There’s something magical about that first bite, the crispy chicken, the creamy-spicy sauce, the crunch of fresh veggies all nestled in a steamy bed of rice. This Bang Bang Chicken Bowl isn’t just delicious, it’s a full-on flavor party in every bite.
I still remember the first time I made a version of this for my little ones on a wild Tuesday evening. The kitchen smelled like comfort, and the sauce? Oh, the sauce had my kids licking the spoon! It reminded me of how my grandmother always had a sauce that pulled everything together, simple, cozy, and a little bold. This bowl quickly became one of our go-to meals. It’s easy, beautiful on the plate, and it makes a perfect meal prep for busy weeks.
Why You’ll Love This Bang Bang Chicken Bowl
- Quick and Easy – On the table in under 30 minutes, ideal for hectic weeknights.
- Meal-Prep Friendly – These chicken bowls store beautifully for lunch all week.
- Healthier Than Takeout – Loaded with lean protein and fresh veggies.
- Family Approved – Even picky eaters love that sweet-heat bang bang sauce.
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this cozy, craveable Bang Bang Chicken Bowl:
- 1 lb chicken breast, boneless and skinless, diced into bite-sized chunks
- ½ cup plain Greek yogurt – for a creamy, protein-packed sauce base
- ¼ cup mayonnaise – adds smoothness
- 2 tablespoons sweet chili sauce – the star of the bang bang flavor
- 1 tablespoon sriracha – or to taste, for heat
- 1 tablespoon honey – balances the spice with a little sweetness
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder – adds depth
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika – optional, for warmth
- Salt & pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil, for pan-searing
- 2 cups cooked jasmine or brown rice – or use cauliflower rice for low-carb
- 1 cup shredded red cabbage – adds crunch and color
- 1 large carrot, julienned or shredded
- 1 cucumber, sliced thin
- Fresh cilantro or green onions, for topping
- Sesame seeds, for garnish (optional)
🌱 Want to keep it vegetarian? You can swap chicken for crispy tofu or chickpeas!
How to Make Bang Bang Chicken Bowls
1. Prep the Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together Greek yogurt, mayo, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, honey, garlic powder, and paprika. Taste and adjust heat or sweetness. Set aside, this creamy, spicy sauce is the heart of the bowl.
2. Cook the Chicken
Warm olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season chicken with salt and pepper, then sear until golden and cooked through, about 6–8 minutes. Toss with half the bang bang sauce until coated and glossy.
💡 Tip: For extra crispy edges, don’t overcrowd the pan, cook in batches if needed!
3. Assemble the Bowls
Scoop warm rice into bowls. Top with saucy chicken, shredded cabbage, carrots, and cucumber slices. Drizzle with remaining sauce, sprinkle with sesame seeds and fresh herbs.
4. Serve and Savor
Serve warm or chill for meal prep! These bowls are just as good the next day, maybe even better.
Love comfort food with a kick? Check out my Spicy Southern Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti Casserole recipe or go creamy with the crowd-favorite Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta recipe, both are perfect cozy companions to this bang bang bowl!
How to Serve Your Bang Bang Chicken Bowl for Maximum Flavor
This Bang Bang Chicken Bowl is delicious on its own, but here are a few simple ways to turn it into a full meal:
- Pair it with a side of steamed edamame or crunchy Asian slaw
- Add a soft-boiled egg for extra protein and creaminess
- Swap rice for quinoa or cauliflower rice to keep it low-carb and even more of a healthy rice bowl
- Serve cold for a refreshing chicken bowl meal prep idea, it’s just as tasty straight from the fridge!
Easy Bang Bang Chicken Bowl Variations to Try
Want to make it your own? Here are a few simple twists to try:
- Spicy Bang Bang Chicken Bowl: Add extra sriracha or a dash of chili flakes
- Vegetarian Bang Bang Bowl: Use crispy tofu or roasted chickpeas instead of chicken
- Low-Carb Option: Use cauliflower rice and swap honey with monk fruit or maple syrup
- Asian-Inspired: Add sliced avocado, edamame, and a splash of soy sauce or rice vinegar
- Keto-Friendly Chicken Bowl: Use full-fat Greek yogurt, skip the rice, and load up on greens and veggies
Meal Prep Tips: How to Store & Reheat Bang Bang Chicken Bowl
Store your chicken bowl meal prep bowls in airtight containers for up to 4 days in the fridge.
Reheat chicken and rice in the microwave with a splash of water or broth to keep it moist. Add fresh veggies and sauce after warming for the best texture.
Pro Tips for the Best Bang Bang Chicken
- Don’t skip the sauce, it’s what gives this chicken bowl recipe that signature bold, creamy flavor
- Use pre-shredded veggies for faster prep (yes, Pinterest-worthy bowls can still be easy!)
- Let the chicken rest for a few minutes after cooking before slicing, it stays juicier
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overcrowding the pan, this leads to steamed chicken instead of crispy bites
- Skipping the taste test, balance the sweet, spicy, and tangy elements of your sauce
- Assembling too early, keep sauce and veggies separate until serving if meal prepping
This Bang Bang Chicken Bowl is cozy, colorful, and full of flavor, just the kind of recipe I love sharing here on the blog.
It checks all the boxes: quick, family-friendly, and oh-so-pretty in a bowl. It’s one of those meals that brings everyone to the table, just like my grandmother’s Sunday dishes did.
📌 Pin this recipe for later, your future self (and your hungry family) will thank you!
Bang Bang Chicken Bowl Recipe 2025
A quick and healthy rice bowl recipe featuring crispy chicken, colorful vegetables, and a creamy sweet-and-spicy bang bang sauce.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Whisk together bang bang sauce ingredients.
- Sear seasoned chicken in olive oil until golden and cooked through.
- Toss chicken with half the sauce.
- Layer rice, veggies, and chicken in bowls.
- Drizzle with remaining sauce and garnish. Serve warm or chilled.
Nutrition Facts
Servings 4
Serving Size 1 bowl
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 480kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 18g28%
- Saturated Fat 4g20%
- Cholesterol 85mg29%
- Total Carbohydrate 42g15%
- Dietary Fiber 4g16%
- Sugars 9g
- Protein 35g70%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Note
Substitute brown rice or cauliflower rice to make it lower-carb.
Sauce can be made in advance and stored for up to 5 days.
Use tofu or shrimp instead of chicken for easy swaps.
For extra crunch, top with chopped peanuts or crispy wonton strips.
Store leftovers in separate containers for best texture.
