Looking for a meal that’s as quick as it is irresistible? Enter the Bang Bang Chicken Bowl, a sensational, flavor-packed dish that brings together tender chicken, crisp veggies, fluffy rice, and an unforgettable creamy-spicy sauce. Perfect for weeknight dinners, meal prep, or impressing friends with minimal fuss, this recipe is a vibrant, colorful medley that hits every craving. If you love meals where each bite is a party of textures and flavors, the Bang Bang Chicken Bowl will become your go-to favorite in no time!
Ingredients You’ll Need
You won’t believe how simple the Bang Bang Chicken Bowl is to make with these vibrant, everyday ingredients! Each one adds something special, whether it’s crunch, creaminess, or an explosion of fresh color, making this bowl far more than the sum of its parts.
- Cooked chicken breast: Choose shredded or chopped for perfectly satisfying protein that soaks up all that tasty sauce.
- Cooked white or brown rice: This fluffy base brings everything together—use your favorite for the perfect bed of comfort.
- Shredded red cabbage: Pops of color and satisfying crunch make every bite bright and lively.
- Julienned carrots: Sweetness and snap, plus that gorgeous orange hue for an irresistible presentation.
- Cucumber, thinly sliced: Cool, refreshing slices balance the bang of the sauce beautifully.
- Green onions, sliced: These sprinkle in a mild, zippy bite for extra flavor lift.
- Mayonnaise: The creamy foundation of your bang bang sauce—don’t skip it for the signature texture.
- Sweet chili sauce: Brings essential sweetness and just the right whisper of heat to the sauce.
- Sriracha (adjust to taste): Adds a customizable spicy kick—use as much or as little as you love.
- Honey: Just a touch sweetens and balances the tang and spice of your sauce.
- Lime juice: A squeeze of citrus keeps everything bright and lively.
- Sesame seeds (optional): For an extra toasty crunch and visual flair.
- Chopped cilantro (optional): Fresh, herbal notes to garnish and finish your masterpiece.
How to Make Bang Bang Chicken Bowl
Step 1: Make the Bang Bang Sauce
Start by making the sauce that gives the Bang Bang Chicken Bowl its name! In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, honey, and lime juice until silky and fully combined. Taste as you go and adjust the sriracha level for your perfect amount of heat—whether you’re a spice rookie or a chili-head pro, this sauce can be tweaked just for you.
Step 2: Prepare the Vegetables
Wash and prep all your bright veggies for assembly. Shred the red cabbage, julienne the carrots, and thinly slice the cucumber and green onions. Not only do these add great flavor and crunch, but they’re the key to the gorgeous color contrasts that make this bowl stand out.
Step 3: Warm the Chicken and Rice (Optional)
If you like your Bang Bang Chicken Bowl warm, now’s the time to quickly reheat the chicken and rice. You can pop each in the microwave for just a minute or two, or go totally no-cook and keep things chilled—it’s all about your mood and how you want to enjoy it.
Step 4: Assemble Your Bang Bang Chicken Bowl
Start layering! Scoop the rice into the bottom of each bowl to create a soft, fluffy bed. Top with your shredded or chopped chicken, then arrange the cabbage, carrots, cucumber, and green onions artfully on top. Drizzle a generous amount of bang bang sauce over everything—watch it drizzle into all the nooks and crannies for ultimate flavor in every bite.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
If you’re feeling fancy (or just want that extra oomph), sprinkle over sesame seeds and chopped cilantro for added flavor, fragrance, and crunch. Serve immediately and dig in—the Bang Bang Chicken Bowl is best enjoyed fresh, when everything is crisp and the sauce is at its most luscious.
How to Serve Bang Bang Chicken Bowl
Garnishes
Don’t underestimate the power of a finishing touch! A sprinkle of sesame seeds provides subtle nuttiness, while chopped cilantro adds a burst of herbal freshness. You can also toss on extra green onions or even thin-sliced red chilis for a pop of color and spice. These little add-ons make your Bang Bang Chicken Bowl look just as incredible as it tastes.
Side Dishes
While the Bang Bang Chicken Bowl truly shines on its own, a light, zippy side can take your meal over the top. Try pairing with simple steamed edamame, a small miso soup, or crisp spring rolls for a dinner that feels straight from your favorite Asian-inspired café. Even a chilled fruit salad makes a sweet, refreshing finish.
Creative Ways to Present
Want your Bang Bang Chicken Bowl to really stand out? Layer your ingredients in a mason jar for a portable, stunning lunch, or serve it family-style in a large bowl so everyone can customize their perfect mix. For parties, set up a build-your-own bowl bar and let guests pile their favorite toppings high—it’s a surefire conversation starter!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with extras (lucky you!), store any uneaten Bang Bang Chicken Bowl components separately in the fridge. Keep the sauce in a small airtight container and the veggies, chicken, and rice each in their own compartments to preserve freshness and texture for up to three days.
Freezing
For future quick meals, the chicken and rice components of your Bang Bang Chicken Bowl can be frozen easily. Place them in freezer-safe containers and label for up to two months. The fresh veggies and sauce are best made fresh, but you can prep ahead for a speedy assembly after thawing.
Reheating
To reheat, gently microwave or steam the chicken and rice until just warmed through. Assemble the bowls fresh with crisp veggies and a new batch of bang bang sauce for that just-made flavor and crunch. Avoid microwaving the veggies and sauce together, as this can make them watery and dull their bright flavors.
FAQs
Can I use a different protein in my Bang Bang Chicken Bowl?
Absolutely! Swap out the chicken for cooked shrimp or crispy tofu for delicious variations. The bang bang sauce works its magic on all sorts of proteins, so feel free to get creative and cater to everyone at your table.
Is it possible to make the Bang Bang Chicken Bowl gluten-free?
Yes, just check that your sweet chili sauce and sriracha are certified gluten-free, and you’re good to go! Naturally, all the other components fit perfectly into a gluten-free lifestyle.
Can I make the Bang Bang sauce less spicy?
Definitely. Start with a smaller amount of sriracha, and taste as you mix—you can always add a little more for zing, but you can’t take it away! Honey and mayo also help mellow the heat, so balance accordingly.
How far in advance can I assemble Bang Bang Chicken Bowls?
If you’re meal prepping, layer the rice, chicken, and veggies ahead of time but keep the bang bang sauce separate until ready to serve. This keeps everything crisp and avoids sogginess.
What if I don’t like cilantro?
No problem! Skip the cilantro or swap it for fresh basil, mint, or extra green onion to keep your Bang Bang Chicken Bowl vibrant and tailored to your taste.
Final Thoughts
This Bang Bang Chicken Bowl isn’t just a meal—it’s a colorful experience that comes together faster than takeout and tastes ten times fresher. If you’re craving a lunch or dinner that’s bold, balanced, and endlessly adaptable, give this recipe a try. I can’t wait for you to share your own delicious versions—enjoy every vibrant bite!
Print
Bang Bang Chicken Bowl Recipe
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Enjoy a flavorful and spicy Bang Bang Chicken Bowl that’s perfect for a quick and satisfying meal. This Asian-inspired dish features tender chicken, crisp vegetables, and a creamy bang bang sauce over a bed of rice. Customize the spice level to suit your taste for a delicious lunch or dinner option.
Ingredients
For the Bang Bang Sauce:
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons sweet chili sauce
- 1 tablespoon sriracha (adjust to taste)
- 1 teaspoon honey
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
For the Bowl:
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded or chopped
- 1 cup cooked white or brown rice
- 1 cup shredded red cabbage
- 1 cup julienned carrots
- 1 cucumber, thinly sliced
- 2 green onions, sliced
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds (optional)
- 1 tablespoon chopped cilantro (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Bang Bang Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, honey, and lime juice. Adjust spice level to taste.
- Assemble the Bowl: In serving bowls, layer the cooked rice as a base. Top with chicken, shredded cabbage, carrots, cucumber slices, and green onions. Drizzle with the bang bang sauce. Garnish with sesame seeds and cilantro if desired.
- Serve: Enjoy your Bang Bang Chicken Bowl immediately.
Notes
- You can substitute chicken with shrimp or tofu for a different twist.
- This bowl can be enjoyed warm or cold and is ideal for meal prep.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes (if reheating ingredients)
- Category: Main Course
- Method: No-Cook or Assembly
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 680mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 22g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
