Name: Bang Bang Chicken Bowl Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Ingredients: 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs; 1/2 cup cornstarch or all-purpose flour; 1 large egg; 1/2 tsp salt; 1/4 tsp black pepper; 1/2 tsp garlic powder; 1/2 cup mayonnaise; 1/4 cup sweet chili sauce; 1–2 tbsp sriracha (to taste); 1 tsp rice vinegar or lime juice; 2 cups cooked jasmine or brown rice; 1/2 cup shredded carrots; 1/2 cup cucumber slices; 1/2 cup shredded purple cabbage; 2 green onions, chopped; 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds; Neutral oil for frying

There’s something deeply satisfying about building a meal in a bowl. The way textures and flavors come together—crispy, creamy, fresh, and tangy—all nestled in a single dish, gives a sense of comforting completeness. That’s exactly why I love making this Bang Bang Chicken Bowl. It checks all the boxes: it’s crunchy, it’s spicy, it’s colorful, and best of all—it’s incredibly easy to put together.

I was first inspired to make this after ordering something similar from a takeout spot and thinking, “I could totally make this better at home.” The sauce is everything—sweet, spicy, creamy—and pairs so beautifully with crispy chicken bites and cool, crisp veggies. Whether you want something quick after work or a dish that impresses friends at lunch, this bowl never disappoints.

Why You’ll Love This Bang Bang Chicken Bowl

This isn’t your average chicken bowl. The chicken is golden and crispy, drenched in a spicy-sweet Bang Bang sauce that wakes up your palate. It’s balanced with fresh vegetables like cucumbers, shredded carrots, and crunchy purple cabbage. The mix of hot and cool, crisp and creamy, is irresistible. It’s a meal-prep hero, a weeknight winner, and a restaurant-worthy dish made right in your kitchen.

What Kind of Chicken Should I Use?

For the best Bang Bang Chicken Bowl, I always go with boneless, skinless chicken thighs. They stay juicy inside and crisp up beautifully on the outside when coated and pan-fried or air-fried. That said, boneless chicken breasts are also a fine option if you prefer leaner meat.

If you’re short on time or want a shortcut, store-bought frozen popcorn chicken or chicken tenders can work great too—just heat and toss them in the sauce. And if you’re cooking for a vegetarian crowd, crispy tofu is a stellar alternative that soaks up the Bang Bang sauce like a dream.

Options for Substitutions

One of the best things about this recipe is how flexible it is. You can swap in what you have on hand without compromising flavor.

Protein: Replace chicken with tofu, tempeh, shrimp, or chickpeas.
Vegetables: No purple cabbage? Use green cabbage, romaine, or even kale for extra nutrition. Radishes, bell peppers, or edamame are also great adds.
Grains: While I usually serve this on a bed of jasmine rice or brown rice, quinoa or even cauliflower rice make excellent low-carb options.
Sauce base: If you’re out of mayo for the Bang Bang sauce, you can use Greek yogurt for a tangier profile.
Spice control: Want it milder? Skip the sriracha and use sweet chili sauce only, or vice versa if you like it hot.

Ingredients for This Bang Bang Chicken Bowl

Each component in this bowl plays a role in building flavor and texture. Here’s what I use and why it matters:

Boneless, skinless chicken thighs
Juicy, tender, and perfect for crisping up with a light breading. They carry the sauce beautifully.
Cornstarch or all-purpose flour
Essential for coating the chicken and creating that light, crispy crust when pan-fried or air-fried.
Egg
Helps the flour or starch adhere to the chicken for an even coating.
Salt and black pepper
Basic seasoning to bring out the natural flavor of the chicken.
Garlic powder
Adds savory depth to the chicken breading—subtle but crucial.
Mayonnaise
Forms the creamy base of the Bang Bang sauce.
Sweet chili sauce
Provides the sweet and tangy punch the sauce is famous for.
Sriracha
Brings the heat to balance out the sweetness—adjust to your spice tolerance.
Rice vinegar or lime juice
Adds brightness and cuts through the richness of the mayo.
Cooked rice (jasmine or brown rice)
The hearty base that soaks up all the saucy goodness.
Shredded carrots
Adds sweetness and a satisfying crunch.
Cucumber slices
Refreshing and crisp—cool contrast to the spicy chicken.
Purple cabbage
Crunchy, colorful, and packed with fiber.
Green onions
Fresh, sharp flavor that adds contrast to the creamy sauce.
Toasted sesame seeds
Nutty finish and texture boost.

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Cut the boneless, skinless chicken thighs into bite-sized chunks. Pat them dry with paper towels to ensure they crisp up well. In a bowl, season them with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Set up a breading station with one bowl of beaten egg and another with cornstarch or flour. Dip each piece of chicken into the egg, then coat it well in the flour.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken

Heat a neutral oil in a skillet over medium-high heat or preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Add the chicken in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan or basket. Cook until golden and crispy on the outside and fully cooked through—about 3–4 minutes per side in a pan, or 10–12 minutes in an air fryer, flipping halfway.

Step 3: Make the Bang Bang Sauce

In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, and a splash of rice vinegar or lime juice. Taste and adjust the heat or sweetness to your liking. The result should be creamy, tangy, slightly sweet, and with a kick.

Step 4: Prep the Veggies

While the chicken cooks, prep your fresh toppings. Thinly slice cucumbers, shred the purple cabbage and carrots (or use pre-shredded if you’re in a pinch), and chop the green onions. Having everything ready makes assembling quick and easy.

Step 5: Build the Bowl

Start with a scoop of warm rice in each bowl. Add a handful of shredded carrots, cucumber slices, and cabbage around the edges. Pile the crispy chicken in the center and drizzle generously with the Bang Bang sauce. Sprinkle on green onions and toasted sesame seeds for the finishing touch.

How Long to Cook the Bang Bang Chicken Bowl

Cooking times can vary slightly depending on your method and equipment, but here’s a solid guide to follow:

Chicken (Pan-Fried): About 3–4 minutes per side over medium-high heat until golden brown and cooked through.
Chicken (Air-Fried): 10–12 minutes at 400°F (200°C), flipping halfway through.
Rice: Typically takes 15–20 minutes on the stovetop or rice cooker, depending on type (jasmine, brown, or basmati).
Veggie Prep: Just 5–10 minutes. These are raw and fresh, so no cooking time is needed.
Sauce: Takes less than 2 minutes to mix and whisk together.

Overall, from start to finish, you’re looking at about 30 to 35 minutes total if you multitask efficiently.

Tips for Perfect Bang Bang Chicken Bowl

Pat Chicken Dry: Moisture is the enemy of crispiness. Pat your chicken dry before seasoning and breading.
Use Cornstarch for Extra Crisp: Cornstarch creates a lighter, crunchier coating than flour alone.
Double Dip: For ultra-crispy chicken, dip in egg and starch twice before frying.
Balance the Sauce: Taste your Bang Bang sauce before adding it to the chicken. Too spicy? Add more mayo. Too bland? A pinch of salt or splash of lime perks it up.
Serve Immediately: For the best texture, assemble and serve right away so the crispy chicken doesn’t get soggy.
Keep Ingredients Separate for Meal Prep: If you’re prepping ahead, store the sauce, chicken, and veggies separately to preserve freshness and crunch.

Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

Even simple recipes can go sideways with a few missteps. Here’s what to avoid when making your Bang Bang Chicken Bowl:

Overcrowding the Pan or Air Fryer: This leads to steaming instead of crisping. Always cook the chicken in batches to maintain that golden crunch.
Skipping the Drying Step: If the chicken is too wet when breaded, it won’t get crispy. Use paper towels to blot it dry before seasoning.
Using Too Much Sauce Too Soon: Tossing the chicken in sauce while it’s hot and crispy can make it soggy fast. Drizzle just before serving, or serve the sauce on the side if you’re meal-prepping.
Not Tasting the Sauce: Always taste your Bang Bang sauce before adding it to the chicken—it should be a balanced blend of sweet, spicy, and tangy.
Cold Rice: Warm rice is key. Cold or undercooked rice can ruin the texture of the bowl. Reheat or cook fresh for best results.
Forgetting the Garnishes: The final touches like sesame seeds and green onions really elevate the flavor and presentation—don’t skip them!

What to Serve With Bang Bang Chicken Bowl?

While this bowl is a satisfying meal on its own, these sides and add-ons complement it beautifully:

Steamed Edamame

Lightly salted and simply steamed, edamame brings extra protein and a satisfying bite.

Asian Slaw

A crunchy side salad with a sesame dressing adds brightness and extra texture.

Miso Soup

A warm and light starter that won’t overpower the bold flavors of the bowl.

Potstickers or Gyoza

Crispy dumplings pair deliciously with the same chili sauce used in your Bang Bang mix.

Scallion Pancakes

Crispy and chewy, these are a fun addition for dipping or scooping.

Coconut Rice

A sweeter rice variation that can play off the spice in the chicken.

Quick Pickled Vegetables

Adds zing and crunch—just soak sliced cucumbers, carrots, or onions in vinegar, sugar, and salt for 30 minutes.

Iced Green Tea or Thai Iced Tea

Perfect for cooling down that Bang Bang spice with something refreshing and light.

Storage Instructions

Bang Bang Chicken Bowls make excellent leftovers if you store the components separately to maintain texture and flavor. Here’s how to do it:

Chicken: Let it cool completely, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3–4 days. To reheat, use an oven or air fryer to crisp it back up—avoid the microwave if you want to keep that crunch.
Sauce: Keep it in a sealed jar or small container in the fridge. It lasts up to a week and may even taste better the next day as the flavors meld.
Veggies: Store prepped veggies in separate containers or zipped bags with paper towels to absorb excess moisture. They stay fresh for about 3–4 days.
Rice: Refrigerate cooked rice in an airtight container for up to 5 days. Sprinkle with a little water before reheating to prevent drying out.
Meal Prep Tip: If you’re prepping for lunches, layer the rice and veggies in containers and add the chicken and sauce just before eating or reheating.

Estimated Nutrition

While exact values may vary depending on portion sizes and specific brands, here’s a rough breakdown for one Bang Bang Chicken Bowl:

Calories: ~650–750 kcal
Protein: 32–36g
Carbohydrates: 55–65g
Fat: 30–35g
Fiber: 4–6g
Sugar: 8–12g
Sodium: 900–1100mg

The numbers can be adjusted based on substitutions like tofu, cauliflower rice, low-fat mayo, or skipping the sweet chili sauce. It’s easy to tailor this bowl to fit your goals, whether you’re aiming for low-carb, high-protein, or dairy-free.

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s the difference between Bang Bang Sauce and other spicy mayo sauces?

Bang Bang Sauce is unique because it combines mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, and sriracha, giving it a balance of creamy, sweet, tangy, and spicy all in one. It’s sweeter than most spicy mayo sauces and has a distinct Thai-inspired kick.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Absolutely. Use gluten-free cornstarch or a GF flour blend for coating the chicken, and double-check that your sweet chili sauce and soy sauce (if used) are labeled gluten-free.

Is this dish good for meal prep?

It’s excellent for meal prep—just store components separately to keep the chicken crisp and veggies fresh. Assemble everything just before eating for the best experience.

Can I bake the chicken instead of frying?

Yes. You can bake the breaded chicken at 425°F (220°C) for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway. It won’t be quite as crispy, but still delicious—especially when you drizzle it with the sauce.

How spicy is the Bang Bang Chicken Bowl?

Mild to medium, depending on how much sriracha you add. You can easily dial the heat up or down to match your spice tolerance.

What’s the best rice for this bowl?

Jasmine rice is my go-to for its floral aroma and fluffy texture, but brown rice, basmati, or even cauliflower rice work well depending on your preferences.

Can I use pre-cooked or frozen chicken?

Yes! Frozen chicken tenders or popcorn chicken are great time savers. Just heat them thoroughly and toss with the Bang Bang sauce before assembling your bowl.

What protein alternatives work best if I’m vegetarian?

Crispy tofu is an amazing option. You can also try tempeh, chickpeas, or even cauliflower bites tossed in the same Bang Bang sauce.

Conclusion

The Bang Bang Chicken Bowl isn’t just a meal—it’s an experience. It hits every note: crunchy, creamy, spicy, sweet, and refreshingly crisp. Whether you’re cooking for yourself, your family, or prepping meals for the week, this dish will never feel like a compromise. It’s fast, flexible, and full of bold flavor.