When you’re craving a dish that’s creamy, spicy, and totally satisfying, nothing beats this Bang Bang Chicken Bowl. Juicy chicken bites tossed in a sweet and spicy sauce, served over fluffy rice with colorful vegetables—it’s a comfort food classic with a fresh, modern twist. The combination of creamy Bang Bang sauce, tender chicken, and crisp veggies makes every bite irresistible.
This dish has everything you want in a weeknight dinner: quick to prepare, packed with flavor, and customizable for the whole family. It’s healthier than takeout, budget-friendly, and ready in under 30 minutes. If you’re searching for easy weeknight dinner recipes or high-flavor meal prep ideas, this one will hit the spot every single time.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
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Quick and Easy – Ready in 30 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights.
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Sweet, Spicy, and Creamy – The Bang Bang sauce is the star, balancing heat with just the right touch of sweetness.
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Customizable – Works with chicken thighs, chicken breasts, shrimp, or even tofu.
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Nutritious and Balanced – Served with rice and fresh veggies for a complete, filling meal.
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Meal Prep Friendly – Stores beautifully and makes delicious leftovers.
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Better than Takeout – Enjoy restaurant-style flavors at home, anytime.
Ingredient Breakdown
Here’s a closer look at what makes this Bang Bang Chicken Bowl so delicious:
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Chicken Thighs or Breasts – Thighs give a juicier result, while breasts keep it leaner. Both absorb the sauce beautifully.
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Rice – A hearty base that balances the bold flavors of the sauce. White, brown, or jasmine rice all work well.
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Mixed Vegetables – Bell peppers, broccoli, and carrots add crunch, color, and nutrients.
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Mayonnaise – Creates a rich, creamy base for the Bang Bang sauce.
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Sriracha – Brings the heat, with a chili-garlic flavor that complements the honey.
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Honey – Adds sweetness to balance out the spice and acidity.
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Lime Juice – Brightens the sauce with a zesty tang.
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Fresh Herbs (Cilantro or Green Onions) – Add a pop of freshness to finish the dish.
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Oil – Helps cook the chicken to golden perfection.
Pro Tips
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Use Chicken Thighs for Extra Juiciness – Breasts work too, but thighs stay more tender.
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Cook the Rice First – That way, the base is ready by the time the chicken is done.
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Don’t Overcook the Chicken – Keep the heat medium-high and cook just until golden and cooked through.
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Adjust Sauce Heat – Add more or less Sriracha depending on your spice preference.
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Toss Chicken in Sauce Just Before Serving – Keeps the coating glossy and flavorful.
Ingredient Swaps or Variations
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Swap the Protein – Try shrimp, salmon, or crispy tofu instead of chicken.
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Different Base – Serve over quinoa, noodles, or cauliflower rice for a low-carb option.
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Add Crunch – Top with toasted sesame seeds or chopped peanuts for texture.
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Make It Lighter – Use Greek yogurt in place of mayo for a tangy, lighter sauce.
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Add More Veggies – Include snap peas, zucchini, or edamame for variety.
Serving Suggestions
This Bang Bang Chicken Bowl is already a complete meal, but you can take it up a notch with these ideas:
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Serve with a side of steamed dumplings or egg rolls for a takeout-style feast.
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Pair with a crisp Asian slaw for extra crunch.
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Add a drizzle of extra lime juice right before serving for brightness.
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Serve family-style, with rice and toppings in separate bowls, so everyone can build their own.
Make Ahead + Storage Tips
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Meal Prep – Cook the chicken, rice, and vegetables separately. Store in containers and combine with sauce when ready to eat.
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Refrigerator Storage – Keep leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
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Freezing – Freeze cooked chicken and rice separately for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
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Reheating – Warm chicken and rice in the microwave or stovetop. Add a splash of water to the rice to keep it fluffy.
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Sauce Storage – Keep Bang Bang sauce in a jar in the fridge for up to a week. Stir well before using.
Cultural or Historical Notes
The famous “Bang Bang” sauce is thought to have originated as a fusion of Asian-inspired flavors with an American creamy base. Its name comes from its explosive combination of spicy, sweet, and tangy notes—like a flavor “bang” in your mouth. While many know it from Bang Bang Shrimp at restaurants like Bonefish Grill, this chicken version transforms the idea into a hearty, satisfying meal.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is Bang Bang Chicken spicy?
Yes, but you can control the heat by reducing the Sriracha. For a milder option, add more honey or mayo.
Can I make this gluten-free?
Absolutely. Just make sure your Sriracha and mayo are gluten-free, and serve with rice or quinoa.
Can I air-fry the chicken?
Yes! Toss chicken in a little oil and cook in the air fryer at 375°F (190°C) for 12–15 minutes, shaking halfway. Then toss in the sauce.
What’s the best rice to use?
Jasmine rice is fragrant and fluffy, but brown rice or even cauliflower rice works too.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes! This recipe scales easily to feed a crowd. Just make extra sauce to keep everything coated.
Bang Bang Chicken Bowl
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Prepare rice according to package instructions until fluffy. Set aside.
- Heat oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Cook diced chicken for 5–7 minutes until golden brown and cooked through.
- In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, Sriracha, honey, and lime juice until smooth to create the Bang Bang sauce.
- Add the cooked chicken to the sauce and toss until each piece is well coated.
- Assemble the bowls: place rice as the base, add mixed vegetables, and top with the saucy chicken mixture.
- Garnish with lime wedges and fresh herbs, if desired.