The Bang Bang Chicken Bowl Recipe is an absolute game changer when it comes to quick, flavorful meals that satisfy both the stomach and the soul. Packed with tender, golden chicken coated in a lively sweet and spicy sauce, paired with fresh, crisp veggies and fluffy jasmine rice, this dish feels like a little party in every bite. It’s the perfect balance of creamy, crunchy, and zingy elements that makes coming back for seconds simply inevitable. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or feeding friends, this bowl is sure to become a beloved staple in your recipe collection.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this recipe is simple but essential, working together to create a harmonious blend of textures and vibrant flavors. From the tender chicken to the lively sauce and fresh vegetables, each component plays a big role in making this dish truly unforgettable.
- Chicken breasts: Boneless and skinless, cut into bite-sized pieces for quick and even cooking.
- Cornstarch: Creates a light, crispy coating on the chicken when cooked.
- Olive oil: For sautéing the chicken to a perfect golden brown.
- Cooked jasmine rice: The fragrant, fluffy base that soaks up all the amazing flavors.
- Shredded romaine lettuce: Adds a fresh, crunchy contrast to the rich sauce and warm rice.
- Shredded carrots: Bright and naturally sweet, they add color and texture.
- Cucumber, thinly sliced: Cool and crisp, balancing the spiciness beautifully.
- Avocado, sliced: Creamy richness that smooths the heat and adds gorgeous color.
- Green onions, chopped: Sprinkle on top for a mild onion bite and vibrant green pop.
- Fresh cilantro leaves: The herbaceous finishing touch that lifts the entire bowl.
- Bang bang sauce ingredients: Mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, honey, rice vinegar, and a pinch of salt combine to create the signature sweet, spicy, and tangy sauce that defines this recipe.
How to Make Bang Bang Chicken Bowl Recipe
Step 1: Whisk the Bang Bang Sauce
Start by combining mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, honey, rice vinegar, and a pinch of salt in a small bowl. Whisk everything thoroughly until silky and smooth. This sauce is the heart and soul of your Bang Bang Chicken Bowl Recipe, delivering that perfect kick of flavor in every bite!
Step 2: Coat the Chicken
Toss your chicken pieces with cornstarch in a large bowl. This little step ensures a light, crispy exterior as the chicken cooks, giving you silky, crunchy bites that soak up the sauce marvelously.
Step 3: Cook the Chicken
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the coated chicken pieces and cook, turning occasionally, for 6 to 8 minutes until they’re golden brown and perfectly cooked through. You’ll know they’re ready when they develop that irresistible crispy edge while staying juicy inside.
Step 4: Toss Chicken with Sauce
Once cooked, remove the chicken from the heat and immediately toss it with half of your bang bang sauce. This helps each piece soak in that signature flavor without losing the beautiful golden crust.
Step 5: Assemble the Bowls
Divide the cooked jasmine rice evenly into bowls. Top with shredded romaine, carrots, cucumber slices, avocado, and the sauced chicken. Drizzle the remaining bang bang sauce on top and sprinkle with chopped green onions and fresh cilantro leaves for a burst of color and flavor.
How to Serve Bang Bang Chicken Bowl Recipe
Garnishes
To take your Bang Bang Chicken Bowl Recipe to the next level, fresh garnishes are a must. Cilantro and green onions bring a lively freshness that cuts through the richness of the sauce, while a squeeze of lime juice can add a bright, citrusy zing that makes everything pop. For an added crunch, try toasted sesame seeds or crushed peanuts.
Side Dishes
This bowl is wonderfully filling on its own, but if you want to round out your meal, consider light and refreshing sides like edamame, pickled radishes, or a crisp Asian cucumber salad. These sides complement the richness of the bang bang sauce and add interesting textures to the table.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve the Bang Bang Chicken Bowl Recipe in colorful bowls or on large, shallow plates for a beautiful presentation that highlights all the vibrant ingredients. Try layering the components artistically or arranging the chicken in small mounds with surrounding vegetables for a restaurant-quality look that will impress your guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover bang bang chicken bowls can be stored in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep the sauce separate if possible to prevent the chicken and veggies from becoming soggy. When you’re ready to eat, simply reheat and assemble fresh bowls.
Freezing
While the chicken and rice can be frozen, the fresh veggies and sauce don’t freeze well. If you plan to freeze, separate cooked chicken and rice into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat the chicken and rice gently in a skillet or microwave until warmed through. Add fresh veggies, avocado, and the bang bang sauce after reheating to maintain their texture and vibrant flavor. This keeps every bite tasting freshly made, even on a busy weeknight.
FAQs
Can I use a different protein for the Bang Bang Chicken Bowl Recipe?
Absolutely! Shrimp, tofu, or even thinly sliced beef work wonderfully with the bang bang sauce. Just adjust cooking times accordingly to ensure the protein is cooked perfectly.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, as long as you use gluten-free versions of the sweet chili sauce and mayonnaise, this Bang Bang Chicken Bowl Recipe is safe for gluten-free diets.
How spicy is the bang bang sauce?
The sauce has a mild to moderate heat thanks to the sriracha, balanced by the honey and sweet chili sauce. If you love more spice, feel free to add extra sriracha or a dash of chili flakes.
Can I make this recipe vegan?
Definitely! Swap the chicken for crispy tofu or tempeh, use vegan mayo for the sauce, and you’ll have a delicious plant-based take on the Bang Bang Chicken Bowl Recipe.
What sides pair well with this dish?
Light sides like steamed edamame, pickled vegetables, or a simple cucumber salad complement the bold flavors of this bowl without overpowering it.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a meal that’s bursting with flavor, texture, and color all in one vibrant bowl, give the Bang Bang Chicken Bowl Recipe a try. It’s an easy-to-make dish that feels both comforting and exciting, perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings. Once you make it, it’s sure to become one of your favorite go-to recipes that you’ll want to share with everyone you know!
Print
Bang Bang Chicken Bowl Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 bowls
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This vibrant and flavorful Bang Bang Chicken Bowl features tender, crispy chicken coated in a spicy-sweet bang bang sauce, served over a bed of jasmine rice and fresh, crunchy vegetables. It’s a perfect balanced meal that combines creamy avocado, crisp lettuce, carrots, and cucumbers with the bold flavors of homemade bang bang sauce, ideal for a quick weeknight dinner or meal prep.
Ingredients
Chicken and Rice
- 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 3 cups cooked jasmine rice
Vegetables and Garnishes
- 2 cups shredded romaine lettuce
- 1 cup shredded carrots
- 1 cucumber, thinly sliced
- 1 avocado, sliced
- 2 green onions, chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro leaves
Bang Bang Sauce
- 1/3 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons sweet chili sauce
- 1 tablespoon sriracha
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 teaspoon rice vinegar
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Prepare Bang Bang Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, honey, rice vinegar, and a pinch of salt until fully combined and smooth. This sauce will provide the signature spicy and sweet flavor to the chicken.
- Coat the Chicken: Toss the bite-sized chicken pieces with cornstarch, ensuring each piece is evenly coated to help achieve a crispy texture when cooked.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the coated chicken and cook for 6–8 minutes, turning occasionally until the chicken is golden brown on all sides and cooked through.
- Toss Chicken in Sauce: Remove the cooked chicken from heat and toss it with half of the prepared bang bang sauce, coating the pieces well to infuse flavor.
- Assemble Bowls: Divide the cooked jasmine rice evenly among four serving bowls. Layer shredded romaine lettuce, shredded carrots, thinly sliced cucumber, avocado slices, the sauced chicken, and chopped green onions on top.
- Finish and Serve: Drizzle the remaining bang bang sauce over each bowl and sprinkle fresh cilantro leaves as garnish before serving.
Notes
- You can substitute quinoa or cauliflower rice instead of jasmine rice for a lighter or low-carb alternative.
- Adjust the heat level by adding more sriracha to the bang bang sauce if you prefer extra spice.
