Name: Bang Bang Chicken Bowl Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
Ingredients: 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces; 2 tablespoons olive oil; ½ teaspoon garlic powder; ½ teaspoon smoked paprika; ½ teaspoon salt; ¼ teaspoon black pepper; ½ cup mayonnaise; ¼ cup sweet chili sauce; 1–2 teaspoons sriracha (to taste); 1 tablespoon honey; 2 cups cooked white or brown rice; 1 cup shredded lettuce; 1 cup cucumber slices; 1 cup shredded carrots; 1 avocado, sliced; 2 tablespoons chopped green onions; Optional sesame seeds for garnish

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If you’re looking for a meal that’s colorful, packed with flavor, and seriously satisfying, the Bang Bang Chicken Bowl is about to become your new go-to. Juicy, perfectly seasoned chicken is perched atop fluffy rice, surrounded by a rainbow of crisp veggies, creamy avocado, and drizzled in that irresistible sweet, spicy Bang Bang sauce. Every bite delivers a festival of textures and tastes, making this dish not only comforting and nutritious but also the kind of easy dinner you’ll crave again and again. Trust me, this bowl is as fun to make as it is to devour!

Bang Bang Chicken Bowl Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The list may seem simple, but each component in this Bang Bang Chicken Bowl brings its own magic to the dish. The tenderness of the chicken, the zingy sauce, and the fresh veggies all contribute to a perfectly balanced meal you’ll want to make on repeat.

Chicken breasts: Use boneless, skinless chicken breasts for juicy, protein-packed bites that soak up all the flavor.
Olive oil: Adds a subtle richness and helps the chicken brown beautifully in the pan.
Garlic powder: A touch of garlic powder infuses every piece with savory depth.
Smoked paprika: Gives a gentle smokiness and a gorgeous color to the chicken.
Salt: Brings all the ingredients into flavorful harmony.
Black pepper: A little kick of pepper sharpens up the taste.
Mayonnaise: The creamy base that makes the Bang Bang sauce so luxurious.
Sweet chili sauce: Sweet, tangy, and a little bit fiery, this is essential for that signature Bang Bang flavor.
Sriracha: Use as much or as little as you like to control the heat in your sauce.
Honey: A drizzle of honey evens out the spice and brings in a hint of sweetness.
Cooked rice: Choose white or brown rice for a hearty, satisfying base; feel free to sub in quinoa or cauliflower rice for a different spin.
Shredded lettuce: Crisp and refreshing, lettuce adds that always-welcome crunch.
Cucumber slices: Cool and hydrating, they balance everything out.
Shredded carrots: Bring vibrant color and a hint of natural sweetness to the bowl.
Avocado: Creamy avocado slices make every forkful irresistible.
Green onions: Fresh, snappy, and bright, these are a classic finishing touch.
Sesame seeds (optional): Just a sprinkle adds irresistible texture and that perfect final flourish.

How to Make Bang Bang Chicken Bowl

Step 1: Season the Chicken

Start by grabbing a large bowl and tossing your bite-sized chicken pieces with olive oil, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. This combination adds so much flavor right from the get-go, ensuring each piece of chicken is well-coated and ready for a lovely golden finish in the skillet. Don’t be shy about massaging those spices in — this is where the magic begins!

Step 2: Cook the Chicken

Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once it’s nice and hot, add your seasoned chicken. Let the pieces sizzle away for 6 to 8 minutes, stirring occasionally so they brown evenly on all sides and cook through. You’re looking for caramelized edges and tender, juicy centers. The aroma at this stage is absolutely mouthwatering!

Step 3: Whisk Together the Bang Bang Sauce

While the chicken cooks, whisk together the mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha (use more if you like extra heat!), and honey in a small bowl. The result is a sauce that’s creamy, sweet, tangy, and just a little spicy — truly what makes a Bang Bang Chicken Bowl so addictive. Give it a little taste and adjust the spiciness to suit your cravings.

Step 4: Assemble the Bowls

Now comes the fun part! Divide your cooked rice evenly among serving bowls, then arrange the shredded lettuce, cucumber slices, carrots, avocado, and crispy chicken right on top. Be generous with your toppings for the best mix of flavors and textures in every bite. It’s a bit like making edible art.

Step 5: Finish and Serve

Drizzle that luscious Bang Bang sauce all over your assembled bowls. Garnish with plenty of chopped green onions and sprinkle on sesame seeds if you love a bit of crunch and visual appeal. Serve your Bang Bang Chicken Bowl immediately while everything’s fresh — and prepare yourself for compliments!

How to Serve Bang Bang Chicken Bowl

Garnishes

A Bang Bang Chicken Bowl just isn’t complete without a smattering of vibrant garnishes! Chopped green onions bring freshness, while sesame seeds add nutty crunch and a pop of contrast. You can also throw on a few extra chili flakes if you’re after more heat, or a squeeze of lime for a tangy twist.

Side Dishes

Keep things light and fresh with side dishes like steamed edamame or a simple Asian-inspired slaw. If you’re going for something heartier, crispy spring rolls or miso soup pair beautifully and round out the meal without overshadowing the star of the show — your Bang Bang Chicken Bowl.

Creative Ways to Present

Turn your Bang Bang Chicken Bowl into a lunchbox hit by layering all the elements in a mason jar for a perfectly portable meal. Hosting dinner? Set out the toppings family-style and let everyone build their own bowls — it’s fun, interactive, and totally customizable. For a dramatic touch, serve in wide, shallow bowls with a swirl of sauce on top and an extra sprinkle of sesame seeds.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any leftover Bang Bang Chicken Bowl components, store each part separately in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days. This keeps the veggies crisp and the chicken flavorful, so reheated bowls are almost as good as fresh!

Freezing

While the fresh veggies and avocado are best enjoyed right away, you can definitely freeze the cooked chicken and rice for future bowls. Place them in separate freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to eat, quickly whip up the veggies and sauce for a fast, tasty meal.

Reheating

To revive your Bang Bang Chicken Bowl leftovers, reheat the chicken and rice gently in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through. Add a splash of water or cover to keep things moist. Skip reheating the veggies and assemble your fresh toppings right before serving for the perfect texture.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs are a fantastic substitute and add an extra juicy, rich flavor to your Bang Bang Chicken Bowl. Just adjust the cooking time slightly if needed, as thighs may take a minute or two longer.

Is there a way to make this dish gluten free?

Yes! Simply ensure your sweet chili sauce and sriracha are certified gluten free, and serve the bowl over gluten free rice or cauliflower rice. It’s easy to adapt without sacrificing any flavor.

What vegetables can I swap in?

Feel free to get creative with your veggie choices! Bell peppers, snap peas, or thinly sliced radishes all make great additions or substitutions for variety and crunch.

How spicy is the Bang Bang Chicken Bowl?

The heat level is totally in your hands thanks to the sriracha. Start with a small amount and add more if you like things spicier — you can even leave it out entirely if you’re cooking for someone sensitive to spice.

Can I meal prep Bang Bang Chicken Bowls?

Definitely! Cook the chicken and rice ahead, keep the sauce and veggies separate, and just assemble when ready to eat. It’s a fantastic option for grab-and-go lunches or busy weeknights.

Final Thoughts

I can’t say enough good things about the Bang Bang Chicken Bowl — it’s a crowd-pleaser for good reason! Whether you’re meal prepping for the week or making a quick dinner, it’s always a hit. Give it a try, share it with friends, and let the burst of flavors spark some excitement in your kitchen!

Bang Bang Chicken Bowl Recipe

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4.6 from 14 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

This Bang Bang Chicken Bowl is a delicious and flavorful meal that combines tender chicken with a spicy-sweet sauce, served over a bed of rice and fresh vegetables. It’s a perfect balance of heat and sweetness in every bite.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Chicken:

1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
2 tablespoons olive oil
½ teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon smoked paprika
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper

For the Bang Bang Sauce:

½ cup mayonnaise
¼ cup sweet chili sauce
1–2 teaspoons sriracha (to taste)
1 tablespoon honey

For Serving:

2 cups cooked white or brown rice
1 cup shredded lettuce
1 cup cucumber slices
1 cup shredded carrots
1 avocado, sliced
2 tablespoons chopped green onions
Optional sesame seeds for garnish

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Instructions

Prepare the Chicken: In a large bowl, toss chicken pieces with olive oil, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
Cook the Chicken: Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and cook chicken for 6–8 minutes until golden brown and cooked through.
Make the Bang Bang Sauce: Whisk together mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, and honey.
Assemble the Bowls: Divide rice among serving bowls. Top with lettuce, cucumber, carrots, avocado, and cooked chicken. Drizzle with bang bang sauce and garnish with green onions and sesame seeds.
Serve immediately.