Spicy Bang Bang Chicken Bowl Recipe

If you’re craving something that’s bursting with flavor but still super easy to whip up, you’re going to adore this Spicy Bang Bang Chicken Bowl Recipe. It’s one of those meals that checks all the boxes: spicy, creamy, crunchy, and totally satisfying. Plus, it doesn’t demand a lot of fuss, which is perfect for weeknights or whenever you want something that feels special without hours in the kitchen.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Flavor Explosion: The combo of spicy, sweet, and creamy sauce with crispy chicken is absolutely irresistible.
  • Easy to Customize: You can swap chicken with shrimp or tofu, or change the veggies to suit whatever you have on hand.
  • Quick and Simple: Ready in just about 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy nights or last-minute meals.
  • Family-Friendly: My family goes crazy for this dish – it’s spicy but balanced, and the bowl format makes it fun to eat.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients come together beautifully to create layers of texture and flavor. Fresh veggies give crunch, the chicken is crisp and perfectly seasoned, and the sauce ties everything together with that addictive spicy sweetness.

Flat lay of a small mound of uncooked boneless skinless chicken breasts cut into bite-sized pieces, a small white bowl filled with fine cornstarch powder, a small white bowl with coarse pink salt, a small white bowl containing fresh ground black pepper, a small white bowl with garlic powder, a small white bowl holding bright red paprika powder, a small white bowl filled with golden vegetable oil, a simple heap of fluffy cooked jasmine rice, a small pile of crisp shredded green lettuce, a neat pile of diced fresh cucumber, a small bunch of vibrant shredded orange carrots, chopped fresh green onions arranged in a small white bowl, a sprinkling of raw sesame seeds displayed on a white dish, and a small white bowl containing a creamy pale orange sauce made of mayonnaise mixed with sweet chili sauce and sriracha—all ingredients fresh and natural, perfectly arranged with balanced symmetry, placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997 - Spicy Bang Bang Chicken Bowl, spicy chicken bowl, easy Asian chicken recipes, quick dinner ideas, flavorful healthy meals
  • Boneless skinless chicken breasts: I like to cut them into bite-sized pieces for quick cooking and easy eating.
  • Cornstarch: This gives the chicken a crispy coating without deep-frying.
  • Salt and black pepper: Basic seasoning to enhance every bite.
  • Garlic powder: Adds a subtle depth of flavor without overpowering.
  • Paprika: A touch of smoky color and warmth.
  • Vegetable oil: For frying – make sure it’s hot before adding the chicken to avoid sogginess.
  • Cooked jasmine rice: The fluffy base that complements the spicy chicken perfectly.
  • Shredded lettuce: Adds fresh crunch and lightness to the bowl.
  • Diced cucumber: Provides a cool contrast to the spicy sauce.
  • Shredded carrots: Slight sweetness and bright color.
  • Chopped green onions: For a mild onion flavor and a pop of green.
  • Sesame seeds: Optional garnish that adds nuttiness and texture.
  • Mayonnaise: The creamy base of the sauce – you can use regular or lighter versions.
  • Sweet chili sauce: Brings in the sweet and slightly tangy kick.
  • Sriracha: Adds the heat – you can adjust this depending on how much spice you like.
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

I love sharing this dish with friends, and it’s always fun to tweak the ingredients based on what you have or dietary preferences. Feel free to make this recipe your own!

  • Shrimp Bowl: Swap chicken for shrimp for a lighter, seafood twist—my family loves this version in the summer.
  • Tofu Option: Use firm tofu for a vegetarian or vegan-friendly bowl. Just toss the tofu in the cornstarch mix and fry until crispy.
  • Grain Swap: Brown rice or quinoa works great if you’re looking for a heartier or gluten-free base.
  • Veggie Add-ins: Feel free to add edamame, bell peppers, or avocado to boost color and texture.

How to Make Spicy Bang Bang Chicken Bowl Recipe

Step 1: Coat the Chicken for Maximum Crispiness

Start by mixing the cornstarch, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika in a big bowl. This simple blend adds both flavor and that crispy texture I love. Toss your bite-sized chicken pieces into this mixture until every piece is nicely coated. This step might seem basic, but it’s what transforms the chicken from ordinary to irresistibly crispy!

Step 2: Fry the Chicken Just Right

Heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat — here’s a trick I discovered: drop one piece of chicken in first, and if it sizzles immediately, your oil is hot enough. Add the chicken pieces in a single layer, so they don’t steam each other. Cook for about 5 to 7 minutes, flipping occasionally, until they’re golden brown and cooked through. When they’re done, set them aside on a paper towel to drain excess oil.

Step 3: Whip Up the Bang Bang Sauce

While the chicken is cooking, mix the mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, and sriracha in a small bowl. This sauce is the heart of the dish—creamy with just the right kick. Adjust the sriracha based on your heat preference; I like mine spicy, but if you’re serving kids, tone it down a bit.

Step 4: Build Your Bowl

Now for the fun part: assembly! Spoon a generous helping of jasmine rice into each bowl. Layer on the crispy chicken, then top with shredded lettuce, diced cucumber, shredded carrots, and chopped green onions. Drizzle the spicy bang bang sauce over the top, sprinkle on some sesame seeds if you want, and get ready to dive in.

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Pro Tips for Making Spicy Bang Bang Chicken Bowl Recipe

  • Hot Oil Check: Test your oil temperature by adding a small piece of chicken first; it should sizzle instantly to ensure crispiness.
  • Sauce Balance: Mix the sauce well and taste before adding sriracha—sometimes sweet chili sauce is sweet enough on its own.
  • Veggie Prep: Chop veggies just before serving to keep them fresh and crunchy.
  • Avoid Overcrowding: Fry the chicken in batches if needed so pieces don’t steam and lose their crispness.

How to Serve Spicy Bang Bang Chicken Bowl Recipe

This dish shows a bowl with three main layers. The bottom layer is white rice, covering the whole base. On top of this is a layer of small, golden-brown crispy pieces coated with a bright orange sauce. The sauce drips lightly over the crispy pieces, which are sprinkled with black and white sesame seeds and bits of green onion. Around one side of the bowl, there are neatly placed thin slices of bright orange carrots and green cucumber. The bowl is white and sits on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Spicy Bang Bang Chicken Bowl, spicy chicken bowl, easy Asian chicken recipes, quick dinner ideas, flavorful healthy meals

Garnishes

I usually garnish with sesame seeds because they add a subtle nuttiness and a little crunch that’s just delightful. Sometimes I toss on a few chopped fresh cilantro leaves or a squeeze of lime juice for brightness—it really wakes up the flavors. Thinly sliced red chili flakes are my go-to if I want to turn up the heat even more.

Side Dishes

I love pairing this bowl with simple sides like steamed edamame or a quick cucumber salad dressed lightly with rice vinegar and sesame oil. If I want to make it a more substantial meal, some crispy spring rolls or potstickers on the side make the whole table a party.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist at dinner parties, I sometimes set up a “build your own bowl” station with all the toppings and sauce options laid out buffet-style—everyone loves customizing. Using colorful bowls and fresh herbs sprinkled on top gives it that vibrant, restaurant-style look that always impresses.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover chicken and veggies separately in airtight containers to keep their textures fresh. The chicken keeps well for up to 3 days, but the veggies are best eaten within a day or two so they don’t get soggy or limp.

Freezing

I’ve frozen the cooked chicken (without the sauce or veggies) successfully — just cool it completely first, then pack it in freezer-safe bags. When you want to eat it later, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently. The texture stays surprisingly good, making it a great make-ahead option.

Reheating

For the best texture, I reheat the chicken in a skillet over medium heat to keep it crispy rather than using a microwave, which can make it soggy. The sauce is best added fresh before serving to keep that creamy, spicy punch.

FAQs

  1. Can I make the Spicy Bang Bang Chicken Bowl Recipe gluten-free?

    Absolutely! Simply swap the cornstarch for a gluten-free alternative like potato starch or rice flour, and ensure your sweet chili sauce and sriracha don’t contain gluten. This way, you’ll keep the texture crispy and the flavors authentic.

  2. How spicy is the Spicy Bang Bang Chicken Bowl Recipe?

    The heat can be adjusted easily by the amount of sriracha you add. I usually add about a tablespoon for a nice kick that’s not overwhelming, but you can reduce it or omit it entirely for a milder version.

  3. Can I prepare parts of this recipe ahead of time?

    Yes! You can prep the sauce and chop veggies in advance. Cook and store the chicken separately, too. Assemble the bowls right before serving to keep everything fresh and crunchy.

  4. What’s a good substitute for mayonnaise in the sauce?

    If you prefer a lighter or dairy-based option, plain Greek yogurt works wonderfully and gives a nice tangy twist without losing creaminess.

Final Thoughts

I absolutely love how this Spicy Bang Bang Chicken Bowl Recipe turns out every time—it’s become one of my go-to meals when I want something tasty but not complicated. When I first tried making it, I was surprised at how simple ingredients could come together into something so vibrant and satisfying. I’m confident you’ll enjoy the balance of spicy sauce, crispy chicken, and fresh veggies as much as my family does. Give it a try soon and make it your own—the bowls are perfect for mixing and matching flavors, and I promise it’ll be a meal you keep coming back to.

Print
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Spicy Bang Bang Chicken Bowl Recipe

Spicy Bang Bang Chicken Bowl Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.8 from 125 reviews
  • Author: Hannah
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Frying
  • Cuisine: Asian Fusion

Description

A flavorful and vibrant Bang Bang Chicken Bowl featuring crispy fried chicken coated in a spicy mayo sauce, served over jasmine rice with fresh vegetables and garnished with sesame seeds. Perfect for a quick and satisfying meal with options to customize the protein.


Ingredients

Scale

For the Chicken

  • 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces (can substitute with shrimp or tofu)
  • 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

  1. Prepare the Chicken: In a large bowl, combine cornstarch, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. Toss the chicken pieces in the mixture until well coated, ensuring each piece is evenly covered.
  2. Fry the Chicken: Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the coated chicken pieces in a single layer. Cook for 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is golden brown and fully cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
  3. Make the Sauce: In a small bowl, mix together mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, and sriracha until smooth. Taste the sauce and adjust the sriracha to your desired spice level.
  4. Assemble the Bowls: Start by placing a base of jasmine rice at the bottom of each bowl. Top with the cooked chicken, shredded lettuce, diced cucumber, shredded carrots, and chopped green onions evenly distributed.
  5. Add Final Touches: Drizzle the prepared spicy mayo sauce generously over the top of each bowl. Garnish with sesame seeds if desired. Serve the bowls immediately for the best texture and flavor.

Notes

  • Store uneaten components in airtight containers in the fridge separately. Chicken lasts up to 3 days; vegetables are best consumed within 1-2 days to maintain freshness.
  • For a healthier variation, substitute mayonnaise with plain Greek yogurt and use baked or air-fried chicken instead of frying.
  • Can easily be made gluten-free by ensuring the cornstarch and sauces used are gluten-free.
  • Adjust spiciness by varying the amount of sriracha in the sauce.
  • Substitute jasmine rice with brown rice or quinoa to suit dietary preferences.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 bowl (approximately 1/4 recipe)
  • Calories: 520
  • Sugar: 6 g
  • Sodium: 710 mg
  • Fat: 27 g
  • Saturated Fat: 4.5 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 20 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 45 g
  • Fiber: 3 g
  • Protein: 32 g
  • Cholesterol: 85 mg

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