Bang Bang Chicken Bowl Recipe: Sweet, Spicy, and Totally Irresistible

If you’ve ever had bang bang shrimp or chicken at a restaurant, you know just how addictive that creamy, sweet, and spicy sauce can be. Now imagine that same crave-worthy flavor layered into a fresh, hearty bowl with crisp veggies, tender chicken, and fluffy rice or greens. That’s exactly what you get with this Bang Bang Chicken Bowl Recipe—a dish that’s equal parts satisfying comfort food and fresh, colorful meal.

Perfect for weeknight dinners, casual lunches, or meal prep, these bowls are fully customizable and can be made as mild or as fiery as you like. The real star here is the bang bang sauce—a luscious, tangy-sweet, slightly spicy dressing that ties the whole bowl together.

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Why You’ll Love This Bang Bang Chicken Bowl

This isn’t just another chicken and rice bowl—it’s a flavor explosion. Here’s why it works so well:

• Bold, addictive flavor: That signature bang bang sauce balances creamy, sweet, and spicy notes.

• Quick and easy: Ready in about 30 minutes.

• Customizable: Works with a variety of bases, proteins, and toppings.

• Meal-prep friendly: Stores well for grab-and-go lunches.

• Balanced: Protein, veggies, carbs, and healthy fats in one bowl.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Bang Bang Chicken:

• 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs

• 2 tablespoons cornstarch or arrowroot powder

• 1 teaspoon garlic powder

• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika

• 1/2 teaspoon salt

• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

• 1–2 tablespoons olive oil (for cooking)

For the Bang Bang Sauce:

• 1/2 cup mayonnaise (or Greek yogurt for lighter option)

• 2 tablespoons sweet chili sauce

• 1 tablespoon sriracha (adjust for heat preference)

• 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup

• 1 teaspoon rice vinegar or lime juice

For the Bowl Base:

• 2 cups cooked jasmine rice, brown rice, or cauliflower rice

• 1 cup shredded cabbage or slaw mix

• 1 cup cucumber slices or matchsticks

• 1 cup shredded carrots

• 1 avocado, sliced

• 1/4 cup chopped green onions

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Optional Add-Ons & Variations

• Protein swaps: Try shrimp, tofu, or salmon instead of chicken.

• Extra crunch: Add chopped peanuts, sesame seeds, or crispy wonton strips.

• Low-carb option: Use cauliflower rice or shredded lettuce as the base.

• More veggies: Add edamame, bell peppers, or steamed broccoli.

• Extra heat: Increase sriracha or add red pepper flakes to the sauce.

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Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

1. Cut chicken into bite-sized cubes and pat dry with paper towels.

2. In a bowl, toss chicken with cornstarch, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper until evenly coated.

Tip: The cornstarch helps create a crispy exterior when searing the chicken.

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Step 2: Make the Bang Bang Sauce

1. In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, honey, and vinegar or lime juice.

2. Taste and adjust sweetness or spice to your liking.

3. Set aside until ready to use.

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Step 3: Cook the Chicken

1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.

2. Add chicken pieces in a single layer (work in batches if necessary).

3. Cook for 4–5 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through.

4. Transfer to a plate and let rest for a minute.

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Step 4: Assemble the Bowls

1. Add a scoop of rice or chosen base to each bowl.

2. Arrange cabbage, cucumber, carrots, and avocado alongside.

3. Top with crispy chicken pieces.

4. Drizzle generously with bang bang sauce.

5. Garnish with green onions and optional toppings like sesame seeds or peanuts.

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Serving Suggestions

• As a warm bowl: Perfect for cozy weeknight dinners.

• As a cold lunch: Chill components and serve the sauce on the side.

• Party-style: Lay out all components buffet-style for a DIY bowl bar.

• With sides: Pair with miso soup or a light cucumber salad.

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Meal Prep & Storage Tips

• Chicken: Store cooked chicken separately from sauce to keep it crisp. Lasts up to 4 days in the fridge.

• Sauce: Keeps in the fridge for 5–6 days. Stir before using.

• Veggies: Store chopped veggies in airtight containers.

• Rice: Best stored in a separate container to prevent sogginess.

Meal prep tip: Assemble base and veggies in containers, store chicken and sauce separately, and combine before eating.

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Nutritional Information (Approximate per serving)

Makes 4 servings:

• Calories: 520

• Protein: 34g

• Fat: 23g

• Carbohydrates: 48g

• Fiber: 5g

• Net Carbs: 43g

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Why This Recipe Works

The magic of a Bang Bang Chicken Bowl lies in the contrast:

• Crispy, juicy chicken

• Creamy, spicy sauce

• Fresh, crisp vegetables

• Warm, fluffy rice

Each bite hits all the right notes—texture, flavor, and balance. The sauce ties everything together without overpowering the fresh elements.

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Tips for the Best Bang Bang Chicken

• Cut chicken evenly for consistent cooking.

• Don’t overcrowd the pan or the chicken will steam instead of crisp.

• Adjust sauce spice level to match your preference.

• Serve immediately if you want maximum crunch on the chicken.

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Perfect for Any Occasion

This recipe is ideal for:

• Weeknight dinners: Quick, easy, and satisfying.

• Lunch meal prep: Packs great for work or school.

• Casual entertaining: Everyone loves customizable bowls.

• Family meals: Easy to adapt for kids by reducing spice.

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FAQs About Bang Bang Chicken Bowls

Can I make it in the air fryer?
Yes! Cook chicken at 400°F for 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway, until crispy.

Is there a healthier sauce option?
Swap mayo for Greek yogurt and reduce honey for a lighter version.

Can I make it gluten-free?
Yes—use gluten-free sweet chili sauce and check cornstarch brand.

Can I bake the chicken instead?
Bake at 425°F for 15–20 minutes, flipping halfway, until cooked through.

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Final Thoughts

This Bang Bang Chicken Bowl delivers the ultimate trifecta: bold flavor, vibrant presentation, and easy weeknight execution. The combination of juicy chicken, crunchy vegetables, and that irresistible sauce makes it a meal you’ll crave again and again.

Whether you’re new to bang bang flavors or already obsessed, this bowl is the perfect way to enjoy them in a wholesome, balanced way.

Try It Tonight

Whip up these Bang Bang Chicken Bowls for dinner tonight and see why they’ve earned a cult following. Once you’ve mastered the sauce, you’ll want to put it on everything—from shrimp to roasted veggies.

For more flavorful bowl recipes, healthy meal prep ideas, and creative weeknight dinners, check out the rest of our recipe collection.

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