Spicy Bang Bang Chicken Rice Bowl

Introducing the sensational Bang Bang Chicken Bowl! This recipe came to life during a sweltering summer heatwave when the mere thought of using the oven felt unbearable. What began as a quest to whip up a satisfying meal without adding extra heat to the kitchen quickly turned into a family favorite. The magic unfolds as crispy chicken, enveloped in a creamy, sweet, and spicy sauce, meets a medley of cool, crunchy vegetables to deliver a delightful contrast of temperatures and textures. The customizable nature of this dish allows each diner to tailor their bowl with extra sauce, veggies, or toppings, ensuring a personalized dining experience.

When my neighbor Sarah caught a glimpse of these enticing bowls, her reaction spoke volumes. A single bite of the flavorful chicken had her reaching for her phone to capture the moment and promptly planning to recreate the dish for her “food-bored” husband. The ultimate seal of approval came when he devoured two bowls and requested the recipe himself! It’s moments like these that affirm the culinary gold mine that is the Bang Bang Chicken Bowl. With tender, air-fried chicken cubes, a perfectly balanced sauce that marries richness and tang, vibrant red cabbage for crunch, and creamy avocado to tie it all together, this recipe hits all the right notes to leave a lasting impression on your taste buds.

Table of Contents

Quick Benefits

Perfect Crispy-Tender Chicken: Cubed chicken breast air fried for ideal texture balance, crispy edges without drying out.
Addictive Bang Bang Sauce: Creamy, sweet, and spicy sauce with a perfect balance of richness and tang keeps you coming back for more.
Colorful and Crunchy Vegetables: Red cabbage adds crunch and vibrant color, while fresh veggies provide essential textural contrast and temperature difference.
Customizable and Meal Prep Friendly: Prep strategies streamline assembly for multiple servings, protein alternatives work beautifully, and component preparation allows for efficient meal planning.

Why You’ll Love This Spicy Bang Bang Chicken Rice Bowl Recipe

Perfect Balance of Flavors: The creamy, sweet, and spicy bang bang sauce on crispy chicken creates an addictive combination that keeps you wanting more with every bite.
Customizable and Interactive: Everyone can customize their bowl with extra sauce, vegetables, or toppings to suit their own preferences, making it a fun and interactive meal for the whole family.
Texture Contrast: The combination of crispy chicken, crunchy vegetables, and creamy avocado provides a perfect balance of textures that make each bite interesting and satisfying.
Colorful and Vibrant Presentation: The addition of red cabbage not only adds crunch but also provides a pop of color that makes the dish visually appealing and appetizing.
Versatile and Adaptable: The recipe offers flexibility with protein alternatives like shrimp or tofu, grain substitutions, and heat level adjustments to cater to different preferences and dietary needs.
Make-Ahead and Meal Planning Friendly: Prep strategies and component preparation allow for efficient meal planning, making it easy to assemble fresh bowls as needed and enjoy throughout the week.
Family and Crowd Pleaser: This dish has been a hit with both picky eaters and food enthusiasts, making it a go-to meal for busy weeknights or entertaining guests without spending hours in the kitchen.
Balanced and Satisfying: The thoughtful combination of familiar ingredients in this recipe creates a dish that is both nourishing and crave-worthy, offering a satisfying meal that is enjoyable to prepare and eat.

Ingredients for Spicy Bang Bang Chicken Rice Bowl

For the Bang Bang Sauce

2 tablespoons honey
1¼ cups mayonnaise (290g)
⅔ cup Thai sweet chili sauce (177g)
2 teaspoons Sriracha sauce (or more to taste)

For the Chicken

1 tablespoon vegetable oil
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon kosher salt
2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
½ teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon paprika

For the Bowl Assembly

Sesame seeds (for garnish)
1 large carrot, julienned
1 large avocado, thinly sliced
Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
2 cups red cabbage, thinly sliced (140g)
1 medium cucumber, halved and sliced
4 cups prepared white rice, warmed (744g)

How to Make Spicy Bang Bang Chicken Rice Bowl

Step 1: Make the bang bang sauce

Mix mayonnaise, Thai sweet chili sauce, honey, and Sriracha in a medium bowl until smooth. Reserve ½ cup for tossing with the chicken and set aside the rest for drizzling over the bowls.

Step 2: Prepare the chicken

In a large bowl, mix vegetable oil, paprika, garlic powder, kosher salt, and black pepper. Add cubed chicken breast and toss to coat evenly.

Step 3: Cook the chicken

Arrange seasoned chicken cubes in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring not to overcrowd. Cook at 400°F for 11-12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F and turns slightly golden. Cook in batches if needed.

Step 4: Toss chicken with sauce

Place the cooked chicken in a large clean bowl. Add ½ cup of the prepared bang bang sauce and gently toss until chicken is coated.

Step 5: Assemble the bowls

Prepare 4 medium-sized serving bowls and add 1 cup of warm white rice to each bowl as the base layer. Surround the rice with ½ cup of thinly sliced red cabbage, ¼ of the julienned carrot, and ¼ of the sliced cucumber in each bowl to create distinct sections.

Step 6: Add chicken and toppings

Divide the sauce-coated chicken evenly among the bowls. Arrange ¼ of the sliced avocado on top or beside the chicken in each bowl.

Step 7: Garnish and serve

Drizzle each bowl with the remaining bang bang sauce, then sprinkle with chopped fresh cilantro and sesame seeds. Serve immediately while the chicken is warm and the vegetables are crisp.

Storage Tips

After preparing the Bang Bang Chicken Bowls, it’s important to store the components properly for later consumption. You can store any leftover chicken, rice, and vegetables separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to four days. To maintain optimal texture and flavor when reheating, warm the chicken separately in an air fryer or skillet before assembling fresh bowls. Storing the components separately also allows you to customize and assemble your bowls with fresh ingredients as needed, ensuring each bite stays flavorful and enjoyable.

For meal planning and efficient use of the prepared components, consider making extra sauce to use throughout the week on wraps, sandwiches, or as a veggie dip. You can also slice the cabbage and carrots up to five days in advance and store them in water-dampened paper towels inside airtight containers. This preparation strategy saves time and effort during busy weekdays, allowing you to enjoy delicious Bang Bang Chicken Bowls with minimal last-minute cooking. By following these storage and preparation tips, you can continue to enjoy this flavorful and satisfying dish whenever you crave a tasty and convenient meal option.

Ingredient Substitutions

For a lighter alternative, you can swap the mayonnaise with Greek yogurt or a mixture of yogurt and a small amount of mayonnaise for creaminess. This adjustment will reduce the calorie content while still providing a creamy texture for the sauce. Additionally, you can use a low-fat or vegan mayonnaise as a substitute to cater to dietary preferences without compromising the overall flavor profile of the dish.

To make this dish vegetarian-friendly, you can replace the chicken with tofu cubes or tempeh. Pressing and air frying tofu or tempeh with the same seasonings used for the chicken will provide a delicious plant-based protein option that absorbs the flavors of the sauce beautifully. Alternatively, you could use cauliflower florets or chickpeas as protein alternatives to create a satisfying vegetarian version of the bang bang chicken bowl. These substitutions maintain the heartiness of the dish while offering diverse options for those following a plant-based diet.

Serving Suggestions

For a creative serving suggestion, consider assembling the Bang Bang Chicken Bowls in individual mason jars for a portable and visually appealing presentation. Layer the warm white rice at the bottom, followed by the crispy air-fried chicken coated in the creamy bang bang sauce. Then, add a layer of thinly sliced red cabbage, julienned carrots, cucumber slices, and avocado. Top it off with a sprinkle of fresh cilantro and sesame seeds for a burst of color and flavor. Seal the jars and shake gently before eating to mix all the components together for a delightful and convenient meal on the go.

Another serving idea is to deconstruct the Bang Bang Chicken Bowl and turn it into a build-your-own bowl bar for a fun and interactive dining experience. Set out bowls of warm rice, crispy chicken, sliced vegetables, avocado, cilantro, and sesame seeds, along with extra bowls of the bang bang sauce for drizzling. Let your guests customize their bowls with their preferred ingredients and toppings, creating a personalized culinary masterpiece. This setup is perfect for gatherings or family meals, allowing everyone to tailor their bowl to their taste preferences and dietary restrictions.

FAQs for Spicy Bang Bang Chicken Rice Bowl

Can I use a different type of protein instead of chicken in this recipe?

Absolutely! Shrimp or tofu are great alternatives that work beautifully with the creamy sweet spicy sauce. Shrimp provides a faster cooking option, while tofu, when pressed, cubed, and air fried with the same seasonings, creates an excellent vegetarian version.

How can I adjust the heat level of the bang bang chicken bowl?

You can easily adjust the spice level by varying the amount of Sriracha sauce used in the recipe. If you prefer a milder dish, reduce the amount of Sriracha; for a spicier kick, add more to suit your taste preferences.

Can I prepare the components of the bang bang chicken bowl in advance?

Absolutely! You can make the sauce, cook the chicken, and prep the vegetables ahead of time. Store the components separately in the refrigerator for up to four days. When ready to enjoy, simply reheat the chicken separately in an air fryer or skillet, then assemble the fresh bowls with the prepped components.

What are some additional topping options I can use to enhance the bang bang chicken bowl?

You can elevate the flavors and textures of your bang bang chicken bowl with toppings like chopped peanuts, sliced jalapeños, or crispy fried shallots. These additions provide exciting variations and allow you to customize your bowl to your liking.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the Bang Bang Chicken Bowl has truly become a star in our household, providing a perfect balance of flavors and textures that never fails to impress. Whether you’re looking for a quick and satisfying meal on a busy weeknight or aiming to please even the pickiest eaters, this recipe has proven itself time and time again. The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity and adaptability, making it a versatile option for all occasions.

So next time you’re in need of a culinary pick-me-up, remember the magic of the Bang Bang Chicken Bowl. With its crispy chicken, creamy sauce, and fresh vegetable medley, each bite is a delightful journey for your taste buds. Gather your loved ones, get creative with your toppings, and savor a meal that not only fills your stomach but also warms your heart. Here’s to many more bowls of this delightful dish in your future!