Bang Bang Chicken Bowl

Posted on May 13, 2025

Say hello to your new obsession — the Bang Bang Chicken Bowl! This quick and easy recipe combines crispy chicken, fluffy rice, fresh veggies, and a creamy, spicy-sweet bang bang sauce that ties it all together. It’s everything you want in a weeknight dinner: bold flavor, minimal prep, and totally Instagram-worthy. Whether you’re feeding a family or meal-prepping for the week, this dish is guaranteed to become a regular in your rotation. Plus, it’s easy to customize, making it perfect for picky eaters and foodies alike!

Table of Contents

Why You’ll Love Bang Bang Chicken Bowl

The Bang Bang Chicken Bowl isn’t just delicious — it’s a total game-changer for easy meals. The star of the show is the irresistible bang bang sauce: creamy, tangy, and just the right amount of heat. You can whip it up in under 30 minutes, and it uses simple, everyday ingredients. Plus, it’s a fun mix of textures — crispy chicken, crunchy veggies, and smooth sauce over a warm bed of rice. Whether you’re cooking for one or feeding a crowd, this bowl is guaranteed to satisfy.

Ingredients

You only need a handful of pantry staples and fresh ingredients to bring this Bang Bang Chicken Bowl to life. Here’s everything you’ll need to make one delicious, crave-worthy bowl:

For the Chicken:

1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cut into bite-sized pieces)
1 cup buttermilk (or milk + 1 tbsp vinegar as a sub)
1 cup cornstarch or flour (for coating)
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp paprika
Oil for frying (vegetable or canola)

For the Bang Bang Sauce:

1/2 cup mayonnaise
2 tbsp sweet chili sauce
1 tbsp sriracha (adjust to taste)
1 tbsp honey or sugar
1 tsp rice vinegar or lime juice (optional, for a tangy kick)

For the Bowl:

2 cups cooked white or brown rice
1 cup shredded carrots
1 cup chopped cucumber
1/2 cup shredded red cabbage (optional for color + crunch)
Green onions and sesame seeds (for garnish)

Instructions

Making a Bang Bang Chicken Bowl is easier than you think! Just follow these simple steps for a meal that looks fancy but comes together in no time.

1. Marinate the Chicken

In a bowl, combine the chicken pieces and buttermilk. Let it marinate for at least 15 minutes (or up to overnight in the fridge).

2. Prepare the Sauce

In a small bowl, mix together the mayo, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, honey, and vinegar or lime juice. Adjust heat and sweetness to taste. Set aside.

3. Coat and Fry the Chicken

In a separate bowl, combine cornstarch (or flour), salt, garlic powder, and paprika.
Remove chicken from the marinade, letting the excess drip off.
Dredge chicken in the flour mixture until well coated.
Heat oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Fry chicken pieces in batches until golden and crispy (about 3–4 minutes per side).
Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain.

4. Assemble the Bowls

Divide cooked rice into bowls.
Top with crispy chicken, shredded carrots, cucumber, and cabbage.
Drizzle bang bang sauce generously over everything.
Finish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds.

Servings and Timing

This recipe is designed to be simple, fast, and filling — ideal for busy weeknights or easy lunches.

Servings:

Makes 4 generous bowls
Perfect for family dinners or meal prep for the week

Timing:

Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 20 minutes
Total time: ~35 minutes

Tips and Variations

Want to mix things up? Here are some easy ways to customize your Bang Bang Chicken Bowl and make it your own:

Tips:

For extra crispy chicken, double-coat it by dipping it in the buttermilk and flour mixture twice.
Let the cooked chicken rest on a wire rack instead of paper towels to keep it crunchy.
Taste your sauce before serving — adjust heat with more sriracha or mellow it with extra mayo.

Variations:

Swap the protein: Try shrimp, tofu, or even crispy cauliflower for a vegetarian twist.
Low-carb option: Serve over cauliflower rice or greens instead of regular rice.
Add crunch: Top with crushed peanuts or wonton strips for extra texture.
Spice it up: Add a dash of cayenne or red pepper flakes to the coating or sauce.

Storage

Got leftovers? No problem! The Bang Bang Chicken Bowl is just as tasty the next day — with a few storage tips to keep everything fresh and delicious.

Chicken: Store leftover chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. For best results, reheat in the oven or air fryer to keep it crispy.
Sauce: Keep any extra bang bang sauce in a sealed jar or container in the fridge for up to 1 week.
Rice & Veggies: Store separately in airtight containers for 3–4 days.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I bake the chicken instead of frying it?
Yes! Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway. Spray with cooking oil for extra crispiness.

2. Is there a dairy-free option for the marinade?
Absolutely. Use unsweetened almond milk with a splash of vinegar or lemon juice as a buttermilk substitute.

3. Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes — use cornstarch or a gluten-free flour blend for coating the chicken, and make sure your sauces are gluten-free too.

4. How spicy is the bang bang sauce?
It has a mild kick. You can adjust the heat by adding more or less sriracha to your liking.

5. Can I meal prep this recipe?
Definitely! Store each component separately and assemble when ready to eat for best texture.

6. What rice works best?
White jasmine rice is classic, but brown rice, quinoa, or cauliflower rice are great options too.

7. Can I use pre-cooked chicken?
Sure! Toss shredded rotisserie chicken in the bang bang sauce and skip the frying step for a quicker version.

Conclusion

And that’s a wrap on this crave-worthy Bang Bang Chicken Bowl! It’s the kind of recipe that hits all the right notes — creamy, crunchy, spicy, and totally satisfying. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or just treating yourself, this bowl is guaranteed to impress without stressing you out.

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Bang Bang Chicken Bowl

Why You’ll Love Bang Bang Chicken Bowl