Bang Bang Chicken Bowl Recipe

If you’re looking for a bursting-with-flavor meal that’s just as fun to eat as it is gorgeous to serve, you simply have to try this Bang Bang Chicken Bowl. It’s loaded with crispy air-fried chicken tossed in a creamy, spicy-sweet sauce, nestled over fluffy rice and surrounded by a rainbow of crunchy, fresh veggies. Trust me—every bite is an explosion of taste and texture!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every single element in a Bang Bang Chicken Bowl is carefully chosen to deliver freshness, crunch, and that crave-worthy sauce. While the list may look a touch long, each ingredient is absolutely worth it—and most are probably in your kitchen already!

• Mayonnaise: The creamy base of the bang bang sauce that brings everything together.
• Thai Sweet Chili Sauce: Sweet, tangy, and a little spicy, this is the secret to the addictive flavor of the sauce.
• Honey: Adds a lovely touch of natural sweetness to balance the Sriracha kick.
• Sriracha: For that perfect spicy finish—add more if you like a bolder bang!
• Chicken Breasts: Tender, lean cubes of chicken soak up the seasonings and air fry to juicy perfection.
• Vegetable Oil: Ensures the seasoning clings and the chicken doesn’t dry out in the air fryer.
• Paprika & Garlic Powder: Bring warmth and depth of flavor to the chicken.
• Kosher Salt & Black Pepper: For essential seasoning—don’t skimp!
• Cooked White Rice: The comforting, fluffy foundation for every bowl—use your favorite long grain or even brown rice if you prefer.
• Red Cabbage: Pops of crunch and stunning color to keep things extra fresh.
• Carrot: Julienne for thin, snackable slivers that add sweetness and crunch.
• Cucumber: Cool, crisp, and hydrating—a perfect palate refresher in your bowl.
• Avocado: Creamy slices bring a lovely richness and a gorgeous green contrast.
• Fresh Cilantro: Chopped on top for bright, herbal notes that wake up the flavors.
• Sesame Seeds: Add a nutty, toasty finish as the final touch.

Variations

The best part about the Bang Bang Chicken Bowl? You can make it entirely your own with a few fun swaps and add-ins. Don’t be afraid to get creative and tailor it to your craving or dietary needs—there’s absolutely no wrong way to bang bang!

• Bang Bang Shrimp Bowl: Swap out chicken for peeled, deveined shrimp—air fry them for a few minutes until pink and toss with that dreamy sauce!
• Vegetarian Vibes: Try crispy tofu or roasted cauliflower instead of chicken for a plant-based power bowl.
• Lighter Dressing: Use Greek yogurt or light mayo in the sauce to cut down on calories but keep all the flavor.
• Grain Swap: Not in the mood for rice? Use quinoa, cauliflower rice, or even noodles to change up your base.
• Veggie Boost: Toss in snap peas, edamame, or shredded lettuce—whatever is looking fresh in your fridge!

How to Make Bang Bang Chicken Bowl

Step 1: Whip Up the Bang Bang Sauce

In a medium bowl, stir together mayonnaise, Thai sweet chili sauce, honey, and Sriracha. Taste and adjust the spice to your liking—it should be creamy with a sweet-heat kick. This is the magic that will elevate your chicken and bring the whole bowl to life!

Step 2: Season the Chicken

In a large bowl, combine vegetable oil, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper, then toss in the chicken cubes until every piece is coated. This helps lock in flavor and ensures you get a beautiful crisp once cooked.

Step 3: Air Fry to Crispy Perfection

Arrange the coated chicken cubes in a single layer in your air fryer basket. Work in batches if you need to. Set the temperature to 400°F and cook for about 11-12 minutes, flipping halfway, until the chicken is golden, crisp, and cooked through (165°F internal temp).

Step 4: Toss the Chicken with the Sauce

Once your chicken is perfectly cooked, immediately transfer it to a large bowl. Pour in half a cup of your prepared bang bang sauce and toss until the chicken is generously coated and glossy. It’ll smell absolutely irresistible!

Step 5: Build Your Bang Bang Chicken Bowl

Set out four medium bowls. In each, layer warm rice, crisp red cabbage, sweet carrot, and refreshing cucumber. Top with creamy avocado slices and a generous mound of that saucy chicken. Drizzle extra sauce over top and finish with cilantro and sesame seeds. Grab a fork—you’ve earned this!

How to Serve Bang Bang Chicken Bowl

Garnishes

For the prettiest and most flavorful finish, don’t skip the final sprinkle of vibrant cilantro and a scattering of sesame seeds. Drizzle a little extra Bang Bang sauce over the top, and if you have it, a tiny squeeze of lime over the chicken adds an amazing zesty pop.

Side Dishes

Although your Bang Bang Chicken Bowl is wonderfully satisfying all on its own, it pairs beautifully with simple sides like steamed edamame, miso soup, or a crunchy Asian slaw. For something a little special, try some crispy wonton chips or a cup of chilled green tea on the side.

Creative Ways to Present

Bowl food is all about the visual! Try layering your ingredients in stripes or neat piles for a showcase of textures and colors, or serve family-style with toppings in little bowls so everyone can build their perfect Bang Bang Chicken Bowl. Leftovers also make an amazing wrap or salad!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover chicken, sauce, rice, and veggies in separate airtight containers in the fridge. This keeps everything fresh and lets you assemble a quick lunch or dinner whenever the mood strikes—just combine before eating!

Freezing

The chicken component of your Bang Bang Chicken Bowl freezes beautifully. Let it cool, then transfer to a freezer bag or container and freeze for up to three months. Leave out the fresh veggies and sauce until ready to serve for best flavor and texture.

Reheating

Gently reheat chicken in the microwave or air fryer until hot throughout. Warm rice separately, then assemble your bowl with fresh veggies and a splash of sauce for the next-day dream meal—just as delicious as round one!

FAQs

Final Thoughts

If you’re searching for a vibrant, crowd-pleasing dinner that’s as beautiful as it is satisfying, this Bang Bang Chicken Bowl delivers every time. I hope you give it a try—there’s truly nothing better than digging into a bowl full of color, flavor, and happiness. Enjoy every bangin’ bite!

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