Bang Bang Chicken Bowls Recipe

If your taste buds crave sweet heat and restaurant-worthy crunch, these Bang Bang Chicken Bowls are about to become your new obsession! Tender, golden chicken gets tossed in a dreamy sweet-chili-honey sauce and layered over fluffy jasmine rice with fresh, colorful veggies. Every bite delivers that signature bang of flavor—perfect for lunch, dinner, or meal prep all week long!

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Bang Bang Chicken Bowls is how every ingredient adds its own punch—crispy chicken, zingy sauce, and bright veggies come together for vibrant flavor and color. Don’t skip any parts; each one creates the bowl’s signature “bang!”

• Tapioca starch or potato starch: This creates the chicken’s irresistible golden crust—gluten-free and extra crisp.
• Garlic powder, salt, pepper, paprika: Key seasonings for subtle warmth and depth in both chicken and veggies.
• Boneless skinless chicken breasts: Chop them into bite-sized cubes for quick, even cooking and a protein-packed bowl.
• Avocado oil: Neutral-tasting oil for sautéing; it stands up to high heat and lets those flavors shine.
• Avocado mayo: Adds creamy tang to the sauce—use regular mayo if you prefer.
• Honey: The balance to all that heat! It caramelizes in the sauce for sticky-sweet goodness.
• Sweet chili sauce: The “bang” in Bang Bang! Spicy and sweet, it’s absolutely crave-worthy.
• Hot sauce: Add as much or as little as you dare—totally customizable for your perfect spice level.
• Minced garlic: For a sharp, savory kick in the creamy sauce.
• Carrots & red cabbage: Sautéed just until tender, they add crunch and vibrant color in every bite.
• Jasmine rice: Fluffy and fragrant, it soaks up the saucy goodness and makes these bowls extra satisfying.
• Cucumber: Cool, fresh slices add irresistible crunch and brighten up every forkful.
• Lime juice: A splash finishes each bowl with zippy freshness.
• Green onion and black sesame seeds: Classic final touches for color, mild sharpness, and a little gourmet flair!

Variations

What makes Bang Bang Chicken Bowls so fun is just how easily you can make them your own! Whether you’re feeding picky eaters, working with what’s in your fridge, or aiming for a lighter or spicier twist—there’s a variation for every craving.

• Shrimp Bang Bang Bowls: Swap out the chicken for shrimp, using the same coating and pan-fry method for a seafood spin!
• Low-Carb Version: Serve everything over cauliflower rice or mixed greens instead of jasmine rice for a lighter base.
• Extra Veggie Boost: Add bell peppers, snap peas, or broccoli—anything that loves a quick sauté and a drizzle of that signature sauce.
• Vegan Bang Bang Bowls: Use crispy tofu cubes in place of chicken, and swap honey for maple syrup in the sauce.

How to Make Bang Bang Chicken Bowls

Step 1: Coat the Chicken

In a medium bowl, combine the tapioca or potato starch with garlic powder, salt, pepper, and paprika. Toss your cubed chicken pieces in this mixture so every piece is well coated—this step gives that golden, crispy texture when pan-fried later.

Step 2: Sear the Chicken

Heat avocado oil in a large non-stick skillet over medium-high. Add the coated chicken in a single layer and let them pan-fry, undisturbed, for 5–8 minutes so the coating crisps up beautifully. Flip the pieces and cook for another 5–8 minutes, until the chicken is golden and fully cooked inside. (Don’t rush—color is flavor!)

Step 3: Whip Up the Bang Bang Sauce

While your chicken sizzles, whisk together the sauce ingredients—avocado mayo, honey, sweet chili sauce, hot sauce, minced garlic, and salt—in a large bowl. Use just 1 tablespoon of the mayo here, and set aside about a quarter cup of the sauce for drizzling at the end. This keeps everything extra punchy and creamy!

Step 4: Toss and Sauce the Chicken

If you’d like, transfer the crispy cooked chicken to a paper towel briefly to catch any extra oil. Then, add it straight into your sauce bowl and toss to fully coat every piece—this is where the magic (and the flavor!) happens. Let it sit and soak for a minute or two.

Step 5: Sauté the Veggies

Add a splash more avocado oil to your emptied skillet and turn up the heat. Sauté the sliced carrots first for about 10 minutes so they get a little soft but still have some bite. Toss in the cabbage plus more garlic powder, salt, and pepper, and cook for another 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until everything is tender-crisp and vibrant.

Step 6: Assemble the Bowls

While the veggies are cooking, warm your rice and prep fresh, crunchy cucumber slices. Divide rice and cucumbers among four bowls (or meal prep containers), then squeeze over some fresh lime juice for brightness. Mix the set-aside sauce with the remaining mayo—this is your creamy drizzle for serving!

Step 7: Build & Serve

Top each bowl of rice with generous helpings of sautéed veggies and that glorious Bang Bang chicken. Drizzle everything with the extra sauce, then sprinkle over chopped green onions and black sesame seeds (if using). Get ready to dig in and swoon!

How to Serve Bang Bang Chicken Bowls

Garnishes

Good garnishes turn great bowls into something really special! Chopped green onions bring a pop of fresh flavor, black sesame seeds add crunch and visual flair, and an extra drizzle of that creamy Bang Bang sauce takes every bite from tasty to mouthwatering.

Side Dishes

Bang Bang Chicken Bowls are hearty and delicious on their own, but they’re also fantastic with quick sides like crispy spring rolls, a simple miso soup, or a tangy Asian slaw. For casual family dinners, serve with edamame or sliced fruit for a cool, fresh contrast.

Creative Ways to Present

For a show-stopping meal, serve the components family-style and let everyone build their own Bang Bang Chicken Bowls. Layer ingredients in glass jars for a fun picnic, or meal-prep in bright containers—just remember to keep the extra sauce separate so the final drizzle is fresh!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Bang Bang Chicken Bowls keep beautifully! Store the chicken, veggies, sauce, and rice in separate airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days—this way, each element stays as fresh and crisp as possible for lunch or quick dinners.

Freezing

You can freeze the cooked chicken and rice for up to a month. For best results, store the sauce and fresh veggies separately and add them after reheating. This helps maintain the chicken’s amazing texture and the veggies’ crunch.

Reheating

To reheat, warm the chicken, rice, and veggies gently in the microwave or on the stove until just hot—then assemble the bowls and drizzle with the reserved Bang Bang sauce right before serving for that just-made taste.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

Bursting with sweet heat, color, and crunch, Bang Bang Chicken Bowls are the kind of homemade meal you’ll want on repeat. Give them a try—even once—and I promise they’ll become your go-to for fun, flavor-packed dinners and cheerful lunches. Happy cooking and even happier eating!

Print