Bang Bang Chicken Bowls

Crispy, tender chicken smothered in a sweet and spicy sauce, nestled atop a bed of fluffy rice and surrounded by vibrant vegetables – that’s the irresistible charm of Bang Bang Chicken Bowls. This crowd-pleasing dish combines the perfect balance of creamy, spicy, and tangy flavors in every bite, creating a restaurant-quality meal right in your own kitchen. If you’ve ever craved a satisfying bowl that delivers on both flavor and texture, these Bang Bang Chicken Bowls are your answer. You’ll learn how to create that signature sauce, perfectly cook the chicken, and assemble a bowl that’s as beautiful as it is delicious.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These Bang Bang Chicken Bowls are about to become your new favorite weeknight meal for several compelling reasons. First, they deliver that perfect harmony of textures – crispy chicken pieces with a satisfying crunch that gives way to juicy, tender meat inside. The creamy, sweet-spicy sauce clings to every morsel, creating an explosion of flavor that’s balanced by the subtle nuttiness of rice and the fresh crunch of vegetables.

What really sets these chicken bowls apart is their versatility and efficiency. The entire dish comes together in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights when you want something impressive without spending hours in the kitchen. The ingredients are straightforward pantry staples, eliminating the need for a special grocery run.

Plus, these Bang Bang Chicken Bowls offer that coveted restaurant-quality experience at a fraction of the cost. The sauce alone – with its perfect balance of sweet, spicy, and tangy notes – will have everyone asking for your secret recipe. Whether you’re cooking for yourself, your family, or guests, these bowls consistently deliver satisfaction and empty plates.

Ingredients

For the Chicken:

• 1½ pounds (680g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
• ½ cup (60g) cornstarch
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• 2 tablespoons (30ml) vegetable oil for cooking

For the Bang Bang Sauce:

• ½ cup (120g) mayonnaise (regular or light)
• ¼ cup (60g) sweet chili sauce
• 2 tablespoons (30ml) honey
• 1-2 tablespoons sriracha sauce (adjust to taste)
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder

For the Bowls:

• 3 cups (570g) cooked rice (white, brown, or cauliflower rice)
• 2 cups (200g) shredded cabbage or coleslaw mix
• 1 cucumber, thinly sliced
• 1 carrot, julienned or grated
• 2 green onions, thinly sliced
• 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
• Lime wedges, for serving

The star of these chicken rice bowls is undoubtedly the sauce, where sweet chili sauce provides sweetness and mild heat, while sriracha adds that signature spicy kick. Fresh vegetables deliver essential crunch and color contrast, making these Bang Bang Chicken Bowls as visually appealing as they are delicious.

Pro Tips

Creating perfect Bang Bang Chicken Bowls comes down to mastering a few critical techniques that elevate this dish from good to extraordinary:

Perfect Chicken Texture: The secret to achieving that restaurant-quality crispy exterior while maintaining juicy chicken inside is proper cornstarch coating and temperature control. After cutting your chicken into uniform pieces, make sure they’re completely dry before tossing with cornstarch – any moisture will prevent proper crisping. When cooking, use a large enough pan so pieces aren’t crowded, which would cause them to steam rather than sear. Cook in batches if necessary, and don’t disturb the chicken for the first 2-3 minutes to allow a golden crust to form.

Sauce Balance: The bang bang sauce should strike the perfect balance between creamy, sweet, spicy, and tangy. Start with less sriracha than you think you need – you can always add more. For depth of flavor, let the sauce ingredients meld together for at least 10 minutes before using. For extra richness, try substituting part of the mayonnaise with Greek yogurt, which adds tanginess and reduces calories.

Bowl Assembly Strategy: Build your Bang Bang Chicken Bowls strategically for both visual appeal and optimal eating experience. Start with warm rice as your base (warm, not hot, prevents vegetables from wilting), arrange vegetables in colorful sections around the perimeter, place the chicken in the center, drizzle with sauce rather than mixing it in, and finish with a sprinkle of green onions and sesame seeds for texture and visual pop.

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Bang Bang Sauce
In a medium bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, honey, sriracha (start with 1 tablespoon and adjust to your heat preference), rice vinegar, and garlic powder until completely smooth. Take a small taste and adjust sweetness or heat as needed. Set aside about ¼ cup of the sauce for drizzling later, and reserve the rest for coating the chicken.

Step 2: Prepare the Chicken
Pat the chicken pieces completely dry with paper towels – this is crucial for achieving crispiness. In a large zip-top bag or bowl, combine the cornstarch, salt, and pepper. Add the chicken pieces and toss until they’re evenly coated with the cornstarch mixture. Shake off any excess cornstarch.

Step 3: Cook the Chicken
Heat the vegetable oil in a large non-stick skillet or wok over medium-high heat. When the oil is shimmering (but not smoking), add the chicken pieces in a single layer, working in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding. Let the chicken cook undisturbed for 2-3 minutes until golden brown on the bottom. Flip the pieces and continue cooking for another 3-4 minutes until the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F/74°C) and golden brown all over.

Step 4: Sauce the Chicken
Transfer the cooked chicken to a large bowl. Pour most of the reserved bang bang sauce (not the ¼ cup you set aside) over the hot chicken and gently toss until all pieces are evenly coated. The heat from the chicken will help the sauce cling beautifully to each piece.

Step 5: Assemble Your Bowls
Divide the cooked rice among 4 serving bowls. Arrange the shredded cabbage, cucumber slices, and carrots in sections around the perimeter of each bowl. Place the sauced chicken in the center of each bowl. Drizzle the remaining bang bang sauce over the chicken and vegetables. Sprinkle with sliced green onions and sesame seeds. Serve immediately with lime wedges on the side for squeezing over the top.

Your Bang Bang Chicken Bowls are now ready to enjoy! Each element contributes to a harmonious blend of textures and flavors that make this dish so incredibly satisfying.

Variations

Grilled Bang Bang Chicken Bowls: For a lighter version, skip the cornstarch coating and instead marinate chicken in 2 tablespoons of soy sauce, 1 tablespoon honey, and 1 teaspoon garlic powder for 30 minutes. Grill until cooked through, then toss with bang bang sauce. This variation brings a subtle smokiness that complements the sauce beautifully while reducing calories.

Vegetarian Bang Bang Bowls: Replace chicken with extra-firm tofu, pressed and cut into 1-inch cubes. Coat with cornstarch and pan-fry until crispy, then proceed with the sauce as directed. For an even heartier option, try using cauliflower florets – toss them in cornstarch, roast at 425°F until crispy, then coat with bang bang sauce for a vegetarian version that doesn’t compromise on texture or flavor.

Spicy Peanut Bang Bang Bowls: Transform these Bang Bang Chicken Bowls by adding 2 tablespoons of creamy peanut butter to the sauce mixture along with 1 teaspoon of soy sauce. This variation creates a richer, more complex flavor profile reminiscent of Thai cuisine. Garnish with crushed peanuts instead of sesame seeds for enhanced nuttiness and a satisfying crunch that takes these bowls in an exciting new direction.

Storage and Serving

These Bang Bang Chicken Bowls are best enjoyed immediately after assembly while the chicken is still crispy and warm, but proper storage can help maintain their quality for later enjoyment. Store components separately – keep cooked chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, and store extra sauce in a separate container for up to 5 days. The fresh vegetables will last 1-2 days if refrigerated in sealed containers. When reheating, warm the chicken in a 350°F oven for 7-10 minutes to help restore some crispness before adding sauce.

For serving, these bowls pair beautifully with several complementary sides and beverages. Try serving with a side of vegetable potstickers or spring rolls for an Asian-inspired feast. For a refreshing beverage pairing, consider Thai iced tea, a cucumber-mint lemonade, or even a light beer like Sapporo or Singha.

To elevate your presentation, serve these Bang Bang Chicken Bowls in large, shallow bowls that showcase all components. Finish with a sprinkle of black sesame seeds for color contrast and a wedge of lime perched on the bowl’s edge for both visual appeal and a final burst of freshness.

FAQs

Can I make Bang Bang Chicken Bowls ahead of time?
You can prepare components ahead of time, but assemble just before serving. Cook the chicken and make the sauce up to 2 days ahead, storing separately. Reheat chicken in a 350°F oven for 7-10 minutes until crisp and warm before tossing with sauce.

How spicy is the bang bang sauce?
The spice level is customizable. Using 1 tablespoon of sriracha creates a mild-medium heat, while 2 tablespoons delivers a decidedly spicy kick. Start with less and add more to taste.

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work wonderfully and often result in juicier chicken. Cut them into similar-sized pieces and cook for 1-2 minutes longer.

What can I substitute for sweet chili sauce?
Mix 3 tablespoons honey, 1 tablespoon rice vinegar, 1 teaspoon soy sauce, and ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes as a substitute.

Are Bang Bang Chicken Bowls gluten-free?
Verify your sweet chili sauce and sriracha are gluten-free (most are), and these bowls will be gluten-free. Cornstarch is naturally gluten-free, making this an easily adaptable recipe for gluten sensitivities.

Conclusion

These Bang Bang Chicken Bowls are comfort food at its finest — a perfect harmony of crispy, tender chicken enrobed in creamy, sweet-spicy sauce, all balanced by fresh vegetables and satisfying rice. It’s the kind of dish that transforms an ordinary weeknight into something special, bringing restaurant quality flavors to your dinner table in less than 30 minutes. Whether you’re cooking for family, entertaining friends, or treating yourself to a satisfying meal, these bowls deliver on both flavor and presentation. Make them once, and they’ll quickly earn a permanent spot in your recipe rotation.

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