Bang Bang Chicken Bowl is that one thing I make when I’m tired, hungry, and not about to clean forty extra dishes.
You know those days? Maybe you had a long meeting at work, or your kids (or dog, no judgment) went wild and now you need something actually tasty, not just “here’s some sad leftovers.” This Bang Bang Chicken Bowl is a game-changer.
It’s saucy, a bit spicy, kinda sweet, and way easier than folks think. Plus, it holds up the next day. That’s a win in my book.
Why You’ll Love This Bang Bang Chicken Recipe
First off, flavor. Like, crazy-good flavor in every single bite. The sauce smacks—a little heat, a little sweet, with this creamy punch from mayo that makes everything yummier. It’s not “diet food” (let’s be real), but it sure feels lighter than greasy takeout.
And I’m big on meals where everything goes in a bowl, like the world’s coziest pile-up. Less fuss. Also, this Bang Bang Chicken Bowl can be made with stuff you’ve probably got at home, which means you stay out of those expensive specialty aisles. No feta? Skip it. Love extra crunch? Add nuts. See how forgiving this dish is?
My family just gobbles it up (even the picky one). This meal’s got enough punch to impress your best friend, but simple enough to not stress you out on a Wednesday. And if you double up, lunch tomorrow is sorted. That’s what I call a five-star restaurant hack, you know what I mean?
“I seriously loved this Bang Bang Chicken Bowl! Made it twice in one week. Toddler even ate seconds. Five stars from my house!” — Rachel D., happy reader
How to Make Bang Bang Chicken
Alright, so this is way less work than it sounds. First you need to cook your chicken. I usually go with little pieces so they get all crispy, but I’ve even started with leftover rotisserie chicken. Don’t overthink it.
Next up, that sauce. The magical, life-saving Bang Bang Sauce. Mix up mayo (the real kind, not the light one unless you must), sriracha, a drizzle of honey, and a squirt of lime. You slap your chicken pieces in this sauce until they’re coated like a Southern rainstorm. I let mine sit a few minutes so they marinate just slightly, but, hey, sometimes I can’t wait.
Then, just spoon it all over a bowl of fresh rice (or noodles, if you’re feeling fancy—even salad greens work, trust me). Sprinkle with sliced green onions, maybe some sesame seeds if you’re into aesthetics. Dinner’s ready. No joke, it’s that fast.
Bang Bang Chicken Ingredients
You won’t need weird or wild stuff. The best part—most things should be sitting in your kitchen right now. Here’s the honest-to-goodness list for a legit Bang Bang Chicken Bowl:
- Chicken (breasts or thighs, cut small)
- Salt and pepper (honestly, just grab whatever’s close)
- Cornstarch or flour (optional, but makes it crispier)
- Oil for cooking
- Mayo (don’t go low-fat unless you have to)
- Sriracha or hot sauce of choice
- Honey or sugar
- Lime juice
- Cooked white or brown rice (or use noodles or greens, I won’t tell)
- Green onions, sesame seeds, crushed peanuts (totally optional, but I always add ”) That’s it! If you’re missing something, swap it or leave it out. You’re in charge.
What to Serve With Bang Bang Chicken
This bit’s fun. The Bang Bang Chicken Bowl is already a hearty meal, but some extras make it shine:
- Steamed broccoli or snap peas (fast, healthy filler)
- An Asian slaw with a vinegar-y kick
- Simple pickled cucumbers or carrots for a tangy crunch
- Soft dinner rolls or naan for the carb-lovers in your house
Sometimes I even top mine with a fried egg. Nothing better, I swear.
Tips for Storing Bang Bang Chicken
Don’t just toss leftovers in the fridge and hope for the best. Here’s how I make my Bang Bang Chicken Bowl last:
Stash your chicken and sauce separately from your rice. That way nothing goes soggy. Airtight containers are key. I always label things, mostly because I forget what’s what. When you heat it back up, use a skillet if you can. Honestly, microwave’s fine, but toss the chicken a second so it stays snappy.
You got leftovers? They keep for about three days, which is honestly longer than most takeout holds up. Oh, and—don’t freeze the mayo sauce. Trust me, it gets weird. I tried. Once.
Common Questions
Q: Can I make a Bang Bang Chicken Bowl without chicken?
A: For sure. Try shrimp or tofu—the sauce is good on everything.
Q: Is Bang Bang Chicken Bowl super spicy?
A: Not unless you really amp up the sriracha. Start small.
Q: How do I keep the chicken crispy?
A: Wait to toss it in the sauce until you’re ready to eat. A quick re-toast in a pan also helps.
Q: Can I meal prep Bang Bang Chicken Bowl for lunches?
A: Oh yeah. Keep the sauce separate and assemble when you’re ready.
Q: Do I have to use rice?
A: Nope! Noodles, greens, or even cauliflower rice work just as well.
Try This Bang Bang Chicken Bowl Tonight
Alright, that’s the whole story. Bang Bang Chicken Bowl doesn’t just taste like you ordered in from a five-star restaurant.
It honestly saves stressful weeknights (and, okay, sometimes lunchbox emergencies) every single time.
Trust me, this one’s worth the short little shopping list and barely-any cleanup. Challenge yourself to give it a go. If you mess up? Nobody cares. It’ll still taste incredible. For more easy dinner ideas, check out these asian-inspired recipes for weeknights. Let me know if you become as obsessed as I am.
Bang Bang Chicken Bowl
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a medium bowl, stir together mayonnaise, Thai sweet chili sauce, honey, and Sriracha until smooth. Set aside.
- In a large bowl, combine vegetable oil, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Add chicken cubes and toss to coat evenly.
- Place chicken in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Air fry at 400°F for 11–12 minutes, flipping halfway, until cooked through (165°F).
- Transfer cooked chicken to a large bowl. Add 1/2 cup of the Bang Bang sauce and toss to coat.
- To assemble: In each of 4 bowls, add 1 cup rice, 1/2 cup cabbage, 1/4 cup carrots, and 1/4 cup cucumbers. Top with avocado slices and Bang Bang chicken.
- Drizzle with extra sauce and garnish with cilantro and sesame seeds. Serve immediately.
