Bang Bang Chicken Bowls Recipe

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If you’re craving a meal that bursts with bold flavors and satisfying textures, the Bang Bang Chicken Bowls Recipe is your new best friend in the kitchen. This vibrant dish combines tender, crispy chicken coated in a tangy, spicy, and slightly sweet sauce with fresh, crunchy veggies and fluffy jasmine rice. Every bite is a delightful mix of creamy, crunchy, and savory sensations that feel both comforting and exciting. Perfect for weeknight dinners or meal prepping, this recipe brings a colorful, flavorful punch that your taste buds will adore.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The ingredients for this Bang Bang Chicken Bowls Recipe are simple yet incredibly important—you’ll find every element contributes a unique flavor, texture, or color that makes this dish shine. From the starchy coating on the chicken for that perfect crunch, to the fresh veggies adding crispness and brightness, everything plays a crucial role.

• 1/4 cup tapioca starch (or potato starch): Creates a crispy, light crust for the chicken without heaviness.
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Adds a savory depth to the chicken coating and veggies alike.
• 1/2 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors evenly throughout the dish.
• 1/2 teaspoon pepper: Provides a subtle kick and balances the spices.
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika: Gives the chicken coating a lovely rusty hue and a mild smoky flavor.
• 1 1/2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts (cubed, about 3 cups): The star protein that soaks up all the spicy sauce perfectly.
• 2 Tablespoons avocado oil: Ideal for frying the chicken and sautéing the veggies due to its high smoke point and mild flavor.
• 3 Tablespoons avocado mayo (divided): Adds creaminess and smooth texture to the signature Bang Bang sauce.
• 1/3 cup honey: Brings sweetness to balance out the spice and tang perfectly.
• 3 Tablespoons sweet chili sauce: Infuses the sauce with a familiar Southeast Asian flair full of sweet heat.
• 1-2 Tablespoons hot sauce: Customize the heat level of your sauce here; start with less and add more if you dare!
• 2 teaspoons minced garlic: Lends fresh sharpness that wakes up the sauce.
• 1/2 teaspoon salt: Ensures the sauce is perfectly seasoned.
• 1 Tablespoon avocado oil: For cooking the vegetables.
• 1 1/2 cups sliced carrots: Provides sweetness and crunch that contrasts beautifully with tender chicken.
• 2 cups sliced red cabbage: Adds vibrant color and a slight earthiness to the bowls.
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder: Sprinkled on veggies for extra flavor boost.
• 1/2 teaspoon salt: Enhances veggie natural sweetness.
• 1/4 teaspoon pepper: Light spice to complement the veggies.
• 2 cups cooked jasmine rice: The fragrant, fluffy base that soaks up all the sauce.
• 1 medium cucumber (sliced): Refreshing crunch that cools the palate between bites.
• Freshly squeezed lime juice (to taste): Adds a bright, zesty finish that lifts every layer.
• 1 medium green onion stalk (chopped, for garnish): Provides a fresh, mild onion flavor and color contrast.
• Black sesame seeds (optional, for garnish): Adds a subtle nutty crunch and visual appeal.

How to Make Bang Bang Chicken Bowls Recipe

Step 1: Combine Seasonings

Begin by mixing tapioca starch, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and paprika in a medium bowl—this blend is the secret to that irresistible crispy coating on the chicken. The combination colors the chicken beautifully while infusing it with savory, smoky notes.

Step 2: Coat the Chicken

Add the cubed chicken breasts to the seasoning mixture and toss thoroughly until every piece is well coated. This will give you that crunchy texture once cooked that’s essential for a perfect Bang Bang Chicken Bowls Recipe.

Step 3: Cook the Chicken

Heat avocado oil in a large non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. Add the coated chicken and let it pan-fry undisturbed for 5-8 minutes to get that golden crust. Flip and cook for another 5-8 minutes until chicken is cooked through and golden brown on all sides. Stir toward the end to break up any large pieces and ensure even cooking.

Step 4: Prepare the Sauce

While the chicken is cooking, whisk together the sauce ingredients in a large bowl with 1 tablespoon of mayo: honey, sweet chili sauce, hot sauce, minced garlic, and salt. Reserve about 1/4 cup of this sauce to mix later with the remaining mayo for an extra creamy drizzle. This tangy, spicy, and sweet sauce is what truly defines this Bang Bang Chicken Bowls Recipe.

Step 5: Drain and Coat Chicken

Transfer the cooked chicken to paper towels to drain any excess oil (optional but helps with texture). Then return the chicken to the large bowl with the sauce and toss until each piece is fully coated in that luscious, glossy Bang Bang sauce.

Step 6: Cook the Vegetables

Add more avocado oil to the skillet and bring it back to medium-high heat. Add sliced carrots first and cook for about 10 minutes until they begin to soften but still retain crunch. Then add the red cabbage along with garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Cook for another 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the cabbage softens slightly but remains vibrant and crunchy. This step adds layers of texture and color that make this bowl come alive.

Step 7: Prepare the Base

Meanwhile, warm the cooked jasmine rice and divide it along with fresh cucumber slices evenly into four serving bowls or meal prep containers. Drizzle freshly squeezed lime juice over each to brighten the whole bowl with zesty freshness.

Step 8: Make the Creamy Drizzle

Take the 1/4 cup of reserved sauce and whisk in the remaining 2 tablespoons of mayo until smooth and creamy. This final sauce elevates the dish with extra richness and visual flair when drizzled on top.

Step 9: Assemble the Bowls

Top the rice and cucumbers with the cooked veggies and sauced chicken. Garnish with chopped green onions and sprinkle with optional black sesame seeds for an extra pop. Drizzle the creamy sauce over everything and get ready to dive into your vibrant, flavorful Bang Bang Chicken Bowls Recipe!

How to Serve Bang Bang Chicken Bowls Recipe

Garnishes

Garnishes like chopped green onions and black sesame seeds bring fresh flavor, crunch, and wonderful contrast to the dish. The green onions add a mild bite and pop of bright green color, while the sesame seeds add a nutty texture that’s delightful with the creamy sauce.

Side Dishes

If you want to turn this into a bigger meal, light sides like steamed edamame, miso soup, or a simple cucumber salad complement the Bang Bang Chicken Bowls Recipe perfectly by adding refreshing or warming elements that don’t overpower the main flavors.

Creative Ways to Present

For parties or meal prep, serve these bowls layered in clear glass jars or wide bowls so the colorful layers of rice, veggies, and chicken are visible—this makes the dish as beautiful as it is delicious. Drizzle sauce just before serving to keep everything perfectly fresh and appetizing.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

This Bang Bang Chicken Bowls Recipe keeps wonderfully in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep the creamy sauce separate if possible to maintain its texture, and add it fresh when ready to eat.

Freezing

While the cooked chicken and rice freeze well individually, the fresh veggies lose their crispness when frozen, so it’s best to freeze only the chicken and rice. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat before assembling with fresh veggies for best results.

Reheating

Reheat chicken and rice gently in the microwave or on the stovetop until warmed through. Avoid overheating which can dry out the chicken. Add fresh cucumber and lime juice to bring back brightness, then drizzle on the prepared creamy sauce once heated.

FAQs

Can I use a different protein instead of chicken?

Absolutely! Shrimp, tofu, or even thinly sliced beef can work beautifully with the Bang Bang Chicken Bowls Recipe sauce. Just adjust cooking times accordingly to ensure they’re perfectly cooked and coated.

Is tapioca starch necessary? Can I use flour instead?

Tapioca starch gives that light, extra-crispy texture that makes this dish so special, but in a pinch, cornstarch or potato starch can be substituted. Regular flour will work but the texture will be slightly different and less crispy.

How spicy is the sauce? Can I make it milder?

The heat level depends on how much hot sauce you add. Start with just one tablespoon and add more gradually if you want more kick. The honey and sweet chili sauce help balance the spice nicely, so it’s easy to customize to your preference.

Can I make this recipe vegan?

Yes, swap chicken for firm tofu or tempeh and use vegan mayo to keep it plant-based. The sauce and veggies remain the same, delivering all the flavors you love in a vegan-friendly way.

What type of rice works best for this dish?

Jasmine rice is the classic choice because of its fragrant aroma and fluffy texture, but you could also use basmati, brown rice, or even cauliflower rice for a lower-carb option.

Final Thoughts

Trust me, once you dive into this Bang Bang Chicken Bowls Recipe, it’ll become one of your go-to dishes for busy weeknights or anytime you want a meal that’s bursting with flavor and texture. It’s easy to make, fun to eat, and absolutely delicious. Give it a try—I promise you’ll love every bite!

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