The Bang Bang Chicken Bowl is a simple yet bold dish that brings together crispy chicken, a creamy, spicy-sweet sauce, and fresh vegetables over rice or greens. It’s the kind of meal that’s easy to prep, customizable for any diet, and packed with balanced flavor in every bite.
What I liked most about it was how quickly everything came together. The sauce adds just the right amount of heat without overpowering the other ingredients, and the texture contrast crispy chicken, soft rice, crunchy veggies makes each bite satisfying. I also appreciated how versatile it is. Whether you want to keep it light with lettuce or go hearty with rice, it works both ways.
Key Ingredients
Crafting the perfect Bang Bang Chicken Bowl starts with a thoughtful selection of ingredients that balance flavor, texture, and nutrition. Here’s a breakdown of what you need and why each component matters.
Core Ingredients
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Chicken: Boneless, skinless thighs or breasts work best. Thighs are juicier, while breasts cook quicker. Cut into bite-sized pieces for faster, even cooking.
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Bang Bang Sauce: This creamy, spicy sauce is the soul of the dish. A mix of mayonnaise, Thai sweet chili sauce, sriracha, and a touch of honey delivers that iconic sweet-heat punch.
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Base (Rice or Greens): Jasmine rice offers a fragrant, fluffy foundation, but mixed greens can lighten things up if you prefer a low-carb twist.
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Fresh Veggies: Think cucumber slices, shredded carrots, and scallions. They add crunch, color, and freshness to each bite.
These essentials set the stage for the bold and satisfying flavors that make this bowl unforgettable.
Optional Additions
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Avocado: Adds creamy richness and balances spice.
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Pickled Red Onions: Offers tang that cuts through the sauce.
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Crispy Wonton Strips: For extra crunch and a bit of flair.
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Sesame Seeds: Toasted seeds bring a nutty accent.
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Cilantro or Mint: Fresh herbs brighten the entire dish.
You might also enjoy this flavor-packed Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl another great option for those who love customizable, vibrant meals.
How to Make Bang Bang Chicken Bowl
Let’s get down to business. Building a Bang Bang Chicken Bowl at home isn’t just easy it’s seriously rewarding. Here’s how to make it like a pro.
Prep Your Ingredients
Before you even touch the stove, get your components ready.
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Dice your chicken into even chunks for uniform cooking.
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Chop cucumbers, carrots, and green onions.
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Cook your rice or prepare your greens.
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Whisk together your bang bang sauce: mayo, Thai sweet chili sauce, a little sriracha, and honey.
Cook the Chicken
You can either sauté, bake, or air fry the chicken.
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For crispiness, lightly coat the chicken in cornstarch and pan-fry in a bit of oil.
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Aim for a golden crust and an internal temperature of 165°F.
Why it works: Cornstarch seals in moisture while creating a light, crispy exterior perfect for holding onto that sauce.
Make the Bang Bang Sauce
Mix ½ cup mayo, 2 tablespoons sweet chili sauce, 1 teaspoon sriracha, and 1 teaspoon honey.
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Want it hotter? Add more sriracha.
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Need it lighter? Swap some mayo for plain Greek yogurt.
Let it sit for 10 minutes to let the flavors blend trust me, it’s worth the wait.
Assemble Your Bowl
Layer your base, add the chicken, pile on the veggies, and drizzle generously with bang bang sauce. Top with your favorite additions and enjoy.
My Best Bang Bang Chicken Bowl Tips
Over the years, I’ve made the Bang Bang Chicken Bowl more times than I can count. And with each batch, I’ve picked up a few tips and tricks that truly elevate this dish from good to unforgettable.
Use Cornstarch for Crispy Chicken
Want restaurant-style chicken at home? Toss your diced chicken in a light dusting of cornstarch before cooking. Whether you’re pan-frying or air frying, this one extra step adds a crispy layer that clings to the sauce and gives the bowl its satisfying crunch.
Let the Sauce Rest Before Serving
Here’s something I learned the hard way: freshly mixed sauce tastes fine, but letting it sit for at least 10 minutes makes a big difference. The flavors mellow and blend into that signature bang bang balance creamy, spicy, and a little sweet.
Balance Is Everything
If your sauce turns out too spicy, don’t panic. A spoonful of honey or a squeeze of lime juice can tone things down instantly. On the other hand, if it’s too mild, add another dash of sriracha or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for more heat.
Personal Insight
I once made the mistake of using only store-bought chili sauce without tasting it first. It was overly sweet and overwhelmed the bowl. Now, I always test my sauce and adjust before committing. Taste as you go it’s your bowl, after all.
For more delicious recipes, check out our recipe article on the Chipotle Ranch Grilled Chicken Burrito. It’s another flavor-packed favorite that builds beautifully in a bowl.
Variations of Bang Bang Chicken Bowl
One of the best things about the Bang Bang Chicken Bowl is how versatile it is. Whether you’re watching carbs, eating plant-based, or prepping meals ahead of time, there’s a version that fits your lifestyle without sacrificing flavor.
Low-Carb Bang Bang Chicken Bowl
Trying to cut back on carbs? Skip the rice and go for a base of shredded cabbage, mixed greens, or cauliflower rice. These options keep things light and let the bold sauce and juicy chicken shine. Add avocado for creaminess and almonds for crunch.
Vegan Bang Bang Bowl
Plant-based eaters, this one’s for you. Swap the chicken for crispy tofu or roasted chickpeas. For the sauce, use vegan mayo and maple syrup instead of honey. The texture and flavor still hit all the same notes, just with a cruelty-free twist.
Meal Prep-Friendly Version
If you’re anything like me, weekday lunches need to be fast and fuss-free. Pre-cook the chicken and rice, and store the sauce separately to keep things fresh. Assemble just before eating. The textures stay crisp, and you still get all the flavor.
Creative Flavor Twists
Looking to shake things up? Try:
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Pineapple chunks for a tropical twist
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A sprinkle of crushed peanuts for crunch
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A dash of soy sauce or sesame oil for umami depth
Pro Tip: Keep a jar of bang bang sauce on hand and rotate your proteins shrimp, tofu, even crispy cauliflower all work beautifully.
If you enjoyed this, you’ll also love our Pineapple Teriyaki Chicken another easy, flavor-forward meal bowl packed with Asian-inspired flair.
FAQs
Let’s clear up some of the most common questions around the Bang Bang Chicken Bowl. Whether you’re new to the recipe or refining your own version, these quick answers will help you feel more confident in the kitchen.
What is a Bang Bang Bowl?
A Bang Bang Bowl is a vibrant dish typically built around crispy chicken, creamy-spicy bang bang sauce, fresh vegetables, and a base like rice or salad greens. It’s designed for flavor and flexibility, often customized with toppings like avocado, sesame seeds, or crunchy wontons. Think of it as a build-your-own bowl with Asian-inspired flair.
What sauce goes with Bang Bang Chicken?
The signature sauce is what gives this dish its name. Bang Bang sauce blends mayo, Thai sweet chili sauce, sriracha, and honey. The result is a creamy, sweet, and spicy mix that coats the chicken and ties all the bowl components together. You can adjust the heat by changing the amount of sriracha.
What is the difference between Bang Bang Sauce and Yum Yum Sauce?
Though they look similar, they’re not quite the same. Bang Bang sauce leans spicier and slightly sweeter, while Yum Yum sauce (often served in hibachi restaurants) is milder, creamier, and usually made with tomato paste instead of chili sauce. Each has its place, but if you want bold, spicy-sweet flavor, stick with Bang Bang Chicken Bowl sauce.
Print
Bang Bang Chicken Bowl
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
This Bang Bang Chicken Bowl is a fresh and bold twist on a takeout favorite. Featuring juicy chicken coated in a crispy tapioca starch crust, sautéed veggies, and a sweet-spicy honey chili sauce, all served over jasmine rice and topped with refreshing cucumber, lime, and sesame seeds. It’s naturally gluten-free, made with wholesome avocado oil and mayo, and perfect for weeknight dinners or meal prep.
Ingredients
Chicken:
¼ cup tapioca starch (or potato starch)
1 teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon pepper
½ teaspoon paprika
1½ pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts (cubed, about 3 cups)
2 tablespoons avocado oil
Sauce:
3 tablespoons avocado mayo (divided)
⅓ cup honey
3 tablespoons sweet chili sauce
1–2 tablespoons hot sauce (to taste)
2 teaspoons minced garlic
½ teaspoon salt
Veggies:
1 tablespoon avocado oil
1½ cups sliced carrots
2 cups sliced red cabbage
½ teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon pepper
Bowls:
2 cups cooked jasmine rice
1 medium cucumber (sliced)
Freshly squeezed lime juice (to taste)
1 medium green onion stalk (chopped, for garnish)
Black sesame seeds (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
Prep the Chicken
In a bowl, combine tapioca starch, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and paprika. Toss in the cubed chicken until evenly coated.
Cook the Chicken
Heat 2 tablespoons of avocado oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the coated chicken pieces and cook for 6–8 minutes, turning occasionally until golden brown and fully cooked through. Remove from heat and set aside.
Make the Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together 2 tablespoons avocado mayo, honey, sweet chili sauce, hot sauce, garlic, and salt until smooth. Stir in the remaining tablespoon of mayo for extra creaminess. Let the sauce rest for 10 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
Sauté the Veggies
In the same skillet, heat 1 tablespoon avocado oil. Add sliced carrots and red cabbage. Sprinkle with garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Sauté for 4–6 minutes, until vegetables are slightly tender but still crisp.
Assemble the Bowls
Divide jasmine rice between bowls. Top with sautéed veggies, crispy chicken, cucumber slices, and a drizzle of bang bang sauce. Garnish with lime juice, chopped green onion, and black sesame seeds if using.
Notes
Gluten-Free Tip: Tapioca starch is a gluten-free alternative that helps achieve crispier chicken without traditional flour.
Sauce Resting Time: Letting the sauce sit before serving makes a noticeable difference in flavor depth.
Veggie Swaps: Try adding snap peas, edamame, or bell peppers for even more variety and crunch.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 615
- Sugar: 24g
- Sodium: 1020mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 24g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 66g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 29g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: Bang Bang Chicken, Chicken Bowl, Gluten-Free Chicken, Spicy Chicken, Asian Meal Prep
