Bang Bang Chicken Bowl: The Ultimate Spicy-Sweet Rice Bowl
If you’re looking for a meal that’s bold, balanced, and bursting with flavor, the Bang Bang Chicken Bowl is about to become your go-to dinner. With its crispy chicken, creamy sriracha-based sauce, and crunchy fresh veggies, it delivers everything you love about takeout—in a healthier, home-cooked version. Plus, it’s highly customizable and perfect for meal prep.
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The secret to this bowl is the Bang Bang Sauce: a mouthwatering mix of mayo, Thai sweet chili sauce, and sriracha that delivers both heat and sweetness. You can even make it from scratch—check out this homemade Thai sweet chili sauce recipe from Minimalist Baker if you’re avoiding store-bought versions.
To get that perfect crispy-on-the-outside, juicy-on-the-inside chicken, an air fryer works wonders. If you’re not familiar with how to use one effectively, this guide to cooking chicken in an air fryer from Serious Eats will set you up for success.
What Is a Bang Bang Chicken Bowl?
At its core, the Bang Bang Chicken Bowl is a layered dish featuring:
- Crispy chicken tossed in Bang Bang Sauce
- A base of rice or grain
- A medley of crunchy, colorful vegetables
- Optional toppings like avocado, cilantro, or sesame seeds
The result is a complete, nutritious meal in one bowl—perfect for weeknight dinners or prepping lunches in advance.
The Star of the Show: Bang Bang Sauce
This sweet-and-spicy sauce is what gives the bowl its name. It’s creamy, tangy, and totally addictive. You’ll need:
- Mayonnaise (can sub with Greek yogurt for a lighter version)
- Thai sweet chili sauce
- Honey (optional for added sweetness)
- Sriracha (adjust to taste)
Make-ahead tip: You can store this sauce in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.
How to Make the Chicken
For the best results, use boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Chicken cut into 1-inch cubes
- Vegetable oil
- Paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper for seasoning
Cooking Methods
- Air fryer: Cook at 400°F for 11–12 minutes, flipping halfway through
- Skillet: Pan-fry over medium-high heat for 8–10 minutes until golden brown and cooked through
Once cooked, toss the chicken with a generous amount of Bang Bang Sauce.
Build Your Bowl Base
Your bowl starts with a carb or grain base. Try:
- White rice (classic option)
- Brown rice or jasmine rice
- Cilantro lime rice for extra flavor
- Cauliflower rice for a low-carb option
- Quinoa or soba noodles for a fusion twist
Veggies That Add Crunch and Color
The real beauty of this bowl lies in the variety of vegetables. Here are great options:
- Red cabbage (thinly sliced)
- Julienned carrots
- Cucumber slices
- Avocado
- Fresh cilantro
- Sesame seeds for topping
You can also experiment with:
- Pickled cabbage
- Edamame
- Bell peppers
- Spinach
- Steamed broccoli
- Tomatoes or snap peas
Assembly Tips
When you’re ready to assemble, follow this layering method:
- Add 1 cup of rice to your bowl
- Layer with ½ cup cabbage, ¼ cup carrots, and ¼ cup cucumbers
- Add sliced avocado and Bang Bang chicken
- Drizzle with extra Bang Bang Sauce
- Top with cilantro and sesame seeds
Serve immediately or pack in airtight containers for later.
Make It Your Way: Customization Ideas
Whether you’re catering to dietary needs or just experimenting, here’s how to tweak your bowl:
- Vegetarian or vegan: Use tofu or tempeh instead of chicken
- Low-carb: Use cauliflower rice and skip sweetener in the sauce
- Gluten-free: Ensure sauces are certified GF
- Dairy-free: Use vegan mayo alternatives
- Kid-friendly: Reduce the sriracha for a milder flavor
Meal Prep and Storage Tips
This bowl is ideal for weekly meal prep. Here’s how to do it:
- Prepare all components separately
- Store chicken, sauce, and rice in individual containers
- Assemble just before eating or the night before
- Reheat only the chicken and rice for best texture
Pro tip: Use glass containers to keep flavors from mingling and maintain freshness.
Nutritional Breakdown
A standard Bang Bang Chicken Bowl contains:
- Calories: ~1200–1300 per serving
- Protein: High, especially with lean chicken breast
- Carbs: Variable depending on rice type
- Fats: Mostly from sauce; use Greek yogurt or low-fat mayo to reduce
You can lighten the bowl by:
- Halving the sauce
- Using cauliflower rice
- Skipping avocado
Popular Variations to Try
Once you master the basic version, get creative with these ideas:
- Bang Bang Shrimp Bowl: Swap chicken for shrimp
- Korean-Inspired Bowl: Add kimchi and gochujang
- Thai Fusion: Add crushed peanuts and lime juice
- Crispy Noodle Bowl: Use fried noodles as a crunchy base
Pro Tips for Flavor and Texture
- Mix the sauce into the chicken after cooking to preserve crispiness
- Layer contrasting textures: crunchy veggies, creamy sauce, tender chicken
- Let the rice cool slightly before adding hot chicken to avoid sogginess
- Use pickled veggies to cut through the richness
FAQs About Bang Bang Chicken Bowl
What is Bang Bang Chicken made of?
Crispy chicken tossed in a spicy mayo-based sauce and served over rice with vegetables.
Is Bang Bang Chicken spicy?
It has a moderate heat level from sriracha, but you can adjust it to your liking.
Can I make it ahead of time?
Yes! Just store components separately and assemble before serving.
Is the sauce gluten-free?
Not always—check the label on your chili sauce or make your own to be sure.
What are some protein alternatives?
Try tofu, tempeh, or shrimp for a delicious twist.
How many calories are in a bowl?
Around 1200 calories, but this can vary depending on toppings and portion size.
Can I freeze it?
Freeze the chicken and rice, but add fresh veggies after thawing for the best texture.
What’s a good alternative to mayo?
Plain Greek yogurt works well and lowers the fat content.
What makes this dish different from General Tso’s Chicken?
Bang Bang Chicken is not breaded or deep-fried, and the sauce is mayo-based rather than soy-based.
Final Thoughts
The Bang Bang Chicken Bowl is everything you could want in a single dish—savory, spicy, sweet, and crunchy. It’s easy to make, endlessly adaptable, and perfect for both busy weeknights and casual gatherings. Whether you’re air-frying your chicken, pickling your cabbage, or swapping in tofu, this is one recipe that never gets boring.
