Bang Bang Chicken Bowl: A Flavorful Recipe Delight!

A Bang Bang Chicken Bowl features tender, lightly pan-fried chicken coated in a creamy, sweet-and-spicy sauce, served atop fluffy jasmine rice with crisp vegetables and bright garnishes. Every component—from the sticky sauce to the vibrant veggies—combines for a bowl that is as balanced as it is satisfying.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• High-protein meal that is both filling and nourishing

• Ready in under 45 minutes with straightforward pan-frying and no elaborate prep

• Meal-prep friendly, with components that can be cooked ahead and stored separately

• Customizable heat level, from mild to extra-fiery, to suit every palate

ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

Chicken

• ¼ cup tapioca starch (or potato starch)

• 1 teaspoon garlic powder

• ½ teaspoon salt

• ½ teaspoon black pepper

• ½ teaspoon paprika

• 1½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes

• 2 tablespoons avocado oil

Sauce

• 3 tablespoons avocado mayonnaise (divided)

• ⅓ cup honey

• 3 tablespoons sweet chili sauce

• 1–2 tablespoons hot sauce (such as Sriracha or Frank’s)

• 2 teaspoons minced garlic

• ½ teaspoon salt

Veggies

• 1 tablespoon avocado oil

• 1½ cups sliced carrots

• 2 cups thinly sliced red cabbage

• ½ teaspoon garlic powder

• ½ teaspoon salt

• ¼ teaspoon black pepper

Bowls

• 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)

directions

1. Prepare the chicken coating by whisking together tapioca starch, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and paprika in a medium bowl. Add the chicken cubes and toss until they are evenly coated.

2. Heat 2 tablespoons of avocado oil in a large non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. Add the coated chicken and cook for 5–8 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through. Transfer the chicken to a paper towel–lined plate to drain excess oil.

3. In a separate bowl, combine 1 tablespoon of mayonnaise, honey, sweet chili sauce, hot sauce, minced garlic, and salt to make the sauce. Reserve ¼ cup of the sauce for drizzling.

4. Add the cooked chicken to the remaining sauce and toss until fully coated.

5. Wipe out the skillet, add 1 tablespoon of avocado oil, then sauté the carrots for 10 minutes. Add the cabbage along with garlic powder, salt, and pepper; cook for an additional 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until tender.

6. Divide the cooked rice and sliced cucumber among four bowls. Squeeze lime juice evenly over each. Top with the sauced chicken and sautéed vegetables.

7. Whisk the reserved ¼ cup of sauce with the remaining 2 tablespoons of mayonnaise and drizzle over each bowl. Garnish with chopped green onion and black sesame seeds.

Servings and timing

• Servings: 4 bowls

• Prep time: 10 minutes

• Cook time: 35 minutes

• Total time: 45 minutes

storage/reheating

Refrigerator: Store rice, chicken, vegetables, and sauce separately in airtight containers for up to 4 days.
Freezer: Freeze cooked chicken (without sauce) for up to 3 months; thaw overnight in the refrigerator.

Reheating methods:

• Microwave: Warm in 30-second intervals, stirring between, then add fresh sauce before serving.

• Stovetop: Sauté chicken over medium heat for 2–3 minutes to regain crispness.

• Air fryer: Reheat at 350 °F for 3–5 minutes to restore texture.

FAQs

What is Bang Bang sauce made of?

Bang Bang sauce combines mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, honey, hot sauce, minced garlic, and seasonings for a creamy, sweet-spicy flavor.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes. Cook each component in advance, store separately, and assemble bowls when ready to serve.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

The recipe is naturally gluten-free if you use gluten-free tapioca starch and sweet chili sauce. Always check product labels to confirm.

How can I reduce the calorie content?

Use light mayonnaise or Greek yogurt in place of avocado mayo, swap rice for cauliflower rice, and reduce the amount of oil used for sautéing.

What side dishes pair well with a Bang Bang Chicken Bowl?

Steamed or roasted vegetables, a side salad, egg drop soup, or spring rolls complement the bowl nicely.

Can I use another oil instead of avocado oil?

Yes. Olive oil, coconut oil, or vegetable oil can be used, although each will impart a slightly different flavor.

How spicy is this dish?

It offers a mild to moderate heat. Adjust the amount of hot sauce to achieve your preferred spice level.

Is there a vegetarian version of this bowl?

For a vegetarian option, substitute the chicken with tofu or cauliflower and follow the same cooking and saucing steps.

How do I prevent the rice from becoming soggy?

Keep the rice and sauce separate until serving, and warm the rice gently to avoid excess moisture.

Can I grill the chicken instead of pan-frying?

Yes. Grill the chicken cubes on skewers over medium heat for 8–10 minutes, then toss in the sauce as directed.

Conclusion

This Bang Bang Chicken Bowl delivers vibrant flavors, satisfying textures, and balanced nutrition in every bite. Whether prepared as a quick weeknight dinner or as part of a meal-prep plan, its versatility and ease of execution make it a recipe you will return to time and again. Enjoy the bold sauce, tender chicken, and crisp vegetables all in one harmonious bowl.