Name: Bang Bang Chicken Bowl Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Asian-inspired
Ingredients: 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts; 2 cups cooked rice (white or brown); 1 cup broccoli florets (fresh or frozen); 1 medium red bell pepper, sliced; 1 medium carrot, julienned; 3 medium green onions, chopped; ½ cup mayonnaise; 2 tablespoons sweet chili sauce; 1 tablespoon Sriracha sauce; 1 tablespoon soy sauce; Salt and pepper to taste; 2 tablespoons oil (vegetable or olive oil); Sesame seeds for garnish; Additional green onions or cilantro for garnish; Avocado slices (optional for creaminess); Extra vegetables like snap peas or bell peppers (optional)

I absolutely love the vibrant flavors and comforting ease of the Bang Bang Chicken Bowl Recipe. It’s one of those dishes that brings together spicy, creamy, and fresh elements all in one bowl, making every bite a delightful mix of textures and tastes. Whether I’m craving something quick for dinner or a colorful meal to impress friends, this recipe never fails to hit the spot with its perfect balance and bold personality.

Why You'll Love This Bang Bang Chicken Bowl Recipe

From the moment I started making this Bang Bang Chicken Bowl Recipe, I was hooked on its dynamic flavor profile. The creamy, slightly spicy sauce perfectly complements the tender chicken and crisp vegetables, creating that wonderful bang bang flavor experience that’s both comforting and exciting. It's never overly spicy but just right to keep your taste buds wanting more.

I also adore how straightforward this recipe is. The ingredients are simple, and the cooking process is quick enough for a busy weekday evening yet special enough to serve when friends come over. I find it’s a versatile dish that suits a casual family meal or a casual dinner party without any extra stress.

What really makes this dish stand out for me is the way it balances freshness with richness. The fresh veggies give crispness, the rice provides a hearty base, and the sauce adds that creamy heat that takes the whole dish to the next level. I’m convinced this is a winner for anyone who loves bold, layered flavors without complicated prep.

Ingredients You'll Need

The image shows a black round plate filled with raw chicken pieces that are light pink and shiny. The chicken pieces have smooth, soft textures and are piled one on top of the other, covering the whole plate. Around the plate on a white marbled surface are scattered black peppercorns, a few red dried chili peppers, whole garlic cloves, some green onions, and a small white bowl with red sauce. The scene has a clear and bright look. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The ingredients for this Bang Bang Chicken Bowl Recipe are simple but essential to create that perfect flavor and texture. Each component plays its part—lean protein, fresh colorful vegetables, and a sauce with just the right kick and creaminess to tie everything together beautifully.

TIP : You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts: A lean protein source that cooks quickly and absorbs the sauce perfectly; thighs or turkey can be used as alternatives.
Cooked rice (white or brown): Provides a comforting, neutral base; brown rice adds extra fiber, while cauliflower rice offers a low-carb twist.
Broccoli florets: Fresh or frozen, they add a nutritious crunch and vibrant green color.
Red bell pepper: Brings sweetness and bright color, though you can swap it with other veggies you love.
Carrot, julienned: Adds a fresh crunch and a slight natural sweetness to balance the richness of the sauce.
Green onions: Used for both garnish and layering subtle onion flavor in the dish.
Mayonnaise: The creamy base of the bang bang sauce; for a lighter version, plain yogurt or dairy-free mayo works well.
Sweet chili sauce: Adds a sweet-spicy punch; look for healthier brands with less sugar if you prefer.
Sriracha sauce: Brings heat and depth, adjustable based on your spice preference.
Soy sauce: Adds umami and saltiness; low-sodium soy sauce is an easy swap.
Salt and pepper: To season everything perfectly.
Oil for cooking: Vegetable or olive oil works great, helping to get the chicken golden and vegetables tender.
Sesame seeds: For that toasted nutty finish as garnish.
Additional green onions or cilantro: Fresh herbs to brighten both flavor and presentation.
Avocado slices (optional): Add creaminess if you want to elevate the bowl’s richness even further.
Extra veggies (snap peas, more bell peppers): Feel free to amp up the nutrition and flavor by adding your favorites.

Directions

Step 1: Start by cutting your chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces, and season them generously with salt and pepper. This simple seasoning forms the foundation for the dish.

Step 2: Heat 2 tablespoons of oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Make sure the skillet is hot before you add the chicken so it gets a nice golden sear.

Step 3: Add the chicken pieces to your hot skillet and cook, stirring occasionally, until they are golden brown and cooked through—about 5 to 7 minutes. When done, remove the chicken and set it aside.

Step 4: Without cleaning the skillet, toss in the broccoli florets, sliced bell pepper, and julienned carrot. Sauté these vegetables for around 3 to 5 minutes, just until they’re tender but still have a pleasant crunch. This step keeps the veggies fresh and vibrant.

Step 5: In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, Sriracha, and soy sauce until smooth. This creamy sauce is where the magic of the Bang Bang Chicken Bowl Recipe really shines.

Step 6: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet with the vegetables. Pour the sauce over everything and stir to coat all the ingredients evenly. Let this simmer on low heat for 1 to 2 minutes so the flavors meld beautifully.

Step 7: To serve, layer cooked rice in your bowls and spoon the chicken and vegetable mixture on top. Garnish generously with chopped green onions and toasted sesame seeds for that classic finish.

Step 8: Optionally, add slices of creamy avocado or extra herbs like cilantro to take this dish to the next level. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Servings and Timing

This Bang Bang Chicken Bowl Recipe serves 4 hearty portions, perfect for family dinners or meal prep for the week. The prep time is around 10 minutes, mostly for cutting and mixing sauce ingredients, while the cooking itself takes about 20 minutes. In total, you’re looking at a quick 30-minute meal with no resting time required, so you can get straight to enjoying it hot and fresh.

How to Serve This Bang Bang Chicken Bowl Recipe

A white bowl filled with many pieces of golden brown fried cauliflower, each piece coated in a shiny orange sauce. The cauliflower pieces are topped with small slices of bright green spring onions scattered all around. The bowl is placed on a white marbled surface with a light gray cloth and white plates in the blurred background. The lighting is soft and natural, highlighting the texture of the cauliflower and the glossiness of the sauce photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

I love serving this Bang Bang Chicken Bowl Recipe straight from the skillet, warm and aromatic. It pairs beautifully with simple sides like steamed edamame, a crisp cucumber salad, or even some crunchy wonton chips on the side for texture contrast. These sides help balance the creamy, spicy sauce and round out the meal.

When it comes to garnishing, I like to sprinkle extra chopped green onions and a handful of toasted sesame seeds for a subtle crunch and nutty flavor. Sometimes, I throw on some fresh cilantro or a few slices of ripe avocado, which adds a cooling creaminess that contrasts nicely with the spice. For an inviting presentation, I serve it in colorful bowls with the veggies peeking out, so the meal looks as good as it tastes.

Beverage-wise, this dish pairs wonderfully with a crisp, cold beer or a lightly sweet Riesling to balance the heat. For non-alcoholic options, I recommend iced green tea or sparkling water with a wedge of lime, both of which refresh the palate between bites. I find this recipe perfect for weeknight dinners, casual gatherings, and even meal prepping because it holds up well and tastes great reheated.

Variations

One of the delights of the Bang Bang Chicken Bowl Recipe is how adaptable it is. If you’re looking for a gluten-free version, simply swap the soy sauce for tamari or coconut aminos, and use gluten-free mayo. For vegan friends, tofu or tempeh works wonderfully in place of chicken—you can pan-fry it similarly until crispy, then coat in the bang bang sauce for the same satisfying result.

If you prefer a different flavor dynamic, try adding a little fresh lime juice or zest to the sauce for a zesty twist. For extra crunch, sprinkle crushed peanuts or cashews on top when serving. You could also experiment with cooking the chicken on a grill or baking it for a slightly different texture and smoky flavor if you want to mix things up.

Vegetable-wise, the sky is the limit. Swap in snap peas, baby corn, or even some lightly steamed asparagus to keep things fresh and seasonal. I’ve even added roasted sweet potato cubes for a hearty burst of sweetness and texture. Making it your own is part of the fun!

Storage and Reheating

Storing Leftovers

I always store leftover Bang Bang Chicken Bowl in airtight containers to keep everything fresh and flavorful. It’s best to separate the rice from the chicken and veggies if you plan to reheat later, preventing sogginess. Properly stored in the fridge, leftovers stay good for up to 3 days, giving you delicious next-day meals with hardly any extra effort.

Freezing

This dish freezes well if you want to make it ahead for busy days. Just portion the chicken and vegetables into freezer-safe containers or bags, leaving the rice aside for better texture retention. The sauce holds up nicely too. Frozen, it will keep well for up to 2 months. When it’s time to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge for best results.

Reheating

To reheat, I prefer warming the chicken and vegetables gently in a skillet over medium-low heat with a splash of water to revive the sauce’s creaminess. Avoid microwaving straight from frozen as it can dry out the chicken and make the veggies soggy. Adding fresh garnishes like green onions or sesame seeds after reheating brings the freshness back perfectly.

FAQs

Can I use different proteins in the Bang Bang Chicken Bowl Recipe?

Absolutely! While chicken breast is a great lean option, you can use chicken thighs for more juiciness, turkey, shrimp, or plant-based proteins like tofu or tempeh. Just adjust cooking times accordingly to ensure everything is cooked through.

Is this recipe spicy, and can I adjust the heat?

The heat level in this Bang Bang Chicken Bowl Recipe is moderate and balanced by the creamy mayonnaise base. You can easily adjust it by adding more or less Sriracha or swapping in a milder chili sauce. Removing the chili altogether results in a milder, kid-friendly dish as well.

What’s the best way to store leftovers to keep the rice from getting soggy?

I recommend storing the cooked rice separately from the chicken and vegetables. Keeping the sauce-coated chicken and veggies apart helps maintain their texture and prevents the rice from becoming mushy or overly wet during storage.

Can this recipe be made gluten-free?

Yes! Simply substitute the soy sauce with gluten-free tamari or coconut aminos. Make sure your sweet chili sauce is also gluten-free, or make your own homemade version. This simple swap keeps all the delicious flavor intact.

How long does it take to make this Bang Bang Chicken Bowl Recipe from start to finish?

This recipe takes about 30 minutes total, including prep and cooking time. It’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner that doesn’t sacrifice flavor or satisfaction.

Conclusion

You really can’t go wrong with this Bang Bang Chicken Bowl Recipe—the mix of creamy, spicy sauce, tender chicken, and fresh veggies is just so satisfying. I hope you give it a try soon and find it as comforting and exciting as I do. It’s a dish that brings joy at the table and leaves you looking forward to your next bowl!