Bang Bang Chicken Bowl

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Spicy, creamy, and just the right amount of crunchy—the Bang Bang Chicken Bowl is a flavor explosion in every bite. Whether you’re looking to spice up your weeknight dinner routine or impress guests with something bold and satisfying, this dish has you covered. It brings together crispy chicken, fluffy rice, and vibrant veggies all drizzled in that irresistible bang bang sauce. Think sweet heat with a velvety kick!

It’s also a great recipe for meal prep or build-your-own bowl nights. You can adjust the heat, swap out proteins, or load it with more veggies—it’s that flexible. And the best part? It comes together quickly without sacrificing bold flavors. Whether you bake or air fry your chicken, you’re in for a deliciously satisfying meal.

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What Makes the Sauce in a Bang Bang Chicken Bowl So Addictive?

The real star of this bowl is the bang bang sauce. It’s a creamy mix of mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, and a dash of sriracha—giving it a velvety texture with a kick that lingers in the best way. The sauce clings perfectly to crispy chicken and seeps into the rice below, uniting every layer of the bowl. For more spice, add extra sriracha; if you like it mild, just tone it down—easy!

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Ingredients for the Bang Bang Chicken Bowl

Chicken breast or tenders—lean, juicy protein that crisps up beautifully when breaded and baked or air-fried.

Cornstarch or flour—essential for coating the chicken and giving it that signature golden crunch.

Eggs—help the coating adhere and add richness to the breading process.

Panko breadcrumbs—for extra crunch and a satisfying texture contrast.

Cooked rice—a fluffy base to soak up all that flavor-packed sauce.

Shredded lettuce or cabbage—adds freshness and a crisp, cool bite.

Carrots and cucumbers—bring balance and color, plus a hint of sweetness and crunch.

Bang bang sauce ingredients: mayo, sweet chili sauce, sriracha—these form the creamy-spicy drizzle that defines the whole bowl.

Green onions and sesame seeds—for garnish and extra pop.

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How To Make the Bang Bang Chicken Bowl

Step 1: Prep the Chicken

Cut your chicken breasts or tenders into bite-sized pieces. Pat them dry with paper towels to help the coating stick better. Set up a dredging station with three shallow bowls: one with flour or cornstarch, one with beaten eggs, and one with panko breadcrumbs.

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Step 2: Bread and Cook the Chicken

Dip each chicken piece first into the flour (or cornstarch), then the egg, and finally coat it in panko breadcrumbs. Place them on a baking sheet or air fryer tray.

• Oven method: Bake at 400°F for 20-25 minutes until crispy and golden.
• Air fryer method: Air fry at 390°F for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway through.

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Step 3: Mix the Bang Bang Sauce

In a small bowl, combine 1/2 cup mayonnaise, 1/4 cup sweet chili sauce, and 1-2 tablespoons sriracha (adjust to taste). Stir until smooth and creamy. Set aside.

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Step 4: Assemble the Bowls

Start with a base of cooked rice in each bowl. Layer on shredded lettuce or cabbage, followed by carrots and cucumber slices. Add the crispy chicken on top.

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Step 5: Drizzle and Garnish

Drizzle generous spoonfuls of bang bang sauce over the chicken. Sprinkle with chopped green onions and sesame seeds. Serve warm and enjoy the explosion of flavor!

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Serving and Storing Your Bang Bang Chicken Bowl

Bang Bang Chicken Bowls are best served fresh when the chicken is hot and crispy and the sauce is velvety. Arrange the bowls just before serving so the textures remain distinct—crispy chicken, crunchy veggies, and that creamy drizzle. For a party or meal prep, keep components separate until it’s time to serve.

If you have leftovers, store the chicken separately in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in an oven or air fryer to restore crispiness. Store rice and veggies separately for freshness, and keep extra bang bang sauce in a sealed jar for up to a week.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What kind of rice works best for this bowl?

Jasmine or basmati rice are perfect for their fluffy texture and mild flavor. You can also use brown rice or cauliflower rice if you’re going low-carb.

Can I make this gluten-free?

Yes! Use gluten-free panko breadcrumbs and cornstarch instead of flour. Make sure your sauces are gluten-free too.

Is it possible to make the chicken ahead of time?

Definitely. Cook the chicken and store it in the fridge. Reheat in the air fryer or oven to bring back that crunch before assembling the bowls.

Can I substitute the chicken with another protein?

Absolutely. Try shrimp, tofu, or even crispy cauliflower for a vegetarian spin.

How spicy is the bang bang sauce?

It has a mild to medium heat thanks to the sriracha. If you prefer it spicier, just add more sriracha or even a pinch of cayenne. Want it milder? Use less or skip it altogether.

What vegetables can I use if I don’t have carrots or cucumbers?

Bell peppers, radishes, edamame, or shredded purple cabbage all add great texture and flavor.

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Want More Chicken Bowl Ideas?

If you love the bold and creamy flavor combo in this Bang Bang Chicken Bowl, check out these other crave-worthy meals that bring the same comfort with a twist:

• Garlic Butter Chicken with Rigatoni and Parmesan for a creamy, cheesy pasta bowl.
• One Skillet Sweet Spicy Sticky Chicken Pasta if you want that sweet-heat punch in a hearty dish.
• Garlic Chicken Lo Mein for an Asian-inspired noodle bowl packed with flavor.
• Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Savory Parmesan Linguine when you’re craving something citrusy and savory.
• Cafeteria Noodles with Garlic Butter Chicken Bites for that nostalgic, feel-good comfort food.

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Save This Pin + Share Your Results

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dinner board so you can find it again on your busiest weeknights!

And if you make it, tag me and let me know how yours turned out. Did you spice it up or tone it down? Swap in shrimp or tofu? I love seeing your twists on these bowls.

You can also explore more fun and bold meal ideas over on my Pinterest: Life with Nina on Pinterest.

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