Bang Bang Chicken Bowl Recipe
When I first whipped up this Bang Bang Chicken Bowl, I wasn’t expecting it to be this addictive. But here I am, making it again and again. There’s something so satisfying about the perfect blend of crispy, juicy chicken tossed in a spicy, creamy sauce and served over a bed of vibrant vegetables. Every bite bursts with flavor, from the smoky char on the chicken to the tangy zing of the sauce.
This recipe was born out of a craving for something bold, fresh, and feel-good without being overly complicated. I love meals that look colorful and feel like a restaurant-quality dish at home, and this bowl checks every box. It’s crunchy, creamy, spicy, and just a touch sweet, with each element playing its part to perfection. Plus, it’s incredibly photogenic, and who doesn’t love a good-looking bowl that’s equally delicious?
One of the best parts? It’s endlessly customizable. Whether you’re leaning low-carb, wanting more veggies, or adding extra protein, it adapts without losing its charm. I often pair it with quick homemade cucumber pickles or swap the protein depending on the mood. And let’s be honest—that bang bang sauce is pure magic. Once you taste it, you’ll want to drizzle it over everything.
Why You’ll Love This Bang Bang Chicken Bowl Recipe
This dish is a flavor explosion with minimal effort. The chicken gets that irresistible golden char, while the veggies add crisp freshness that balances the richness of the sauce. It’s not just about the taste—it’s also quick to prepare, making it a weeknight favorite.
You’ll also love how flexible it is. Toss in whatever greens you have, swap the chicken for shrimp or tofu, and still end up with a bowl that feels gourmet. The star of the show, the bang bang sauce, is creamy, spicy, and slightly sweet, elevating even the simplest ingredients. If you’ve enjoyed my Air Fryer Bang Bang Salmon Bites, you know exactly how much this sauce can transform a dish.
Looking for other flavor-packed meals like this? Don’t miss the Creamy Garlic Chicken Breasts or Marry Me Chicken Pasta that bring big taste to the table with the same weeknight-friendly approach.
How to Make the Bang Bang Chicken Bowl Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Start by cutting boneless, skinless chicken thighs into bite-sized strips. Marinate them for 20 minutes in a mix of soy sauce, garlic powder, paprika, and a splash of sesame oil. Then, cook them in a hot skillet until they’re golden and lightly charred.
Step 2: Make the Bang Bang Sauce
In a bowl, mix together mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, Sriracha, honey, and a splash of rice vinegar. Whisk until smooth and creamy. This sauce should be thick enough to coat but still pourable.
Step 3: Prep the Veggies
Thinly slice cucumbers, shred purple cabbage, julienne carrots, and chop romaine or butter lettuce. These add freshness and crunch to balance the bold flavors.
Step 4: Assemble the Bowl
Layer the lettuce at the bottom of your bowl, then add the chicken, veggies, and a generous drizzle of the bang bang sauce. Garnish with chopped green onions or sesame seeds if you like.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
The final step is just digging in! Serve immediately while the chicken is hot and juicy.
Recipe Variations and Possible Substitutions
If you want a lighter version, you can swap the mayo in the sauce with Greek yogurt or a vegan alternative. The chicken can also be grilled, air fried, or baked instead of pan-fried.
Vegetarians can replace the chicken with crispy tofu or roasted chickpeas. You can also change up the veggies based on what’s in your fridge—radishes, edamame, or bell peppers all work great.
Want to make it low-carb? Serve the ingredients over cauliflower rice or chopped greens instead of regular rice or noodles. And for extra heat, throw in a pinch of crushed red pepper or use extra Sriracha in the sauce.
Serving and Pairing Suggestions
This Bang Bang Chicken Bowl is a full meal on its own, but if you want to round it out even more, it pairs beautifully with jasmine rice, brown rice, or a scoop of sushi rice. I also love serving it over vermicelli noodles for a more filling option.
On the side, consider a simple miso soup or even some air-fried spring rolls for added crunch. And if you’re hosting guests, offer a variety of sauces—a little extra soy sauce, chili oil, or lime wedges take the experience up a notch.
To drink, go for something refreshing like iced green tea or a citrusy sparkling water to contrast the richness of the sauce.
Storage and Reheating Tips
Store the chicken and vegetables separately in airtight containers in the fridge. This way, everything stays fresh and the veggies don’t get soggy. The bang bang sauce can be kept in a sealed jar for up to 5 days.
When you’re ready to enjoy leftovers, reheat the chicken in a skillet or microwave until warmed through. Reassemble your bowl with fresh veggies and a fresh drizzle of sauce for that same just-made magic.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! You can prep all the components in advance and just assemble before serving. Great for meal prep.
Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?
Absolutely. Chicken breast works just fine, though thighs tend to be juicier and more flavorful.
Is the sauce spicy?
It has a mild kick from the Sriracha, but it’s not overwhelming. You can adjust the heat to your preference.
Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes, just use tamari or a gluten-free soy sauce and double-check your chili sauce ingredients.
What can I substitute for sweet chili sauce?
A mix of honey and a dash of hot sauce can mimic the sweetness and heat, or try a store-bought sugar-free chili sauce if you’re watching sugar intake.
Related Recipe You’ll Like
If you love bold flavors and easy dinners, you’re going to want to check out my Air Fryer Bang Bang Salmon Bites. They bring the same sweet and spicy magic in bite-sized pieces of crispy salmon.
Another must-try is the Creamy Garlic Chicken Breasts — it’s a rich, comforting dish that’s perfect for chilly nights. Or go for my ultra-decadent Marry Me Chicken Pasta if you’re looking to impress guests with creamy, flavor-packed pasta.
All of these recipes come together easily and offer that satisfying balance of cozy and gourmet right at home.
Save and Share This Bang Bang Chicken Bowl Recipe for Later
Don’t forget to pin this recipe to your favorite Pinterest board so you can easily come back to it next time you need a quick, delicious meal. Whether you’re meal prepping for the week or treating yourself to a colorful lunch, this recipe is a keeper.
Share it with friends and family who need some inspiration—send the link, post it to your story, or drop it in your group chat. Trust me, once they try it, they’ll be hooked too!
Bang Bang Chicken Bowl Recipe
This Bang Bang Chicken Bowl is a vibrant, flavor-packed dish featuring juicy, golden-browned chicken served over a crisp bed of lettuce, shredded cabbage, cucumbers, and carrots. The real showstopper is the creamy, spicy-sweet bang bang sauce that ties everything together. This easy dinner is perfect for busy weeknights but impressive enough for entertaining. It's a healthy, colorful meal with crunchy vegetables, bold Asian-inspired flavors, and customizable toppings. Ideal for fans of poke bowls and spicy chicken recipes, this is one you’ll make on repeat.
Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon neutral oil for cooking
- 1 cup shredded purple cabbage
- 1 cup julienned carrots
- 1 cup thinly sliced cucumber
- 2 cups chopped romaine or butter lettuce
- 2 tablespoons chopped green onions (optional)
- For the Bang Bang Sauce:
- 1/3 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons sweet chili sauce
- 1 tablespoon Sriracha
- 1 teaspoon honey
- 1 teaspoon rice vinegar
Instructions
- Cut the chicken thighs into bite-sized pieces. In a bowl, combine soy sauce, garlic powder, paprika, and sesame oil. Add chicken and marinate for 20 minutes.
- In a skillet over medium-high heat, add oil and cook the chicken until golden and lightly charred, about 6–8 minutes.
- Prepare the bang bang sauce by mixing mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, Sriracha, honey, and rice vinegar in a small bowl. Whisk until smooth.
- Prep the vegetables: shred the cabbage, julienne the carrots, and slice the cucumbers. Chop the lettuce and green onions.
- To assemble, layer lettuce in a bowl, then add chicken and vegetables. Drizzle generously with bang bang sauce.
- Garnish with green onions and serve immediately.
Notes
- Chicken breast can be used instead of thighs if preferred.
- Substitute Greek yogurt or vegan mayo to lighten the sauce.
- For a low-carb version, use cauliflower rice or extra greens.
- Store sauce separately in the fridge for up to 5 days.
