Bang Bang Chicken Bowl

Imagine tender chicken coated in a creamy, sweet, and spicy sauce, nestled on a bed of fluffy rice with colorful fresh vegetables. The Bang Bang Chicken Bowl delivers an irresistible combination of textures and flavors that dance on your palate—crispy, creamy, crunchy, and utterly satisfying. This popular Asian-inspired dish has taken the food world by storm with its perfect balance of heat and sweetness. You’ll learn how to create this restaurant-quality meal right in your own kitchen, impressing family and friends with minimal effort and maximum flavor.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

The Bang Bang Chicken Bowl is the ultimate crowd-pleaser that combines convenience with gourmet flavor. What makes this dish truly special is the contrast between the crispy chicken and the velvety bang bang sauce—a harmonious blend of sweet, spicy, and tangy notes that coat each piece perfectly. The fresh vegetables add a satisfying crunch against the tender chicken and soft rice, creating a textural symphony in every bite.

This recipe is incredibly versatile and comes together in just 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights when you want something delicious without spending hours in the kitchen. The ingredients are readily available at most grocery stores, and the techniques are straightforward, even for novice cooks.

Health-conscious eaters will appreciate that this chicken bowl recipe can be easily adjusted to fit various dietary needs without sacrificing flavor. The balance of protein, carbs, and vegetables makes for a complete, satisfying meal that will keep you full for hours.

Ingredients

For the Chicken:

• 1½ pounds (680g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
• ½ cup (60g) cornstarch
• 2 large eggs, beaten
• 1 teaspoon (5g) salt
• ½ teaspoon (2g) black pepper
• 3 tablespoons (45ml) vegetable oil for cooking

For the Bang Bang Sauce:

• ½ cup (120g) mayonnaise
• 3 tablespoons (45g) sweet chili sauce
• 1-2 tablespoons (15-30g) sriracha sauce (adjust to taste)
• 1 tablespoon (15ml) honey
• 1 tablespoon (15ml) rice vinegar
• 1 teaspoon (5ml) lime juice

For the Bowl:

• 3 cups (570g) cooked rice (white or brown)
• 1 cup (150g) shredded carrots
• 1 cup (100g) thinly sliced cucumber
• 1 cup (150g) sliced red bell pepper
• ½ cup (50g) sliced green onions
• 2 tablespoons (30g) sesame seeds
• Lime wedges for serving

Pro Tips

Master the Chicken Coating
The secret to perfectly crispy chicken in your Bang Bang Chicken Bowl lies in the coating technique. After cutting your chicken into equal-sized pieces, pat them completely dry with paper towels before dredging in cornstarch. This removes excess moisture and ensures a crispy exterior rather than a soggy one. For an even coating, use one hand for the dry ingredients and one for the wet to prevent the dreaded “club hand” of sticky batter build-up.

Perfect Your Bang Bang Sauce
The sauce is the star of this dish, so take time to get it right. Whisk all sauce ingredients in a bowl until completely smooth before tasting. Then adjust the sriracha incrementally—add a little, taste, then add more if needed. This method prevents accidentally making the sauce too spicy. For the best flavor development, prepare the sauce at least 15 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld together.

Rice Preparation Strategy
For the perfect spicy chicken bowl, timing is everything. Start your rice first, as it can stay warm while you prepare the other components. For extra flavor, cook your rice in chicken or vegetable broth instead of water. If using a rice cooker, add a teaspoon of oil and a pinch of salt to enhance texture and taste. Let the rice rest for 10 minutes after cooking for fluffy, individual grains that perfectly complement the saucy chicken.

Instructions

Step 1
Prepare all your ingredients before starting. Cook rice according to package instructions, then set aside. Slice all vegetables and arrange them on a plate. In a medium bowl, whisk together all bang bang sauce ingredients until smooth and well combined. Set aside to allow flavors to develop.

Step 2
Pat chicken pieces completely dry with paper towels. Season with salt and pepper. Place cornstarch in a shallow bowl and beaten eggs in another bowl. Dip each chicken piece first in cornstarch, shaking off excess, then into the beaten eggs.

Step 3
Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. When oil is shimmering, add chicken pieces in a single layer, working in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding. Cook for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F/74°C). Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.

Step 4
Place the cooked chicken in a large bowl and drizzle with about two-thirds of the bang bang sauce. Gently toss until all pieces are evenly coated. Reserve the remaining sauce for drizzling over the assembled bowls.

Step 5
Assemble your Bang Bang Chicken Bowl by placing a portion of rice in each serving bowl. Arrange the sauce-coated chicken and prepared vegetables around the rice. Drizzle with the remaining bang bang sauce, then sprinkle with sliced green onions and sesame seeds. Serve immediately with lime wedges on the side for an extra burst of freshness.

Variations

Vegetarian Bang Bang Bowl
Transform this dish into a plant-based delight by substituting the chicken with extra-firm tofu or cauliflower florets. For tofu, press it well to remove excess moisture, then cut into cubes and follow the same coating and cooking instructions. For cauliflower, break into bite-sized florets, dip in the cornstarch and egg mixture, then roast at 425°F (220°C) for 20-25 minutes until crispy. The bang bang sauce works beautifully with both alternatives, creating a satisfying vegetarian version.

Grilled Bang Bang Chicken Bowl
For a lighter version of the Bang Bang Chicken Bowl, skip the breading and simply marinate chicken in a mixture of soy sauce, garlic, and ginger for 30 minutes. Grill until cooked through, then toss with the bang bang sauce. This variation reduces calories while maintaining the dish’s signature flavor profile. It’s perfect for summer cookouts or when you’re looking for a healthier option that doesn’t sacrifice taste.

Seafood Twist
Substitute chicken with shrimp or chunks of firm white fish like cod or halibut for a seafood-inspired bang bang bowl. The cooking time will be shorter—about 2 minutes per side for shrimp and 3-4 minutes per side for fish. The sweet and spicy sauce pairs exceptionally well with seafood, creating an elegant yet easy variation on the original recipe.

Storage and Serving

Storage Guidelines
Your Bang Bang Chicken Bowl components can be stored separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep the sauce separate from the chicken if storing leftovers to maintain the crispy texture. When ready to eat, reheat the chicken in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 10 minutes to restore crispiness—avoid microwaving as this will make the chicken soggy. The sauce can be refrigerated for up to 5 days and may need a quick stir before using.

Serving Suggestions
Transform your Bang Bang Chicken Bowl into an impressive spread by serving it buffet-style. Place the rice, cooked chicken, sauce, and all the vegetables in separate bowls, allowing everyone to build their own custom bowl. This is perfect for family dinners or casual entertaining.

For a complete meal experience, serve with a side of miso soup or a simple Asian-inspired cucumber salad dressed with rice vinegar and sesame oil. For an extra special touch, offer additional toppings like crispy wonton strips, pickled ginger, or sliced avocado to elevate your chicken bowl recipe to restaurant quality.

FAQs

Can I make Bang Bang Chicken Bowl ahead of time?
You can prepare components ahead of time, but assemble just before serving. Cook the chicken, prepare the sauce, and chop vegetables up to 24 hours in advance. Store each component separately in the refrigerator. For best results, coat the chicken with sauce just before serving to maintain its texture.

How spicy is Bang Bang Chicken Bowl?
The spice level is customizable. The standard recipe has a moderate kick that most people enjoy. For a milder version, reduce the sriracha or substitute with more sweet chili sauce. For extra heat, increase the sriracha or add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes to the sauce.

Can I use air fryer for the chicken?
Absolutely! Air fry the coated chicken pieces at 400°F (200°C) for 10-12 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through. This method uses less oil while still achieving a crispy exterior.

Is Bang Bang Chicken Bowl gluten-free?
The recipe can be made gluten-free by ensuring your cornstarch, mayonnaise, and sweet chili sauce are certified gluten-free. Always check all packaged ingredients for hidden gluten sources.

What can I substitute for sweet chili sauce?
If you can’t find sweet chili sauce, mix 2 tablespoons of honey, 1 tablespoon of rice vinegar, 1 teaspoon of chili flakes, and a minced garlic clove as a homemade alternative that captures similar flavor notes.

Conclusion

This Bang Bang Chicken Bowl is comfort food at its finest — a perfect symphony of crispy chicken coated in creamy, sweet-spicy sauce, paired with fresh vegetables and fluffy rice. It’s the kind of dish that transforms an ordinary weeknight into a special occasion without hours of cooking. Whether you’re meal prepping for the week ahead or wanting to impress dinner guests with minimal effort, this versatile bowl delivers restaurant-quality flavor in every bite. Give this recipe a try, and it might just become your new go-to when cravings for something satisfying, vibrant, and delicious strike.

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