This Bang Bang Chicken Bowl is a perfect balance of bold flavors and fresh textures. The crispy, tender chicken is coated in a creamy, spicy Bang Bang sauce that combines sweet Thai chili, honey, and Sriracha for a delightful kick. Paired with warm, fluffy rice and crunchy vegetables, every bite is a mix of heat, crunch, and creaminess.
The toppings elevate this dish to the next level slices of creamy avocado, fresh cilantro, and a sprinkle of sesame seeds add layers of flavor and freshness. Whether you’re meal prepping for the week or serving up a quick and satisfying dinner, this Bang Bang Chicken Bowl is a guaranteed crowd pleaser!
Full Recipe:
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
Bowl Assembly:
- 4 cups (744 g) cooked white rice
- 2 cups (140 g) red cabbage, thinly sliced
- 1 large carrot, julienned
- 1 medium cucumber, halved and sliced
- 1 large avocado, thinly sliced
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
- Sesame seeds (for garnish)
Directions:
- Prepare the Bang Bang Sauce: In a bowl, mix mayonnaise, Thai sweet chili sauce, honey, and Sriracha. Stir well and set aside.
- Season the Chicken: In a large bowl, toss the chicken cubes with vegetable oil, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until evenly coated.
- Cook the Chicken:
- Air Fryer Method: Place chicken in a single layer in the air fryer basket and cook at 400°F (200°C) for 11-12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until fully cooked (internal temperature of 165°F).
- Skillet Method: Heat oil in a large skillet over medium high heat. Add chicken and cook for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden brown and fully cooked.
- Coat the Chicken: Transfer the cooked chicken to a bowl and toss with ½ cup of Bang Bang sauce.
- Assemble the Bowls: Divide the cooked rice among four bowls. Add cabbage, carrots, and cucumber. Top with Bang Bang chicken.
- Garnish and Serve: Drizzle extra Bang Bang sauce over the bowls, then garnish with avocado slices, chopped cilantro, and sesame seeds. Serve immediately.
Prep Time: 30 minutes | Cooking Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 40 minutes
Kcal: 1276 kcal | Servings: 4
Bang Bang Chicken Bowl: A Flavor Explosion in Every Bite
The Bang Bang Chicken Bowl is an irresistible combination of crispy, juicy chicken tossed in a creamy, spicy Bang Bang sauce, served over a bed of fluffy rice and fresh, crunchy vegetables. It’s a dish that perfectly balances sweet, spicy, and savory flavors while offering a variety of textures that make every bite satisfying. Whether you’re looking for a quick and easy weeknight meal, a dish that can be prepped in advance, or a healthier alternative to takeout, this bowl delivers on all fronts.
The Origins of Bang Bang Chicken
Bang Bang Chicken has its roots in Sichuan cuisine, where it is traditionally prepared by pounding cooked chicken to create a tender texture, then tossing it in a spicy, nutty sauce. The dish is called “Bang Bang” because of the sound made by the mallet striking the chicken. Over time, the name and concept have evolved, and today, Bang Bang Chicken is widely recognized as a dish featuring crispy or grilled chicken coated in a creamy, spicy sauce often made with a blend of mayonnaise, Thai sweet chili sauce, and Sriracha.
The modern Bang Bang Chicken Bowl is a fusion of Asian inspired flavors with an Americanized twist. The crispy chicken is air fried or pan seared for a golden brown exterior, then tossed in a sauce that perfectly blends heat, sweetness, and creaminess. Paired with rice and fresh vegetables, it’s a well rounded meal that caters to different taste preferences.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
There are plenty of reasons why this Bang Bang Chicken Bowl has become a favorite for home cooks and food lovers alike:
- Quick and Easy: With a total cook time of around 40 minutes, this dish is perfect for busy weeknights. The sauce can be made ahead of time, and the chicken cooks quickly in an air fryer or skillet.
- Bold Flavors: The signature Bang Bang sauce is a perfect blend of creamy, sweet, and spicy, making it irresistible.
- Customizable: This recipe allows for easy substitutions. Swap out white rice for brown rice, cauliflower rice, or quinoa. Add your favorite vegetables, such as bell peppers, snap peas, or steamed broccoli.
- Healthy and Nutritious: This bowl is packed with protein from the chicken, fiber from the vegetables, and healthy fats from the avocado and sesame seeds.
- Great for Meal Prep: You can make components of this dish ahead of time, store them separately, and assemble a fresh bowl whenever you’re ready to eat.
The Magic Behind the Bang Bang Sauce
One of the key components of this dish is the Bang Bang sauce. It’s what gives the chicken its signature creamy texture and bold flavor. Traditionally, Bang Bang sauce includes a mixture of mayonnaise, Thai sweet chili sauce, honey, and Sriracha.
- Mayonnaise provides a rich, creamy base.
- Thai sweet chili sauce adds a balance of sweetness and a hint of spice.
- Honey enhances the sweetness and gives the sauce a slightly sticky consistency.
- Sriracha brings the heat, making the sauce spicy yet balanced.
This sauce isn’t just limited to Bang Bang Chicken Bowls it’s versatile and can be used as a dipping sauce, a salad dressing, or even a marinade for other proteins like shrimp or salmon.
Choosing the Right Chicken
The best part about this recipe is its flexibility when it comes to the chicken. While boneless, skinless chicken breasts are commonly used, chicken thighs are another excellent choice if you prefer juicier, more flavorful meat.
Cooking Methods:
- Air Fryer: Provides a crispy exterior with minimal oil.
- Skillet: A quick and easy stovetop method that ensures a golden brown sear.
- Oven: If making a larger batch, baking the chicken works well, though it won’t be as crispy.
- Grill: For a smoky, charred flavor, grilling the chicken is another great option.
The Importance of Fresh Vegetables
Fresh, crunchy vegetables play a crucial role in balancing the richness of the Bang Bang sauce and chicken. They add vibrant color, a refreshing crunch, and essential nutrients. Some of the best vegetables to use in this bowl include:
- Red cabbage: Adds a pop of color and a slightly peppery crunch.
- Carrots: Naturally sweet and full of beta carotene.
- Cucumbers: Cool and refreshing, they contrast well with the spicy sauce.
- Avocado: Creamy and rich, avocado complements the dish with healthy fats.
- Fresh cilantro: Brightens up the flavors with its citrusy, herbaceous taste.
- Sesame seeds: A nutty garnish that adds texture and depth.
Feel free to customize the bowl with other veggies like bell peppers, red onions, steamed broccoli, or spinach.
Serving Suggestions
This Bang Bang Chicken Bowl is satisfying on its own, but it can be served in different ways depending on your preferences.
- Over rice: A classic choice, white or brown rice soaks up the delicious sauce.
- With noodles: Substitute rice for soba noodles, rice noodles, or even zucchini noodles.
- As a salad: Skip the rice and serve the Bang Bang Chicken over a fresh bed of greens.
- In a wrap: Use the ingredients to fill a tortilla or lettuce wrap for a fun, handheld meal.
Tips for Meal Prep and Storage
This recipe is perfect for meal prepping, allowing you to enjoy delicious, homemade Bang Bang Chicken Bowls throughout the week.
- Make the sauce ahead: Bang Bang sauce can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days in an airtight container.
- Prepare the rice in advance: Cook and refrigerate the rice so it’s ready to go when you need it.
- Cook the chicken ahead of time: Store cooked chicken separately and reheat when assembling the bowl.
- Keep vegetables fresh: Slice vegetables just before serving to maintain their crunch and freshness.
If storing leftovers, it’s best to keep the components separate and assemble the bowl right before eating to prevent sogginess.
Conclusion
The Bang Bang Chicken Bowl is a flavorful, vibrant, and satisfying dish that brings together crispy chicken, bold Bang Bang sauce, and fresh vegetables in one delicious meal. It’s a perfect combination of heat, crunch, and creaminess, making it a favorite for both quick dinners and meal prep.
What makes this dish truly special is its versatility you can switch up the ingredients to suit your preferences, making it a go to recipe for any occasion. Whether you’re looking for a healthy weeknight dinner, a meal prep friendly dish, or a way to enjoy restaurant style flavors at home, the Bang Bang Chicken Bowl is a must try.
Give this recipe a go, and you’ll see why it’s become such a hit with food lovers everywhere!