If you’re craving a meal that’s equal parts punchy, comforting, and fun to eat, the Bang Bang Chicken Bowl is going to become your go-to dinner. Imagine juicy bites of seasoned chicken nestled on tender rice, surrounded by crisp veggies, fresh herbs, and the star of the show: that creamy-sweet, tangy-spicy bang bang sauce drizzled over everything. This dish delivers a rainbow of color, a blend of textures, and a big burst of umami in each forkful. Plus, it’s surprisingly quick to make, making it perfect for busy weeknights or casual dinner parties—all the satisfaction, none of the stress.

Bang Bang Chicken Bowl Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of the Bang Bang Chicken Bowl lies in how a handful of simple, vibrant ingredients come together to create bold, zesty flavors. Each one brings something unique, so gather everything for the ultimate taste and crunch!

Boneless skinless chicken thighs (1 lb, cut into bite-sized pieces): This cut stays extra tender and juicy, perfect for soaking up all the flavors.
Cooked jasmine or brown rice (2 cups): A fluffy, neutral base to catch every drop of sauce and all those tasty chicken juices.
Shredded carrots (1 cup): Adds natural sweetness and a welcome crunch that balances the creamy sauce.
Sliced cucumber (1 cup): Refreshing and crisp, cucumber cools everything down with each bite.
Chopped green onions (1/4 cup): Their mild sharpness gives a little lift to the bowls and a lovely pop of color.
Fresh cilantro (1/4 cup): A handful of fresh herbs brightens the entire dish and brings aromatic freshness.
Sesame seeds (1 tbsp): For toasty flavor and a subtle nutty crunch on top.
Olive oil (2 tbsp): For perfectly searing the chicken and adding a faint, buttery richness.
Garlic powder (1 tsp): Infuses the chicken with a gentle layer of garlicky warmth.
Salt (1/2 tsp): Essential for bringing out all the best flavors in the chicken.
Black pepper (1/4 tsp): A little heat for balance, enhancing the savoriness.
Mayonnaise (1/3 cup): The creamy backbone of your bang bang sauce—rich, tangy, and perfect for flavor binding.
Sweet chili sauce (1/4 cup): For a sweet and spicy kick that defines the signature sauce.
Sriracha sauce (1-2 tbsp, adjust to heat preference): If you love things spicy, this is your best friend!
Lime juice (1 tbsp): Adds acid and brightness, making the sauce sing.
Honey (1 tsp): Rounds out the sauce with a touch of gentle sweetness.

How to Make Bang Bang Chicken Bowl

Step 1: Season and Prep the Chicken

Start by tossing your bite-sized chicken thigh pieces with garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. This quick seasoning infuses every bite with savory appeal, making sure that even before the sauce hits, your chicken is full of flavor. Take a moment to mix it well—hungry hands make for evenly seasoned chicken!

Step 2: Sear the Chicken

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat, making sure the pan is nice and hot before adding the chicken. Spread the chicken pieces out so they get golden on all sides, cooking for about 6 to 8 minutes until completely cooked through and beautifully caramelized. The aroma alone will have everyone wandering into the kitchen!

Step 3: Whisk Together the Bang Bang Sauce

Grab a small bowl and combine the mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, lime juice, and honey. Whisk vigorously until the sauce is totally smooth. Taste and tweak the sriracha if you want it spicier. This luscious sauce is what makes the Bang Bang Chicken Bowl irresistible—creamy, tangy, and with a subtle, sneaky heat.

Step 4: Assemble the Bowls

Pop some warm, fluffy rice into the bottom of each bowl. Top with a generous scoop of hot chicken, then arrange shredded carrots and cucumber slices alongside. Sprinkle everything with green onions and a shower of fresh cilantro. This part is a feast for the eyes as much as it is for your appetite!

Step 5: Finish with Sauce and Seeds

Drizzle the bang bang sauce liberally over the chicken and veggies so every bite has a bit of creamy-spicy goodness. Finish things off with a sprinkling of sesame seeds, which add a toasty element and beautiful contrast. Your Bang Bang Chicken Bowl is now ready to devour!

How to Serve Bang Bang Chicken Bowl

Garnishes

Take your Bang Bang Chicken Bowl to the next level with a little extra flair: more fresh cilantro, a handful of chopped green onions, and maybe a few avocado slices or a sprinkle of chopped peanuts for crunch. Garnishing at the table lets everyone personalize their bowl, too!

Side Dishes

This dish stands proudly on its own, but if you’re feeling ambitious, serve it with simple steamed edamame, a light Asian-style slaw, or roasted broccoli. These sides keep things light and let the bold flavors of the chicken bowl shine through while making for a more festive spread.

Creative Ways to Present

Bang Bang Chicken Bowl is all about fun assembly—try serving it deconstructed on a big platter so everyone can build their own, or pack it into mason jars for a portable lunch. Layering everything in a wide bowl also makes it look extra inviting, perfect for dinner parties or meal prep heaven!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you’ve got extra Bang Bang Chicken Bowl components, store rice, chicken, sauce, and veggies in separate airtight containers in the fridge. When kept apart, everything stays fresher and keeps the veggies crisp for up to three days.

Freezing

The chicken and rice freeze surprisingly well—just cool them before packing into freezer-safe containers. The sauce and fresh veggies are best made fresh, but you can prep extra chicken and rice to keep weeknight prep ultra short!

Reheating

To reheat, simply microwave or gently warm the chicken and rice on the stovetop until piping hot. Add the cold veggies and sauce after heating to preserve their crunch and freshness. It’s nearly as satisfying as day one!

FAQs

Can I make a dairy-free version of the Bang Bang Chicken Bowl?

Absolutely! Just swap the mayonnaise for your favorite vegan mayo or a dairy-free yogurt alternative. The sauce will still be luscious, creamy, and full of flavor.

Is the Bang Bang Chicken Bowl spicy?

The recipe is designed to have a gentle warmth, but you control the heat by adjusting the amount of sriracha in the sauce. Add less for mild, more for thrilling heat fans!

Can I use a different protein instead of chicken?

Yes, this bowl is endlessly adaptable: try shrimp, crispy tofu, or even roasted chickpeas for a plant-based twist. Just pair with the same bang bang sauce for signature flavor.

How can I make it lighter or low-carb?

For a lighter Bang Bang Chicken Bowl, substitute the mayo with Greek yogurt and use cauliflower rice as your base. This keeps the bowl satisfying but cuts down on carbs and fat.

What type Main Course

Jasmine rice gives that classic, fluffy texture with a subtle fragrance, but brown rice works great for a slightly nuttier flavor and added fiber. You can even try sushi rice or any grain you love!

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a quick dinner with serious wow-factor, this Bang Bang Chicken Bowl is one to bookmark and make again and again. It’s a flavor-packed crowd-pleaser that transforms simple ingredients into unforgettable comfort food. Gather your loved ones around, and let the saucy, crunchy, colorful goodness of this bowl brighten up your next mealtime adventure!

Bang Bang Chicken Bowl Recipe

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4.8 from 7 reviews

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

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Description

Indulge in the spicy and flavorful Bang Bang Chicken Bowl, a delicious Asian-inspired dish featuring tender chicken, vibrant vegetables, and a zesty bang bang sauce. This easy-to-make meal is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a satisfying lunch option.

Ingredients

Scale

For the chicken:

1 lb boneless skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
2 cups cooked jasmine or brown rice
1 cup shredded carrots
1 cup sliced cucumber
1/4 cup chopped green onions
1/4 cup fresh cilantro
1 tbsp sesame seeds
2 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper

For the bang bang sauce:

1/3 cup mayonnaise
1/4 cup sweet chili sauce
1–2 tbsp sriracha sauce
1 tbsp lime juice
1 tsp honey

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Instructions

Season the chicken: Season chicken pieces with garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
Cook the chicken: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat and cook chicken until golden brown and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes.
Prepare the bang bang sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, lime juice, and honey.
Assemble the bowls: Divide cooked rice among four bowls. Top each with cooked chicken, shredded carrots, cucumber slices, green onions, and cilantro. Drizzle bang bang sauce over the top and sprinkle with sesame seeds. Serve immediately.