Bang Bang Chicken Bowl is the ultimate quick-and-delicious dinner that’s better than takeout in every way. Craving that creamy, spicy, crispy chicken you usually order for delivery? This bold, flavor-packed bowl is about to become your new weeknight obsession. Juicy bites of golden chicken are tossed in a sweet-and-spicy bang bang sauce, then layered over fluffy rice with fresh, crunchy veggies. It’s flavorful, versatile, and comes together in less than 30 minutes. Whether you’re feeding your family or prepping meals for the week, this Bang Bang Chicken Bowl delivers big flavor with minimal effort. Skip the takeout—this version wins every time.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Bang Bang Chicken Bowl
This Bang Bang Chicken Bowl isn’t just quick—it’s seriously irresistible. Here’s why this recipe belongs in your regular dinner lineup:
- Better Than Takeout: Crispy chicken, creamy-spicy sauce, and fresh toppings—no delivery fee required.
- Ready in 30 Minutes: Perfect for busy weeknights when you want flavor fast.
- Customizable: Swap the base for cauliflower rice, add extra veggies, or make it spicy or mild—it’s all up to you.
- Meal Prep Friendly: The components store well, making this bowl great for prepping ahead.
- Family Favorite: Kids love the sweet heat of the bang bang sauce, and grown-ups love how easy it is.
Once you try this homemade version, you won’t look back!
Ingredients You’ll Need
This bang bang chicken bowl uses simple, accessible ingredients to create big flavor. Here’s what you’ll need:
For the Crispy Chicken:
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- ½ cup cornstarch (for ultra-crispy coating)
- 1 large egg, beaten
- Salt & pepper, to taste
- Oil, for frying (canola or vegetable oil work great)
For the Bang Bang Sauce:
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 2–3 tablespoons sweet chili sauce
- 1 tablespoon Sriracha (adjust to taste)
- 1 tablespoon honey (optional for added sweetness)
- 1 teaspoon rice vinegar or lime juice (for tang)
For the Bowl:
- 2 cups cooked white or jasmine rice (or cauliflower rice for low-carb)
- 1 cup shredded cabbage or coleslaw mix
- ½ cup julienned carrots
- ½ avocado, sliced (optional but delicious)
- Green onions, chopped
- Sesame seeds, for garnish
Tip: You can easily double the sauce—it’s great drizzled over veggies, rice, or even used as a dip!
How to Make Bang Bang Chicken Bowls
Making this better-than-takeout bowl is simple and satisfying. Follow these step-by-step instructions for the perfect crispy chicken and bold, creamy sauce:
1. Prep the Chicken
- Cut chicken into bite-sized pieces.
- Season lightly with salt and pepper.
- Set up two bowls: one with beaten egg, the other with cornstarch.
- Coat each piece of chicken by dipping it in the egg first, then tossing it in cornstarch until fully covered.Shake off excess.
2. Fry the Chicken
- Pour about 1 inch of oil into a skillet and heat it over medium-high until shimmering and hot.
- When the oil is hot, fry the chicken in small batches for 4–5 minutes, or until each piece is golden brown and crispy.
- Remove and drain on a paper towel-lined plate.
Tip: Don’t overcrowd the pan—this keeps the coating crispy.
3. Make the Bang Bang Sauce
- In a bowl, whisk together mayo, sweet chili sauce, Sriracha, honey, and rice vinegar until smooth.
- Taste and adjust spice level as needed.
4. Toss and Coat
- Add crispy chicken to a large bowl and drizzle in the bang bang sauce.
- Toss gently to coat all pieces evenly.
5. Assemble the Bowls
- Start with a scoop of rice or cauliflower rice as the base.
- Add a layer of shredded cabbage and carrots.
- Top with saucy bang bang chicken.
- Top with sliced avocado, chopped green onions, a sprinkle of sesame seeds, and an extra drizzle of bang bang sauce if you like.
Optional Add-ons: Pickled onions, cucumber ribbons, or edamame for more color and crunch.
Tips for the Best Bang Bang Chicken
Want that perfect crunch and flavor every time? These pro tips will make your Bang Bang Chicken Bowl truly unforgettable:
✅ Use Cornstarch for Extra Crisp
Cornstarch creates a lighter, crispier coating than flour—perfect for that restaurant-style texture.
✅ Fry in Batches
Avoid crowding the pan to maintain the oil temperature and ensure each piece of chicken gets golden and crispy, not soggy.
✅ Double the Sauce
You’ll want extra bang bang sauce—it’s amazing over rice, veggies, or even as a dip for fries and nuggets.
✅ Spice it Up (or Down)
Control the heat by adjusting the Sriracha. Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for an extra kick, or leave it out for a milder flavor.
✅ Don’t Skip the Garnishes
Avocado slices, green onions, and sesame seeds add freshness, color, and texture—making every bowl look and taste amazing.
Serving Suggestions
The beauty of this Bang Bang Chicken Bowl is its versatility. Here are a few tasty ways to serve and customize it for any occasion:
🥗 Swap the Base
- Cauliflower rice for a low-carb option
- Quinoa for added protein
- Brown rice or farro for extra fiber
- Noodles if you want more of a bang bang stir-fry vibe
🥬 Add More Veggies
- Shredded lettuce, edamame, cucumber ribbons, or bell peppers make it feel like a loaded salad bowl
- Roasted broccoli or air-fried Brussels sprouts work well too
🥑 Make It a Wrap
- Use large tortillas or lettuce leaves to turn this bowl into spicy bang bang chicken wraps—perfect for lunchboxes or on-the-go meals
🧊 Serve it Cold or Warm
- Enjoy warm for comfort, or cold (with pre-cooked chicken) as a refreshing lunch bowl
🍋 Add Brightness
- A squeeze of fresh lime or a splash of vinegar on top adds a bright, tangy finish that brings the whole dish to life.
Bonus Tip: Serve with a side of crispy wonton chips or egg rolls for a takeout-style meal at home!
Storing and Reheating
This Bang Bang Chicken Bowl is just as good the next day—perfect for meal prep or leftovers. Here’s how to keep it fresh and tasty:
🧊 Storing
- Chicken: Store cooled, sauced chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Keep it separate from rice and veggies for best texture.
- Bang Bang Sauce: Store extra sauce in a small jar or container for up to 1 week in the fridge.
- Rice and Veggies: Store in a separate container to prevent sogginess.
🔥 Reheating
- Chicken: For crispy results, reheat in the air fryer or oven at 375°F for 5–7 minutes. Microwaving will soften the coating but still tastes great.
- Rice/Veggies: Microwave with a splash of water to rehydrate the rice. Reheat veggies gently or enjoy them cold for contrast.
Meal Prep Tip: Assemble bowls just before eating for the best taste and texture—store each component separately for maximum freshness.
Storing and Reheating
This Bang Bang Chicken Bowl is just as good the next day—perfect for meal prep or leftovers. Here’s how to keep it fresh and tasty:
🧊 Storing
- Chicken: Store cooled, sauced chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Keep it separate from rice and veggies for best texture.
- Bang Bang Sauce: Store extra sauce in a small jar or container for up to 1 week in the fridge.
- Rice and Veggies: Store in a separate container to prevent sogginess.
🔥 Reheating
- Chicken: For crispy results, reheat in the air fryer or oven at 375°F for 5–7 minutes. Microwaving will soften the coating but still tastes great.
- Rice/Veggies: Microwave with a splash of water to rehydrate the rice. Reheat veggies gently or enjoy them cold for contrast.
Meal Prep Tip: Assemble bowls just before eating for the best taste and texture—store each component separately for maximum freshness.
Storing and Reheating
This Bang Bang Chicken Bowl is just as good the next day—perfect for meal prep or leftovers. Here’s how to keep it fresh and tasty:
🧊 Storing
- Chicken: Store cooled, sauced chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Keep it separate from rice and veggies for best texture.
- Bang Bang Sauce: Store extra sauce in a small jar or container for up to 1 week in the fridge.
- Rice and Veggies: Store in a separate container to prevent sogginess.
🔥 Reheating
- Chicken: For crispy results, reheat in the air fryer or oven at 375°F for 5–7 minutes. Microwaving will soften the coating but still tastes great.
- Rice/Veggies: Microwave with a splash of water to rehydrate the rice. Reheat veggies gently or enjoy them cold for contrast.
Meal Prep Tip: Assemble bowls just before eating for the best taste and texture—store each component separately for maximum freshness.
Bang Bang Chicken Bowl (Better Than Takeout!) – Quick & Delicious
This Bang Bang Chicken Bowl is a quick and delicious weeknight dinner packed with crispy chicken, a creamy-spicy bang bang sauce, and fresh toppings over fluffy rice. Better than takeout and ready in just 30 minutes, this easy bowl recipe is perfect for meal prep, customizable, and loved by the whole family.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Dinner, Main Course, Bowls
- Method: Pan-Fry, Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired, American Fusion
Ingredients
-
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 4
Calories: ~520 per bowl (varies with toppings)📝 Ingredients
For the Chicken:
-
1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs (cut into bite-sized pieces)
-
½ cup cornstarch
-
1 egg, beaten
-
Salt & pepper to taste
-
Oil for frying (canola or vegetable)
For the Bang Bang Sauce:
-
½ cup mayonnaise
-
2–3 tbsp sweet chili sauce
-
1 tbsp Sriracha (adjust to taste)
-
1 tbsp honey (optional)
-
1 tsp rice vinegar or lime juice
For the Bowl:
-
2 cups cooked white rice (or cauliflower rice)
-
1 cup shredded cabbage or coleslaw mix
-
½ cup julienned carrots
-
½ avocado, sliced
-
Green onions and sesame seeds for garnish
-
Instructions
-
Prep the Chicken:
Season chicken with salt and pepper. Dip pieces into beaten egg, then coat with cornstarch. -
Fry the Chicken:
Heat oil in a skillet. Fry chicken in batches for 4–5 minutes until crispy and golden. Drain on paper towels. -
Make the Sauce:
In a bowl, whisk together mayo, sweet chili sauce, Sriracha, honey, and vinegar until smooth. -
Coat the Chicken:
Toss the fried chicken in the bang bang sauce until evenly coated.
-
Assemble the Bowls:
Add rice to each bowl, then top with cabbage, carrots, avocado, and sauced chicken. Garnish with green onions and sesame seeds.
Notes
-
Make it Lighter: For a healthier version, air-fry or bake the chicken instead of frying. Swap mayo with Greek yogurt in the sauce.
-
Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free cornstarch and serve with cauliflower rice or certified gluten-free rice.
-
Spice Control: Adjust the amount of Sriracha to your preferred spice level. Add red pepper flakes for extra heat, or omit Sriracha for a milder version.
-
Crispy Chicken Tip: Fry chicken in small batches and let it rest on a wire rack to stay crispy.
-
Meal Prep Friendly: Store sauce, chicken, rice, and toppings separately and assemble just before serving to keep everything fresh and crisp.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (approx. 1¼ cups total)
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 20g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
Can I make this Bang Bang Chicken Bowl healthier?
Absolutely! Use grilled or air-fried chicken instead of deep frying. Swap the rice for cauliflower rice and go light on the sauce or use Greek yogurt in place of some mayo.
Is Bang Bang Chicken spicy?
It has a mild to medium heat, thanks to the Sriracha and chili sauce. You can adjust the spice level by adding more or less Sriracha or leaving it out altogether for a milder version.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes! Cook and store the chicken, rice, and veggies separately. Assemble just before serving for the best texture. The bang bang sauce also keeps well in the fridge for up to 1 week.
What’s the best mayo to use for the sauce?
Any good-quality regular or light mayo works. For a tangier flavor, try Japanese Kewpie mayo. You can also sub part of the mayo with Greek yogurt for a lighter option.
More Quick & Delicious Bowl Recipes
Love this Bang Bang Chicken Bowl? Here are more easy, flavor-packed bowl recipes to try next:
- The Ultimate Fish Taco Bowl for Weeknight Dinners
Crispy fish, zesty slaw, and chipotle crema—all in one satisfying bowl. - Steak Fajita Bowl with Cilantro Lime Rice
Bold Tex-Mex flavor, tender steak strips, and sizzling peppers. - Garlic Butter Shrimp Bowl
