How to Make Bang Bang Chicken Bowl: Easy 20-Minute Recipe

ByAlessia Recipes

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Looking for a bang bang chicken bowl that’s packed with protein and bursting with flavor? As a busy home cook, I’m always searching for recipes that deliver maximum taste with minimal effort.

In fact, this bang bang chicken bowl recipe can be made in under 45 minutes and delivers an impressive 40 grams of protein! Not only is this spicy chicken bowl incredibly satisfying, but the preparation is surprisingly simple. Plus, you can make the bang bang sauce ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, making weeknight dinners even faster.

Whether you prefer making your bang bang chicken and rice in an air fryer or skillet, this recipe is versatile enough to fit your kitchen setup. The hardest part? Just waiting for your chicken to marinate! With juicy chicken, fresh vegetables, fluffy rice, and that creamy, spicy-sweet sauce drizzled on top, this meal is sure to become a household favorite.

Let me show you how to create this delicious bowl that combines simplicity with an explosion of flavor!

Ingredients You’ll Need

To make a delicious bang bang chicken bowl at home, you’ll need several key components. Gathering these ingredients beforehand will ensure a smooth cooking process and help you assemble this protein-packed meal in just 20 minutes. Let’s break down everything required for this flavorful dish.

Chicken and seasoning options

The foundation of any great bang bang chicken bowl starts with 1-1.5 pounds of boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs. Chicken thighs offer more moisture and flavor, while breasts provide a leaner protein option. For seasoning, gather:

  • Salt and black pepper
  • Garlic powder
  • Paprika (regular or smoked)
  • Optional: a pinch of cayenne for extra heat

Additionally, you’ll need 1/2 cup of all-purpose flour and 1-2 tablespoons of cooking oil for pan-frying. Alternatively, use panko breadcrumbs for a crunchier coating or cornstarch for a lighter option.

Bang bang sauce ingredients

The signature element of this dish is the creamy, sweet-spicy bang bang sauce. To prepare this, collect:

  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise (regular or light)
  • 3-4 tablespoons sweet chili sauce
  • 1-2 tablespoons sriracha (adjust according to your heat preference)
  • 1 tablespoon honey
  • 1 teaspoon rice vinegar
  • Optional: 1/2 teaspoon garlic paste or minced garlic

Rice and vegetable choices

For the base of your bowl:

  • 1 cup uncooked rice (jasmine, basmati, or brown rice work well)
  • 2 cups mixed vegetables such as:
    • Shredded cabbage or coleslaw mix
    • Carrots (julienned or shredded)
    • Edamame
    • Sugar snap peas or snow peas
    • Broccoli florets

Optional toppings and swaps

Customize your bang bang chicken bowl with these finishing touches:

  • Sliced green onions
  • Sesame seeds (white or black)
  • Thinly sliced radishes
  • Fresh cilantro leaves
  • Lime wedges for squeezing
  • Crushed peanuts for added crunch

For dietary adaptations, consider these swaps:

  • Gluten-free: Use gluten-free flour or cornstarch for coating chicken
  • Dairy-free: The traditional recipe is naturally dairy-free
  • Lower-calorie option: Use Greek yogurt in place of some mayonnaise
  • Vegetarian alternative: Substitute tofu or tempeh for chicken

Once all ingredients are gathered, you’ll be ready to create your homemade bang bang chicken bowl with minimal effort and maximum flavor.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Creating the perfect bang bang chicken bowl requires just a few simple techniques that transform basic ingredients into a restaurant-worthy meal. Let’s break down the cooking process into manageable steps that will have dinner on the table in just 20 minutes.

1. Make the bang bang sauce

Initially, prepare the signature sauce that gives this dish its name. In a small bowl, whisk together 1/2 cup mayonnaise, 2-4 tablespoons of sweet Thai chili sauce, and 1-2 tablespoons of sriracha. For added complexity, incorporate 1 teaspoon of rice vinegar. If you prefer a sweeter flavor, mix in 1-2 teaspoons of honey. Stir until the mixture is completely smooth and set aside about half for drizzling later.

2. Season and cook the chicken

To prepare the chicken, cut boneless pieces into bite-sized cubes. Season with a mixture of garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. For cooking, you have options:

  1. Pan-frying: Heat 1-2 tablespoons oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Cook chicken for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F.
  2. Air fryer method: Place seasoned chicken in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Cook at 400°F for 11-12 minutes, flipping halfway through.

3. Prepare the rice and veggies

Simultaneously, cook rice according to package instructions until fluffy and tender. For vegetables, you can either:

  • Steam broccoli florets for 1-2 minutes until bright green but still crisp
  • Sauté carrots for 5-7 minutes, then add shredded cabbage and cook for another 3-4 minutes
  • Prepare a fresh cucumber salad with a squeeze of lime juice

4. Sauce the chicken

Once the chicken is fully cooked, transfer it to a large bowl. Pour the reserved portion of bang bang sauce over the hot chicken and toss gently until each piece is evenly coated. The heat from the chicken helps the sauce adhere better and intensifies the flavors. For extra heat, add an additional drizzle of sriracha prior to serving.

Assembling Your Bang Bang Chicken Bowl

The artistic assembly of your bang bang chicken bowl transforms simple ingredients into an Instagram-worthy meal. Once you’ve prepared all components, the fun part begins—building a bowl that’s as visually appealing as it is delicious.

Layering rice, veggies, and chicken

Start with a medium-sized bowl as your canvas. Add a cup of cooked rice as your foundation, spreading it evenly across the bottom. Next, arrange your vegetables strategically—place shredded cabbage or mixed greens on one side, followed by colorful vegetables like julienned carrots, cucumber slices, and red bell peppers. This approach creates visual contrast and prevents ingredients from blending prematurely.

Position your bang bang chicken pieces in the center or slightly off-center. This placement makes the star ingredient immediately visible while allowing easy access to all components with each bite. For heartier appetites, consider adding sliced avocado for creaminess and healthy fats.

Drizzling sauce and final toppings

After arranging the main components, drizzle additional bang bang sauce generously over the chicken. Furthermore, consider adding extra sauce on the side for dipping. This approach preserves the sauce’s vibrant flavor and allows diners to control their desired level of spiciness.

Finish your creation with fresh garnishes—thinly sliced green onions add color and a mild onion flavor, whereas sesame seeds provide subtle crunch and visual interest. Fresh cilantro leaves introduce brightness, and a squeeze of lime juice over cucumber adds zesty freshness.

Tips for presentation and texture

For optimal texture contrast, assemble your bowl just before serving. Keep components separate until the last moment to preserve their individual textures—especially important for maintaining the chicken’s crispiness.

Consider these presentation enhancements:

  • Add crushed peanuts or fried shallots for unexpected crunch
  • Fan avocado slices decoratively along one edge
  • Serve with lime wedges on the side for an interactive element

The ideal bang bang chicken bowl balances colors, textures, and flavors in each bite. Consequently, every forkful should include a bit of everything—creamy sauce, crispy chicken, crunchy vegetables, and fluffy rice. This thoughtful assembly ensures your homemade creation rivals any restaurant version.

Storage, Reheating, and Meal Prep Tips

Turn your bang bang chicken bowl into multiple convenient meals with these storage and meal prep strategies. Having a plan for leftovers ensures nothing goes to waste and keeps your spicy chicken bowl tasting fresh for days.

How to store each component

Store all components of your bang bang chicken bowl separately in airtight containers to maintain optimal texture and freshness. The cooked chicken and rice can be refrigerated for up to 4 days. Most importantly, keep vegetables separate from warm ingredients to prevent them from becoming limp and soggy.

For the signature sauce, store any leftover bang bang sauce in its own container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Should the sauce thicken too much during storage, simply add a splash of water or a bit of mayo to revive its consistency.

Best reheating methods

Different components of your bang bang chicken rice bowl require specific reheating approaches:

  • Microwave method: Heat chicken and rice in 30-second intervals until thoroughly warmed. This works well for quick meals.
  • Stovetop option: For crispier results, sauté chicken in a pan over medium heat for a few minutes.
  • Air fryer technique: Reheat chicken at 350°F for 3-5 minutes to restore crispiness.
  • Oven approach: Warm components at a moderate temperature for about 10 minutes.

Apply sauce only after reheating to maintain optimal texture and flavor intensity.

Make-ahead tips for busy days

Prep ingredients in advance to streamline your bang bang chicken bowl assembly. First, chop vegetables and mix sauce before cooking day to save valuable time. Moreover, cook rice ahead and store it properly until needed.

Consider batch preparation—make a larger quantity of bang bang sauce to use throughout the week in various dishes like burgers, wraps, or with fish. For complete meal prep, portion all components into individual containers, ready to grab during hectic mornings.

Conclusion

This bang bang chicken bowl truly stands out as an ideal weeknight dinner option for busy home cooks. After trying this recipe, you’ll undoubtedly appreciate how quickly a protein-packed, flavor-loaded meal comes together with minimal effort. The combination of crispy chicken, fresh vegetables, fluffy rice, and that irresistible creamy-spicy sauce creates a perfect balance of textures and flavors in every bite.

What makes this recipe especially practical is its flexibility. You can certainly adjust the spice level, swap vegetables based on what’s available, or even prepare components ahead of time. The sauce alone transforms ordinary ingredients into something extraordinary and can be used with other proteins like shrimp or tofu if you’re craving variety.

Best of all, this 20-minute recipe fits perfectly into hectic schedules while still delivering restaurant-quality results. My family asks for these bowls regularly, and guests always request the recipe. The vibrant colors and bold flavors make each bowl both satisfying and Instagram-worthy!

Give this bang bang chicken bowl a try next time you need a quick yet impressive meal. Your taste buds will thank you, and this recipe might just become your new go-to dinner when time is tight but you still want something delicious and wholesome on the table.

FAQs

Q1. How long does it take to make a Bang Bang Chicken Bowl? This delicious meal can be prepared in about 20 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights or quick lunches.

Q2. Can I make the Bang Bang sauce ahead of time? Yes, you can prepare the Bang Bang sauce in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, which helps speed up meal preparation.

Q3. What are some vegetable options for the Bang Bang Chicken Bowl? Popular vegetable choices include shredded cabbage, carrots, edamame, sugar snap peas, and broccoli florets. Feel free to mix and match based on your preferences.

Q4. Is there a way to make this recipe gluten-free? Absolutely! You can easily make this recipe gluten-free by using gluten-free flour or cornstarch for coating the chicken instead of regular all-purpose flour.

Q5. How should I store leftovers of the Bang Bang Chicken Bowl? Store the components (chicken, rice, vegetables, and sauce) separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. They should keep well for up to 4 days. Reheat the chicken and rice separately, and add fresh vegetables and sauce when serving.