If you love bold, creamy, and slightly spicy flavors all coming together in one bowl, then you are going to adore this Bang Bang Chicken Bowl Recipe. It’s a wonderful fusion of crunchy fresh vegetables, tender air-fried chicken tossed in a luscious, tangy Bang Bang sauce, and fluffy white rice that perfectly soaks up every drop of deliciousness. This recipe is the kind of dish you’ll want to share with friends or savor on a cozy night in because every bite bursts with vibrant color, texture, and flavor harmony. Get ready to fall in love with this simple but seriously satisfying meal!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Bang Bang Chicken Bowl Recipe is in its simple yet essential ingredients that each play a key role in creating its delicious balance. From creamy mayonnaise to crisp veggies, every item adds something special, whether it’s flavor depth, satisfying crunch, or a pop of color that makes the bowl as inviting to the eyes as it is to the palate.
- Mayonnaise: The creamy base for the Bang Bang sauce, adding luscious richness and helping to blend the flavors together smoothly.
- Thai sweet chili sauce: Brings sweetness and a gentle tang that beautifully contrasts with the spice of the Sriracha.
- Honey: Adds a natural sweetness that balances out the heat, making the sauce irresistibly smooth and palatable.
- Sriracha: The spicy kick that gives the Bang Bang sauce its signature fiery edge – adjust the amount to suit your heat preference.
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts: The protein hero of the bowl, cut into perfect bite-sized pieces and seasoned for maximum flavor.
- Vegetable oil: Helps the chicken develop a beautiful, golden crust when cooked, keeping it juicy inside.
- Paprika: Imparts a smoky warmth and lovely color to the chicken seasoning.
- Garlic powder: Adds a savory depth that enhances every other ingredient’s taste.
- Kosher salt: Essential for seasoning, making sure each bite is well-balanced and flavorful.
- Black pepper: Gives a subtle bite that works perfectly with the other spices.
- Prepared white rice: The comforting, soft base that soaks up the Bang Bang sauce and complements the textures above.
- Red cabbage: Thinly sliced for crunch and a vibrant pop of purplish-red color.
- Carrot: Julienned to add sweetness and a lovely crispness.
- Cucumber: Thinly sliced for freshness and a cooling contrast to the spicy sauce.
- Avocado: Creamy slices that introduce richness and balance spicy notes with buttery smoothness.
- Fresh cilantro: Chopped to sprinkle on top, adding an herbal brightness to finish off the dish.
- Sesame seeds: A final touch for texture and a subtle nutty flavor that elevates the whole bowl.
How to Make Bang Bang Chicken Bowl Recipe
Step 1: Make the Bang Bang Sauce
Start by whisking together mayonnaise, Thai sweet chili sauce, honey, and Sriracha in a bowl until completely smooth. This sauce combines creamy, sweet, and spicy elements that will become the heart of your Bang Bang Chicken Bowl Recipe. Set it aside while you prepare the chicken and veggies – the sauce will add that irresistible zing at the end.
Step 2: Season and Cook the Chicken
In a separate bowl, mix the vegetable oil, paprika, garlic powder, kosher salt, and black pepper to create a flavorful seasoning blend. Toss your diced chicken breasts in this mixture until every piece is well coated. Then, air fry the chicken at 400°F for 11 to 12 minutes until it develops a golden, slightly crispy exterior while staying juicy inside. The air fryer not only makes this step easier but also gives the chicken a perfectly crisp texture without excess oil.
Step 3: Prepare the Fresh Vegetables and Rice
While the chicken cooks, take the time to prep your veggies and rice. Thinly slice the red cabbage and cucumber, julienne the carrot, and slice the avocado. Warm up your prepared white rice so it’s ready as the comforting bed of your bowl. These brightly colored vegetables add crunch, freshness, and vivid contrast in every bite of your Bang Bang Chicken Bowl Recipe.
Step 4: Assemble Your Bang Bang Chicken Bowls
Now the fun part: layering all your prepared components. Start by dividing the warm white rice into your serving bowls. Next, arrange the cabbage, carrots, cucumbers, and avocado on top in visually appealing piles. Add the tender, seasoned chicken pieces, then generously drizzle the vibrant Bang Bang sauce over everything. Finally, garnish with fresh chopped cilantro and a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds for that perfect finishing touch.
How to Serve Bang Bang Chicken Bowl Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh garnishes like chopped cilantro and toasted sesame seeds aren’t just pretty; they add layers of flavor and texture. The cilantro brings a fresh, citrusy brightness that livens the entire bowl, while the sesame seeds offer a slight crunch and nuttiness that complements the creamy sauce and tender chicken beautifully. Don’t skip this step—you’ll thank yourself with every bite.
Side Dishes
This bowl is hearty enough to stand alone, but if you’re looking to round out the meal, crisp spring rolls or a light miso soup are wonderful companions. The spring rolls provide additional crunch and freshness, while miso soup offers a warm, umami-rich contrast that balances the spicy notes of the Bang Bang sauce. Either way, these sides keep the meal interesting without overpowering the main star.
Creative Ways to Present
For a casual gathering, serve the Bang Bang Chicken Bowls in individual mason jars or eco-friendly bowls to give guests a fun, handheld experience. Alternatively, spread each component artfully on a large platter for a communal “build your own bowl” style meal, letting everyone customize their own creations. No matter how you serve it, the vibrant colors and textures make this dish a true feast for the senses.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers (which might be unlikely because this dish is that good), store the chicken, rice, and veggies separately in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days. Keep the Bang Bang sauce in a sealed jar to preserve its creaminess and flavor.
Freezing
While the cooked chicken can be frozen, the fresh vegetables and avocado do not freeze well since they become watery or mushy upon thawing. To make future meals easier, freeze portions of the seasoned, cooked chicken separately and defrost as needed, then quickly prepare fresh veggies and rice on the day you want to enjoy your Bang Bang Chicken Bowl Recipe again.
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm the chicken and rice in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through, then add fresh veggies and drizzle with cold Bang Bang sauce. This method helps retain the vibrant textures and bright flavors that make this bowl so irresistible.
FAQs
Can I use another protein besides chicken?
Absolutely! Shrimp, tofu, or even crispy tempeh can work in this Bang Bang Chicken Bowl Recipe. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly for the protein you choose.
How spicy is this dish?
The spice level mostly comes from the Sriracha in the sauce. You can easily adjust how much you add to suit your heat tolerance, from mild and sweet to more fiery sensations.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free, but always check your condiments like Thai sweet chili sauce and Sriracha to ensure they don’t contain gluten or wheat-derived ingredients.
Can I prepare the sauce in advance?
Definitely! The Bang Bang sauce can be mixed up to 3 days ahead and stored in the refrigerator. It’ll actually taste even better once the flavors meld together.
What’s the best way to cut the vegetables for this bowl?
Thin slicing the cabbage and cucumber and julienning the carrots helps keep a nice crunchy texture while allowing the fresh flavors to shine and balance the creamy sauce in this Bang Bang Chicken Bowl Recipe.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly joyful about making and sharing this Bang Bang Chicken Bowl Recipe. Its lively mix of spicy, sweet, creamy, and crunchy elements creates a meal that feels indulgent but is surprisingly easy to prepare. Whether you’re looking for a weeknight dinner that will impress or a vibrant, healthy bowl to brighten your meal routine, this recipe is your new best friend in the kitchen. Go on, give it a try—your taste buds will thank you!
Print
Bang Bang Chicken Bowl Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: Asian Fusion
Description
This Bang Bang Chicken Bowl is a flavorful, quick, and easy meal featuring crispy air-fried chicken tossed in a spicy and sweet Bang Bang sauce, served over a bed of warm white rice and fresh vegetables. It’s a perfect balance of creamy, crunchy, and zesty flavors that makes for a satisfying and colorful bowl.
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
Bowls
- 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
- Make Bang Bang Sauce: In a medium bowl, combine mayonnaise, Thai sweet chili sauce, honey, and Sriracha. Stir until smooth and well blended. Set aside to let the flavors meld.
- Prepare Chicken: In a separate bowl, combine vegetable oil, paprika, garlic powder, kosher salt, and black pepper. Add the cubed chicken breasts and toss until all pieces are evenly coated with the seasoning mixture.
- Air Fry the Chicken: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (204°C). Place the seasoned chicken cubes in the air fryer basket in a single layer and cook for 11-12 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until the chicken is cooked through and slightly crispy on the outside.
- Assemble the Bowls: Divide the warmed white rice evenly among four bowls. Layer the thinly sliced red cabbage, julienned carrots, sliced cucumbers, and avocado slices over the rice. Top each bowl with the air-fried chicken pieces.
- Add Sauce and Garnish: Drizzle the prepared Bang Bang sauce generously over each bowl. Garnish with freshly chopped cilantro and a sprinkle of sesame seeds for an extra burst of flavor and texture. Serve immediately.
Notes
- You can adjust the spiciness of the Bang Bang sauce by increasing or reducing the amount of Sriracha according to your taste.
- If you don’t have an air fryer, you can bake the chicken in the oven at 400°F for 18-20 minutes or pan-fry it over medium heat until cooked through.
- Use brown rice instead of white rice for a healthier whole grain option.
- The recipe is easily customizable by adding other fresh veggies like bell peppers, snap peas, or green onions.
- Leftover sauce can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days in an airtight container.
