Name: Bang Bang Chicken Bowl Recipe
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 42 min
Cuisine: Asian Fusion
Ingredients: 1 ¼ cups (290 g) mayonnaise; ⅔ cup (177 g) Thai sweet chili sauce; 2 tablespoons honey; 2 teaspoons Sriracha, or more to taste; 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; 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, sliced, divided; 1 large avocado, thinly sliced, divided; Fresh cilantro, chopped for garnish; Sesame seeds, for garnish

Jump to Recipe· 4.7 from 12 reviews

If you’re craving a meal that’s bursting with flavor, easy to make, and perfect for any night of the week, you’re going to love this Bang Bang Chicken Bowl Recipe. It’s one of those dishes that feels special but comes together quickly—making it perfect for busy weeknights or weekend lunches when you want something fresh and satisfying. The creamy, spicy bang bang sauce paired with tender chicken and crisp veggies is just next-level delicious.

What I love most about this Bang Bang Chicken Bowl Recipe is how customizable it is. You can prep all the components ahead of time, so when hunger hits, dinner comes together in no time. Plus, the combination of textures and flavors always feels like a treat—without having to order takeout. Trust me, once you try this, it’ll become a go-to for busy days and casual entertaining alike.

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Why This Recipe Works

Balanced Flavors: The creamy, sweet, and spicy bang bang sauce perfectly complements the savory chicken and fresh veggies.
Simple Prep: Straightforward steps and common ingredients make it doable for cooks at any skill level.
Versatile Serving: Served over rice with plenty of colorful veggies, it’s a satisfying all-in-one bowl meal.
Customizable Heat: You control the spice by adjusting the Sriracha, making it perfect for all taste preferences.

A white bowl holds a neatly arranged dish with five main layers. At the bottom is a base of white rice, topped on one side with bright purple shredded cabbage that looks fresh and crunchy. Next to the cabbage, there are thin orange carrot strips layered in a small pile. On the opposite side, there are three round slices of light green cucumber placed in a row. Slices of bright green avocado fan out neatly beside the cucumber. In the center, several pieces of glossy, golden-brown cooked chicken covered in a creamy light tan sauce are sprinkled with black and white sesame seeds and finely chopped green herbs. Another drizzle of the creamy sauce is spread over the cabbage, avocado, and chicken, enhancing the colors and textures. The bowl rests on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

The key to this Bang Bang Chicken Bowl Recipe is using ingredients that bring together creamy, spicy, and fresh elements harmoniously. I always recommend picking fresh veggies and a good-quality Thai sweet chili sauce to elevate those sweet-spicy notes in the sauce.

Mayonnaise: Creates the rich and creamy base for the bang bang sauce, balancing out the spice.
Thai sweet chili sauce: Adds sweetness and a gentle kick that defines the classic Bang Bang flavor.
Honey: A touch of natural sweetness to mellow out the heat.
Sriracha: Boosts the spice level – you can dial it up or down depending on what you like.
Chicken breasts: Lean, tender, and perfect for cutting into bite-sized cubes to soak up the sauce.
Vegetable oil: Helps season the chicken and keeps it juicy during cooking.
Paprika & garlic powder: Simple spices that add depth and smoky warmth to the chicken.
Kosher salt & black pepper: Essential for seasoning and bringing out all the flavors.
White rice: A neutral base that absorbs the sauce and rounds out the bowl.
Red cabbage, carrots, cucumber: Provide crunch and freshness to balance the creaminess.
Avocado: Adds silky texture and healthy fats, making the bowl extra satisfying.
Fresh cilantro & sesame seeds: Bright, herbal, and nutty garnishes that lift the whole dish.

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Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Tweak to Your Taste

This Bang Bang Chicken Bowl Recipe is a great starting point, but I love to make little tweaks to suit my mood or whatever’s in my fridge. You should feel free to mix and match ingredients or spice levels to make it truly your own.

Spice level: When I’m sharing with my kids, I cut back on the Sriracha and add more honey — but for a dinner party, I’ll crank up the heat!
Protein swap: Tried it with shrimp once and it was a hit — just cook the shrimp briefly and toss in the same sauce.
Grain base: Brown rice or quinoa works well if you want a nuttier flavor and extra fiber.
Veggie variations: Swap red cabbage for shredded kale or add snap peas for extra crunch.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Bang Bang Chicken Bowl Recipe

Step 1: Whip Up the Bang Bang Sauce

Start by mixing mayonnaise, Thai sweet chili sauce, honey, and Sriracha in a medium bowl. Stir everything until it’s smooth and creamy. Set this aside while you prepare the chicken; the sauce gets even better if it sits for a bit to let the flavors marry.

Step 2: Season and Cook the Chicken

In a large bowl, mix the oil, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Toss your cubed chicken in this seasoning blend until every piece is evenly coated. Then, arrange the chicken in a single layer in your air fryer basket. Depending on your air fryer size, you might want to cook in batches to avoid overcrowding.

Air fry at 400°F for 11 to 12 minutes, flipping halfway, until the chicken hits 165°F inside. If you don’t have an air fryer, a skillet on medium-high heat works well too — just cook the chicken until golden and cooked through.

Once cooked, toss the chicken with half a cup of the bang bang sauce so every piece is flavorful and sticky.

Step 3: Assemble Your Bang Bang Chicken Bowls

Grab four medium bowls and build each with 1 cup of cooked rice, then layer on half a cup of sliced red cabbage, a quarter cup each of julienned carrots and sliced cucumber. Add a generous serving of the saucy bang bang chicken on top, then add avocado slices. Finish by drizzling the remaining bang bang sauce and sprinkling chopped cilantro and sesame seeds over each bowl.

Serve immediately and watch how everyone dives right in!

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Pro Tips for Making Bang Bang Chicken Bowl Recipe

Don’t Overcrowd the Air Fryer: Cooking chicken in a single layer helps it get perfectly crispy instead of steaming.
Use a Meat Thermometer: To avoid drying out the chicken, check for an internal temperature of 165°F.
Let the Sauce Sit: Making the bang bang sauce ahead of time helps the flavors deepen wonderfully.
Prep Veggies Early: Cutting your vegetables in advance saves tons of time on busy cooking days.

How to Serve Bang Bang Chicken Bowl Recipe

Bang Bang Chicken Bowl Recipe - Recipe Image

Garnishes

I always finish these bowls with chopped fresh cilantro and a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds — they add such a lovely brightness and nutty crunch. Sometimes I toss on a few thinly sliced green onions for extra freshness. These simple garnishes really elevate the dish and make it look gorgeous on the table.

Side Dishes

This Bang Bang Chicken Bowl holds up well as a full meal, but if you want to round it out, I love pairing it with a light cucumber salad or even some edamame for extra protein on the side. A miso soup also complements the flavors nicely for a cozy Asian-inspired dinner.

Creative Ways to Present

For a special occasion, I like serving this in individual glass jars or bamboo bowls to bring that fresh, vibrant feel right to the table. You could even turn it into a fun buffet where everyone customizes their own bowls with extra toppings like chopped peanuts, lime wedges, or pickled ginger.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually store leftover chicken, sauce, and veggies separately in airtight containers in the fridge. This keeps everything fresh and keeps the chicken from getting soggy. The rice can be stored the same way and reheated quickly when you’re ready to eat again.

Freezing

I’ve had good success freezing the cooked chicken (without sauce) in portioned freezer bags. Just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating and tossing with fresh bang bang sauce. I avoid freezing the fresh veggies and sauce together since the textures don’t hold up as well.

Reheating

To reheat, I pop the chicken and rice into a skillet over medium heat until warmed through, adding a splash of water to keep it moist. Then I add the bang bang sauce right at the end so it stays fresh and creamy. Fresh veggies and avocado go on at serving time for the best texture and flavor.

FAQs

Can I make Bang Bang Chicken Bowl Recipe without an air fryer?

Absolutely! If you don’t have an air fryer, just use a skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the seasoned chicken cubes in oil until golden and cooked through (about 8-10 minutes), flipping halfway. Then toss with the bang bang sauce just like you would with the air-fried chicken.
How spicy is the bang bang sauce?

The sauce has a nice balance of sweet and heat. Thanks to the Thai sweet chili sauce and Sriracha, there’s a mild to moderate kick, but you can easily adjust the Sriracha to make it as spicy or mild as you like.
Can I use other proteins in this recipe?

Definitely! This recipe works great with shrimp, tofu, or even crispy chickpeas for a vegetarian twist. Just adjust cooking times accordingly for the protein you choose.
What’s the best way to store leftovers?

Store leftover chicken, sauce, rice, and veggies separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. This keeps everything fresh and allows you to reheat components individually without losing flavor or texture.

Final Thoughts

This Bang Bang Chicken Bowl Recipe has become one of my absolute favorites—not just because it’s tasty, but because it’s so easy to throw together any day you’re short on time yet still want something fresh and flavorful. I hope you give it a try and enjoy tweaking it to your own taste as much as I do. It’s one of those meals that feels like a hug on a plate, perfect for sharing with family or savoring on your own.