and crispness to the bowl.
Cucumber (thinly sliced): Offers a cool, juicy bite that keeps things light.
Green onions: For a hit of fresh, mild onion flavor and color.
Optional toppings (sesame seeds, chopped cilantro): Sprinkle on for eye-catching garnish and a boost of flavor.
Mayonnaise: The creamy foundation for the unforgettable Bang Bang sauce.
Sweet chili sauce: Lends sweet heat and a little sticky magic to the sauce.
Sriracha: The fiery kick that makes the sauce truly pop—add more or less to match your spice tolerance.
Honey: Smooths out the heat and rounds out the flavors with subtle sweetness.
Rice vinegar: Brings brightness and balance to the sauce with a gentle tang.

How to Make Bang Bang Chicken Bowl

Step 1: Toss and Coat the Chicken

Start by placing your chicken pieces in a medium bowl and showering them with cornstarch, salt, and pepper. Give them a good toss so every little bite is lightly and evenly coated—this is the secret to that craveable, slightly crispy exterior once it hits the heat.

Step 2: Sizzle the Chicken

Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high. Once the oil shimmers, add your chicken in an even layer. Let it cook, stirring occasionally, for about 6–8 minutes until each piece turns golden and is cooked through. The cornstarch helps form that beautiful, slightly crisp shell that soaks up every drop of sauce to come.

Step 3: Whisk Up the Bang Bang Sauce

In a separate small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, honey, and rice vinegar until it’s creamy and smooth. If you’re a heat lover, feel free to sneak in an extra swirl of sriracha here. This signature Bang Bang sauce is what takes the Bang Bang Chicken Bowl to a whole new level.

Step 4: Coat the Chicken

Pour half of your luscious sauce over the cooked chicken right in the skillet, tossing well so each piece gets a glossy, irresistible coating. The heat gently loosens the sauce, helping it hug every bite. Save the rest of the sauce for drizzling—trust me, you’ll want it!

Step 5: Build Your Bowls

Divide the warm cooked rice among four bowls as your base. Then, top with a generous handful of shredded lettuce or cabbage, carrots, and cucumbers. Next, add a mound of the glossy Bang Bang chicken right in the center and finish it all with a hearty drizzle of that remaining sauce.

Step 6: Add Toppings and Serve

Garnish your Bang Bang Chicken Bowl with sliced green onions for bite, a sprinkle of sesame seeds for crunch, and a scattering of chopped cilantro for color and freshness. Now, your masterpiece is ready to enjoy!

How to Serve Bang Bang Chicken Bowl

Garnishes

The right toppings can take your Bang Bang Chicken Bowl from delicious to dazzling. Try green onions for a fresh bite, sesame seeds for toasty crunch, and fresh cilantro to brighten everything up. A squirt of lime can also add a burst of citrusy flavor, if you’re feeling zesty.

Side Dishes

This bowl is a satisfying meal on its own, but if you’re hosting or just want a little extra, serve it alongside crispy egg rolls, steamed edamame, or a light Asian-inspired cucumber salad. The fresh, crisp sides complement the richness of the Bang Bang Chicken Bowl perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

Don’t just save this meal for bowls! Build a stunning platter for sharing, or serve the chicken and sauce over salad greens for a lighter dinner. You can even tuck everything into lettuce wraps or wrap it up burrito-style for on-the-go deliciousness—get creative and make the Bang Bang Chicken Bowl your own!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you’ve got leftovers, store all the components separately in airtight containers in the fridge. Keeping the sauce, chicken, rice, and veggies apart helps maintain the best textures and makes assembling fresh-tasting Bang Bang Chicken Bowls a breeze for up to 3 days.

Freezing

The chicken (either plain or already coated in sauce) and cooked rice freeze well in individual portions; just avoid freezing the fresh veggies for best results. Freeze in airtight containers or freezer bags for up to two months, and defrost in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

To bring your Bang Bang Chicken Bowl back to life, gently reheat the chicken and rice in the microwave or in a skillet over medium heat. Don’t forget to add a splash of water to keep things moist. Add the sauce and fresh veggies only after reheating to keep everything crisp and vibrant.

FAQs

Can I make the Bang Bang Chicken Bowl ahead of time?

Absolutely! Prep the chicken, rice, veggies, and sauce in advance and store everything separately in the fridge for easy assembly. This trick makes lunches and dinners a total snap without sacrificing any of the bowl’s signature freshness.

What’s the best way to make this dish lighter?

For a lighter Bang Bang Chicken Bowl, swap the mayonnaise for plain Greek yogurt in the sauce, and opt for grilled or air-fried chicken instead of pan-frying. The flavors stay bold but lighten up beautifully—perfect for a healthier twist.

How spicy is the Bang Bang sauce?

The sauce is perfectly balanced between creamy, sweet, and spicy—but you control the heat! Add or reduce the sriracha to suit your taste, or skip it entirely if you prefer milder flavors. There’s room for everyone’s ideal spice level.

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Definitely! Chicken thighs are just as tasty (and a little juicier), so feel free to use them if you prefer. Simply cut them into bite-sized pieces and follow the same instructions for a just-as-delicious Bang Bang Chicken Bowl.

Is the Bang Bang Chicken Bowl suitable for meal prep?

Yes! This dish is a fantastic candidate for weekly meal prep. Assemble the bowls right before eating so the veggies stay crisp, and keep everything else portioned out in the fridge—it makes grabbing a filling, flavorful meal a complete breeze.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a fast, vibrant meal that’s bursting with flavor and endlessly customizable, this Bang Bang Chicken Bowl is exactly what you need. It’s sure to become a regular in your home kitchen—so gather your ingredients, dive in, and savor every bite!

Bang Bang Chicken Bowl Recipe

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4.8 from 6 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 20 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

This Bang Bang Chicken Bowl recipe is a delicious and satisfying meal that combines crispy chicken bites coated in a flavorful sauce with rice and fresh vegetables. Perfect for a quick and flavorful dinner.

Ingredients

Scale

Ingredients:

1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
2 tablespoons cornstarch
Salt and pepper to taste
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
2 cups cooked white or brown rice
1 cup shredded lettuce or cabbage
1/2 cup shredded carrots
1/2 cucumber, thinly sliced
2 green onions, sliced
Optional toppings: sesame seeds, chopped cilantro

For the Bang Bang Sauce:

1/3 cup mayonnaise
2 tablespoons sweet chili sauce
1 tablespoon sriracha (adjust to taste)
1 tablespoon honey
1 teaspoon rice vinegar

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Instructions

Coat Chicken: In a medium bowl, toss the chicken pieces with cornstarch, salt, and pepper until evenly coated.
Cook Chicken: Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook for 6–8 minutes until golden brown and cooked through.
Make Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together all the Bang Bang sauce ingredients until smooth. Pour half over the cooked chicken and toss to coat.
Assemble Bowls: Divide rice between 4 serving bowls. Top with lettuce, carrots, cucumber, and chicken. Drizzle with remaining sauce and garnish with green onions, sesame seeds, or cilantro.
Serve: Enjoy immediately!

Notes

For a lighter option, use Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise.
You can also use grilled or air-fried chicken for a healthier alternative.
Great for meal prep—store components separately and assemble just before eating.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: Asian-Inspired