Name: Bang Bang Chicken Bowl Recipe
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 42 min
Cuisine: Asian Fusion
Ingredients: 1 ¼ cups mayonnaise; ⅔ cup Thai sweet chili sauce; 2 tablespoons honey; 2 teaspoons Sriracha, or more to taste; 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; 4 cups prepared white rice, warmed, divided; 2 cups red cabbage, thinly sliced, divided; 1 large carrot, julienned, divided; 1 medium cucumber, halved, sliced, divided; 1 large avocado, thinly sliced, divided; Fresh cilantro, chopped for garnish; Sesame seeds, for garnish

Jump to Recipe· 4.7 from 3 reviews

Oh, let me tell you about this Bang Bang Chicken Bowl Recipe that I’ve been making on repeat lately! It’s one of those meals that just hits all the right notes—creamy, spicy, crunchy, and fresh all at once. Whenever I’m craving something comforting but still bright and flavorful, this recipe never disappoints.

What makes this Bang Bang Chicken Bowl Recipe really special is how easy it is to customize and serve up for busy weeknights or casual get-togethers. Plus, it’s packed with colorful veggies and that irresistible bang bang sauce that I swear could make anything taste better. Trust me, once you try this, it’ll be a permanent fixture in your meal rotation.

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Why This Recipe Works

Balanced Flavors: The creamy mayo meets spicy Sriracha and sweet chili, creating a sauce that’s bursting with flavor.
Quick & Versatile: You can whip up the chicken in the air fryer or skillet, making it fast and perfect for any kitchen setup.
Fresh & Colorful: Crunchy veggies and ripe avocado add texture, freshness, and nutrients to every bite.
Family Friendly: It’s easy to customize spice levels, making it a unanimous favorite at my dinner table.

A white bowl holds a neatly arranged dish with five main layers. At the bottom is a base of white rice, topped on one side with bright purple shredded cabbage that looks fresh and crunchy. Next to the cabbage, there are thin orange carrot strips layered in a small pile. On the opposite side, there are three round slices of light green cucumber placed in a row. Slices of bright green avocado fan out neatly beside the cucumber. In the center, several pieces of glossy, golden-brown cooked chicken covered in a creamy light tan sauce are sprinkled with black and white sesame seeds and finely chopped green herbs. Another drizzle of the creamy sauce is spread over the cabbage, avocado, and chicken, enhancing the colors and textures. The bowl rests on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

Each ingredient in this Bang Bang Chicken Bowl Recipe plays a role in creating a taste and texture symphony. From the creamy sauce to the crisp veggies, here’s a quick lowdown on why these choices shine together.

Mayonnaise: Gives richness and creaminess that tames the heat and balances the sauce beautifully.
Thai sweet chili sauce: Adds a sweet, tangy kick that complements the spicy Sriracha perfectly.
Honey: A touch of natural sweetness that rounds out flavors without overpowering them.
Sriracha: Brings mild heat and vibrant flavor; start small and adjust to your heat preference.
Chicken breasts: Lean protein that’s quick to cook and soaks up the sauce wonderfully.
Vegetable oil: Helps evenly season the chicken and prevents sticking during cooking.
Paprika & garlic powder: Simple spices that add depth and warmth without fuss.
Kosher salt & black pepper: Essential for seasoning to enhance all other flavors.
White rice: Perfect neutral base that lets the sauce and chicken star.
Red cabbage, carrot, cucumber: Provide fresh crunch, color, and a satisfying contrast in textures.
Avocado: Adds buttery richness and creamy smoothness with every bite.
Fresh cilantro: Bright herbal notes that lift the dish to the next level.
Sesame seeds: A little nutty crunch as a finishing touch that’s just delightful.

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Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Tweak to Your Taste

I love making this Bang Bang Chicken Bowl Recipe my own by swapping in my favorite veggies or adjusting the sauce’s heat. You should feel free to experiment and make it just right for you — that’s half the fun!

Spicier Sauce: I sometimes kick it up a notch with extra Sriracha or even a dash of cayenne powder—if you like heat, don’t hold back!
Low Carb Option: Try cauliflower rice instead of white rice for a lighter bowl that’s still full of flavor.
Veggie Boost: Roasted sweet potatoes or edamame work beautifully if you want more texture and nutrients.
Air Fryer vs Skillet: I love the crispiness from the air fryer, but the skillet method gives the chicken a nice golden sear too.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Bang Bang Chicken Bowl Recipe

Step 1: Whip Up That Bang Bang Sauce

Start by combining mayonnaise, Thai sweet chili sauce, honey, and Sriracha in a bowl. Give it a thorough stir until it’s nice, creamy, and well mixed. I always taste and tweak a bit—sometimes a little more honey if it’s too spicy or more Sriracha for extra kick. Set this sauce aside; it’s the star that pulls everything together.

Step 2: Season Your Chicken Cubes

In a large bowl, toss your chicken cubes with vegetable oil, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Make sure each piece is coated evenly—this seasoning layer adds subtle warmth and depth that you won’t want to skip.

Step 3: Cook the Chicken to Perfection

If you have an air fryer, this is the perfect moment to shine—it crisps up your chicken quickly without drying it out. Cook at 400°F for about 11-12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the internal temp hits 165°F. No air fryer? No problem! A hot skillet works just as well; cook those cubes until golden and cooked through, about 8-10 minutes.

Step 4: Coat the Chicken in Bang Bang Sauce

Once cooked, toss the chicken gently with about half a cup of your bang bang sauce so every nook and cranny is coated in that creamy goodness. This step really infuses the chicken with flavor, making it tender and luscious.

Step 5: Assemble Your Bowls

Set out your bowls and start layering—begin with a cup of warm white rice, followed by crunchy red cabbage, julienned carrots, and crisp cucumber slices. Then, top with the sauced chicken and creamy avocado slices. Drizzle on extra bang bang sauce, sprinkle chopped cilantro and sesame seeds, and just like that, you’ve got a vibrant, satisfying bowl ready to enjoy.

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Pro Tips for Making Bang Bang Chicken Bowl Recipe

Check Internal Temperature: I always use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken is perfectly cooked without drying out, aiming for 165°F.
Don’t Overcrowd the Air Fryer: Leaving space between pieces lets air circulate for that lovely crispiness.
Slice Veggies Thinly: Thinly sliced cabbage and cucumber balance the rich sauce with a fresh crunch.
Taste as You Go: Adjust your bang bang sauce seasoning before tossing to suit your unique spice and sweetness preferences.

How to Serve Bang Bang Chicken Bowl Recipe

Bang Bang Chicken Bowl Recipe - Recipe Image

Garnishes

I love finishing the bowls with a sprinkle of fresh cilantro for brightness and toasted sesame seeds for a subtle nutty crunch. Sometimes, I add a wedge of lime just to squeeze a little citrus zing right before digging in. It lifts the whole bowl and makes every bite feel fresh.

Side Dishes

When I’m feeling extra fancy, I serve this with some crunchy spring rolls or a light cucumber salad on the side to keep things refreshing. But honestly, this bowl is so satisfying it stands perfectly well on its own.

Creative Ways to Present

One time, I made these bowls for a casual summer party and served them in cute mason jars layered with rice, veggies, chicken, and topped with sauce—talk about an eye-catching and portable meal! It’s a great way to impress guests without too much fuss.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge, keeping the sauce separate if possible to prevent the rice from getting soggy. The veggies stay crisp for a day or two this way, so your bowl remains fresh and delicious.

Freezing

If I freeze leftovers, I freeze just the cooked, sauced chicken separately. I don’t recommend freezing the assembled bowl because the fresh veggies won’t hold up well. When you defrost the chicken, simply reheat thoroughly before adding fresh veggies again.

Reheating

For reheating, I pop the chicken in the microwave covered with a damp paper towel to keep it moist or quickly warm it in a skillet. Then, I add fresh or leftover veggies and freshly warmed rice to recreate that just-made vibe.

FAQs

Can I make the bang bang sauce ahead of time?

Absolutely! The bang bang sauce actually tastes even better after resting for a few hours or overnight in the refrigerator. Just give it a good stir before using, and it’ll be ready to coat your chicken beautifully.
What if I don’t have an air fryer? Can I still make this?

Definitely. You can cook the chicken in a skillet on the stovetop over medium-high heat. It’ll take about 8-10 minutes, and you just need to make sure the chicken is cooked through and golden on all sides. I often alternate between these methods depending on my kitchen setup.
How spicy is the Bang Bang Chicken Bowl Recipe?

The recipe has a gentle kick from the Sriracha, but it’s very adaptable. You can dial the heat up or down by adjusting the amount of Sriracha or even swapping in a milder chili sauce. It’s perfect for both spice lovers and those who prefer it mild.
Can I substitute the chicken with another protein?

Yes! This sauce works wonderfully with shrimp, tofu, or even crispy chickpeas. Just adjust cooking times accordingly and you’ll have a delicious variation that suits your cravings.

Final Thoughts

This Bang Bang Chicken Bowl Recipe has become one of my favorite go-to meals because it’s fast, flavorful, and endlessly adaptable. I love how it brings a bit of excitement and comfort to my dinner table without complicated steps or exotic ingredients. Honestly, it’s the kind of recipe I recommend to friends all the time because it delivers big on taste with minimal effort. Give it a try—you’ll wonder how you ever lived without it!