Say hello to your new obsession: the Bang Bang Chicken Bowl! This bowl is an explosion of crispy, juicy chicken tossed in a creamy, spicy-sweet sauce, nestled on fluffy rice with layers of crisp veggies and creamy avocado. Every bite is comforting, a little fiery, a little fresh—and oh-so-satisfying. Trust me, you’ll crave this beauty on repeat!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Restaurant-worthy Flavors: It’s like your favorite takeout, but even better—each bite is creamy, tangy, spicy, and sweet!
- Quick & Fuss-Free: Air-fried chicken and speedy assembly mean dinner is ready in just 40 minutes, perfect for busy nights.
- Customizable Goodness: You can swap the protein, add veggies, or play with the spice level to make it exactly how you like it.
- Balanced and Satisfying: Creamy sauce, crunchy veggies, hearty rice, and juicy chicken—all in one colorful, nourishing bowl.
Ingredients You’ll Need
What makes the Bang Bang Chicken Bowl so irresistible? It’s a short list of everyday ingredients, each earning its place—whether adding crunch, richness, spice, or a burst of freshness. These simple staples come together for knockout flavor you’ll crave again and again.
- Mayonnaise: Forms the creamy base of the signature bang bang sauce, mellowing the heat and tying all flavors together.
- Thai Sweet Chili Sauce: Adds a wonderful balance of sweet and tangy with a gentle kick, essential for the sauce’s personality.
- Honey: Accentuates the sweet notes and gives the sauce a silky texture.
- Sriracha: Brings the perfect touch of heat—add more if you want the sauce extra spicy!
- Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: Chopped into bite-sized cubes, these cook quickly and stay juicy and tender in your air fryer.
- Vegetable Oil: Lightly coats the chicken for air fryer crispness without loads of added fat.
- Paprika & Garlic Powder: Simple spices that add depth and subtle warmth to every bite of chicken.
- Kosher Salt & Black Pepper: Let the chicken truly pop with well-seasoned flavor throughout.
- White Rice: The tender, neutral bed that soaks up every bit of saucy goodness—use your favorite variety.
- Red Cabbage, Carrot, and Cucumber: These fresh veggies add color, crunch, and a refreshing snap to every forkful.
- Avocado: Sliced on top, it delivers creamy richness that cools the spice and pulls every texture together.
- Fresh Cilantro & Sesame Seeds: The final touches—herby, nutty, and visually gorgeous.
Variations
One of the best parts about the Bang Bang Chicken Bowl is just how endlessly customizable it is. Check out these easy swaps and fun riffs to make each bowl feel brand new—whether you’re cooking for picky eaters, going plant-based, or simply raiding your fridge for inspiration!
- Shrimp Swap: Substitute cooked, air-fried or sautéed shrimp for chicken for a Bang Bang Shrimp Bowl experience.
- Vegetarian Twist: Replace chicken with crispy tofu or roasted cauliflower bites for a meatless masterpiece.
- Grain Base Options: Not a rice fan? Serve over quinoa, brown rice, or even cauliflower rice for extra veggies.
- Spice it Up (or Down): Adjust the amount of Sriracha in your sauce for just the right level of heat for your crew.
- Extra Veggie Crunch: Add snap peas, bell pepper slices, or shredded lettuce to load up on color and nutrition.
How to Make Bang Bang Chicken Bowl
Step 1: Whip Up the Bang Bang Sauce
Start off with the signature element—bang bang sauce! In a medium bowl, simply stir together mayonnaise, Thai sweet chili sauce, honey, and Sriracha. Mix until completely smooth and creamy, then set aside. Don’t be afraid to sneak a quick taste; it’s addictive from the very first spoonful!
Step 2: Season and Coat the Chicken
Next, toss your cubed chicken with vegetable oil, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper right in a large mixing bowl. Make sure every piece is evenly coated with the spice blend—this ensures every bite is as bold as the last. You’ll start to smell that savory magic already!
Step 3: Air Fry Until Juicy and Crispy
Arrange the chicken in a single layer inside your air fryer basket. (You might need to cook in batches, depending on the size.) Set to 400°F and air fry for 11–12 minutes, flipping the chicken halfway through. You’re looking for golden, just-cooked chicken with a crisp edge—165°F internal temperature is your golden ticket.
Step 4: Toss Chicken with Bang Bang Sauce
Transfer the hot, cooked chicken to a large bowl and add about half a cup of the bang bang sauce. Toss everything gently to make sure those juicy morsels are completely coated—this is where the party happens!
Step 5: Assemble and Garnish the Bowls
It’s time for the grand finale! Divide warm rice into four bowls. Top each with a generous scoop of red cabbage, carrots, and cucumbers, then add slices of creamy avocado and a hearty helping of the bang bang chicken. Drizzle with extra sauce and give a sprinkle of cilantro and sesame seeds for a show-stopping finish. Serve right away while everything’s fresh and vibrant!
Pro Tips for Making Bang Bang Chicken Bowl
- Max Air Fryer Crunch: Don’t overcrowd the basket—give each chicken piece some space to achieve the crispiest, most golden crust.
- Sauce Temperature Matters: If your sauce is chilled, let it come to room temperature before tossing with the chicken for the silkiest coating.
- Prep the Veggies Ahead: Slice and store your vegetables ahead of time for speedy weeknight assembly without sacrificing freshness.
- Rice That Stays Fluffy: Fluff the cooked rice just before building your bowls to keep it from getting sticky or compacted beneath all those toppings.
How to Serve Bang Bang Chicken Bowl
Garnishes
No Bang Bang Chicken Bowl is complete without a flourish! Freshly chopped cilantro and a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds add color, fragrance, and that delightful nutty finish. If you want even more pizzazz, try a drizzle of extra Sriracha or some finely sliced scallions for a bright kick.
Side Dishes
This bowl’s a one-and-done dinner, but if you’re feeling fancy, pair it with crisp spring rolls, a light miso soup, or a zesty Asian cucumber salad. Even some steamed edamame would round out the meal nicely while keeping things super light and vibrant.
Creative Ways to Present
Take your Bang Bang Chicken Bowl to the next level by serving it layered in glass jars for easy meal-prep lunches, or deconstruct the dish for a fun DIY dinner bar—let everyone build their own colorful bowl. For parties, assemble mini bowls or cups for a fabulous (and crowd-pleasing) appetizer spread.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Bang Bang Chicken Bowl components can be stored separately in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days. Keep the sauce, veggies, chicken, and rice all apart until you’re ready to assemble for the freshest results, and your veggies will stay crisp.
Freezing
The chicken and rice components freeze beautifully—just cool them completely, portion into freezer-safe containers, and freeze for up to 2 months. Leave the fresh veggies, avocado, and sauce out; add those after reheating for the best taste and texture.
Reheating
Warm the chicken and rice gently in the microwave or stovetop, adding a splash of water to prevent drying. Only toss chicken with sauce after reheating so it stays saucy, not soggy. Add the fresh veggies and avocado just before serving for that craveable crunch!
FAQs
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Can I make the Bang Bang sauce ahead of time?
Absolutely! The bang bang sauce actually tastes even better when made in advance. Store it in an airtight jar in the refrigerator for up to 5 days—give it a quick stir before drizzling over your chicken.
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Can I bake or pan-fry the chicken instead of air frying?
Definitely! If you don’t own an air fryer, bake the chicken on a lined sheet at 425°F for about 15–18 minutes, or pan-fry in a little oil until golden and cooked through. You’ll still get that irresistible crust and juicy result.
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Is this Bang Bang Chicken Bowl spicy?
The beauty of this dish is you control the spice level! The suggested amount of Sriracha gives a gentle heat, but you can add more or less depending on your preference—or skip it entirely for a mild sauce.
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How can I make this recipe gluten-free?
To make the Bang Bang Chicken Bowl gluten-free, just use a certified gluten-free sweet chili sauce and double-check your Sriracha and mayo labels. Everything else in the recipe is naturally gluten-free!
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving bold flavors that burst with every forkful, the Bang Bang Chicken Bowl truly delivers. It’s so rewarding to see those vibrant layers come together in one bowl—easy enough for a weeknight, special enough to share. Give it a try, and don’t forget to make extra sauce—it’s just that good!
Print
Bang Bang Chicken Bowl Recipe
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 bowls 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Air Fry
- Cuisine: Asian
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Enjoy a delicious Bang Bang Chicken Bowl, featuring crispy air-fried chicken coated in a creamy and spicy Bang Bang sauce, served over a bed of fluffy white rice and fresh veggies.
Ingredients
Bang Bang Sauce
- 1 1/4 cups (290 g) mayonnaise
- 2/3 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
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Bang Bang Chicken Bowl
- 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
Instructions
- Bang Bang Sauce – In a bowl, mix mayonnaise, Thai sweet chili sauce, honey, and Sriracha. Set aside.
- Chicken – Combine oil, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Toss chicken to coat. Air fry at 400°F for 11-12 minutes.
- Assembly – In bowls, layer rice, cabbage, carrots, cucumbers, avocado, and chicken. Top with Bang Bang sauce, cilantro, and sesame seeds. Serve.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 720
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 1200mg
- Fat: 35g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 24g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 60g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 40g
- Cholesterol: 110mg
