If you’re looking for a quick, flavor-loaded dinner that satisfies every craving in one bite. Spicy, creamy, savory, and crunchy, the Bang Bang Chicken Bowl is your go-to. This article covers why you’ll love it, how to make it, key ingredients, and answers to the most common questions.

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Why You’ll Love This Bang Bang Chicken Bowl

Hi, I’m Saly. I’m a home cook who’s all about simple steps and bold flavors. The first time I made this Bang Bang Chicken Bowl, I was just trying to clear out the fridge. But when my husband took a bite and said, “This tastes like something from a restaurant,” I knew it had to go on the site.

The creamy, spicy Bang Bang sauce, made with just a few pantry ingredients, coats crispy golden chicken chunks that sit on a warm bed of rice, paired with crunchy veggies. It’s everything you love in one bowl.

We’re always juggling time in our house, and this recipe takes less than 30 minutes from prep to plate. It’s even faster than ordering takeout and ten times fresher.

Plus, it’s a crowd-pleaser. My family devoured it before I could snap a photo. That’s the magic of this creamy chicken rice bowl; it disappears fast.

If you like recipes that are big on flavor but low on effort, you’ll also love this chicken taco casserole recipe; another weeknight favorite.

Ingredients for the Perfect Chicken Bowl

The ingredients in this bang bang-inspired bowl are easy to find and even easier to prep. Here’s what you’ll need:

For the Chicken:

1 lb boneless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized chunks
½ cup cornstarch
Salt and pepper to taste
2 tbsp vegetable oil (for pan frying)

For the Bang Bang Sauce:

½ cup mayonnaise
2 tbsp sweet chili sauce
1 tbsp sriracha (adjust for spice)
1 tsp honey
1 tsp rice vinegar (optional for tang)

For the Bowl:

2 cups cooked white rice (jasmine or basmati works well)
1 cup shredded carrots
1 cup sliced cucumbers
½ cup chopped scallions
Optional toppings: sesame seeds, lime wedges, chopped cilantro

If you’re in the mood for something with a bit more heat, try this baked chicken with buffalo sauce, it’s just as quick and spicy.

How to Make a Bang Bang Chicken Bowl

You’ll be surprised how quickly this dish comes together. Here’s the step-by-step:

Step 1: Coat the Chicken
Toss chicken pieces in cornstarch, salt, and pepper until evenly coated.
Step 2: Sauté
Heat oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook until crispy and golden brown on all sides, about 5–7 minutes. Set aside on paper towels.
Step 3: Make the Sauce
In a bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, honey, and rice vinegar until smooth and creamy.
Step 4: Combine Chicken and Sauce
Toss the crispy chicken in the bang bang sauce while it’s still warm, so it soaks up every drop of that creamy heat.
Step 5: Assemble the Bowl
Scoop rice into bowls. Top with sauced chicken, shredded carrots, cucumber slices, and green onions. Garnish as desired.

If you love bowls that feel indulgent but are secretly easy, try our creamy parmesan beef and bowtie pasta next; it’s pasta night made better.

Tips and Tasty Variations

Use Air-Fried Chicken for Less Oil:
Instead of pan-frying, try tossing the chicken in a bit of oil and air-frying at 400°F for 12–14 minutes. You’ll get a similar crunch with less cleanup.
Make It Low-Carb:
Swap out the rice for cauliflower rice or shredded cabbage for a lighter version.
Turn It into a Wrap or Salad:
Don’t feel like a bowl? Wrap it up in a warm tortilla or serve over mixed greens for a spicy salad-style meal.
Add Avocado or Edamame for Creaminess or Protein:
Want more texture and flavor? Avocado slices add creaminess, and edamame gives a plant-based protein punch.

For another variation on comforting meals with a kick, check out the cheesy chicken and tater tot casserole. It’s perfect for feeding a hungry family.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make Bang Bang Chicken ahead of time?

Yes! You can cook the chicken and store it separately from the sauce. Reheat the chicken in the oven or air fryer, then toss it in sauce just before serving.

What does Bang Bang sauce taste like?

It’s a mix of creamy, spicy, and slightly sweet, similar to a spicy mayo but with more complexity thanks to chili sauce and honey.

Is this recipe spicy?

You control the heat! Sriracha brings the spice, so adjust the amount or omit it completely for a milder flavor.

What protein swaps can I use?

Shrimp, tofu, or even crispy cauliflower all work wonderfully. The bang bang sauce is versatile and complements a variety of textures.

Looking to go meatless next time? Try this veggie-loaded zucchini casserole that’s hearty and satisfying.

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re craving something spicy, creamy, or just flat-out delicious, the Bang Bang Chicken Bowl is a meal you’ll come back to again and again. It’s simple enough for a weeknight, bold enough for guests, and totally customizable for everyone at the table.

Once you try it, don’t be surprised if it becomes your new comfort bowl. Just ask my husband, he’s already requested it twice this week.

For more easy and satisfying recipes, join me on Pinterest – where good food meets great company!

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Bang Bang Chicken Bowl

Why You’ll Love This Bang Bang Chicken Bowl