Bang Bang Chicken Bowl Recipe

If you’ve ever craved a meal that’s both ridiculously satisfying and effortlessly colorful, the Bang Bang Chicken Bowl is it! This dish is a celebration of sweet, spicy, creamy, and crunchy—all in one bowl. It’s packed with juicy air-fried chicken tossed in that famous bang bang sauce, layered over fluffy rice and vibrant veggies for a crave-worthy meal that’s as fun as it is flavorful.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Bang Bang Chicken Bowl is proof that simple, everyday ingredients can create something truly exciting. Each component brings its own unique flavor and texture, and together they deliver a meal that’s fresh, hearty, and downright addictive.

• Mayonnaise: The creamy base for the bang bang sauce—it makes everything silky and holds onto the chicken perfectly.
• Thai sweet chili sauce: Sweet, tangy, just a little heat—this gives the sauce its signature bang!
• Honey: A drizzle of honey balances out all the flavors for that lovely stickiness and mellow sweetness.
• Sriracha: Add as much or as little as you want for spicy kick—go bold or mild, it’s up to you.
• Boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Cubed for quick, even cooking and maximum juiciness.
• Vegetable oil: Helps the spices cling to the chicken and adds a little moisture for perfect air frying.
• Paprika, garlic powder, kosher salt, black pepper: This simple spice blend gives the chicken tons of flavor before it ever gets sauced.
• White rice: Fluffy and mild, it soaks up every bit of sauce (or swap for brown rice or quinoa if you like).
• Red cabbage: Packed with crunch and vibrant color, it makes your bowl look as good as it tastes.
• Carrot, cucumber, and avocado: Each adds a different layer—crisp, cool, or creamy—to balance out the warm chicken.
• Fresh cilantro: The bright, citrusy garnish you never knew your bowl needed.
• Sesame seeds: For that nutty finishing touch and a little extra crunch.

Variations

The beauty of the Bang Bang Chicken Bowl is how easy it is to make entirely your own. Don’t be shy—mix in different veggies, swap out the protein, or tame the heat. It’s all about what you crave most!

• Shrimp Bang Bang Bowl: Use peeled shrimp in place of chicken—just cook until pink and toss with bang bang sauce for an extra-light, bouncy texture.
• Vegetarian Version: Swap the chicken for crispy tofu or tempeh cubes; the sauce and veggies work like a dream with plant-based protein.
• Low-Carb Twist: Substitute cauliflower rice for white rice to keep carbs in check without sacrificing crunch or flavor.
• Extra Veggies: Add shelled edamame, bell peppers, or snap peas for more color and nutrition in every bite.

How to Make Bang Bang Chicken Bowl

Step 1: Stir Up the Bang Bang Sauce

Grab a medium mixing bowl and whisk together the mayonnaise, Thai sweet chili sauce, honey, and a dash of Sriracha. This is your flavor-packed magic sauce, so taste and tweak it—add a little extra Sriracha if you love things spicy. Set it aside so the flavors can mingle while you prep the rest.

Step 2: Season and Toss the Chicken

In a large bowl, combine the cubed chicken with vegetable oil, paprika, garlic powder, kosher salt, and pepper. Toss it all together so every piece gets coated in those bold seasonings. This step sets up your chicken to be delicious even before the sauce goes on.

Step 3: Air Fry the Chicken

Place the seasoned chicken cubes in an even layer in your air fryer basket. If needed, cook in batches so nothing is overcrowded. Air fry at 400°F for 11–12 minutes, flipping halfway through. The chicken should come out crisp on the outside and perfectly juicy inside (and don’t forget—165°F is your signal it’s done).

Step 4: Toss Chicken in Sauce

Transfer the freshly cooked chicken to a big bowl. Add about a half cup of your bang bang sauce and toss until all those golden pieces are glossy and coated. Set aside any extra sauce for drizzling at the end (you’ll want every drop, trust me).

Step 5: Build Your Bowls

Set out four medium bowls. Into each one, layer a cup of warm rice, half a cup of sliced cabbage, a handful of julienned carrot, and those cool cucumber slices. Add a few slices of avocado, then spoon over the steamy bang bang chicken. Finish with generous drizzles of extra sauce, a sprinkle of sesame seeds, and a flourish of fresh cilantro. Dig in while it’s still warm!

How to Serve Bang Bang Chicken Bowl

Garnishes

A good Bang Bang Chicken Bowl is a canvas for toppings! Don’t skip the fresh cilantro—it adds a bright pop that cuts through the rich sauce. A sprinkle of sesame seeds adds crunch and that just-roasted aroma, and if you like a little extra zing, thinly sliced green onions or a squeeze of fresh lime right before serving is fantastic.

Side Dishes

While the bowl honestly shines on its own, you can round things out with quick sides like edamame, a light cucumber salad, or some warm miso soup for cozy contrast. For crunch-lovers, try pairing it with wonton crisps or extra shredded veggies on the side. It’s dinner with a little extra pizzazz.

Creative Ways to Present

Host a build-your-own Bang Bang Chicken Bowl bar for a fun family night or meal prep for the week—set out all the toppings and let everyone craft their masterpiece! For party appetizers, pile the saucy chicken on lettuce leaves with a sprinkle of veggies for mini bang bang lettuce wraps that disappear fast.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep leftover chicken, sauce, rice, and veggies in separate airtight containers in the fridge for up to three days. This way, everything stays fresh and nothing gets soggy—when you’re ready to enjoy, simply reassemble your dream bowl in minutes!

Freezing

The cooked chicken (without sauce) freezes beautifully for up to two months—simply cool, portion, and stash in freezer-safe bags. Let thaw overnight in the fridge. The bang bang sauce and veggies are best enjoyed fresh, so prep those right before serving for maximum flavor and crunch.

Reheating

Warm chicken and rice gently in the microwave or a skillet until steaming hot. Add the bang bang sauce only after reheating to keep things creamy, not oily. If your sauce has thickened in the fridge, a quick stir will bring it back to its silky glory.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

If you’re ready for a gorgeous, flavor-packed dinner that always gets rave reviews, don’t wait—make this Bang Bang Chicken Bowl! Every forkful is a burst of color and taste, and I promise, once you try it, you’ll want to make it again and again. I can’t wait for you to enjoy every saucy, crunchy, utterly delicious bite!

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