Bang Bang Chicken Bowl – Creamy, Spicy & Better Than Takeout

Bang Bang Chicken Bowl Creamy, Spicy & Quick Recipe

Ever wondered why restaurant-quality Asian-inspired dishes seem impossible to recreate at home? That myth ends today with our irresistible Bang Bang Chicken Bowl recipe that rivals any takeout version you’ve tried!

This Bang Bang Chicken Bowl combines tender chicken pieces coated in a creamy, sweet-spicy sauce served over fluffy rice with fresh vegetables. It’s the perfect weeknight dinner that delivers restaurant-quality flavors in just 30 minutes.

The secret lies in the perfect balance of creamy mayo, sweet chili, and sriracha in our how to make bang bang sauce instructions. Once you master this sauce, you’ll want to drizzle it on everything!

Ingredients List

For the Bang Bang Sauce:

• ½ cup mayonnaise (regular or light)
• ¼ cup sweet chili sauce
• 1-2 tablespoons sriracha (adjust to your heat preference)
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 1 teaspoon rice vinegar
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder

For the Chicken:

• 1½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil for cooking

For the Bowl:

• 3 cups cooked white rice (jasmine or basmati recommended)
• 1 cup shredded purple cabbage
• 1 cup julienned carrots
• 1 cucumber, thinly sliced
• 2 green onions, thinly sliced
• ¼ cup chopped cilantro
• 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
• Lime wedges for serving

Substitution options: Use Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise for a tangier, lighter sauce. Brown rice or cauliflower rice work perfectly for a healthier base. Tofu can replace chicken for a vegetarian version.

Timing

• Preparation time: 15 minutes
• Cooking time: 15 minutes
• Total time: 30 minutes

This Bang Bang Chicken Bowl comes together in half the time of most restaurant-style dishes, making it 40% faster than similar takeout recipes. Perfect for busy weeknights when you crave something delicious without the wait!

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Bang Bang Sauce

In a medium bowl, combine mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, honey, rice vinegar, and garlic powder. Whisk until completely smooth and no streaks remain. Set aside ¼ cup for drizzling over the final dish and reserve the rest for coating the chicken.

Step 2: Prepare the Chicken

Pat chicken pieces dry with paper towels. This crucial step ensures proper browning. In a large bowl, toss chicken with cornstarch, salt, and pepper until evenly coated. The cornstarch creates a light crust that helps the sauce cling to the chicken.

Step 3: Cook the Chicken

Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add chicken in a single layer, being careful not to overcrowd the pan (work in batches if necessary). Cook for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F).

Step 4: Coat with Sauce

Transfer the cooked chicken to a clean bowl. Pour the reserved bang bang sauce (not the ¼ cup set aside earlier) over the hot chicken and toss gently until each piece is thoroughly coated. The heat from the chicken will slightly warm the sauce, creating the perfect consistency.

Step 5: Assemble Your Bowls

1. Place a portion of cooked rice in each serving bowl
2. Arrange the sauce-coated chicken on top of the rice
3. Add sections of shredded cabbage, carrots, and cucumber around the chicken
4. Drizzle the remaining bang bang sauce over everything
5. Garnish with sliced green onions, cilantro, and sesame seeds
6. Serve with lime wedges on the side for a fresh citrus kick

Nutritional Information

Each serving of this delicious Bang Bang Chicken Bowl contains approximately:

• Calories: 520 kcal
• Protein: 35g
• Carbohydrates: 48g
• Dietary Fiber: 4g
• Sugars: 12g
• Fat: 22g
• Saturated Fat: 3.5g
• Sodium: 650mg

This balanced meal provides 70% of your daily protein needs and 16% of your daily fiber intake. The colorful vegetables deliver essential vitamins A and C, while the lean protein helps maintain muscle mass.

Healthier Alternatives for the Recipe

Transform this delicious dish into an even healthier meal with these simple swaps:

• Replace mayonnaise with Greek yogurt to cut calories by 30% while adding protein
• Use brown rice or quinoa instead of white rice for additional fiber and nutrients
• Bake the chicken at 425°F for 15 minutes instead of pan-frying to reduce oil
• Add extra vegetables like bell peppers, edamame, or broccoli to boost nutritional value
• Use low-sodium soy sauce in the sauce to reduce overall sodium content
• Try air-frying the chicken pieces for a crispy texture without the added oil

Serving Suggestions

Elevate your bang bang chicken bowl experience with these creative serving ideas:

• Create a DIY bowl bar with all components separated, allowing everyone to build their perfect bowl
• Serve with warm naan bread or crispy wonton strips for added texture contrast
• Add sliced avocado for creaminess that complements the spicy sauce beautifully
• For a refreshing side, pair with a simple cucumber salad dressed with rice vinegar
• Transform leftovers into bang bang chicken wraps using large tortillas or lettuce leaves
• Serve with a side of miso soup for a complete Asian-inspired meal experience

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Overcrowding the pan: This steams rather than sears the chicken. Cook in batches for the perfect golden exterior.
• Using cold ingredients for the sauce: Room temperature ingredients blend more smoothly. Let mayo sit out for 10 minutes before mixing.
• Adding sauce too early: Coating the chicken before cooking will prevent browning. Always sauce after cooking.
• Skipping the cornstarch: This key ingredient creates a light crust that helps the sauce adhere to the chicken.
• Not tasting as you go: Everyone’s spice preference differs. Adjust sriracha levels to suit your taste.
• Cutting vegetables too thick: Thin, uniform cuts ensure proper texture and allow for better sauce distribution.

Storing Tips for the Recipe

Proper storage ensures your bang bang chicken bowl remains delicious for days:

• Store sauce separately from other components in an airtight container for up to 5 days in the refrigerator
• Cooked chicken will maintain quality for 3-4 days when refrigerated in a sealed container
• For meal prep, store each component separately and assemble just before eating
• Freeze cooked, unsauced chicken for up to 2 months; thaw overnight in the refrigerator
• Rice can be stored for 4-5 days refrigerated or up to 2 months frozen
• Prep fresh vegetables no more than 2 days in advance for optimal crispness and flavor

Pro tip: When reheating, add a splash of water to the rice before microwaving to restore moisture, and warm chicken separately before adding fresh sauce.

Conclusion

This bang bang chicken bowl recipe transforms simple ingredients into a restaurant-worthy meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights or impressive enough for weekend entertaining. The balance of creamy, spicy sauce with tender chicken and fresh vegetables creates a satisfying meal that’s both comforting and exciting.

Have you tried making this bang bang chicken bowl? Share your experience in the comments below! Did you make any creative modifications? We’d love to hear how you made this recipe your own. And if you enjoyed this recipe, don’t forget to check out our other Asian-inspired dishes that bring takeout flavors right to your kitchen!