If you’re searching for the kind of vibrant, crave-worthy meal that instantly perks up any table, let me introduce you to the Bang Bang Chicken Bowl. This dish is the ultimate marriage of flavor and texture: juicy, bite-sized chicken coated with a creamy, spicy-sweet sauce, all piled on fluffy rice with a rainbow of fresh veggies. Every forkful is an explosion of crunchy, creamy, spicy, and refreshing bites. Trust me—once you try this bowl, you’ll be dreaming about it for weeks!

Bang Bang Chicken Bowl Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

You won’t believe how quickly you can make something so irresistible with a handful of pantry basics and fresh staples. Each ingredient plays its part in building color, crunch, creaminess, and of course, that unmistakable Bang Bang flavor!

Chicken breast: Boneless, skinless pieces soak up the flavors beautifully and cook up tender in minutes.
Cornstarch: Creates a delicate, perfectly crisp coating on the chicken for that tempting bite.
Salt and pepper: The classic seasoning duo that wakes up every flavor in the bowl.
Vegetable oil: Ideal for frying because it has a neutral taste and high smoke point.
Mayonnaise: The magic behind that incredibly creamy, luscious Bang Bang sauce.
Sweet chili sauce: Adds zingy sweetness and just enough stickiness to cling to every bite of chicken.
Sriracha: Brings that signature gentle heat that makes each mouthful pop.
Rice vinegar: Lends a punchy brightness to balance the richness of the sauce.
Cooked rice: Fluffy jasmine or basmati soaks up every bit of flavor and provides the perfect base.
Shredded carrots: For crunch, color, and a hint of natural sweetness.
Cucumber slices: Freshness and coolness counter the bold sauce like a summer breeze.
Diced avocado: Ultra-creamy, mild, and so satisfying with the spicy bowl.
Chopped green onions: Their sharp, mild bite is the finishing touch over the top.
Toasted sesame seeds: Just a sprinkle, and you’ve got extra crunch and nutty aroma.

How to Make Bang Bang Chicken Bowl

Step 1: Prep the Chicken

Start by cutting your chicken breast into bite-sized pieces—think small cubes for maximum surface area to crisp up. In a mixing bowl, toss the chicken with cornstarch, salt, and pepper to coat each piece evenly. The cornstarch is the secret to achieving that irresistible light crunch once the chicken hits the pan.

Step 2: Crisp Up the Chicken

Heat your oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. When it’s shimmering, add the chicken in a single layer. Let them sizzle undisturbed for a couple of minutes; that’s how you get that golden exterior. Flip, cook until beautifully browned and cooked through, then transfer to a plate lined with paper towels.

Step 3: Make the Bang Bang Sauce

In a separate bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, and a splash of rice vinegar. The result should be creamy, punchy, and just sweet enough to balance the heat. Taste and adjust for more kick or tang if you’d like—this sauce is the heart of the Bang Bang Chicken Bowl!

Step 4: Toss the Chicken

Add the freshly cooked crispy chicken to the bowl of sauce, using a spatula or spoon to gently toss until every piece is coated in glossy, spicy-sweet goodness. Now you’re really starting to see how this dish comes together!

Step 5: Build Your Bowl

Spoon a generous mound of warm cooked rice into each serving bowl. Top with a good helping of Bang Bang chicken, then pile on your crunchy carrots, cucumber, diced avocado, and any extras you like. The final flourish: a scattering of green onions and sesame seeds for color and crunch.

How to Serve Bang Bang Chicken Bowl

Garnishes

Finish each Bang Bang Chicken Bowl with a flourish of green onions and sesame seeds. If you have fresh cilantro or a drizzle more sriracha handy, they make a delicious, vibrant topping. A lime wedge on the side is the perfect touch for anyone who loves a burst of citrus.

Side Dishes

While the Bang Bang Chicken Bowl is hearty on its own, you can round out your meal with a side of steamed edamame, a light Asian cucumber salad, or crispy spring rolls. These sides add freshness or crunch without overshadowing those bold bowl flavors.

Creative Ways to Present

You can serve the Bang Bang Chicken Bowl “buffet-style” and let everyone build their own at the table (kids especially love making their perfect bite). Or try assembling in wide shallow bowls for maximum color, or even tuck the fillings inside lettuce cups for finger-friendly fun!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Bang Bang Chicken Bowl ingredients keep well! Store the components—chicken, veggies, rice, and sauce—separately in airtight containers in the fridge. The chicken will stay tasty for up to three days, making lunch the next day something to look forward to.

Freezing

If you want to prep ahead, freeze just the cooked chicken (before tossing it in sauce) in an airtight bag for up to two months. Rice can be frozen in portions, but the veggies are best fresh for flavor and crunch.

Reheating

Reheat chicken in the oven (350 degrees for about 10 minutes) or a skillet until just warmed through. Microwave rice with a splash of water so it steams, tasting fresh again. Toss chicken in Bang Bang sauce after reheating to keep the coating crispy and luscious.

FAQs

Can I make this Bang Bang Chicken Bowl gluten-free?

Yes, absolutely! Just use a gluten-free cornstarch and double-check labels on your sweet chili and soy sauces to ensure they’re gluten-free. Everything else is naturally gluten-free, so it’s a super easy swap.

Is this recipe spicy?

The Bang Bang Chicken Bowl sauce has a gentle heat thanks to sriracha, but the sweetness balances it out. If you love spice, add more sriracha or a pinch of red pepper flakes; for milder palates, simply use less.

What’s the best rice to use for Bang Bang Chicken Bowl?

I personally love jasmine or basmati for their fluffiness and flavor, but honestly, any hot cooked rice works. You could even use brown rice or quinoa for a nuttier, more wholesome base.

Can I use another protein?

Definitely! Shrimp, tofu, or even crispy cauliflower all work beautifully in place of chicken. Just adjust your cooking times and proceed with the same sauce for a fresh spin on the original.

How can I make this ahead for meal prep?

Prep your crispy chicken, sauce, and rice ahead, storing them in separate containers. When you’re ready to eat, quickly reheat the chicken and rice, toss with sauce, and pile on fresh toppings for a super satisfying make-ahead lunch.

Final Thoughts

If you’re craving bold flavors, playful textures, and an all-around crowd-pleaser, you just can’t go wrong with a Bang Bang Chicken Bowl. I hope you give it a try—your taste buds (and any lucky dinner guests) will thank you!