Easy Bang Bang Chicken Bowl (Better Than Takeout!)
This Bang Bang Chicken Bowl is the perfect mix of crispy, saucy, spicy, and sweet—made with juicy pan-seared chicken tossed in a creamy chili sauce and served over fluffy rice with fresh toppings. Inspired by the classic Bang Bang shrimp, this chicken version is easy to make, customizable, and packed with bold flavor in every bite.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy: Ready in 30 minutes with simple pantry staples.
- High protein, balanced meal: A great choice for meal prep or weeknight dinners.
- Customizable toppings: Build your bowl just the way you like it.
- Addictively creamy-spicy sauce: The signature Bang Bang sauce is the star of the show.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Chicken:
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Salt & pepper, to taste
For the Bang Bang Sauce:
- 1/3 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tbsp sweet chili sauce
- 1 tbsp sriracha (adjust to taste)
- 1 tsp honey or maple syrup
- 1 tbsp lime juice (optional, for tang)
For the Bowl Base:
- 2 cups cooked jasmine or basmati rice
- 1 cup shredded lettuce or cabbage
- 1/2 cup shredded carrots
- 1/2 cucumber, sliced
- 1 avocado, diced
- 2 green onions, chopped
- Optional: sesame seeds, cilantro, lime wedges
How to Make Bang Bang Chicken Bowls
- Make the sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together mayo, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, honey, and lime juice. Set aside.
- Prepare the chicken: Toss chicken pieces with cornstarch, salt, and pepper until evenly coated.
- Cook the chicken: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken and sauté until golden brown and cooked through, about 6–8 minutes. Remove from heat and toss with half of the Bang Bang sauce.
- Assemble the bowls: Divide cooked rice between bowls. Top with lettuce, carrots, cucumber, avocado, and Bang Bang chicken. Drizzle remaining sauce on top.
- Garnish and serve: Sprinkle with sesame seeds, green onions, and a squeeze of lime, if desired.
Tips for the Best Bang Bang Chicken
- Use chicken thighs for extra juicy results.
- Double the sauce if you love it saucy or want extra for drizzling.
- Make it low-carb by swapping rice for cauliflower rice or salad greens.
- Meal prep friendly: Store the cooked chicken, rice, and veggies separately, and assemble when ready to eat.
Storing & Reheating
- Fridge: Store chicken and rice in airtight containers for up to 4 days.
- Reheat: Microwave in short intervals or reheat in a skillet until warm.
- Sauce: Keep extra sauce in the fridge for up to 1 week.
Delicious Variations
- Spicy shrimp bowl: Swap chicken for shrimp and follow the same steps.
- Bang Bang tofu: Pan-fry tofu cubes and coat with sauce for a vegetarian twist.
- Add crunch: Top with chopped peanuts or crispy wonton strips.
- Keto version: Serve over cauliflower rice or in lettuce wraps.
Bang Bang Chicken Bowl FAQ
Is Bang Bang sauce spicy?
Yes, it has a mild to moderate kick thanks to the sriracha, but you can adjust the spice level to your taste.
Can I use store-bought sauce?
You can, but homemade Bang Bang sauce tastes fresher and allows you to customize the heat and sweetness.
Is this gluten-free?
Use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari in the sauce and make sure your sweet chili sauce is gluten-free for a safe version.
More Easy Bowl Recipes to Try
- Honey Garlic Chicken Rice Bowl
- Spicy Korean Beef Bulgogi Bowl
- Crispy Tofu Teriyaki Bowl
- Sweet Chili Shrimp Noodle Bowl
Final Thoughts
This Bang Bang Chicken Bowl is a fast, fresh, and flavorful meal that’s sure to become a weekly favorite. It’s perfect for busy weeknights, easy meal prep, or when you’re craving takeout without the guilt. Don’t forget to pin this recipe and share it with your foodie friends!