Bang Bang Chicken Bowl

Introduction

Did you know bowls are among the top 3 most searched weeknight dinner formats because they combine protein, veggies, and sauce in one balanced meal? The Bang Bang Chicken Bowl is the perfect example. It’s sweet, spicy, creamy, crunchy, and ridiculously satisfying — all in one bite.

If you love bold Asian-inspired flavors, crispy chicken, and that addictive bang bang sauce (hello sweet chili + sriracha magic ✨), this recipe delivers restaurant-style flavor in under 40 minutes.

Let’s build your new favorite dinner bowl.

Ingredients List

This Bang Bang Chicken Bowl is all about layers — crispy chicken, fresh vegetables, fluffy rice, and that signature creamy sauce.

For the Chicken

2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cut into bite-sized pieces)
1 cup buttermilk (or milk + 1 tsp vinegar)
1 cup cornstarch (or flour)
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon paprika
Salt and black pepper to taste
Oil for frying (or use air fryer option below)

For the Bang Bang Sauce

½ cup mayonnaise
¼ cup sweet chili sauce
1–2 tablespoons sriracha (adjust to spice level)
1 tablespoon honey (optional)
1 teaspoon lime juice

For the Bowl Base

2 cups cooked jasmine rice (or brown rice)
1 cup shredded cabbage
1 cup shredded carrots
½ cucumber, sliced
1 avocado, sliced
Green onions for garnish
Sesame seeds (optional)

Smart Substitutions

Use Greek yogurt instead of mayo for a lighter sauce.
Swap rice for quinoa or cauliflower rice (low-carb option).
Air fry instead of deep fry for reduced fat.

Timing

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20–25 minutes
Total Time: 35–40 minutes

That’s faster than most takeout deliveries — and way fresher.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

Place chicken pieces in buttermilk. Let sit for at least 10 minutes.

This tenderizes the chicken and keeps it juicy inside.

Step 2: Coat the Chicken

In a bowl, mix cornstarch, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.

Remove chicken from buttermilk and dredge thoroughly in the mixture.

For extra crispiness, press coating firmly onto each piece.

Step 3: Cook the Chicken

Frying Method:
Heat oil to 350°F (175°C). Fry chicken 4–5 minutes until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F.

Air Fryer Method:
Spray lightly with oil. Cook at 400°F (200°C) for 12–15 minutes, flipping halfway.

Crispy outside, tender inside — that’s the goal.

Step 4: Make the Bang Bang Sauce

In a bowl, whisk together:

Mayonnaise
Sweet chili sauce
Sriracha
Honey
Lime juice

Taste and adjust spice level.

It should be creamy, sweet, and slightly spicy.

Step 5: Assemble the Bowl

Start with warm rice as the base.

Layer:

Crispy chicken
Shredded cabbage
Carrots
Cucumber
Avocado

Drizzle generously with bang bang sauce.

Finish with green onions and sesame seeds.

Nutritional Information (Approximate Per Serving)

Calories: 620 kcal
Protein: 38g
Carbohydrates: 65g
Fat: 25g
Fiber: 5g

Air frying reduces overall fat by about 20–25% compared to deep frying.

Healthier Alternatives

Want a lighter Bang Bang Chicken Bowl?

Bake or air fry instead of deep frying.
Use light mayo or Greek yogurt.
Replace half the rice with cauliflower rice.
Add extra veggies for more fiber and volume.

You can also turn it into a lettuce wrap bowl for a low-carb version.

Serving Suggestions

This bowl is perfect for:

Meal prep lunches
Quick weeknight dinners
Family-style build-your-own bowl nights
Game day spreads

Pair with:

Iced green tea
Sparkling lime water
Asian cucumber salad on the side

For extra flavor, add a squeeze of fresh lime before serving.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Overcrowding the pan (reduces crispiness).
Skipping marination (less juicy chicken).
Adding sauce too early (can make chicken soggy).
Not adjusting spice level to taste.

Storing Tips

Store chicken and sauce separately.
Refrigerate up to 3 days.
Reheat chicken in air fryer for best crispiness.
Sauce keeps well for 4–5 days in airtight container.

Conclusion

The Bang Bang Chicken Bowl is crispy, creamy, spicy, and completely satisfying. With juicy chicken, vibrant vegetables, fluffy rice, and irresistible sauce, it’s a better-than-takeout meal you can make at home in under 40 minutes.

Try it, leave a comment with your spice level rating 🌶️, share your review, and subscribe for more bold and delicious recipes!

FAQs

Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes — keep components separate and assemble before serving.

Is it very spicy?
It’s mildly spicy. Reduce or increase sriracha to control heat.

Can I use shrimp instead of chicken?
Absolutely! Bang Bang Shrimp Bowl is just as delicious.

What rice works best?
Jasmine rice gives authentic flavor, but brown rice or basmati works too.

Can I make it gluten-free?
Yes — use cornstarch and check your sweet chili sauce label.