Name: Bang Bang Chicken Bowl Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: Chinese
Ingredients: 1/4 cup tapioca starch (or potato starch); 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon pepper; 1/2 teaspoon paprika; 1 1/2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts (cubed, about 3 cups); 2 Tablespoons avocado oil; 3 Tablespoons avocado mayo (divided); 1/3 cup honey; 3 Tablespoons sweet chili sauce; 1-2 Tablespoons hot sauce; 2 teaspoons minced garlic; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1 Tablespoon avocado oil; 1 1/2 cups sliced carrots; 2 cups sliced red cabbage; 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon pepper; 2 cups cooked jasmine rice; 1 medium cucumber (sliced); freshly squeezed lime juice (to taste); 1 medium green onion stalk (chopped, for garnish); black sesame seeds (optional, for garnish)

Jump to Recipe· 4.1 from 1 review

If you’re looking for a flavorful dinner that’s both comforting and packed with protein, this Bang Bang Chicken Bowl Recipe is about to become your new best friend. Imagine crispy, juicy chicken bites coated in a creamy, sweet, and spicy sauce served over vibrant veggies and fluffy jasmine rice — it’s a delightful fusion of textures and flavors in every bite. As a busy mom who’s mastered quick, nourishing meals, I promise this recipe’s simplicity and make-ahead friendliness will win you over fast. Get ready to savor a dish that’s as tasty as it is satisfying!

Ingredients You’ll Need

A clear glass bowl filled with many small, uneven pieces of raw chicken coated in white flour, giving them a powdery texture and light off-white color with hints of pink from the chicken. The chicken pieces are piled in the bowl, and a black spoon is partially buried in the mixture, positioned towards the right side of the bowl. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface, adding a soft and clean background to the scene. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The magic of this Bang Bang Chicken Bowl Recipe lies in its simple yet thoughtfully chosen ingredients. Each component plays a crucial role — from the crispy chicken coating to the creamy sauce and colorful veggies that give every bowl depth, crunch, and freshness.

Tapioca starch (or potato starch): This creates the perfect crispy crust on the chicken without heaviness.
Garlic powder: Adds subtle warmth and savory depth.
Salt and pepper: Essential seasonings that bring out all the natural flavors.
Paprika: Gives a hint of smokiness and a gentle red hue.
Boneless skinless chicken breasts: The high-protein star of the dish, cubed for quick cooking.
Avocado oil: A healthy fat with a high smoke point, perfect for frying and sautéing.
Avocado mayo: Creates that luscious, creamy texture in the sauce without overpowering other flavors.
Honey: Balances spiciness with natural sweetness.
Sweet chili sauce: Brings both sweetness and a subtle kick common in Asian cuisine.
Hot sauce: Adjustable to your heat preference for that bold bang bang bite.
Minced garlic: Fresh garlic pungency that livens up the sauce.
Sliced carrots and red cabbage: Vibrantly colorful and full of crunch and nutrition.
Cooked jasmine rice: Fluffy base that soaks up the sauce beautifully.
Cucumber: Offers cooling freshness to balance the spicy richness.
Fresh lime juice: Adds brightness and acidity, enhancing all the flavors.
Green onions and black sesame seeds (optional): Perfect finishing touches for extra color and texture.

How to Make Bang Bang Chicken Bowl Recipe

Step 1: Prep and Coat the Chicken

Begin by mixing tapioca starch, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and paprika in a medium bowl. This blend is what makes the chicken irresistibly crunchy. Toss the cubed chicken until every piece is thoroughly coated, setting the stage for that satisfying crisp.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken

Heat avocado oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat, then add the chicken. Let it fry undisturbed for 5 to 8 minutes before flipping. Cook for another 5 to 8 minutes until golden brown and cooked through. Stir briefly to break up pieces, ensuring every bite is coated in that crave-worthy crust.

Step 3: Prepare the Bang Bang Sauce

While the chicken cooks, whisk together the sauce ingredients — avocado mayo, honey, sweet chili sauce, hot sauce, minced garlic, and salt — but use just 1 tablespoon of mayo initially. Reserve about 1/4 cup of this sauce for a final drizzle. This creamy, sweet, and spicy sauce is the hallmark of the Bang Bang Chicken Bowl Recipe, balancing heat and flavor beautifully.

Step 4: Toss Chicken in Sauce

Drain any excess oil from the cooked chicken with paper towels if desired, then toss the chicken in the remaining sauce until each piece is thoroughly coated. This step ensures every bite bursts with flavor.

Step 5: Sauté the Veggies

Add more avocado oil to the pan and warm it to medium-high. Start by cooking the sliced carrots for about 10 minutes, then stir in the red cabbage with garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Cook for an additional 5 to 7 minutes until the veggies soften but still retain some crunch. These vibrant vegetables add a wonderful contrast in texture and taste.

Step 6: Prepare the Bowls

While the veggies cook, divide cooked jasmine rice and sliced cucumber among four bowls or meal prep containers. Drizzle lime juice over each, adding a zesty brightness that sets the foundation for the bowl.

Step 7: Final Assembly

Add the remaining 2 tablespoons of mayo to the 1/4 cup of reserved sauce and whisk to make an extra drizzle. Layer the cooked veggies and saucy chicken on top of the rice and cucumbers. Finish with chopped green onions and black sesame seeds, if using, then drizzle with the extra sauce. Grab a fork and get ready for a feast!

How to Serve Bang Bang Chicken Bowl Recipe

A white bowl contains a layered dish starting with a base of white rice at the bottom. On top of the rice, there are bite-sized pieces of lightly browned cooked chicken covered in a creamy sauce with scattered green onion slices and black sesame seeds. One side of the bowl holds several thin, round slices of fresh cucumber arranged in a neat line. Next to the chicken, there is a mix of bright orange carrot rounds and shredded purple cabbage also coated lightly with sauce, with more green onions sprinkled over this vegetable mix. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface with part of a woman's hand holding a gold spoon visible on the right. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Fresh green onions scatter bright, mild onion flavor, while black sesame seeds add a subtle nuttiness and a lovely visual contrast. Don’t shy away from extra lime wedges to squeeze over the top, as the acidity cuts through the richness and amplifies the dish’s vibrant flavors.

Side Dishes

Though this recipe is a complete meal on its own, you could serve it alongside crispy spring rolls or a light cucumber salad for a refreshing palate cleanser. A cold Asian slaw or edamame beans make excellent companions if you’re looking to add more greens without overshadowing the bowl.

Creative Ways to Present

Elevate your presentation by serving the Bang Bang Chicken Bowl Recipe in colorful ceramic bowls or even vibrant bento boxes if packing lunches. For casual gatherings, on-the-go mason jar layered bowls work beautifully and make meal prep a breeze. Garnish with edible flowers or microgreens for an eye-catching touch.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Your Bang Bang Chicken Bowl Recipe keeps well in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep the sauce separate or reserve some before mixing to prevent sogginess. This allows you to quickly reheat and enjoy leftovers without sacrificing texture.

Freezing

While it’s best to freeze components separately, you can freeze cooked chicken and veggies for up to 2 months. Portion them out before freezing to make convenient single servings that thaw evenly. For the rice and fresh ingredients like cucumbers, it’s better to prepare fresh when ready to enjoy.

Reheating

Reheat the chicken and veggies gently in a skillet over medium heat to maintain crispness, stirring occasionally until warmed through. Avoid microwaving with the sauce already mixed in, as the texture might suffer. Add fresh cucumber and drizzle sauce just before serving for meals that taste freshly made.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs will add a bit more richness and stay juicy, making the dish even more flavorful. Just adjust the cooking time as needed to ensure they are cooked through.

What can I substitute for avocado mayo?

Any creamy mayo or even Greek yogurt can work well as a substitute, though avocado mayo has a nice mild flavor that complements the sauce. If using yogurt, consider a thicker variety to keep the sauce creamy.

How spicy is this Bang Bang Chicken Bowl Recipe?

The heat level is adjustable depending on how much hot sauce you add. Start with less if you prefer mild and increase gradually to find your perfect spicy balance.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes! This recipe is naturally gluten-free if you use gluten-free sweet chili sauce and double-check your hot sauce and seasonings. Tapioca or potato starch are great gluten-free coating options.

Is this recipe suitable for meal prepping?

Definitely! The components reheat well, and the sauce can be kept separate until ready to serve. It’s perfect for busy weekdays when you want something nourishing and delicious without extra fuss.

Final Thoughts

I can’t recommend this Bang Bang Chicken Bowl Recipe enough if you want a tasty, protein-packed meal that feels special but is incredibly easy to make. The combination of crispy chicken, creamy sauce, and vibrant veggies over rice hits all the right notes, no matter your skill level in the kitchen. Give it a try and get ready for a new go-to dinner that everyone will love!