Bang Bang Chicken Bowl Recipe

If you ever crave a meal that’s as vibrant as it is crave-worthy, the Bang Bang Chicken Bowl is your answer! This unforgettable bowl layers tender, air-fried chicken tossed in irresistible bang bang sauce with fluffy rice, a crunch of crisp veggies, creamy avocado, and a shower of fresh herbs and sesame seeds. Every forkful brings together bold, sweet, spicy, and creamy flavors – it’s the ultimate weeknight treat that looks gorgeous and tastes even better. With straightforward ingredients and a bit of meal prep magic, you’ll keep this Bang Bang Chicken Bowl on repeat!

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of the Bang Bang Chicken Bowl is in its fresh, colorful ingredients that work together to create the perfect bite. Each element adds a punch of flavor, appealing texture, or a pop of color, ensuring every bowl is irresistibly delicious and satisfying.

• Mayonnaise: Creamy and tangy, it forms the rich base for the bang bang sauce.
• Thai Sweet Chili Sauce: Adds a wonderful balance of sweet heat that makes the sauce addictively good.
• Honey: Rounds out the flavors with natural sweetness and subtle complexity.
• Sriracha: Provides just the right kick; adjust to your spice preference!
• Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: Lean and juicy, they take on flavor beautifully and stay tender when air-fried.
• Vegetable Oil: Helps achieve a crispy, golden finish on the chicken bites.
• Paprika: Brings smoky depth and gorgeous color to the chicken seasoning.
• Garlic Powder: Adds a savory, aromatic punch to every bite.
• Kosher Salt: Essential for pulling out the best in all your ingredients.
• Black Pepper: Lends a subtle heat and earthiness to the chicken.
• White Rice: The perfect, fluffy base that soaks up every drop of flavor from the sauce.
• Red Cabbage: Brings fresh crunch and a pop of purple color, plus extra nutrients.
• Carrot: Sweet and crisp, these add color and a pleasant bite.
• Cucumber: Cool and refreshing, a lovely contrast to the saucy chicken.
• Avocado: Its creamy texture ties every element together in a silky, delicious way.
• Fresh Cilantro: A sprinkle on top brightens each bowl with herby freshness.
• Sesame Seeds: For a delightful crunch and gorgeous finishing touch.

How to Make Bang Bang Chicken Bowl

Step 1: Mix the Bang Bang Sauce

Start your Bang Bang Chicken Bowl adventure by whisking together the mayonnaise, Thai sweet chili sauce, honey, and sriracha in a medium bowl. Stir until completely smooth, then give it a taste and add extra sriracha if you’d like more heat. Set this beautiful, zesty sauce aside—you’ll want plenty for tossing and drizzling!

Step 2: Season and Coat the Chicken

In a large bowl, combine the vegetable oil, paprika, garlic powder, kosher salt, and black pepper. Drop in your cubed chicken and gently toss until every piece is glossy and evenly coated. These spices and oil work together to infuse loads of flavor and help the chicken crisp up perfectly in the air fryer.

Step 3: Air-Fry the Chicken

Preheat your air fryer to 400°F, then spread the chicken in a single layer in the basket. If your air fryer is on the smaller side, work in batches so the pieces don’t pile up and steam. Air fry for about 11–12 minutes, flipping them halfway through, until the outsides are golden and the inside is juicy and hits 165°F. Get ready for amazing aromas filling your kitchen!

Step 4: Toss Chicken in Bang Bang Sauce

As soon as the chicken is cooked, place it in a large bowl and drizzle over half a cup of the dreamy bang bang sauce. Gently toss so every piece is coated in that creamy, spicy-sweet goodness. It’s the star of the show and absolutely irresistible.

Step 5: Assemble Your Bang Bang Chicken Bowl

Gather four medium-sized bowls. To each, add a base of one cup of warm rice, then arrange half a cup of red cabbage, a quarter cup of carrots, and a quarter cup of cucumber around the edge. Top with creamy avocado slices and a generous heap of the saucy chicken. Don’t forget to drizzle with extra sauce for maximum flavor!

Step 6: Finishing Touches

Sprinkle each Bang Bang Chicken Bowl with a handful of bright cilantro and a pinch of sesame seeds. Now step back and admire your colorful creation before diving in. Serve immediately for maximum crunch and freshness!

How to Serve Bang Bang Chicken Bowl

Garnishes

A Bang Bang Chicken Bowl comes alive with the right garnishes! A scatter of fresh cilantro and sesame seeds delivers a burst of color, freshness, and crunch. If you love a little more zing, add thinly sliced green onions or a pinch of red pepper flakes for a final flourish.

Side Dishes

While each Bang Bang Chicken Bowl is totally satisfying on its own, a side of steamed edamame or a simple miso soup rounds out the meal beautifully. For a refreshing contrast, try a chilled cucumber salad or some pickled veggies—these sides balance the richness of the bang bang sauce perfectly!

Creative Ways to Present

You can make every Bang Bang Chicken Bowl party-ready! Serve in a build-your-own bowl bar, with all the mix-ins in separate bowls, so everyone can customize their toppings and sauce. Or try stuffing everything into soft lettuce wraps or inside a sushi-style nori sheet for a fun handheld version. Don’t be afraid to get playful with the presentation—the colors and flavors look amazing any way you serve them.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself with leftover Bang Bang Chicken Bowl components, lucky you! Store the chicken, rice, veggies, and sauce in separate airtight containers in the fridge for up to four days. This keeps the veggies crisp and the rice from becoming soggy—plus, it makes lunch or dinner prep a breeze the next day.

Freezing

For longer storage, you can freeze just the cooked chicken. Place it in a freezer-safe bag or container and freeze for up to two months. The rice will freeze well too, but avoid freezing raw veggies and avocado, as their textures don’t stand up well to thawing.

Reheating

To reheat, simply warm the chicken and rice in the microwave until piping hot. If you want the chicken to stay crisp, reheat it in the air fryer or oven for a few minutes instead. Add fresh veggies and avocado after reheating, and drizzle on your reserved bang bang sauce for that just-made flavor.

FAQs

Can I use another protein in my Bang Bang Chicken Bowl?

Absolutely! Try swapping the chicken for crispy tofu, shrimp, or even roasted chickpeas for a delicious twist that still pairs perfectly with the bang bang sauce.

Is the bang bang sauce very spicy?

The bang bang sauce is creamy with a gentle kick from the sriracha. You can control the heat by adding more or less sriracha according to your spice comfort level.

Can I make this Bang Bang Chicken Bowl gluten-free?

Yes! Just check the labels on your chili sauce, mayonnaise, and sriracha to ensure they’re gluten-free, and swap out the rice for any gluten-free grain you love.

What rice works best for Bang Bang Chicken Bowl?

Steamed white rice is classic, but feel free to use brown rice, jasmine, or even cauliflower rice for a lighter option. Whatever base you choose, it’ll soak up all that amazing sauce.

How do I meal prep Bang Bang Chicken Bowls for the week?

Cook the chicken, rice, and prep your veggies in advance, then store each separately. Assemble bowls when ready to eat, adding avocado and garnishes just before serving for the freshest results.

Final Thoughts

Give this Bang Bang Chicken Bowl a try and watch your dinner routine get a flavorful upgrade! Between the zingy sauce, crunchy veggies, and succulent chicken, it’s a bowlful of pure joy. Don’t be surprised if it becomes a new favorite in your kitchen—dig in and enjoy every vibrant, saucy bite!

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