Vibrant Bang Bang Chicken Bowl

This vibrant Bang Bang Chicken Bowl combines tender chicken pieces coated in a creamy, spicy sauce with fresh vegetables and rice for a complete meal that's both satisfying and flavorful. The signature Bang Bang sauce delivers the perfect balance of sweet and spicy flavors that coat the chicken beautifully while complementing the crisp vegetables and hearty rice base. It's a colorful dish that looks as good as it tastes, making it ideal for both weeknight dinners and meal prep.

I made this last week when my sister visited, and she immediately asked for the recipe. The leftover sauce was so good we used it on salads for the next few days.

Ingredients

• Mayonnaise (1¼ cups): Creates the creamy base for the Bang Bang sauce; use full-fat for richness or light if watching calories
• Thai sweet chili sauce (⅔ cup): Provides the signature sweet heat; look for brands without artificial colors
• Honey (2 tablespoons): Adds natural sweetness and helps balance the heat; local honey works beautifully
• Sriracha (2 teaspoons): Delivers that distinctive kick; adjust according to your heat preference
• Boneless, skinless chicken breasts (2 pounds): The protein star of this dish; choose fresh, evenly sized pieces for consistent cooking
• Vegetable oil (1 tablespoon): Helps seasonings adhere to chicken; any neutral oil works well
• Paprika, garlic powder, salt, pepper: This blend creates depth of flavor that complements the sauce perfectly
• White rice (4 cups, cooked): Forms the foundation of the bowl; short-grain Japanese rice or jasmine rice both work wonderfully
• Red cabbage (2 cups): Adds beautiful color and satisfying crunch; slice it thin for the best texture
• Carrot (1 large): Provides natural sweetness and vibrant color; julienne for quick cooking and easy eating
• Cucumber (1 medium): Offers refreshing contrast to the spicy elements; English cucumbers have fewer seeds
• Avocado (1 large): Contributes creamy richness that balances the spice; choose slightly firm but yielding fruits
• Fresh cilantro: Brightens the entire dish with its distinctive flavor; flat-leaf parsley can substitute if you're not a cilantro fan
• Sesame seeds: Adds subtle nuttiness and visual appeal; toast lightly for enhanced flavor

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Step 1:

Create the Bang Bang Sauce: Measure the mayonnaise, Thai sweet chili sauce, honey, and Sriracha directly into a medium bowl. Whisk thoroughly until completely smooth, making sure to incorporate any honey that might sink to the bottom. Set aside about half for tossing with the chicken and reserve the remainder for drizzling on the finished bowls. Let the sauce rest while preparing other components to allow flavors to meld together.

Step 2:

Prepare and Season the Chicken: Cut the chicken breasts into even 1-inch cubes, ensuring they're relatively uniform for consistent cooking. In a large bowl, combine the vegetable oil with paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper, whisking to eliminate any clumps. Add the chicken cubes to the seasoning mixture, using your hands or tongs to gently toss until each piece is evenly coated. Let the chicken rest for 5-10 minutes to absorb the flavors while you prepare vegetables.

Step 3:

Cook the Chicken: For air fryer cooking, preheat to 400°F (200°C) for at least 3 minutes. Arrange the seasoned chicken pieces in a single layer in the air fryer basket, being careful not to overcrowd. Cook for 6 minutes, then flip or shake the basket, and cook for another 5-6 minutes until chicken reaches 165°F internally. Immediately transfer the hot chicken to a clean bowl and toss with ½ cup of the prepared Bang Bang sauce while still warm.

Step 4:

Slice and Prepare Vegetables: While the chicken cooks, thinly slice the red cabbage into strips no thicker than ¼ inch. Julienne the carrot into matchstick-sized pieces using a sharp knife or mandoline. Slice the cucumber into thin rounds or half-moons, depending on size. Cut the avocado in half, remove the pit, and slice thinly while still in the skin, then scoop out with a spoon. Roughly chop the cilantro leaves, discarding tough stems.

Step 5:

Assemble the Bowls: Start with a base of warm rice, approximately 1 cup per bowl, slightly pressed down in the center. Arrange the red cabbage, carrots, and cucumber sections around the edge of the bowl, creating distinct color blocks. Place a generous portion of the sauce-coated chicken in the center of each bowl. Fan the avocado slices along one section of the bowl. Drizzle with additional Bang Bang sauce according to taste preferences. Finish with a sprinkle of fresh cilantro and sesame seeds across the entire bowl.

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I've made this Bang Bang sauce for years, tweaking the proportions until finding this perfect balance. My husband, who typically avoids spicy foods, actually requests this dish regularly, which speaks volumes about how approachable the heat level is while still delivering tremendous flavor.

Make-Ahead Tips for Busy Days

Meal prep enthusiasts will appreciate how well this Bang Bang Chicken Bowl adapts to advance preparation. The sauce actually improves after sitting in the refrigerator for 24 hours, allowing the flavors to deepen and meld together. I often make a double batch on Sundays, storing the components separately in airtight containers. The chicken maintains its texture surprisingly well for 3-4 days when kept separate from the vegetables. Just reheat the chicken and rice gently in the microwave before assembling with the fresh components. This approach has saved my weeknight dinners countless times when schedules get hectic but we still want a satisfying, homemade meal.

Versatile Serving Suggestions

The components of this Bang Bang Chicken Bowl lend themselves beautifully to various serving styles beyond the traditional bowl format. For a party-friendly option, prepare all ingredients and arrange them buffet-style, allowing guests to build their own custom bowls. For a lighter lunch variation, skip the rice and serve the Bang Bang chicken and vegetables over mixed greens for a satisfying salad. During summer months, I've even wrapped the components in large lettuce leaves for a refreshing hand-held option that's perfect for outdoor dining. The versatility of this recipe means you'll never grow tired of the flavors, even if you make it regularly.

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Dietary Adaptations

This recipe easily accommodates various dietary needs without sacrificing flavor or satisfaction. For a gluten-free version, simply verify your sweet chili sauce and Sriracha don't contain hidden gluten ingredients. Those following a lower-carb eating plan can replace the white rice with cauliflower rice or increase the vegetable components. For a dairy-free and egg-free adaptation, substitute the mayonnaise with a plant-based version made from aquafaba or avocado oil. I've prepared this dish for guests with various dietary restrictions, and the beauty of this recipe is how it maintains its character even through these modifications. The Bang Bang sauce works just as beautifully with plant-based chicken alternatives for those seeking a vegetarian version that still delivers that satisfying sweet-spicy kick.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ How spicy is the Bang Bang sauce?

The Bang Bang sauce has a balanced sweet and spicy flavor. You can adjust the spice by adding more or less Sriracha to suit your preference.

→ Can I substitute the chicken with another protein?

Yes! You can use shrimp, tofu, or even roasted vegetables as an alternative to chicken in this dish.

→ Can I prepare the components in advance?

Absolutely! You can prepare the Bang Bang sauce and chop the vegetables a day ahead. Store them in airtight containers in the refrigerator until ready to assemble the bowls.

→ How can I make this healthier?

To make it lighter, consider using Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise in the sauce or substituting cauliflower rice for the white rice.

→ What toppings can I add for extra texture?

You can add roasted peanuts, crushed cashews, or crispy fried onions for added crunch and flavor.

→ Is this dish suitable for meal prep?

Yes, this dish is perfect for meal prep. Store the components separately and assemble them when ready to eat for freshness.