Craving something bold, vibrant, and absolutely irresistible for dinner? The Bang Bang Chicken Bowl is a delightful explosion of sweet, spicy, and savory flavors all nestled together in a bowl packed with color and freshness. It brings together juicy, perfectly seasoned chicken tossed in a creamy, zesty Bang Bang sauce, layered over warm rice, crunchy cabbage, crisp veggies, and topped with creamy avocado. This is the kind of bowl you’ll want to dig into for both cozy weeknights and showy get-togethers, and every single bite is downright craveable!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Crave-Worthy Sauce: The homemade Bang Bang sauce brings a perfect balance of creamy, sweet, and spicy that will keep you reaching for that next bite.
Vibrant and Fresh: Every bowl is bursting with crunchy veggies and creamy avocado for a rainbow of textures and flavors.
Quick and Easy: Thanks to the air fryer, the chicken cooks up juicy and golden in just minutes, making this a weeknight win.
Completely Customizable: It’s so easy to adapt the Bang Bang Chicken Bowl to suit your tastes, dietary needs, or whatever you have in the fridge.

Ingredients You’ll Need

With just a handful of pantry staples and fresh produce, you’ll be amazed at the big flavor packed into each Bang Bang Chicken Bowl. Every ingredient serves a purpose, whether it’s the craveable creaminess of the sauce, the satisfying crunch of veggies, or the fluffy base of warm rice.

Mayonnaise: The creamy base for your legendary Bang Bang sauce, giving it that luscious texture.
Thai Sweet Chili Sauce: Brings both sweetness and gentle heat, making every spoonful of sauce completely addicting.
Honey: Adds an extra layer of mellow sweetness that perfectly balances the spicy notes.
Sriracha: For adjustable, zingy heat—start small and make it your own if you love spice!
Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: Tender, juicy, and perfect for soaking up all the bold flavors of the marinade and sauce.
Vegetable Oil: Helps the chicken crisp up to golden perfection in the air fryer.
Paprika: Adds lovely color and a subtle smoky undertone to the chicken.
Garlic Powder: Infuses savory depth right into every morsel of chicken.
Kosher Salt and Black Pepper: Simple, classic seasoning that brings out the best in every bite.
Prepared White Rice: Soaks up all the flavor, providing a hearty, fluffy foundation for your bowl.
Red Cabbage: Offers a gorgeous pop of color and crunch, making each forkful extra satisfying.
Carrot: Julienne strips bring natural sweetness and vibrancy to every bowl.
Cucumber: Sliced thinly for cool, crisp contrast against the saucy chicken.
Avocado: Creamy, dreamy, and always a welcome finishing touch for extra richness.
Fresh Cilantro: Lifts the whole dish with a punch of herbal freshness and color.
Sesame Seeds: Adds a nutty finish and a touch of character to each Bang Bang Chicken Bowl.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

One of the joys of the Bang Bang Chicken Bowl is how simple it is to tweak based on what you love or have handy. Don’t be afraid to get creative—this bowl is truly your canvas!

Protein Swap: Switch out the chicken for crispy tofu, shrimp, or even roasted chickpeas for a plant-based or pescatarian twist.
Grain Alternatives: Opt for brown rice, quinoa, or cauliflower rice to keep it lighter or gluten-free.
Extra Veggies: Add bell peppers, edamame, or even pineapple for new flavors and textures.
Lighter Sauce: Use Greek yogurt in place of some or all of the mayonnaise to make the sauce tangier and lighter.

How to Make Bang Bang Chicken Bowl

Step 1: Make the Bang Bang Sauce

Start by whipping up the star of the show—the Bang Bang sauce! In a bowl, simply whisk together mayonnaise, Thai sweet chili sauce, a drizzle of honey, and as much Sriracha as your heart desires. It should become smooth, creamy, and irresistibly pinkish-orange with flecks of chili goodness. Give it a taste and adjust the spice or sweetness to hit that perfect balance.

Step 2: Season and Marinate the Chicken

In a large bowl, add the veggie oil, paprika, garlic powder, kosher salt, and black pepper, and whisk to combine. Toss your cubed chicken pieces in the mixture until each piece is evenly coated and glistening with seasoning. This quick marinade gives the chicken tons of flavor in such a short time. Let it sit while you preheat your air fryer for super efficient multi-tasking!

Step 3: Air Fry the Chicken

Arrange the marinated chicken cubes in a single layer in your air fryer basket for the best crispy results. Depending on your air fryer’s size, you may need to cook in batches, but trust me—it’s worth it for the perfection that awaits. Air fry at 400°F for 11–12 minutes, making sure to flip halfway so every piece gets golden and juicy. The chicken is done once it’s beautifully browned and registers 165°F at the thickest part.

Step 4: Toss Chicken with Bang Bang Sauce

Once your chicken is cooked, transfer it to a large bowl and pour over half a cup of that legendary Bang Bang sauce. Toss everything together until every morsel is luxuriously coated and glistening in its spicy-sweet glaze. This is the magic moment when your kitchen starts to smell out-of-this-world delicious. Set aside the remaining sauce for drizzling at the end—it’ll take the bowl over the top!

Step 5: Assemble the Bang Bang Chicken Bowl

Set out four medium-sized bowls and layer each with fluffy white rice as the base. Top with a generous handful of thinly sliced red cabbage, some carrot strips, and crisp cucumber for layers of color and crunch. Add the saucy chicken in equal portions, then fan out creamy avocado slices for that dreamy richness. Now, drizzle with the rest of your Bang Bang sauce, sprinkle on cilantro and sesame seeds, and watch the bowls come to life!

Pro Tips for Making Bang Bang Chicken Bowl

Sauce Sensation: Let the prepared Bang Bang sauce rest for 10-15 minutes before using so the flavors meld together for an even creamier, more harmonious punch.
Crispy Chicken Trick: Pat your chicken pieces dry before tossing with seasoning to guarantee a crispier coating in the air fryer.
Veggie Prep Shortcut: Slice veggies ahead of time and keep them wrapped in damp paper towels in the fridge so all your toppings stay fresh and snappy.
Custom Spice Level: Add extra Sriracha to the sauce or drizzle directly over your assembled bowl for that perfect kick tailored to you.

How to Serve Bang Bang Chicken Bowl

Bang Bang Chicken Bowl Recipe - Recipe Image

Garnishes

No Bang Bang Chicken Bowl is truly complete without a flourish of fresh garnishes. Sprinkle chopped cilantro and sesame seeds on top for a hit of color, nuttiness, and herbal brightness that finishes the bowl beautifully. A final drizzle of Bang Bang sauce really makes each bite pop with flavor and brings all the elements together. If you’re feeling snazzy, add some thinly sliced green onions or a wedge of lime for a zesty twist.

Side Dishes

This bowl has everything you crave, but you can pair it with light, fresh sides for a little extra flair. Think simple edamame, a crisp Asian cucumber salad, or lightly dressed spring greens. Steamed dumplings or miso soup round out the meal for those who want a truly satisfying spread. Honestly, the Bang Bang Chicken Bowl loves a little company on the dinner table!

Creative Ways to Present

Make dinner feel special by arranging all the toppings in cute little piles, then tossing together at the table for a fun, interactive meal. Or serve family-style with all the goodies piled high on a platter so everyone can build their own bowl just how they like it. Mini Bang Bang Chicken Bowls in smaller dishes make a knockout option for parties or meal prep, too. However you serve it, the vibrant colors and textures will be sure to impress!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Bang Bang Chicken Bowl components are easy to store and keep well for a couple of days. Pack the chicken and rice together in an airtight container, and keep your veggies, avocado, and garnishes separate to maintain their crisp texture. The sauce can be kept in its own jar or bowl in the fridge. When hunger strikes, everything’s ready for bowl assembly in a snap!

Freezing

You can absolutely freeze the cooked chicken and rice portions for up to two months—just be sure to cool them before sealing in freezer-safe bags or containers. It’s best not to freeze the fresh veggies or sauce, as their texture will suffer upon thawing. If you meal prep, portion the chicken and rice first, then add the veggies and sauce fresh each time. That way, your Bang Bang Chicken Bowl is just as tasty as the day you made it!

Reheating

To reheat, simply microwave the chicken and rice together until hot, about 1–2 minutes, or warm gently on the stovetop. Add a splash of water to keep the rice fluffy and prevent the chicken from drying out. Once warmed, top with your fresh veggies, avocado, and that dreamy Bang Bang sauce. The flavors come right back to life for a lunch or dinner that seriously rivals day one!

FAQs

Final Thoughts

The Bang Bang Chicken Bowl is more than just a meal—it’s a festival of flavors, colors, and textures in every forkful. It’s fun to make, a joy to eat, and guaranteed to brighten up your dinner routine. I wholeheartedly hope you give this one a try, because delicious memories are waiting in every single bite. Grab your favorite bowl and get ready for something truly wonderful!