If you’re craving something fresh, flavorful, and downright addictive, you’re going to love this Bang Bang Chicken Bowl Recipe. It’s one of those dishes that feels indulgent but is surprisingly simple to make at home — perfect for busy weeknights or casual weekend meals. I absolutely love how this bowl balances crispy chicken, fresh veggies, and a spicy, creamy sauce that you’ll want to drizzle on everything. Stick around, and I’ll walk you through exactly how to nail this recipe every time!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Crispy + Creamy: The chicken gets perfectly crispy thanks to the cornstarch coating, while the spicy mayo ties everything together with creamy heat.
- Fresh & Balanced: You get a wonderful crunch from fresh veggies like lettuce and cucumber that brighten the bowl without overpowering it.
- Flexible Ingredients: You can easily swap chicken for shrimp or tofu, and use brown rice or quinoa to suit your preferences.
- Quick & Easy: Ready in just about 30 minutes, this recipe fits right into your busy schedule without sacrificing flavor.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Bang Bang Chicken Bowl Recipe is how straightforward the ingredients are, but when combined, they create a real flavor party. A good-quality jasmine rice base adds a subtle fragrance, while the homemade spicy mayo sauce steals the show. Here are the key ingredients and some of my favorite tips for each.
- Boneless skinless chicken breasts: Cutting chicken into bite-sized pieces helps it cook evenly and quickly. You can use chicken thighs if you want extra juiciness.
- Cornstarch: This is my secret weapon for crispy chicken without deep frying. It creates a light, crunchy crust.
- Spices (salt, black pepper, garlic powder, paprika): These add subtle depth. Adjust paprika for a smokier touch.
- Vegetable oil: Make sure the oil is hot before adding chicken — that’s key for a crispy finish.
- Cooked jasmine rice: I love jasmine for its aroma, but brown rice or quinoa are great healthier swaps.
- Shredded lettuce, diced cucumber, shredded carrots, green onions: These fresh toppings add crunch and balance the sauce’s richness.
- Sesame seeds (optional): Toast them lightly for extra nuttiness and a beautiful garnish.
- Mayonnaise: It’s the creamy base of the sauce. Greek yogurt can lighten it up.
- Sweet chili sauce: This adds sweetness and a little tang — don’t skip it!
- Sriracha: Adjust this to your heat preference. I usually start with a tablespoon and add more if I want more kick.
Variations
One of the things I adore about this Bang Bang Chicken Bowl Recipe is how versatile it is. Over time, I’ve tried different tweaks depending on what I have in the fridge or my mood — feel free to make it your own!
- Protein Swaps: I’ve made this with shrimp and tofu, both of which soak up the sauce beautifully. Shrimp cooks even faster, perfect for last-minute dinners.
- Rice Alternatives: Sometimes I use brown rice or mix in quinoa for extra texture and nutrients.
- Sauce Tweaks: For a lighter version, swap mayo for Greek yogurt — it’s tangy and cuts the richness while keeping that creamy texture.
- Extra Veggies: You can add edamame, sliced radishes, or bell peppers for more crunch and color.
How to Make Bang Bang Chicken Bowl Recipe
Step 1: Prep and Coat the Chicken
Start by cutting your chicken into bite-sized pieces — this helps them cook through quickly and evenly. In a large bowl, mix together the cornstarch, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. Toss the chicken pieces in this mixture until each piece is coated well. You’ll notice this forms a light powdery shell that’s going to crisp so nicely!
Step 2: Fry to Golden Perfection
Heat ¼ cup of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Here’s a little thing I learned: the oil needs to be hot — but not smoking — before you add the chicken, so it crisps instead of sogging. When hot, add the coated chicken in a single layer (don’t overcrowd the pan!). Cook for about 5 to 7 minutes, turning occasionally to get an all-around golden brown crust. Once done, transfer the chicken to a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.
Step 3: Whip Up the Bang Bang Sauce
While your chicken cooks, mix together mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, and sriracha in a small bowl until smooth. This sauce is the star of the show — creamy, spicy, and just sweet enough to make your taste buds sing. Adjust the sriracha to dial up or down the heat. I usually start with a tablespoon and then add a little more if I’m feeling brave!
Step 4: Assemble Your Bang Bang Chicken Bowl
Start with a generous scoop of warm jasmine rice in your bowl. I like to fluff the rice with a fork to keep it light. Top it with the crispy chicken pieces, then add shredded lettuce, diced cucumber, shredded carrots, and green onions for freshness and crunch. Drizzle your spicy mayo sauce over everything — don’t be shy here — then sprinkle with sesame seeds if you’re using them. Now, grab a fork and enjoy!
Pro Tips for Making Bang Bang Chicken Bowl Recipe
- Get That Oil Temperature Right: I use a wooden spoon test — if bubbles form steadily around the wood, the oil is ready for chicken.
- Don’t Crowd the Pan: Fry chicken in batches if necessary to keep pieces crispy and avoid steaming.
- Make Sauce Ahead: Mix the bang bang sauce in advance and store in the fridge — flavors deepen and it saves prep time.
- Use Fresh Veggies: I always chop veggies right before serving to keep them crisp and refreshing.
How to Serve Bang Bang Chicken Bowl Recipe

Garnishes
I love topping my Bang Bang Chicken Bowls with a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds and thinly sliced green onions — they add a nice visual contrast and extra flavor. Sometimes I throw on a handful of fresh cilantro or a squeeze of lime for a bright finish. These little touches elevate the whole experience!
Side Dishes
To round out the meal, I often serve this with simple sides like steamed edamame or an easy cucumber salad tossed with rice vinegar and a dash of sesame oil. A light miso soup also pairs nicely if you’re looking for a comforting touch.
Creative Ways to Present
For special occasions, I like to serve the ingredients separately — rice, chicken, veggies, and sauce on the side — letting everyone build their own bowls. Adding colorful bowls and chopsticks gives it a fun, interactive vibe that guests really enjoy.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I store leftover chicken, rice, and chopped veggies in airtight containers in the fridge. The chicken holds up well for up to 3 days, but I try to eat the veggies within 1-2 days for the best crunch and taste.
Freezing
Personally, I don’t freeze the cooked chicken for this recipe because the crispy texture changes. However, you can freeze uncooked coated chicken pieces and fry them fresh when you want. Leftover sauce freezes fine in small containers.
Reheating
When reheating leftovers, I prefer warming the chicken in a skillet over medium heat to revive some crispiness instead of microwaving, which can make it soggy. The rice reheats well in the microwave with a sprinkle of water to keep it moist.
FAQs
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Can I make this Bang Bang Chicken Bowl Recipe gluten-free?
Absolutely! To make this recipe gluten-free, just ensure your sweet chili sauce and sriracha are gluten-free brands, and swap out the cornstarch for tapioca starch or a certified gluten-free alternative. Jasmine rice is naturally gluten-free, so no worries there.
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What’s the best way to get the chicken extra crispy?
Coating the chicken pieces well in cornstarch and frying them in hot oil without overcrowding the pan is key. Hot oil creates an instant seal, locking in moisture while making the outside crispy. Also, avoid flipping too often—let each side brown nicely before turning.
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Can I prepare parts of this recipe in advance?
Yes! You can prepare the bang bang sauce up to 3 days ahead and refrigerate. Cooked rice can also be made earlier and reheated. For the freshest bowls, fry the chicken and chop the veggies just before serving.
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Is there a vegetarian or vegan version?
Definitely. Swap the chicken for firm tofu or tempeh and use vegan mayo to make the bang bang sauce. Baking or pan-frying tofu coated in the cornstarch-spice mix works beautifully.
Final Thoughts
I have to say, this Bang Bang Chicken Bowl Recipe quickly became a favorite in my kitchen — it hits all the right notes of crunchy, creamy, sweet, and spicy. What I love most is how easy it is to customize and the way it feels like a complete meal in a bowl. Whether you’re cooking for your family, meal-prepping for the week, or just treating yourself, I know you’ll enjoy every bite. Give it a try and let me know how it turns out — I’m betting it’s going to be a game changer for your dinner rotation!
Print
Bang Bang Chicken Bowl Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Asian Fusion
Description
A flavorful and vibrant Bang Bang Chicken Bowl featuring crispy pan-fried chicken coated in a spicy mayo sauce, served over a bed of jasmine rice with fresh veggies and a sprinkle of sesame seeds. Perfect for a quick and satisfying meal with customizable protein options like shrimp or tofu.
Ingredients
For the Chicken
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces (can substitute with shrimp or tofu for variations)
- 1/2 cup cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil for frying (ensure oil is hot enough before adding chicken)
For the Rice and Toppings
- 2 cups cooked jasmine rice (can substitute jasmine rice for brown rice or quinoa)
- 1 cup shredded lettuce
- 1 cup diced cucumber
- 1/2 cup shredded carrots
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions
- Sesame seeds to taste for garnish (optional)
For the Sauce
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise (can use non-fat mayonnaise or plain Greek yogurt)
- 2 tablespoons sweet chili sauce
- 1 tablespoon sriracha (adjust to taste)
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken Coating: In a large bowl, combine the cornstarch, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. Toss the chicken pieces in this mixture until they are thoroughly coated, ensuring each piece is evenly covered for crispy texture.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Make sure the oil is hot enough before adding chicken. Add the coated chicken pieces in a single layer and cook for 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through. Once done, remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside to drain excess oil.
- Prepare the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, and sriracha sauce until smooth. Adjust the sriracha amount to match your desired spice level, making the sauce creamy and spicy.
- Assemble the Bowl: Start by placing a base of cooked jasmine rice in your serving bowls. Top the rice with the crispy cooked chicken, then add shredded lettuce, diced cucumber, shredded carrots, and chopped green onions evenly over the top.
- Add Sauce and Garnish: Drizzle the spicy mayo sauce generously over all the ingredients in the bowl. Finally, sprinkle sesame seeds on top for a nutty crunch and visual appeal. Serve immediately while the chicken is hot and enjoy your flavorful Bang Bang Chicken Bowl.
Notes
- Store uneaten components in airtight containers in the refrigerator to maintain freshness.
- Cooked chicken lasts up to 3 days when refrigerated properly.
- Fresh vegetables are best consumed within 1-2 days for optimal texture and flavor.
- For a healthier alternative, use non-fat mayonnaise or plain Greek yogurt in the sauce.
- You can substitute jasmine rice with brown rice or quinoa to vary the grain base.
- Protein variations include using shrimp or tofu instead of chicken for different dietary preferences.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (approximately 1/4 recipe)
- Calories: 520 kcal
- Sugar: 7 g
- Sodium: 670 mg
- Fat: 25 g
- Saturated Fat: 4.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 48 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 32 g
- Cholesterol: 80 mg


