Name: Bang Bang Chicken Bowl: Sweet, Spicy, and Totally Addictive
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Asian-inspired
Ingredients: 1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces; 1/2 cup (60g) cornstarch; 1 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; 2 tablespoons vegetable oil; 1/4 cup (60g) mayonnaise; 2 tablespoons sweet chili sauce; 1–2 teaspoons sriracha (adjust to taste); 1 teaspoon honey (optional); 1 teaspoon rice vinegar; 2 cups cooked white rice, brown rice, or jasmine rice; 1 cup shredded carrots; 1 cup chopped cucumber; 1/2 cup shredded red cabbage; 1/2 cup shelled edamame; 2 green onions, thinly sliced; Sesame seeds for garnish; Optional: cilantro or lime wedges

If you love bold flavors with minimal fuss, the Bang Bang Chicken Bowl is about to become your new favorite weeknight meal. Sweet, spicy, and crunchy, this dish combines tender chicken with crisp vegetables, fluffy rice, and a creamy, flavorful sauce that packs a punch. Inspired by classic Asian-inspired “bang bang” flavors, it’s the perfect balance of heat, sweetness, and freshness—all in a single, satisfying bowl.

Whether you’re cooking for yourself, prepping for meal prep, or feeding a hungry family, this recipe is versatile, quick, and guaranteed to satisfy. Let’s dive in and build this flavor-packed bowl step by step.

Ingredients

This recipe serves 4 generous portions.

For the Chicken:

1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
1/2 cup (60g) cornstarch
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
2 tablespoons vegetable oil

For the Bang Bang Sauce:

1/4 cup (60g) mayonnaise
2 tablespoons sweet chili sauce
1–2 teaspoons sriracha (adjust to your spice preference)
1 teaspoon honey (optional, for extra sweetness)
1 teaspoon rice vinegar

For the Bowl:

2 cups cooked white rice, brown rice, or jasmine rice
1 cup shredded carrots
1 cup chopped cucumber
1/2 cup shredded red cabbage
1/2 cup edamame (shelled)
2 green onions, thinly sliced
Sesame seeds for garnish
Optional: cilantro or lime wedges

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Pat the chicken pieces dry with paper towels. In a medium bowl, toss them with cornstarch, salt, and pepper until evenly coated. The cornstarch will give the chicken a light, crispy texture when cooked.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken

Heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a large skillet or nonstick pan over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken in a single layer. Cook for 3–4 minutes per side until golden brown and fully cooked (internal temperature should reach 165°F / 74°C). Remove from heat and set aside.

Step 3: Make the Bang Bang Sauce

In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, honey, and rice vinegar. Taste and adjust the spice or sweetness according to your preference. The sauce should be creamy, slightly sweet, and with a noticeable kick.

Step 4: Prepare the Vegetables

While the chicken cooks, chop and shred your vegetables. Thinly slice green onions, grate carrots, slice cucumbers, and shred the red cabbage. If using edamame, cook according to package instructions (usually boiling for 3–5 minutes).

Step 5: Assemble the Bowls

Divide the cooked rice among four bowls. Top with shredded carrots, cucumbers, red cabbage, and edamame. Add the cooked chicken on top. Drizzle generously with the bang bang sauce and sprinkle with sesame seeds and green onions. Optional: add cilantro leaves or a wedge of lime for extra freshness.

Step 6: Serve

Serve immediately while the chicken is warm and the vegetables are crisp. This bowl is best enjoyed fresh but also holds up well for meal prep.

Conservation and Storage

Refrigerator: Store the components separately in airtight containers for up to 3–4 days. Keep the sauce in a small container to prevent soggy chicken or vegetables.
Freezer: Cooked chicken can be frozen separately for up to 2 months. Vegetables are best added fresh.
Reheating: Warm the chicken gently in a skillet or microwave, then assemble with fresh vegetables and sauce.

Variations

Bang Bang Chicken Bowls are incredibly versatile. Consider these tasty variations:

Protein Swaps: Replace chicken with shrimp, tofu, or tempeh for a vegetarian or seafood version.
Grain Options: Use cauliflower rice, quinoa, or farro instead of rice for a low-carb or higher-protein option.
Vegetable Mix: Add bell peppers, snap peas, zucchini, or broccoli for extra color and crunch.
Sauce Twists: Try using spicy mayo or a peanut-based sauce for a different flavor profile.
Crunch Factor: Add crushed peanuts, crispy wontons, or fried onions on top for an extra crunch.

Serving Suggestions

This bowl works perfectly for a variety of occasions:

Weeknight Dinner: Quick, flavorful, and filling—ready in under 30 minutes.
Meal Prep: Store the components separately in meal prep containers for grab-and-go lunches.
Family Dinner: Customize toppings and spice levels to satisfy both kids and adults.
Entertaining: Serve as part of a “build-your-own bowl” station for parties or casual gatherings.

Tips for Perfecting Your Bang Bang Chicken Bowl

Crispy Chicken: Coat the chicken evenly in cornstarch and avoid overcrowding the pan for best crispiness.
Adjust Spice Level: Start with less sriracha and increase gradually; everyone’s heat tolerance differs.
Fresh Veggies: Slice vegetables thinly to maintain crunch and texture.
Make Ahead: Prepare the sauce in advance to save time during assembly.
Balance Flavors: Taste the sauce before drizzling—add honey for sweetness, lime for acidity, or extra sriracha for heat.

Conclusion

The Bang Bang Chicken Bowl combines sweet, spicy, and savory flavors into a single, satisfying dish. Its combination of crispy chicken, fresh vegetables, fluffy rice, and creamy sauce makes it a versatile meal that works for quick weeknights, meal prep, or family dinners.

With endless customization options, this recipe can easily accommodate dietary preferences and seasonal ingredients. Once you try it, this dish is sure to become a staple in your kitchen, offering bold flavors without complicated cooking techniques. Enjoy the crunch, the spice, and the comforting balance of flavors in every bite—it’s a bowl you’ll come back to again and again.

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Bang Bang Chicken Bowl: Sweet, Spicy, and Totally Addictive

Author: hafsahafsa
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x

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Description

Sweet, spicy, and crunchy, this Bang Bang Chicken Bowl combines crispy chicken, fresh vegetables, fluffy rice, and a creamy sauce. Perfect for weeknight dinners, meal prep, or family-friendly meals, it’s flavorful, easy, and versatile.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken:

1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces

1/2 cup (60g) cornstarch

1 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon black pepper

2 tablespoons vegetable oil

Bang Bang Sauce:

1/4 cup (60g) mayonnaise

2 tablespoons sweet chili sauce

1–2 teaspoons sriracha (adjust to taste)

1 teaspoon honey (optional)

1 teaspoon rice vinegar

Bowl Ingredients:

2 cups cooked white rice, brown rice, or jasmine rice

1 cup shredded carrots

1 cup chopped cucumber

1/2 cup shredded red cabbage

1/2 cup shelled edamame

2 green onions, thinly sliced

Sesame seeds for garnish

Optional: cilantro or lime wedges

Instructions

Prepare the chicken: Pat dry and toss with cornstarch, salt, and pepper until coated.

Cook the chicken: Heat oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Cook chicken 3–4 minutes per side until golden and cooked through (165°F / 74°C). Set aside.

Make the bang bang sauce: Whisk mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, honey, and rice vinegar. Adjust seasoning.

Prepare vegetables: Slice and shred carrots, cucumber, cabbage, and green onions. Cook edamame if needed.

Assemble bowls: Divide rice among bowls, top with vegetables, chicken, sauce, sesame seeds, and optional garnishes.

Serve immediately: Enjoy fresh or use for meal prep later.