Introduction

Bang Bang Chicken Bowl is a flavorful, vibrant dish that combines crispy chicken with a creamy, spicy sauce and fresh veggies over rice. It’s easy to make, customizable, and perfect for a satisfying weeknight meal or meal prep option.

A round plate holds a three-part meal arranged in sections on a white marbled surface. One section has white rice topped with black sesame seeds and a small sprig of green cilantro. Next to it is a serving of chopped, golden-brown grilled chicken pieces covered with a light, creamy sauce. The last section contains a fresh salad made of shredded purple cabbage, orange carrot strips, and sliced green cucumbers, all mixed together. To the side, a small white bowl holds an orange dipping sauce with visible bits of red pepper, and two lime halves are placed nearby. An orange textured cloth lies partially in the corner. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
½ cup all-purpose flour
½ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
2 tablespoons olive oil or vegetable oil
½ cup mayonnaise
3 tablespoons sweet chili sauce
1–2 teaspoons sriracha (adjust to taste)
1 teaspoon honey
1 teaspoon rice vinegar or lime juice
2 cups cooked white or brown rice
1 cup shredded carrots
1 cup sliced cucumber
1 cup shredded cabbage or lettuce
2 green onions, sliced
Sesame seeds, for garnish
Fresh cilantro, for garnish

Instructions

Step 1: In a bowl, toss chicken pieces with flour, salt, and pepper until evenly coated.
Step 2: Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook for 5–7 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden and cooked through. Remove from heat.
Step 3: In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, honey, and rice vinegar until smooth. Adjust sriracha to your preferred spice level.
Step 4: Divide cooked rice among serving bowls. Layer with shredded carrots, cucumber, and cabbage or lettuce.
Step 5: Top with crispy chicken pieces and drizzle generously with Bang Bang sauce.
Step 6: Garnish with sliced green onions, sesame seeds, and fresh cilantro. Serve immediately.

Tips & Variations

For extra crispiness, dredge chicken in cornstarch instead of flour.
Cook chicken in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan and ensure even browning.
Make the sauce ahead of time to save prep work on busy days.
Bang Bang Shrimp Bowl: Swap chicken for shrimp for a seafood twist.
Vegetarian Version: Use crispy tofu or cauliflower florets instead of chicken.
Spicy Extra: Add extra sriracha or chili flakes to the sauce.
Noodle Bowl: Serve over cooked noodles instead of rice for an Asian-inspired variation.

Storage

Store leftover chicken, rice, and sauce separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for 1–2 days. Reheat chicken and rice in the microwave or on the stove until warmed through, then drizzle with fresh sauce before serving to maintain the best texture and flavor.

How to Serve

A white bowl holds a colorful meal with three main parts: on the right side is fluffy white rice topped with black sesame seeds and a small green cilantro leaf, on the top left are browned pieces of chicken drizzled with a light brown sauce, and on the bottom left is a fresh salad made of thinly sliced purple cabbage, orange carrot strips, and green cucumber slices, all mixed together. To the top left of the bowl is a small white bowl filled with a creamy orange sauce, and two lime halves sit nearby on a white marbled surface. An orange textured cloth is placed to the right side of the scene. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I bake the chicken instead of frying?

Yes! Bake the chicken at 425°F (220°C) for 15–20 minutes until golden and cooked through for a healthier alternative.

How long does the sauce last?

The Bang Bang sauce can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

Can I prep this for meal prep?

Absolutely! Cook the rice, vegetables, and chicken ahead and store separately. Assemble the bowls and drizzle with sauce just before eating to keep everything fresh.

Is this dish spicy?

It’s mildly spicy by default, but you can easily adjust the heat level by adding more or less sriracha to suit your taste.