Bang Bang Chicken Bowls (Easy & Flavor-Packed Recipe)

Weeknights at our place often feel like a race between hunger and time. That’s when these Bang Bang Chicken Bowls save the day. They’re fast, full of bold flavor, and come together with fresh veggies and a creamy-sweet-spicy sauce that makes each bite downright joyful. I still remember the first time my husband took a bite and said, “Okay, this one’s going into the regular rotation.” You’ll see why!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These Bang Bang Chicken Bowls check all the boxes. They’re high in protein with a satisfying crunch and creamy sauce that feels like takeout—without the fuss.

They come together in under 45 minutes, making them ideal for busy evenings or lazy Sundays. The cleanup’s easy too, thanks to one-pan cooking for the chicken and veggies.

You can meal prep a batch ahead of time and still feel excited about lunch all week. Kids love the mild heat, and adults can crank it up with extra chili sauce. Total win.

Ingredients Overview

For the Chicken

• Chicken breasts: Boneless and skinless, cut into small cubes for quick, even cooking.
• Tapioca starch: Helps crisp the outside beautifully. Potato or cornstarch also work.
• Seasonings: Garlic powder, salt, pepper, and paprika add just enough flavor to the coating.
• Avocado oil: High-heat friendly and neutral in flavor. Olive oil also works fine.

For the Bang Bang Sauce

• Avocado mayo: Creamy base with a light feel. You’ll split this for the sauce and final drizzle.
• Honey and sweet chili sauce: Bring the perfect balance of sweetness and tang.
• Hot sauce: Customize the heat—start with 1 tablespoon and add more if you like a kick.
• Minced garlic and salt: For punch and depth.

For the Veggies

• Carrots and red cabbage: Bright, crunchy, and quick to cook.
• More avocado oil, garlic powder, salt, pepper: To keep the flavors simple but delicious.
• Optional add-ins: Bell peppers or snap peas work beautifully here too.

For the Bowls

• Jasmine rice: Fluffy and slightly fragrant. Swap with cauliflower rice or greens if needed.
• Cucumber: Cool and crisp, perfect for contrast.
• Lime juice, green onions, sesame seeds: For freshness, flair, and just a hint of crunch.

How to Make Bang Bang Chicken Bowls

Step 1 – Coat and Cook the Chicken

Start by tossing your chicken cubes with tapioca starch, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and paprika. Make sure each piece is well coated.

Heat your skillet over medium-high until hot, then add oil and the chicken. Let each side cook for 5 to 8 minutes until golden and cooked through. A hot pan makes all the difference for crispiness.

Once done, move the chicken to a paper towel if you’d like to drain some oil.

Step 2 – Make the Sauce

In a small bowl, stir together honey, sweet chili sauce, hot sauce, garlic, salt, and just 1 tablespoon of mayo. Save the other 2 tablespoons for later.

Pour most of this mixture over the chicken and toss to coat. Reserve about ¼ cup for the final drizzle.

Step 3 – Sauté the Veggies

In the same skillet, heat a little oil and sauté carrots for about 10 minutes. They should soften but still hold a bit of crunch.

Then stir in the cabbage and seasonings. Cook everything together for another 5–7 minutes. The colors should stay vibrant, and the texture just tender.

Step 4 – Assemble the Bowls

Warm your rice and scoop it into bowls. Add fresh cucumber slices and a squeeze of lime juice for brightness.

Whisk the reserved sauce with the remaining mayo, then drizzle it over everything once the chicken and veggies are nestled in. Top with green onions and sesame seeds if you’d like.

Tips for the Best Results

• Make sure your pan is hot before adding chicken. This gives you the best crispy texture.
• Taste your sauce before mixing—add more honey for sweetness or extra hot sauce for heat.
• Feel free to change up the veggies. Whatever’s in the fridge works just fine.
• Try cauliflower rice or leafy greens for a lighter base that’s still filling.

Storage & Meal Prep Notes

These bowls keep really well, making them perfect for lunches. Store each part in separate containers if possible.

The chicken stays fresh in the fridge for up to 4 days and freezes well for up to 3 months.

Reheat gently in the microwave, a skillet, or even the air fryer. Add a fresh drizzle of sauce and lime juice before serving.

What to Serve With Bang Bang Chicken Bowls

These Bang Bang Chicken Bowls are satisfying on their own, but they also pair well with fresh or cozy sides depending on the season.

They also pair well with egg rolls or even slow cooker honey garlic chicken for easy meal prep, especially when feeding a crowd.

For more cozy chicken ideas, try my cheesy garlic chicken wraps for a high-protein lunch or crock pot bourbon chicken for a sweet and savory twist.

Don’t forget to check out more recipes and cozy kitchen inspiration over on Pinterest too.

Bang Bang Chicken Bowls Recipe Card

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Related Recipes to Try

If you love these bold, saucy flavors, I think you’ll also enjoy:

• Slow cooker chicken enchilada casserole for a comforting family dinner
• Slow cooker honey garlic chicken for easy meal prep
• Crock pot bourbon chicken for a sweet and savory twist

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