If you have been searching for a vibrant, flavorful, and downright addictive meal that comes together with ease, you are going to love this Bang Bang Chicken Bowls Recipe. Bursting with a perfect balance of sweet, spicy, and tangy notes, each bowl is a colorful celebration of tender chicken, crisp veggies, and luscious sauce delivered over fluffy jasmine rice. It’s the kind of dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate and is sure to become one of your go-to recipes for busy weeknights or casual gatherings. Getting all those elements to work together might seem complex, but this Bang Bang Chicken Bowls Recipe shows you just how simple and rewarding it can be.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows a clear glass bowl filled with small, cooked white meat pieces covered in a thick, creamy light brown sauce with visible seasoning and spices. A white spoon with a gray handle is in the bowl, scooping some of the meat and sauce. The bowl is placed on a white marbled surface. There is a woman's hand holding the bowl from the edge. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

This recipe calls for straightforward ingredients that each bring something special to the Bang Bang Chicken Bowls Recipe: vibrant textures, mouthwatering flavors, and visual appeal. From the crispy chicken cubes coated with tapioca starch to the crunchy vegetables and creamy sauce, every item plays a role in creating a harmonious and delightful meal.

1/4 cup tapioca starch (or potato starch): This creates that crispy golden crust on the chicken that is absolutely irresistible.
1 teaspoon garlic powder: Adds a savory depth to the chicken coating and veggies.
1/2 teaspoon salt: Essential to balance the flavors throughout the dish.
1/2 teaspoon pepper: Offers a subtle kick to the seasoning blend.
1/2 teaspoon paprika: Brings a mild smokiness and warmth to the chicken.
1 1/2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts (cubed): The star protein that soaks up all the sauce while keeping tender.
2 Tablespoons avocado oil: Perfect for frying chicken and sautéing veggies thanks to its high smoke point.
3 Tablespoons avocado mayo (divided): Adds creamy richness in the sauce, balancing the heat with smoothness.
1/3 cup honey: Sweetness in the sauce that makes the Bang Bang flavor pop.
3 Tablespoons sweet chili sauce: Combines sweet heat that gives the signature zip to the dish.
1-2 Tablespoons hot sauce: Adjust this to your preferred spice level for the perfect kick.
2 teaspoons minced garlic: Gives that fresh garlicky punch in the sauce.
1/2 teaspoon salt: Ensures the sauce is well seasoned.
1 Tablespoon avocado oil: For sautéing the veggies to tender perfection.
1 1/2 cups sliced carrots: Adds crunch and a bit of sweetness.
2 cups sliced red cabbage: Offers color and a satisfying crisp texture.
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder: Enhances the flavor of the sautéed veggies.
1/2 teaspoon salt: Brings out the natural flavors of the vegetables.
1/4 teaspoon pepper: Adds subtle warmth to the veggies.
2 cups cooked jasmine rice: The fragrant, fluffy base for the bowls.
1 medium cucumber (sliced): Fresh and cooling contrast to the spicy chicken.
Freshly squeezed lime juice (to taste): Brightens up the entire bowl with a zesty finish.
1 medium green onion stalk (chopped, for garnish): Adds a mild onion flavor and vibrant color.
Black sesame seeds (optional, for garnish): Provide a subtle nuttiness and eye-catching appearance.

How to Make Bang Bang Chicken Bowls Recipe

Step 1: Combine Seasonings and Coat Chicken

Start by mixing the tapioca starch, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and paprika in a medium bowl. This flavorful coating will give your chicken that crispy texture that makes the dish so satisfying. Toss the cubed chicken breasts in this mixture until every piece is fully coated and ready for the pan.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken

Heat avocado oil in a large non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. Add the coated chicken pieces and let them cook undisturbed for 5-8 minutes, allowing a golden crust to form. Flip the pieces and cook an additional 5-8 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked and crispy on the outside. Stir gently to break the chicken into bite-sized pieces after cooking.

Step 3: Mix the Bang Bang Sauce

While the chicken is frying, whisk together the sauce in a large bowl using 1 tablespoon of avocado mayo, honey, sweet chili sauce, hot sauce, minced garlic, and salt. Remember to set aside about 1/4 cup of this sauce to blend with the remaining mayo later for drizzling.

Step 4: Toss Chicken in Sauce

Once the chicken is done, drain excess oil on paper towels if desired. Transfer the chicken to the bowl of Bang Bang sauce and toss gently until each piece is thoroughly coated in that sticky, spicy, sweet mixture that makes this dish pop.

Step 5: Sauté the Vegetables

Add a splash more avocado oil to the skillet and heat over medium-high heat. Add sliced carrots first and cook for about 10 minutes. Then add red cabbage along with garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Stir occasionally and cook for another 5-7 minutes until the vegetables are tender but still crisp and vibrant.

Step 6: Prepare the Rice and Fresh Toppings

While your veggies are cooking, warm your jasmine rice and divide it evenly among four bowls. Top with fresh cucumber slices and add a generous squeeze of lime juice to brighten every bite.

Step 7: Final Assembly of Bang Bang Chicken Bowls Recipe

Mix the saved 1/4 cup sauce with the remaining 2 tablespoons of avocado mayo. Drizzle this creamy sauce over the bowls as a finishing touch. Evenly divide the saucy chicken and sautéed veggies over the rice and cucumber. Sprinkle chopped green onions and optional black sesame seeds for added flavor, crunch, and color. Now grab your fork and dig into your delicious Bang Bang Chicken Bowls Recipe!

How to Serve Bang Bang Chicken Bowls Recipe

Garnishes

Add fresh chopped green onions for a burst of mild onion flavor and a pop of green that brightens the entire bowl. Black sesame seeds are optional but great for adding a slight nutty taste and pretty contrast to the colors. A wedge of lime on the side lets everyone adjust the acidity to their liking.

Side Dishes

While this bowl stands wonderfully alone, pairing it with a simple Asian-inspired cucumber salad or a light miso soup can enhance your meal. For a refreshing touch, a side of pickled radishes or kimchi complements the flavors beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve this Bang Bang Chicken Bowls Recipe in vibrant, deep bowls to showcase all the colors and textures stacked perfectly. For entertaining, try assembling the ingredients buffet-style so guests can customize their own bowls. You can also use lettuce cups in place of rice for a low-carb variation that’s just as tasty!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftovers of the Bang Bang Chicken Bowls Recipe keep really well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep the sauce separate if possible to avoid sogginess, and add it just before serving for maximum freshness.

Freezing

If you want to freeze this dish, it’s best to freeze the chicken and sauce separately from the veggies and rice. This prevents texture changes when thawed. Store each component in freezer-safe containers and consume within 1 month for best quality.

Reheating

Reheat chicken and sauce gently in a skillet over medium heat to keep it juicy and delicious. Warm the vegetables separately to maintain their crunch. Microwave the rice briefly or steam it to revive fluffiness. Combine everything just before serving.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs work great in this Bang Bang Chicken Bowls Recipe and tend to stay juicy and flavorful. Just adjust cooking time slightly to ensure they are cooked through.

How spicy is the Bang Bang sauce?

The heat level is customizable since you add your own amount of hot sauce. Start with 1 tablespoon if you prefer mild spice or 2 tablespoons (or more) for something bolder.

Can I make this dish vegetarian or vegan?

Yes! Substitute cubed firm tofu or cauliflower florets for chicken and use vegan mayo for the sauce. The flavors remain just as vibrant and satisfying.

What type of rice works best with this recipe?

Jasmine rice is ideal for its fragrant aroma and fluffy texture, complementing the bold flavors perfectly. Basmati or brown rice are fine alternatives if you prefer.

Is tapioca starch necessary?

Tapioca starch helps create that crisp outer layer on the chicken. Potato starch can be used as a substitute; if neither is available, cornstarch will work though the texture might differ slightly.

Final Thoughts

This Bang Bang Chicken Bowls Recipe is a joyful mix of textures and flavors that will quickly become a family favorite. It’s perfect for those evenings when you want something comforting yet exciting, and its colorful presentation means it’s as pleasing to the eyes as it is to your taste buds. Give it a try and watch how this simple dish turns into your new signature meal, ready to impress everyone around your table!