If you’re craving a meal that’s bursting with bold flavors, vibrant colors, and irresistible textures, the Bang Bang Chicken Bowl Recipe is exactly what you need. This dish combines tender, perfectly seasoned chicken with a creamy, spicy-sweet bang bang sauce, all nestled atop a bed of warm rice and crisp, fresh veggies. It’s a harmony of heat, crunch, and creaminess that makes every bite a delightful experience. Whether you’re cooking for a weekday dinner or entertaining friends, this recipe comes together with ease and delivers a crowd-pleasing punch.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of the Bang Bang Chicken Bowl Recipe comes from a handful of simple yet powerful ingredients. Each one adds a distinctive pop of flavor or texture—whether it’s the creamy richness of the mayo in the sauce or the refreshing crunch of fresh vegetables. Gathering quality ingredients really allows this dish to shine in every bite.
- Mayonnaise: Provides a creamy base that tones down the heat and binds the sauce together beautifully.
- Thai sweet chili sauce: Adds a luscious balance of sweet and mild spice, essential for the bang bang flavor.
- Honey: Gives a natural sweetness that brings depth and rounds out the sauce perfectly.
- Sriracha: Packs a punch of heat, which you can adjust depending on your heat tolerance.
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Cubed for quick cooking and perfect bite-sized pieces.
- Vegetable oil: Keeps the chicken moist and helps the spices stick for maximum flavor.
- Paprika: Adds a subtle smoky warmth that elevates the chicken seasoning.
- Garlic powder: Infuses an aromatic punch that complements the other spices.
- Kosher salt: Enhances all the flavors harmoniously.
- Black pepper: A bit of heat that pairs well with the chicken’s spices.
- Prepared white rice: The fluffy, warm bed that balances the flavorful toppings.
- Red cabbage: Thinly sliced for a vibrant crunch and beautiful color contrast.
- Carrot: Julienned for a fresh and slightly sweet crispness.
- Cucumber: Adds a cool, refreshing texture that brightens the bowl.
- Avocado: Brings a creamy, buttery element that rounds out the texture.
- Fresh cilantro: Provides an herbal pop that refreshes each bite.
- Sesame seeds: A final nutty crunch that looks as good as it tastes.
How to Make Bang Bang Chicken Bowl Recipe
Step 1: Whip Up the Bang Bang Sauce
Start by mixing your mayonnaise, Thai sweet chili sauce, honey, and Sriracha in a bowl until smooth and creamy. This sauce is the heart of the dish, marrying sweet, spicy, and tangy flavors in every spoonful. Set it aside so the flavors can meld while you prep the rest of the bowl.
Step 2: Season and Cook the Chicken
In another bowl, toss your chicken cubes with vegetable oil, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. This seasoning blend is simple but incredibly effective, enhancing the chicken’s natural flavor and adding that signature smoky warmth. Air fry the chicken at 400°F for 11 to 12 minutes until beautifully golden and cooked through—a faster and cleaner method that locks in juiciness.
Step 3: Assemble the Bang Bang Chicken Bowl Recipe
Now for the fun part. Start with a warm scoop of fluffy white rice in each bowl. Layer on the thinly sliced red cabbage, julienned carrot, cool cucumber slices, and creamy avocado. Top it off with the cooked chicken cubes and generously drizzle your homemade bang bang sauce over everything. Finish with a sprinkle of fresh cilantro and sesame seeds to add brightness and a final touch of texture.
How to Serve Bang Bang Chicken Bowl Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh cilantro and toasted sesame seeds are more than just garnishes; they brighten the flavors and add layers of texture. You can also sprinkle some chopped green onions or add an extra drizzle of Sriracha if you love a little more heat. These simple touches make the dish feel special and inviting.
Side Dishes
The Bang Bang Chicken Bowl Recipe stands beautifully on its own, but pairing it with light, refreshing sides like a crisp cucumber salad or steamed edamame can create a complete meal that balances flavors and textures effortlessly. Avoid heavy sides to let this bowl remain the star of the show.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re looking to impress at your next gathering, try serving the bowls in bamboo or ceramic dishes for a restaurant-style experience. You could also offer the bang bang sauce on the side, so everyone can customize their spice level. Adding edible flowers or microgreens elevates the visual appeal and adds a fresh flavor twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any scraps of your Bang Bang Chicken Bowl Recipe left, transfer them to an airtight container and refrigerate. The rice and chicken hold up well for up to three days, but fresh veggies like avocado are best added right before serving to avoid sogginess.
Freezing
While the chicken and rice freeze well separately, the fresh vegetables and sauce don’t maintain their texture after thawing. For best results, freeze cooked chicken and rice in meal-sized portions, then add fresh veggies and sauce after reheating for that fresh, crunchy bite you love.
Reheating
Warm your leftovers gently in the microwave or on the stovetop. If the chicken and rice seem dry, add a splash of water or extra bang bang sauce. Always add fresh garnishes and avocado only after reheating to keep their texture perfect and avoid bitterness.
FAQs
Can I make the Bang Bang Sauce ahead of time?
Absolutely! The sauce can be made up to three days in advance and stored in the fridge. It actually tastes better once the flavors have had some time to meld together.
Is there a substitute for mayonnaise in the sauce?
You can swap mayonnaise for Greek yogurt if you want a lighter option, but keep in mind that it will change the texture and tanginess slightly.
Can I use grilled chicken instead of air-fried?
Yes, grilled chicken works wonderfully as well, offering a nice smoky flavor. Just season it similarly and cook until juicy and fully cooked through.
What if I don’t have Thai sweet chili sauce?
If you’re out of Thai sweet chili sauce, you can mix regular chili sauce with a bit of honey and rice vinegar to mimic the sweet and tangy flavor.
Can this recipe be made vegetarian?
Definitely! Swap chicken for crispy tofu cubes or roasted chickpeas, and you’ll still get that satisfying texture and flavor profile in your Bang Bang Chicken Bowl Recipe.
Final Thoughts
I truly think the Bang Bang Chicken Bowl Recipe is one of those dishes that feels like a warm hug on your plate. It’s easy to make, endlessly customizable, and vibrant enough to brighten any mealtime. Give it a try—you might just find yourself making it again and again for the perfect blend of comfort and excitement.
Print
Bang Bang Chicken Bowl Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: Asian Fusion
- Diet: Halal
Description
This Bang Bang Chicken Bowl recipe combines tender, air-fried chicken tossed in a creamy, spicy Bang Bang sauce served atop a bed of warm white rice and fresh, crunchy vegetables. With a perfect balance of sweet, spicy, and savory flavors, this bowl is a delightful and easy-to-make meal ready in just 40 minutes, perfect for lunch or dinner.
Ingredients
Bang Bang Sauce
- 1 ¼ cups (290 g) mayonnaise
- ⅔ cup (177 g) 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
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
Vegetables and Rice
- 4 cups (744 g) prepared white rice, warmed, divided
- 2 cups (140 g) red cabbage, thinly sliced, divided
- 1 large carrot, julienned, divided
- 1 medium cucumber, halved and sliced, divided
- 1 large avocado, thinly sliced, divided
- Fresh cilantro, chopped for garnish
- Sesame seeds, for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the Bang Bang Sauce: In a medium bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, Thai sweet chili sauce, honey, and Sriracha until smooth and well combined. Set aside to allow the flavors to meld.
- Season the Chicken: In a separate bowl, combine the vegetable oil, paprika, garlic powder, kosher salt, and black pepper. Add the cubed chicken breasts and toss thoroughly to ensure each piece is evenly coated with the seasoning mixture.
- Air Fry the Chicken: Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Place the seasoned chicken cubes in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Cook for 11 to 12 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to ensure even cooking, until the chicken is cooked through and slightly crispy on the edges.
- Warm the Rice and Prepare Vegetables: While the chicken cooks, warm the prepared white rice. Prepare the vegetables by thinly slicing the red cabbage, julienning the carrot, slicing the cucumber halves, and thinly slicing the avocado.
- Assemble the Bowls: Divide the warmed rice evenly among four bowls. Layer with half the red cabbage, carrots, cucumber slices, and avocado. Top each bowl with the air-fried chicken cubes.
- Add Sauce and Garnish: Generously drizzle the prepared Bang Bang sauce over the top of each bowl. Garnish with chopped fresh cilantro and a sprinkle of sesame seeds for added flavor and texture. Serve immediately.
Notes
- For extra heat, increase the amount of Sriracha in the Bang Bang sauce to taste.
- To make this dish gluten-free, ensure the Thai sweet chili sauce you use is certified gluten-free.
- You can substitute chicken breasts with boneless, skinless chicken thighs for a juicier texture.
- If you don’t have an air fryer, you can bake the chicken in a preheated oven at 425°F (220°C) for 15-18 minutes, turning halfway through.
- Leftover Bang Bang sauce can be stored in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
