Why You’ll Love Bang Bang Chicken Bowl Recipe

This recipe is perfect for beginners and busy home cooks alike. It’s easy to make, requires simple ingredients, and offers a balanced combination of protein, carbs, and veggies. The real star is the Bang Bang sauce—a creamy, spicy, and slightly sweet drizzle that transforms ordinary chicken into something irresistible. Plus, the customizable nature of the bowl means you can adapt it to your taste or dietary preferences.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Chicken breast or thighs
Cornstarch or flour (for coating)
Salt and pepper
Oil for frying
Cooked white or jasmine rice
Shredded lettuce or cabbage
Carrot matchsticks
Cucumber slices
Green onions, chopped
Sesame seeds (optional)

For the Bang Bang Sauce:

Mayonnaise
Sweet chili sauce
Sriracha (or hot sauce of choice)
Honey or sugar (optional, for added sweetness)

Directions

Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces and season with salt and pepper.
Coat the chicken pieces lightly in cornstarch or flour.
Heat oil in a pan over medium-high heat and fry the chicken until golden and crispy. Set aside.
In a bowl, mix together mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, and honey until smooth. Adjust spice level to your preference.
Drizzle or toss the crispy chicken in the Bang Bang sauce.
Assemble your bowl by layering rice, shredded lettuce or cabbage, carrots, cucumbers, and Bang Bang chicken.
Top with green onions and sesame seeds if desired. Serve immediately.

Servings and timing

Servings: 4
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 15 minutes
Total time: 30 minutes

Variations

Make it lighter: Use grilled or air-fried chicken instead of pan-fried.
Make it vegetarian: Swap chicken for crispy tofu or cauliflower bites.
Low-carb option: Serve over cauliflower rice or lettuce wraps.
Add crunch: Top with crushed peanuts or fried wonton strips.
Extra protein: Add a soft-boiled egg or edamame to the bowl.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftover Bang Bang chicken and rice separately from the vegetables to maintain freshness.

Refrigeration: Store in airtight containers for up to 3 days.
Reheating: Warm chicken and rice in the microwave or on the stovetop. Reassemble the bowl with fresh veggies before serving.
Freezing: Chicken can be frozen for up to 2 months. Avoid freezing fresh veggies.

FAQs

What is Bang Bang sauce made of?

Bang Bang sauce typically combines mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, and sriracha for a creamy, sweet, and spicy flavor.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the chicken and sauce in advance. Reheat and assemble the bowl with fresh vegetables when ready to eat.

Is this dish very spicy?

The spice level is adjustable. You can reduce or increase the amount of sriracha based on your preference.

Can I use rotisserie chicken instead?

Yes, using rotisserie chicken is a great shortcut. Simply toss it in the Bang Bang sauce and serve.

What kind of rice works best for this bowl?

White rice, jasmine rice, or even brown rice work well. You can also use quinoa or cauliflower rice for a twist.

Can I bake the chicken instead of frying?

Absolutely. Bake at 400°F (200°C) for about 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway through for even crispiness.

What vegetables can I add?

Feel free to include bell peppers, avocado, shredded carrots, purple cabbage, or radishes for added crunch and color.

How can I make it dairy-free?

Use a dairy-free mayo alternative for the sauce to make the dish completely dairy-free.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, if you use gluten-free flour or cornstarch and make sure your sauces are certified gluten-free.

Can I double this recipe?

Definitely! Simply scale up the ingredients to serve more people or to have leftovers.

Conclusion

This Bang Bang Chicken Bowl is a quick, delicious, and highly customizable meal that’s perfect for any home cook—especially beginners. With its crispy chicken, bold sauce, and refreshing vegetables, it delivers a satisfying mix of textures and flavors in every bite. Whether you’re making dinner for the family or meal-prepping for the week, this bowl is sure to become a new favorite.