Bang Bang Chicken Bowl: A Creamy and Spicy Dinner Favorite

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

The Bang Bang Chicken Bowl is a flavor-packed dish that combines crispy chicken, creamy spicy sauce, and fresh toppings all in one satisfying bowl. Inspired by the popular Bang Bang sauce, this recipe offers the perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and spicy flavors that coat juicy chicken pieces beautifully. Paired with rice, vegetables, and garnishes, it becomes a complete meal that feels both indulgent and wholesome.

This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights since it comes together quickly without complicated steps. The chicken can be pan-fried, baked, or even air-fried, making it adaptable to your cooking style. The sauce—made with mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, and sriracha—is the star of the dish, elevating simple ingredients into something restaurant-worthy. Whether you are meal prepping for the week or preparing a crowd-pleasing dinner, the Bang Bang Chicken Bowl is a versatile, customizable dish that will keep you coming back for more.

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Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

Chicken breast – Tender and lean, chicken breast is ideal for cutting into bite-sized pieces that cook quickly and evenly.

Cornstarch – Coats the chicken for a light crispiness when cooked, ensuring the sauce clings well.

Olive oil – Used for pan-frying the chicken until golden and crispy.

Mayonnaise – The creamy base of Bang Bang sauce, providing richness and balance.

Sweet chili sauce – Adds sweetness and a mild heat, giving the sauce its signature flavor.

Sriracha – Brings an extra layer of spice and depth to the sauce.

Honey – A touch of natural sweetness that rounds out the flavors.

Rice – Serves as the base of the bowl, soaking up the sauce for a filling meal.

Cucumber – Fresh and crunchy, cucumber adds contrast to the creamy and spicy elements.

Carrots – Thinly sliced or shredded carrots provide color, texture, and freshness.

Green onions – A bright garnish with mild onion flavor.

Sesame seeds – Add nutty crunch and a finishing touch.

Directions

Start by preparing the chicken. Cut chicken breasts into bite-sized cubes, season lightly with salt and pepper, and toss in cornstarch until evenly coated. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat and cook the chicken until golden and fully cooked through, about 6–8 minutes.

Meanwhile, prepare the Bang Bang sauce. In a bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, and honey until smooth. Adjust spice level by adding more or less sriracha according to preference.

Once the chicken is cooked, toss it in the sauce until each piece is coated in the creamy, spicy glaze.

Assemble the bowls by layering rice on the bottom, followed by sauced chicken. Top with cucumber slices, shredded carrots, chopped green onions, and a sprinkle of sesame seeds. Serve immediately while warm.

Servings and timing

This Bang Bang Chicken Bowl recipe serves 4 people. Preparation takes about 10 minutes, while cooking requires 20 minutes, making the total time around 30 minutes.

Storage/Reheating

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm the chicken gently in a skillet or microwave until heated through. For best texture, store the chicken, sauce, rice, and vegetables separately and combine just before serving. Freezing is not recommended due to the creamy sauce separating upon thawing.

Variations and Customizations

This dish is incredibly flexible and can be adjusted to fit different tastes. For a lighter version, try baking or air-frying the chicken instead of pan-frying. You can also use chicken thighs for a juicier option.

To make it healthier, serve the Bang Bang chicken over brown rice, quinoa, or cauliflower rice. You can also add extra vegetables such as bell peppers, edamame, or shredded cabbage for more nutrition and crunch.

If you enjoy seafood, shrimp can be swapped for chicken to create a Bang Bang Shrimp Bowl. For vegetarians, crispy tofu makes a fantastic alternative when coated in the same sauce.

For added creaminess, drizzle a little extra sauce over the rice before topping with chicken. If you prefer a spicier kick, increase the amount of sriracha or add crushed red pepper flakes. This dish adapts beautifully, making it easy to create your own version.

FAQs

Can I make Bang Bang Chicken without frying?

Yes, you can bake or air-fry the chicken for a lighter option.

What is Bang Bang sauce made of?

It typically consists of mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, and sriracha.

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Yes, thighs are juicier and work perfectly in this recipe.

Is this dish very spicy?

It has a mild to moderate heat, but you can adjust the spice level by changing the amount of sriracha.

Can I prepare the sauce ahead of time?

Yes, it can be made up to 3 days in advance and stored in the refrigerator.

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