If you’ve ever craved something creamy, spicy, crispy, and satisfying—all in one bite—the Bang Bang Chicken Bowl is your answer. It’s the kind of meal that feels like a restaurant-quality dish but comes together quickly and easily in your kitchen.
Maybe you’ve had bang bang shrimp at a restaurant before. The signature sauce—creamy mayo, sweet chili, and a little heat—is unforgettable. Now imagine that bold flavor coating golden, juicy chicken over a bowl of warm rice with fresh toppings. Whether you’re meal prepping or cooking for the family, this bang bang chicken bowl recipe will hit the spot every single time.
For a similar spicy-sweet sensation, try this Hot Honey Chicken and Rice Bowl.
What Is a Bang Bang Chicken Bowl?
At its core, a bang bang chicken bowl is a fusion of crispy or grilled chicken tossed in spicy bang bang sauce, layered over a hearty rice base, and finished with colorful, crunchy toppings. It takes the flavor of your favorite Asian-American takeout dish and transforms it into a well-balanced, nutrient-packed meal.
Here’s what makes it so special:
- The chicken: pan-fried or air-fried for a golden, crispy texture
- The sauce: a creamy, spicy-sweet bang bang sauce made from pantry staples
- The base: warm jasmine rice or low-carb cauliflower rice
- The toppings: fresh veggies like cucumber, avocado, and carrots to add crunch and balance
If you’re into spicy bowls with a kick, you’ll also love this Spicy Sriracha Chicken Bowl.
Ingredients for Bang Bang Chicken Bowl Recipe
You don’t need anything fancy to make this bowl. In fact, you probably have most of the ingredients already in your kitchen.
Main Ingredients Breakdown:
| Component | Ingredients | Notes |
| Chicken | 2 chicken breasts (cubed or sliced), salt, pepper, cornstarch | Cornstarch gives the chicken that crispy bite |
| Bang Bang Sauce | ½ cup mayo, 2 tbsp sweet chili sauce, 1 tbsp sriracha, 1 tbsp honey | Mix well and adjust spice level to taste |
| Rice Base | 2 cups cooked white rice, jasmine, or cauliflower rice | Use warm, freshly cooked rice or leftovers |
| Bowl Toppings | Shredded carrots, cucumbers, avocado slices, shredded cabbage | Feel free to swap in your favorites |
| Garnishes | Green onions, sesame seeds, lime wedges | Optional, but elevate presentation and flavor |
For a more classic flavor, swap the sauce for something sweet-savory like this Teriyaki Chicken Rice Bowl.
How to Make Bang Bang Chicken Bowl Step-by-Step
This dish comes together in four easy stages. You can even prep parts of it ahead of time for a faster weeknight meal.
1. Cook the Chicken
- Cut chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces.
- Season with salt and pepper, then toss with cornstarch until lightly coated.
- Heat oil in a skillet and cook the chicken until golden and fully cooked, about 6–8 minutes.
- Alternatively, use an air fryer for a lower-oil option.
Want that same crispy texture in another way? Try this Chicken Tempura for another Asian takeout classic at home.
2. Make the Bang Bang Sauce
In a bowl, whisk together:
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons sweet chili sauce
- 1 tablespoon sriracha (add more for extra spice)
- 1 tablespoon honey
Set aside while the chicken finishes cooking. The sauce should be smooth and creamy, with just the right kick.
3. Prep the Rice and Toppings
- Cook your rice (or heat it up if using leftovers).
- Slice cucumbers, shred carrots, and prepare any other fresh toppings you want.
4. Assemble the Bowl
- Start with rice at the bottom of your bowl.
- Layer on your cooked chicken.
- Generously drizzle the bang bang sauce over the top.
- Add your toppings—cucumber, avocado, slaw, or anything crunchy and fresh.
- Sprinkle on green onions and sesame seeds for garnish. Add a lime wedge for a fresh finish.
For a fresh Mediterranean twist on the bowl format, check out the Mediterranean Chicken Bowl.
Bang Bang Chicken Bowl Variations
This recipe is customizable. You can modify the ingredients and flavors to suit your personal tastes.
Protein Choice:
- You can use crispy tofu or baked cauliflower as a vegetarian option.
- Replace the chicken with shrimp to recreate the classic bang bang shrimp experience.
- Consider using ground chicken or turkey for a faster preparation.
Low-Carb Choice:
- Replace rice with cauliflower rice to cut down on carbs without losing flavor.
Add-Ons for Extra Crunch or Heat:
- Crushed peanuts, crispy wonton strips, or fried onions
- Extra sriracha or jalapeño slices if you love spicy heat
Tips to Make the Best Bang Bang Chicken Bowl
- Use cornstarch instead of flour to give the chicken that perfect light crisp.
- Chill your veggies before serving for a refreshing crunch contrast.
- Let the sauce rest for 10–15 minutes before serving—this helps the flavors deepen.
- Make it a meal prep win: Store the sauce, rice, and toppings separately in the fridge and combine when ready.
Frequently Asked Questions About Bang Bang Chicken Bowl Recipe
Can I make bang bang chicken bowls ahead of time?
Yes! Cook the chicken and rice, prep the sauce and toppings, and store each component separately. Put everything together right before serving to maintain freshness.
Is bang bang sauce spicy?
It has a mild to moderate kick, thanks to the sriracha. You can adjust the amount based on your heat preference.
Can I make this gluten-free?
Absolutely. Just make sure your mayo, chili sauce, and sriracha are gluten-free certified, and swap cornstarch with arrowroot if needed.
How long does leftover chicken last?
Store in a sealed container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat gently before adding sauce and toppings.
Skip the Takeout and Make This Bowl at Home
The beauty of this Bang Bang Chicken Bowl recipe is how easy it is to make while still tasting like something special. Whether you’re feeding your family or prepping lunches for the week, this dish brings bold flavors, customizable textures, and satisfying balance to the table.
Once you master this bowl, you might also enjoy trying the Philly Cheesesteak Bowl—a hearty, savory favorite with serious flavor.
So the next time your cravings hit, skip the takeout. Grab some chicken, stir up that bang bang sauce, and build your perfect bowl. Once you try it, you’ll wonder how you ever went without.
Bang Bang Chicken Bowl
Ingredients
For the Chicken
- 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tbsp cornstarch
- 1–2 tbsp vegetable oil (for pan-frying or air frying)
For the Bang Bang Sauce
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 2 tbsp sweet chili sauce
- 1 tbsp sriracha (adjust to taste)
- 1 tbsp honey
For the Bowl
- 2 cups cooked jasmine rice (or rice of choice)
- 1 cup shredded carrots
- 1 cup shredded cabbage or coleslaw mix
- ½ cucumber, sliced
- 1 avocado, sliced
- 2 green onions, sliced
- 1 tbsp sesame seeds
- Lime wedges, for garnish optional
Instructions
Cook the Chicken
- Season chicken pieces with salt and pepper.
- Toss in cornstarch until coated.
- Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Cook chicken for 6–8 minutes, turning to brown all sides, until golden and cooked through.
- (Alternatively, air fry at 400°F/200°C for 12–14 minutes.)
Make the Bang Bang Sauce
- In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, and honey.
- Taste and adjust heat as desired.
Assemble the Bowls:
- Divide cooked rice into 4 bowls.
- Top with crispy chicken.
- Drizzle bang bang sauce generously over the chicken.
- Add shredded carrots, cabbage, cucumbers, and avocado to each bowl.
- Garnish with green onions, sesame seeds, and lime wedges.
