If you’re craving a flavor-packed, colorful meal that comes together with ease, the Bang Bang Chicken Bowl Recipe is exactly what your weeknight dinners need. This bowl is a delightful combination of crispy, seasoned chicken, vibrant fresh veggies, and a creamy, tangy Bang Bang sauce that dances on your taste buds with just the right amount of kick. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or just looking to spice up your routine, this recipe delivers a satisfying, balanced meal that’s as gorgeous as it is delicious.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering these simple but essential ingredients makes all the difference in your Bang Bang Chicken Bowl Recipe. Each one brings a unique flavor or texture, creating a perfect harmony between creamy, crunchy, spicy, and fresh elements that make your bowl a standout.
- Mayonnaise: Creates the creamy base for that signature Bang Bang sauce with a smooth, rich texture.
- Thai sweet chili sauce: Adds a sweet heat that gives the sauce its irresistible, tangy kick.
- Honey: Balances the spice with a gentle sweetness that rounds out the flavors.
- Sriracha: A spicy boost tailored to your heat preference, enhancing the sauce’s boldness.
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Protein-packed and tender, perfect for air frying to crispy perfection.
- Vegetable oil: Helps the spices adhere to the chicken and ensures even cooking in the air fryer.
- Paprika, garlic powder, kosher salt, and black pepper: A simple yet effective spice blend that seasons the chicken beautifully.
- Cooked white rice: The comforting, fluffy base that soaks up every bit of flavor.
- Red cabbage, carrot, cucumber, avocado: These fresh, colorful veggies provide crispness, crunch, and creaminess that elevate the bowl.
- Fresh cilantro and sesame seeds: Garnishes that add vibrant color and a hint of nuttiness to finish the dish.
How to Make Bang Bang Chicken Bowl Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Bang Bang Sauce
Start by whisking together mayonnaise, Thai sweet chili sauce, honey, and Sriracha in a bowl until silky smooth. This sauce delivers that iconic blend of creamy heat and sweetness that makes the Bang Bang Chicken Bowl Recipe truly unforgettable. Set it aside so the flavors can meld while you prepare the rest.
Step 2: Season the Chicken
In another bowl, mix vegetable oil with paprika, garlic powder, kosher salt, and black pepper to create a flavorful coating. Toss the cubed chicken breasts in this spiced oil mixture until each piece is evenly covered. This step ensures every bite bursts with savory, smoky notes that complement the sauce perfectly.
Step 3: Cook the Chicken
Place the coated chicken cubes into your air fryer basket in a single layer, then cook at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for about 11 to 12 minutes. The air fryer crisps up the chicken without drying it out, achieving tender, juicy pieces with a lightly charred exterior, fabulous for layering in your bowl.
Step 4: Assemble Your Bowl
Now for the fun part—building your Bang Bang Chicken Bowl Recipe! Start with a warm bed of white rice, then layer on thinly sliced red cabbage, julienned carrots, cucumber slices, and silky avocado. Top it all off with the perfectly cooked chicken cubes, drizzle generously with your Bang Bang sauce, and sprinkle with chopped cilantro and sesame seeds for an irresistible finish.
How to Serve Bang Bang Chicken Bowl Recipe
Garnishes
Don’t underestimate the magic of garnishes when serving your Bang Bang Chicken Bowl Recipe. Fresh cilantro adds a burst of herbal brightness, while toasted sesame seeds provide a toasty crunch and nutty flavor that bring the whole dish together with an inviting look and taste.
Side Dishes
This bowl is a complete meal on its own, but if you want to add some sides, think light and fresh. A crisp Asian cucumber salad or pickled radishes pair wonderfully, adding contrast to the rich sauce and savory chicken. Alternatively, a simple miso soup can round out your meal beautifully for a cozy, satisfying experience.
Creative Ways to Present
For a more casual gathering, serve the components separately and let everyone build their own bowls—fun and interactive! If you’re packing lunch, layer the ingredients in a jar with sauce on the side to keep everything fresh. Either way, the vibrant colors and textures make for a stunning presentation that’s sure to impress.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, place leftover Bang Bang Chicken Bowl components in airtight containers. Store the chicken separately from the veggies and rice to keep textures intact. The sauce can be kept in a small jar in the fridge for up to a week. This way, you’ll have quick, flavorful meals ready in no time.
Freezing
The cooked chicken can be frozen for up to two months in a freezer-safe container or bag. Avoid freezing the fresh vegetables or sauce, as they don’t hold up well after thawing. When you’re ready to enjoy the bowl again, simply thaw the chicken overnight in the refrigerator for best results.
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm the chicken in the oven or air fryer to preserve its crispy texture. Microwave the rice and veggies briefly or enjoy them cold for a refreshing crunch. Add fresh sauce just before serving to keep that creamy heat vibrant. This method helps retain the flavors and satisfying texture of the original dish.
FAQs
Can I make the Bang Bang Chicken Bowl Recipe gluten-free?
Absolutely! This recipe is naturally gluten-free if you ensure your Thai sweet chili sauce and Sriracha are gluten-free brands. Always double-check labels, especially on sauces, to keep the dish both safe and delicious.
Is it possible to use different proteins in this recipe?
Yes, feel free to swap chicken for shrimp, tofu, or even thinly sliced beef. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly and keep the seasoning and sauce the same to maintain that classic Bang Bang flavor.
Can I prepare this recipe without an air fryer?
Definitely! You can cook the chicken in a skillet over medium-high heat or bake it in the oven at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for about 20 minutes, turning halfway until it’s cooked through and browned.
How spicy is the Bang Bang Chicken Bowl Recipe?
The heat level depends on how much Sriracha you add. The recipe provides a moderate spice level, but you can easily increase or decrease it to suit your taste by adjusting the Sriracha quantity.
What’s the best way to keep the avocado fresh in this bowl?
Slice the avocado just before serving to prevent browning. If you need to prep ahead, toss avocado slices lightly in lemon or lime juice and cover tightly to slow oxidation and keep them bright green.
Final Thoughts
This Bang Bang Chicken Bowl Recipe is a true crowd-pleaser that combines bold, creamy sauce with fresh veggies and perfectly seasoned chicken for a meal that’s simple yet impressive. Next time you want something that feels special but is quick to pull together, this bowl has your name written all over it. Give it a try—you might just find your new favorite dinner.
Print
Bang Bang Chicken Bowl Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: Asian Fusion
Description
This Bang Bang Chicken Bowl recipe combines crispy air-fried chicken with a creamy, spicy-sweet Bang Bang sauce served over a bed of warm white rice and fresh vegetables. It’s a flavorful, balanced meal perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, featuring crunchy cabbage, crisp carrots, cool cucumber, and creamy avocado garnished with cilantro and sesame seeds.
Ingredients
Bang Bang Sauce
- 1 ¼ cups (290 g) mayonnaise
- â…” cup (177 g) Thai sweet chili sauce
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 2 teaspoons Sriracha, or more to taste
Chicken
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
Bowls
- 4 cups (744 g) prepared white rice, warmed, divided
- 2 cups (140 g) red cabbage, thinly sliced, divided
- 1 large carrot, julienned, divided
- 1 medium cucumber, halved and sliced, divided
- 1 large avocado, thinly sliced, divided
- Fresh cilantro, chopped for garnish
- Sesame seeds, for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare Bang Bang Sauce: In a medium bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, Thai sweet chili sauce, honey, and Sriracha until smooth and combined. Set the sauce aside to let the flavors meld.
- Season Chicken: In a large bowl, combine vegetable oil, paprika, garlic powder, kosher salt, and black pepper. Add the cubed chicken breasts and toss well to evenly coat all pieces with the seasoning mixture.
- Air Fry Chicken: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (204°C). Arrange the seasoned chicken cubes in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Cook for 11 to 12 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to ensure even cooking, until the chicken is cooked through and slightly crispy on the outside.
- Assemble Bowls: Divide the warmed white rice equally among four bowls. Top each bowl with equal portions of thinly sliced red cabbage, julienned carrots, sliced cucumber, and avocado slices. Add the air-fried chicken on top of the vegetables.
- Add Sauce and Garnish: Drizzle a generous amount of the prepared Bang Bang sauce over each bowl. Finish with a sprinkle of fresh chopped cilantro and sesame seeds to add freshness and a nutty crunch. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Notes
- You can adjust the Sriracha amount in the sauce for your preferred spice level.
- For extra crispiness, pat chicken pieces dry before seasoning and air frying.
- If you don’t have an air fryer, you can bake the chicken in a 425°F oven for 15-20 minutes, turning halfway through.
- Leftover Bang Bang sauce keeps well in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Try substituting brown rice or cauliflower rice for a healthier or low-carb option.
- If avocado is not available, ripe mango or sliced radishes also pair nicely.
