If you are craving a dish that’s bursting with bold flavors, exciting textures, and a perfect balance of spicy and sweet, then you have to try this Bang Bang Chicken & Rice Bowl Recipe. This vibrant bowl brings together crispy, tender chicken pieces coated in a creamy, tangy bang bang sauce and nestled atop fluffy rice with fresh, crunchy veggies. It’s a meal that satisfies every craving at once and feels like a warm hug on a plate. Trust me, once you dig in, this recipe will quickly become one of your favorite weeknight go-tos for a reasoned-packed, satisfying dinner.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A large white bowl in the center holds raw light pink chicken pieces soaked in white milk, showing a smooth, wet texture. Around the bowl are small white bowls with different ingredients: one with a beige powdery substance, another with white flour, and another with a light creamy sauce. Fresh green lime wedges lie on the white marbled surface, adding a splash of bright green color. Few leaves of fresh green lettuce with red tips peek from the edge on the right side. The scene is set on a white marbled surface with subtle grey veins, showing a clean and simple cooking setup. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Although this Bang Bang Chicken & Rice Bowl Recipe may sound fancy, it relies on simple, straightforward ingredients that you might already have on hand. Each element has been carefully chosen to deliver just the right flavor, texture, and color to make this meal pop. From crispy chicken coating to creamy sauce and crisp veggies, every bite is a delightful experience.

Chicken breasts or boneless thighs: Cut into bite-sized pieces for quick cooking and perfect texture.
Buttermilk: Marinating the chicken in buttermilk keeps it juicy and tender.
Cornstarch and all-purpose flour: Create an irresistibly crispy coating.
Garlic powder and smoked paprika: Infuse the chicken with savory and smoky flavor notes.
Salt and pepper: Essential seasoning to bring out all flavors.
Vegetable oil: For frying the chicken until golden and crisp.
Mayonnaise: The creamy base of the distinctive bang bang sauce.
Sweet chili sauce and sriracha: Provide that addictive sweet heat the dish is known for.
Honey and rice vinegar: Add balanced sweetness and a hint of tang.
Cooked jasmine or brown rice: The hearty, comforting foundation of the bowl.
Shredded mixed greens: Add freshness and a pleasant crunch.
Cucumber and carrot: Thinly sliced and julienned for refreshing texture contrast.
Fresh cilantro and lime wedges: The final pops of brightness and herbal zest.

How to Make Bang Bang Chicken & Rice Bowl Recipe

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

Start by placing your bite-sized chicken pieces into a bowl and pouring over the buttermilk. This step is the secret to keeping each piece tender and juicy once cooked. Let the chicken soak for at least 15 minutes. This not only tenderizes the meat but also adds a gentle tang that makes the final bite even more delicious.

Step 2: Prepare the Coating

While the chicken marinates, mix the cornstarch, flour, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper together in a shallow bowl. This dry blend is what will create the irresistible crunch you’re after. The garlic and smoked paprika bring essential savory, slightly smoky depth, complementing the spicy sauce perfectly.

Step 3: Fry the Chicken

Heat about an inch of vegetable oil in a pan over medium-high heat until shimmering. One by one, dredge the marinated chicken pieces in your seasoned flour mixture, shaking off the excess to avoid clumps. Fry the chicken in batches for 3 to 4 minutes per side until it’s beautifully golden brown and cooked through. Don’t overcrowd the pan—this keeps the chicken extra crispy! Once done, transfer to paper towels or a wire rack to drain any excess oil.

Step 4: Make the Bang Bang Sauce

While the chicken fries, whisk together the mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, honey, and rice vinegar in a bowl. This sauce is what brings the bang bang magic to the dish—creamy, tangy, sweet, and spicy all wrapped up in one. Adjust the sriracha amount if you want to dial the heat up or down.

Step 5: Toss and Assemble

Right before serving, toss your crispy chicken pieces in the luscious bang bang sauce until thoroughly coated. To assemble your Bang Bang Chicken & Rice Bowl Recipe, start with a base of cooked jasmine or brown rice, then layer with shredded mixed greens, cucumber slices, and carrot ribbons. Top it all off with your flavorful chicken, a sprinkle of fresh cilantro, and a squeeze of lime for that bright finishing touch.

How to Serve Bang Bang Chicken & Rice Bowl Recipe

The dish is served on a white plate with three main layers: a base layer of fluffy white rice, topped with pieces of golden brown fried chicken coated in a creamy light sauce, garnished with fresh green herbs. On one side, there is a neat row of thin, round slices of bright green cucumber with dark green skin. Above the rice and chicken, bright orange carrot ribbons add a curled, textured layer, mixed with green leafy lettuce for a fresh touch. Two lime wedges are placed on the plate, one on the bottom left and another on the upper right near the lettuce. The white marbled surface underneath the plate has a beige checked cloth partially under it, and a silver fork with a wooden handle lies nearby. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

The garnishes elevate the dish by adding bursts of color and taste. Fresh cilantro offers a herbaceous note that complements the spicy sauce, while lime wedges bring a zesty brightness that cuts through the richness. If you want to add a bit of crunch, sprinkle some toasted sesame seeds or crushed peanuts on top.

Side Dishes

This bowl is hearty on its own, but for a more complete meal, pair it with simple sides like steamed edamame, pickled vegetables, or a light Asian slaw. These sides add complementary flavors and textures without competing with the main star.

Creative Ways to Present

To impress guests, serve the chicken and rice in individual bowls layered for visual appeal, showing off the vibrant veggies and glossy sauce. For a fun twist, wrap the chicken and veggies in lettuce leaves for a handheld version, or even top a salad of mixed greens with the bang bang chicken for a lower-carb alternative.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Place any leftover chicken and rice in an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep the bang bang sauce separate if possible to keep the chicken crispy for longer and toss it fresh when ready to eat again.

Freezing

This Bang Bang Chicken & Rice Bowl Recipe works well for freezing if you want to prep in advance. Freeze the cooked chicken and rice separately in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat the chicken on a baking sheet in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes to regain crispiness. Microwave the rice covered until warm, then assemble and drizzle with fresh bang bang sauce to enjoy that fresh, saucy goodness all over again.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs are actually a great choice for this recipe because they tend to stay juicier and more flavorful, especially after frying and tossing in the sauce.

Is there a vegetarian alternative for this Bang Bang Chicken & Rice Bowl Recipe?

Yes! You can swap the chicken for crispy tofu or cauliflower florets. Coat and fry them the same way, then toss in the bang bang sauce for a delicious vegetarian version.

How spicy is the bang bang sauce?

The sauce has a nice kick from sriracha balanced by sweetness from honey and sweet chili sauce. If you prefer milder flavors, simply reduce the sriracha or omit it altogether.

Can I prepare the sauce ahead of time?

Definitely. The bang bang sauce can be made up to 3 days in advance and stored in the fridge. Just give it a good stir before using to reincorporate any separated ingredients.

What type of rice works best?

Jasmine rice is perfect for its fragrant aroma and slightly sticky texture, but brown rice works well too if you prefer a nutty flavor and extra fiber. Both provide a comforting bed for the flavorful chicken and veggies.

Final Thoughts

This Bang Bang Chicken & Rice Bowl Recipe is one of those incredible dishes that combines ease, flavor, and satisfaction in a way that feels special every time you make it. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or sharing with family and friends, it’s sure to bring smiles and maybe even some happy dancing. I can’t recommend it enough—go ahead, give it a try, and get ready to add a new favorite to your recipe collection.