Flavorful Bang Bang Chicken Bowl Recipe
Get ready to meet your new weeknight obsession: the Flavorful Bang Bang Chicken Bowl! This Asian-inspired dish layers juicy, crispy chicken over a bed of fluffy jasmine rice, piles on crunchy veggies, and absolutely drapes everything in a creamy, spicy-sweet bang bang sauce that will steal your tastebuds’ hearts. It’s easy enough for a busy Wednesday, yet bold and beautiful enough to serve when you want to impress. Every bite bursts with color, texture, and just the right amount of heat—the perfect blend of comfort and excitement in a single bowl.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The ingredient list for the Flavorful Bang Bang Chicken Bowl proves that simple pantry staples can create something truly magical. Each component in this bowl does its part—crispy chicken for substance, fresh veggies for crunch and vibrancy, and that addictive sauce as the finishing touch. Don’t skip a thing, because each item lifts the whole dish to new heights!
- Chicken breasts: Boneless, skinless, and cut into bite-size pieces for quick cooking and perfect portions in every bite.
- Salt: Essential for dressing up the chicken and balancing all the other flavors in the bowl.
- Black pepper: Adds just a little warmth and depth to the chicken.
- Garlic powder: Delivers a gentle, savory kick that hugs every cube of chicken.
- Cornstarch: Creates that irresistible crisp coating when pan-fried—don’t skip it for the signature Bang Bang texture!
- Olive oil: For searing the chicken and giving it a beautiful golden finish.
- Mayonnaise: The creamy backbone of the bang bang sauce; swap with Greek yogurt for a lighter twist if you’d like.
- Sweet chili sauce: Brings the perfect balance of sweet and heat to the creamy sauce.
- Sriracha: The secret weapon for spice; start light and add more if you love the burn.
- Honey: Softens the edges of the heat and rounds out the sauce with a gentle sweetness.
- Jasmine rice: Light, fragrant, and sturdy enough to soak up all that gorgeous sauce and juicy chicken.
- Shredded lettuce: Lends crunch and an extra layer of freshness under the chicken.
- Shredded carrots: Sweet, colorful, and super refreshing—perfect for brightening up the bowl.
- Cucumber slices: Cooling, crisp, and pretty on top.
- Green onions: Sprinkle these on at the end for a gentle oniony bite and a pop of fresh green.
- Sesame seeds: They’re tiny, but toasty and decorative—invaluable as the final flourish!
How to Make Flavorful Bang Bang Chicken Bowl
Step 1: Season and Coat the Chicken
Start by tossing your chicken pieces with salt, pepper, and garlic powder in a large bowl. The goal is to coat every bit of chicken evenly for maximum flavor. Next, dust them with cornstarch—a simple trick that locks in the juices and guarantees that golden, crispy coating once cooked. When each morsel is thoroughly dusted, you’re ready to hit the stove!
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
Grab your largest skillet and pour in the olive oil. Let it heat over medium-high—when it shimmers, add the chicken in a single layer, careful not to crowd the pan. Cook for about 6 to 8 minutes, turning pieces occasionally, until the outside is beautiful and golden and the inside is perfectly cooked. Remove from heat and set aside while you prepare the sauce and veggies.
Step 3: Whisk Together the Bang Bang Sauce
In a small bowl, combine mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, and honey. Whisk with enthusiasm until completely smooth and creamy. Taste as you go—if you crave more kick, add another squeeze of sriracha. This sauce gives the Flavorful Bang Bang Chicken Bowl its magic, striking that elusive balance between spicy, sweet, and creamy.
Step 4: Assemble the Bowls
Begin building your bowls by adding a hearty scoop of jasmine rice to each serving. Arrange shredded lettuce, carrots, and cucumber slices artfully over the rice. Pile on the hot, crispy chicken chunks, then drizzle everything lavishly with the bang bang sauce. Finally, shower with sliced green onions and a generous pinch of sesame seeds for the ultimate restaurant-worthy finish.
How to Serve Flavorful Bang Bang Chicken Bowl
Garnishes
A final flourish makes all the difference. Scatter sesame seeds over the top—they’re tiny but mighty! Next, a handful of sliced green onions adds a burst of color and sharpness. If you’re feeling fancy, add a wedge of lime or a few sprigs of cilantro to dial up the brightness even more. The goal is to dazzle both your palate and your eyes.
Side Dishes
The Flavorful Bang Bang Chicken Bowl is a meal in itself, but it shines even brighter next to a simple Asian-style slaw or a light miso soup. Steamed dumplings or edamame are fantastic if you’re planning a feast or want a few extra nibbles. These sides highlight the bowl’s flavors without competing, making your dinner spread even more satisfying.
Creative Ways to Present
This bowl is a blank canvas for creativity! Try layering everything in a big family-style platter for guests to serve themselves, or present individual portions in wide, shallow bowls for extra flair. For a party, offer the components in separate bowls as a DIY bar, letting everyone customize their own Flavorful Bang Bang Chicken Bowl masterpiece.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover chicken, rice, and veggies separately in airtight containers in the fridge. This helps everything stay fresh and keeps the textures just right. The bang bang sauce deserves its own little jar so you can stir it up and drizzle liberally later. Everything will keep well for up to three days.
Freezing
While the veggies are best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze the cooked chicken and rice for up to two months. Let them cool completely before transferring to zip-top bags or freezer-safe containers. When you’re ready to relive this bowl’s magic, all you’ll need to do is thaw and reheat.
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm chicken and rice in the microwave or on the stove, adding a splash of water if things look a little dry. Veggies should stay cold and crisp, so add those fresh just before serving. If your bang bang sauce has thickened in the fridge, loosen it with a teaspoon of water or a quick stir before drizzling.
FAQs
Can I make the Flavorful Bang Bang Chicken Bowl gluten-free?
Absolutely! Just swap regular soy sauce (if using in any add-ons) for a certified gluten-free version, and double-check that your sweet chili sauce and sriracha are gluten-free. The rest of the recipe is already naturally gluten-free and perfect for those with sensitivities.
Can I use shrimp instead of chicken?
Definitely! Flavorful Bang Bang Chicken Bowl is easily transformed by swapping out the chicken for peeled, deveined shrimp. Cook the shrimp quickly in the skillet until pink and opaque, then proceed as usual. It’s a deliciously breezy variation, and the sauce pairs beautifully.
What makes this bang bang sauce so special?
The sauce is where all the contrasts come together—creamy mayo, sweet chili, punchy sriracha, and mellow honey merge to create something utterly addictive. It’s not just spicy or sweet; it’s complicated and crave-worthy, and it makes the Flavorful Bang Bang Chicken Bowl stand out from all the rest.
Can I meal prep this bowl?
Yes! This bowl is a dream for meal prep. Simply store the rice, chicken, veggies, and sauce separately. When you’re ready to enjoy, assemble fresh for the best texture, or bring along the components and mix up at work or on the go.
How spicy is the Flavorful Bang Bang Chicken Bowl?
The beauty is you control the heat. Start with one tablespoon of sriracha for a gentle, tingly spice, or double up if you want a major kick. Taste as you go to find your ideal level. If serving kids, you can even leave out the sriracha in a portion of the sauce and add it to individual bowls later.
Final Thoughts
Trust me, the first bite of a Flavorful Bang Bang Chicken Bowl will make you wonder why you ever settled for anything less at dinnertime. It’s easy, colorful, and guaranteed to impress—a recipe you’ll find yourself making on repeat. Give it a whirl and watch it become the new favorite at your table!
Print
Flavorful Bang Bang Chicken Bowl Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the delicious flavors of this Flavorful Bang Bang Chicken Bowl that combines tender chicken pieces coated in a spicy-sweet sauce with fresh veggies over a bed of jasmine rice.
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-size pieces
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
For the Bang Bang Sauce:
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons sweet chili sauce
- 1 tablespoon sriracha (adjust to taste)
- 1 tablespoon honey
For Serving:
- 3 cups cooked jasmine rice
- 1 cup shredded lettuce
- 1 cup shredded carrots
- 1 cup cucumber slices
- 2 green onions, sliced
- Sesame seeds for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Season chicken with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Toss with cornstarch until evenly coated.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Cook chicken for 6–8 minutes until golden and cooked through.
- Make the Bang Bang Sauce: Mix mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, and honey in a bowl.
- Assemble the Bowls: Divide rice among serving bowls. Top with lettuce, carrots, cucumber, and chicken. Drizzle with bang bang sauce. Garnish with green onions and sesame seeds.
Notes
- For a lighter option, use Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise.
- This dish is also delicious with grilled chicken or shrimp.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Course, Bowl
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 560
- Sugar: 14 g
- Sodium: 790 mg
- Fat: 25 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 19 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 54 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 29 g
- Cholesterol: 80 mg
