If you’re craving something crispy, creamy, spicy, and totally satisfying—all in one bowl—then the Bang Bang Chicken Bowl is about to become your new go-to. Packed with golden, crunchy chicken bites, fresh veggies, fluffy rice, and the iconic Bang Bang sauce, this dish isn’t just a feast for your taste buds—it’s also perfect for meal prep, quick lunches, and family dinners.
Discover great ideas like this one in our quick chicken dinners section: Easy Chicken Recipes at Masterly Recipes
What is a Bang Bang Chicken Bowl?
What Does “Bang Bang” Really Mean?
The term “bang bang” refers to the bold, spicy, and sweet flavor of the creamy sauce that coats the crispy chicken. Originally inspired by Asian-American fusion cuisine, it’s now a viral food trend across TikTok, Instagram, and modern kitchens.
Why It’s So Popular
Because it’s quick, customizable, and packs serious flavor. From the golden crust on the chicken to the zesty crunch of veggies, and the signature sauce—every bite hits hard (in the best way).
Why This Bang Bang Chicken Bowl is the Perfect Meal
Balanced in Flavor and Nutrition
This bowl combines lean protein (chicken breast), fiber-rich veggies, and hearty rice with a spicy, tangy, slightly sweet sauce that keeps things exciting.
Great for Meal Prep
Make a batch of chicken and sauce, prep your veggies, and you’ve got lunches ready for days. It’s easy to scale up for families or meal plans.
Bang Bang Chicken Bowl Ingredients
Here’s everything you’ll need to recreate this viral recipe at home:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Chicken breasts | 2, cut into bite-sized pieces |
| Cornstarch | 1/2 cup |
| Eggs | 2, beaten |
| Panko breadcrumbs | 1 cup |
| Olive oil | 2 tbsp (for cooking) |
| Cooked rice (white/brown/jasmine) | 3 cups |
| Shredded carrots | 1 cup |
| Cucumber, sliced | 1 cup |
| Lettuce or cabbage, shredded | 1 cup |
| Green onions, sliced | 2 |
| Fresh cilantro | For garnish |
For the Bang Bang Sauce:
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup sweet chili sauce
- 1 tbsp sriracha (add more for extra spice)
- 1 tbsp honey
How to Make Bang Bang Chicken Bowl
Step 1 – Prepare the Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, and honey until smooth. Set aside.
Step 2 – Bread the Chicken
Coat chicken pieces in cornstarch. Then, dip into the beaten eggs, followed by panko breadcrumbs until fully coated.
Step 3 – Cook the Chicken
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add chicken and cook for 6–8 minutes, turning to ensure all sides are golden and crispy. Remove and drain on paper towels.
Step 4 – Assemble the Bowl
Divide the cooked rice into bowls. Top with crispy chicken, shredded carrots, sliced cucumbers, lettuce or cabbage, and green onions.
Step 5 – Drizzle & Garnish
Generously spoon the bang bang sauce over the chicken and veggies. Garnish with fresh cilantro. Serve immediately.
Tips for Crispy, Perfect Chicken
Best Chicken Cuts
Boneless, skinless chicken breasts work best, but thighs can add more juiciness.
Coating Tips
Double-coating for extra crunch: dip once in cornstarch, egg, and panko—then repeat the egg and panko steps again.
Customization Ideas for Every Diet
Low-Carb or Keto
Swap the rice for cauliflower rice and use a sugar-free chili sauce.
Gluten-Free
Use gluten-free panko and tamari instead of regular soy sauce in the sauce (if needed).
Dairy-Free
Most mayonnaise is dairy-free—just check labels. This dish is naturally dairy-free if you skip yogurt-based garnishes.
How to Store and Reheat Bang Bang Chicken Bowl
Fridge
Store components separately in airtight containers for up to 4 days.
Reheat
Use an air fryer or oven for the chicken to keep it crispy. Reheat rice and veggies in the microwave and assemble fresh.
Flavor-Boosting Toppings to Try
| Topping | Flavor |
|---|---|
| Avocado slices | Creamy & rich |
| Pickled red onions | Tangy & sharp |
| Crushed peanuts | Nutty & crunchy |
| Jalapeños | Spicy kick |
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Soggy Chicken: Don’t overcrowd the skillet—cook in batches if needed.
- Over-saucing: Add sauce just before serving to keep the chicken crispy.
- Raw Veggies Only: Lightly pickle or season veggies if you prefer softer textures.
FAQs
1. What is Bang Bang Chicken made of?
Bang Bang Chicken is made of breaded, fried chicken pieces topped with a creamy spicy sauce, typically served with rice and vegetables.
2. Is Bang Bang Chicken Bowl spicy?
Yes, it has a mild to medium heat level depending on how much sriracha is added. You can adjust to taste.
3. Can I make Bang Bang Chicken in an air fryer?
Absolutely! Air fry at 400°F (200°C) for 15–18 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and crispy.
4. What’s a good substitute for sweet chili sauce?
You can use a mix of honey, sriracha, and a dash of vinegar if sweet chili sauce is unavailable.
5. Is Bang Bang Chicken Bowl gluten-free?
Not by default. But you can use gluten-free breadcrumbs and tamari to make it gluten-free.
6. How long does Bang Bang Chicken last in the fridge?
Up to 4 days if stored properly. Keep sauce and crispy chicken separate until serving.
Conclusion
The Bang Bang Chicken Bowl is more than just a trend—it’s a full-on flavor explosion that’s surprisingly easy to make at home. With crispy chicken, a spicy-sweet sauce, and all the textures your palate could dream of, it’s no wonder this dish is dominating weeknight dinners.
Looking for inspiration? Try our Quick & Healthy Bowls section for more delicious ideas.