Craving a bold, spicy, and satisfying meal that’s quick to make? This Bang Bang chicken bowl recipe is your perfect solution! Featuring crispy chicken coated in a creamy, spicy-sweet Bang Bang sauce, paired with fluffy rice and fresh veggies, this Bang Bang chicken bowl recipe delivers a burst of flavor in every bite. Ideal for busy weeknights, lunch preps, or casual gatherings, this dish brings restaurant-style taste to your kitchen with minimal effort.
This recipe is all about simplicity and big, bold flavors. With a handful of pantry staples and fresh ingredients, you can create a vibrant, customizable bowl that’s both delicious and visually appealing. In this blog post, we’ll guide you through the easy steps to make this flavorful dish, share tips for perfect results, and answer common questions. Get ready to spice up your meal rotation with this irresistible Bang Bang chicken bowl!
Why You’ll Love This Bang Bang Chicken Bowl Recipe
Quick and Easy
Ready in about 30 minutes, this recipe is perfect for busy evenings when you want a homemade meal without the fuss.
Spicy and Creamy
The Bang Bang sauce combines sweet, spicy, and creamy elements for a flavor-packed experience that’s hard to resist.
Customizable
Adjust the spice level, swap veggies, or change the base to suit your taste or dietary preferences.
Perfect for Meal Prep
Make a batch and store components separately for easy, delicious lunches or dinners throughout the week.
Ingredients for Bang Bang Chicken Bowl
Here’s what you’ll need to make this tasty dish. Most ingredients are pantry staples or easy to find!
For the Chicken
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup plain breadcrumbs
- Vegetable oil, for frying (or olive oil for baking)
For the Bang Bang Sauce
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup sweet chili sauce
- 2 tbsp sriracha (adjust for spice preference)
- 1 tbsp honey
- 1 tsp rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar
For the Bowl
- 2 cups cooked white rice, brown rice, or quinoa
- 1 cup shredded carrots
- 1 cup sliced cucumber
- 1 avocado, sliced
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions or cilantro
- Optional: sesame seeds or crushed peanuts for garnish
For Serving (Optional)
- Lime wedges
- Extra sriracha or chili sauce
Step-by-Step Recipe for Bang Bang Chicken Bowl
Step 1: Cook the Rice
- Rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clear to remove excess starch.
- In a medium saucepan, bring 4 cups of water to a boil. Add the rice, reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15-20 minutes until tender. Fluff with a fork and set aside.
Step 2: Prepare the Chicken
- Pat the chicken pieces dry with paper towels.
- Set up a breading station: In one shallow bowl, mix flour, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. In another, whisk the eggs. In a third, combine panko and plain breadcrumbs.
- Dip each chicken piece in the flour mixture, then the egg, and finally coat with the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to adhere.
- Place breaded chicken on a plate and repeat until all pieces are coated.
Step 3: Cook the Chicken
- For Frying: Heat 1-2 inches of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat to 350°F (175°C). Fry the chicken in batches for 3-4 minutes per side until golden and cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F/75°C). Drain on paper towels.
- For Baking: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Place chicken on a parchment-lined baking sheet, drizzle with olive oil, and bake for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway, until crispy and cooked through.
Step 4: Make the Bang Bang Sauce
- In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, honey, and rice vinegar until smooth.
- Taste and adjust with more sriracha for heat or honey for sweetness.
Step 5: Assemble the Bowls
- Divide the cooked rice or quinoa among 4 bowls as the base.
- Top with crispy chicken, shredded carrots, cucumber slices, and avocado.
- Drizzle generously with Bang Bang sauce or serve it on the side.
- Garnish with green onions, cilantro, sesame seeds, or crushed peanuts.
Step 6: Serve
- Serve the bowls warm or at room temperature with lime wedges for a zesty kick.
- Pair with a side salad or extra veggies for a complete meal.
Tips for Perfect Bang Bang Chicken Bowl
Get the Chicken Crispy
Use a mix of panko and regular breadcrumbs for extra crunch. Freezing breaded chicken for 10 minutes before cooking helps the coating stick.
Balance the Sauce
Adjust the sriracha and honey to your taste. Start with less sriracha if you prefer a milder flavor, and add more for extra heat.
Prep Veggies Ahead
Slice veggies in advance and store in the fridge to save time when assembling the bowls.
Use Fresh Ingredients
Freshly chopped green onions, cilantro, and crisp veggies like carrots and cucumber add vibrant flavor and texture.
Bake for a Lighter Option
Baking the chicken instead of frying reduces oil without sacrificing flavor. Drizzle with olive oil for crispiness.
Variations of Bang Bang Chicken Bowl
Spicy Bang Bang Shrimp Bowl
Swap chicken for shrimp. Bread and fry or bake shrimp for 2-3 minutes per side until pink and crispy, then toss with Bang Bang sauce.
Vegetarian Bang Bang Bowl
Use tofu or cauliflower florets instead of chicken. Bread and cook the same way for a plant-based version.
Low-Carb Bang Bang Bowl
Replace rice with cauliflower rice or mixed greens for a keto-friendly, low-carb option.
Sweet and Tangy Bang Bang Bowl
Add 1 tbsp orange juice or zest to the sauce for a citrusy twist that complements the sweet chili flavor.
Storing and Reheating
Storing Leftovers
- Store chicken, rice, veggies, and sauce separately in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Freeze cooked chicken and rice (without veggies or sauce) for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Reheating
- Reheat chicken in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for 5-7 minutes to restore crispiness, or microwave for 1-2 minutes.
- Reheat rice in the microwave with a splash of water for 1-2 minutes. Assemble fresh veggies and sauce cold.
FAQs About Bang Bang Chicken Bowl
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes! Thighs are juicier and work great. Cut into bite-sized pieces and cook as directed.
Can I make the sauce less spicy?
Yes! Reduce the sriracha to 1 tbsp or use a mild chili sauce. Add more honey for a sweeter flavor.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes! Prepare the chicken, rice, and sauce up to a day in advance. Store separately and assemble before serving.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Use gluten-free flour and breadcrumbs, and ensure the sweet chili sauce and other ingredients are gluten-free.
What other veggies can I add?
Try bell peppers, snap peas, or shredded cabbage for extra crunch and color. Lightly steam or serve raw.
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Final Thoughts
This Bang Bang chicken bowl recipe is a perfect mix of spicy, creamy, and crispy goodness, making it a go-to for quick dinners or meal prep. Its bold flavors, vibrant veggies, and customizable components ensure it’s a hit with everyone. Whether you’re craving a restaurant-style meal at home or need a fun dish for gatherings, this bowl delivers big on taste with minimal effort. Try it today and enjoy a flavorful, satisfying meal that’s sure to become a favorite!
Bang Bang Chicken Bowl:
Ingredients
- 2 chicken breasts cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 cup cornstarch
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp paprika
- Vegetable oil for frying
- 2 cups cooked jasmine rice
- 1 cup coleslaw mix shredded carrots and cabbage
- 2 green onions sliced
- ¼ cup mayonnaise
- 2 tbsp sweet chili sauce
- 1 tbsp sriracha
- 1 tbsp honey
- 1 tsp rice vinegar
Instructions
- 2 chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 cup cornstarch
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- Vegetable oil, for frying
- 2 cups cooked jasmine rice
- 1 cup coleslaw mix (shredded carrots and cabbage)
- 2 green onions, sliced
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tbsp sweet chili sauce
- 1 tbsp sriracha
- 1 tbsp honey
- 1 tsp rice vinegar
Notes
- Swap chicken for shrimp or tofu for a different protein.
- Adjust the amount of sriracha to control the spice level.
- For a lighter version, bake or air-fry the chicken instead of deep-frying.
- Prep rice and sauce in advance to save time.
DID YOU MAKE THIS EASY RECIPE?
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