Bang Bang Chicken Bowl – Ultimate Protein-Packed Dinner

If you’re looking for a dinner that’s bold, balanced, and downright addictive, this Bang Bang Chicken Bowl is it. Imagine tender, golden-crisp chicken coated in a creamy chili garlic sauce and served over rice and fresh veggies. This is an Asian fusion chicken bowl you’ll want on repeat.

This recipe is flexible enough for busy weeknights, customizable for meal prep, and crowd-pleasing enough for family dinners. Whether you’re cooking in the air fryer, skillet, or oven, the result is the same: crispy, saucy chicken bowls you’ll want again and again.

If you’re new to cooking poultry, the USDA’s official chicken safety guide explains how to handle, store, and cook chicken to safe internal temperatures every time.

👉 Looking for a sweet treat to follow it up? Try our fall-favorite Pumpkin Cheesecake Truffles for dessert!

Why You’ll Love This Bang Bang Chicken Bowl

This isn’t just another chicken dinner, it’s a complete flavor-packed meal in a bowl. Here’s why it deserves a spot in your weekly rotation:

• ✅ High Protein & Filling – Each serving delivers 40g+ protein, perfect for fueling workouts or keeping the family satisfied.
• ✅ Customizable Base & Veggies – Serve it over rice, quinoa, cauliflower rice, or even noodles with your favorite mix of crunchy vegetables.
• ✅ Multiple Cooking Methods – Air fryer, skillet, or oven, pick whichever works best for your kitchen.
• ✅ Meal-Prep Friendly – Make ahead and store in portions for quick grab-and-go lunches.
• ✅ Family-Friendly Flavor – Creamy, sweet, and just the right amount of spice (easily adjustable for kids).

Perfect for busy weeknights, this recipe doubles as an easy chicken meal prep option or a satisfying high protein chicken recipe

💡 And if cozy comfort food is what you’re craving, our Chicken Enchilada Soup is another family-favorite one-bowl wonder you’ll love.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Bang Bang Chicken Bowl comes together with a handful of pantry staples and fresh toppings. Here’s what you’ll need and how to customize it:

For the Bang Bang Sauce

• Mayo – Classic base, but you can swap for Greek yogurt or avocado mayo for a lighter option.
• Sweet Chili Sauce – Adds sweetness and heat.
• Sriracha or Hot Sauce – Adjust to your spice tolerance.
• Honey – Balances the spice with natural sweetness.
• Lime Juice – A squeeze of fresh lime brightens up the creamy sauce.

For the Chicken

• Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts – Cubed into bite-sized pieces. (Substitute with thighs for extra juiciness.)
• Garlic Powder, Paprika, Salt, and Black Pepper – Simple seasoning for bold flavor.
• Cornstarch or Tapioca Starch – Helps crisp up the chicken when cooked.
• Avocado Oil (or Olive/Vegetable Oil) – Use your preferred cooking oil.

For the Bowl Base

• White or Jasmine Rice – The classic base. Swap for brown rice, quinoa, or cauliflower rice for a healthier/lower-carb option.
• Red Cabbage & Carrots – Crunchy texture and vibrant color.
• Cucumber – Adds refreshing crispness.
• Avocado – Creamy topping that balances the spice.

For Garnish

• Fresh Cilantro or Green Onions – Bright herbal finish.
• Sesame Seeds – Light crunch and extra nuttiness.

💡 Pro Tip: Double the bang bang sauce and keep it in the fridge. It also works as a dip for veggies, a drizzle for grilled fish, or a topping for wraps.

How to Make Bang Bang Chicken Bowls

Follow these simple steps for crispy chicken, creamy sauce, and the ultimate build-your-own bowl experience.

1️⃣ Make the Bang Bang Sauce

• In a medium bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, honey, sriracha, and lime juice until smooth.
• Reserve ¼ cup for drizzling later. 📌 Pro Tip: Chill the sauce in the fridge while prepping the rest of the meal it thickens slightly and coats the chicken even better.

2️⃣ Season & Cook the Chicken

Air Fryer Method (Crispiest Option)

• Toss cubed chicken with oil, garlic powder, paprika, salt, pepper, and cornstarch.
• Place in a single layer in the air fryer basket.
• Cook at 400°F (200°C) for 12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and cooked to 165°F internal temperature.

Skillet Method (Quick & Easy)

• Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high.
• Cook chicken 8–10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until browned and fully cooked.

Oven-Baked Method (Hands-Off Family Style)

• Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
• Arrange seasoned chicken on a lined baking sheet.
• Bake 25–30 minutes, brushing with some bang bang sauce halfway through.

📌 Pro Tip: Don’t overcrowd your pan or air fryer. Spacing helps chicken crisp instead of steam.

3️⃣ Toss Chicken in Sauce

• Transfer hot chicken to a large bowl.
• Pour in half of the bang bang sauce and toss until evenly coated.
  📌 Pro Tip: Save a little plain chicken for kids if they prefer a milder flavor.

4️⃣ Assemble the Bowls

• Start with a base of rice (or your chosen grain/low-carb option).
• Layer on cabbage, carrots, cucumbers, and avocado.
• Top with saucy bang bang chicken.
• Drizzle with extra sauce, sprinkle sesame seeds, and garnish with cilantro or green onions.

📌 Pro Tip: Keep components separate if prepping ahead combine just before eating to keep everything fresh and crisp.

Serving Ideas & Variations for Bang Bang Chicken Bowls

This recipe is endlessly customizable, which makes it perfect for families, meal prep, and dietary needs. Try one of these delicious variations:

Low-Carb Bang Bang Chicken Bowl

Swap out the rice for cauliflower rice, zucchini noodles, or a bed of greens. You’ll still get all the creamy, spicy flavor but with fewer carbs.

High-Protein Meal Prep Bowls

Cook a double batch of chicken and portion into meal prep containers with rice and veggies. Store the sauce separately and drizzle just before eating. These bowls stay fresh up to 4 days.

Kid-Friendly Bang Bang Chicken

Tone down the spice by using less sriracha or substituting with extra honey. Keep some chicken plain for picky eaters, then let kids build their own bowls with their favorite toppings.

Veggie-Loaded Bowl

Add extra crunch and color with bell peppers, snap peas, steamed broccoli, or spinach. The more textures, the better!

Oven-Baked Family-Style Meal

Skip the bowls and serve the chicken family-style with rice and mixed salads just like a weeknight sheet-pan dinner.

For plating inspiration, check out Bon Appétit’s professional food styling tips to make your bowls look as good as they taste.

Craving a spooky side? Pair this recipe with our fun Cheesy Halloween Breadstick Bones, kids (and adults) will love the combo.

Or, for a cozy soup + bowl dinner combo, serve alongside our creamy Mexican Street Corn Soup.

How to Store & Meal Prep Bang Bang Chicken Bowls

These bowls are meal-prep champions. Here’s how to keep them fresh and delicious:

• Refrigerator: Store chicken, rice, and veggies in separate airtight containers for up to 4 days. Keep sauce in a small jar and drizzle just before serving.
• Freezer: Chicken only! Freeze cooked chicken (without sauce) for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge, then toss with sauce after reheating.
• Reheating:
  • Air Fryer: 350°F for 3–5 minutes to bring back crispiness.
  • Skillet: Sauté with a splash of oil over medium heat.
  • Microwave: Quick option — heat in 30-second bursts, then add fresh sauce.
• Meal Prep Hack: Pack rice + chicken in one container, keep veggies separate in another, and store sauce in mini jars. This keeps textures fresh and avoids soggy bowls.

Bang Bang Chicken FAQs

Final Thoughts on Bang Bang Chicken Bowls

This Bang Bang Chicken Bowl has everything you could want in a weeknight dinner: crispy chicken, creamy sauce, crunchy veggies, and a customizable base that works for everyone at the table. Whether you’re cooking for your family, meal-prepping for the week, or just craving a takeout-style meal at home, this recipe delivers every single time.

And the best part? It’s endlessly adaptable, spicy, mild, healthy, indulgent, quick, or meal-prep friendly. However you make it, it’ll quickly become a regular in your rotation.

👉 For more cozy dinner inspiration, check out our Chicken Enchilada Soup or warm up with our seasonal favorite Mexican Street Corn Soup.

👉 Planning a festive night? Don’t miss our spooky-fun Cheesy Halloween Breadstick Bones or whip up Pumpkin Cheesecake Truffles for dessert.

And of course, you can always find more delicious recipes on the Kinsley Recipes homepage.

📌 Save this Bang Bang Chicken Bowl for your next weeknight dinner, your future self will thank you!

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