What is Bang Bang chicken made of?

Bang Bang chicken is typically made of bite-sized chicken breast pieces that are breaded or seasoned, cooked until golden (often air-fried or pan-seared), and tossed in a creamy, spicy-sweet sauce. The sauce usually includes mayonnaise, Thai sweet chili sauce, honey, and Sriracha. The combo delivers bold flavor with a balance of heat and sweetness, making it perfect for bowls like this one.

What is a bang bang bowl?

A bang bang bowl is a layered dish featuring bang bang chicken served over a base like rice or greens, and topped with fresh vegetables. The sauce ties everything together, offering creamy heat that complements the cool crunch of cabbage, carrots, cucumbers, and avocado. It’s both filling and fresh, and easily customizable for meal prep or dinner.

What vegetables go with bang bang chicken?

Crunchy and refreshing vegetables pair best with bang bang chicken. Popular options include red cabbage, shredded carrots, cucumbers, and avocado. You can also try radishes, bell peppers, or even a handful of baby spinach for added color and nutrients. These veggies provide balance and texture against the richness of the sauce, much like in the Sweet Chili Chicken Bowl .

What makes a dish bang bang?

It’s all about the sauce. A "bang bang" dish gets its name from the punchy sauce that blends creamy, sweet, and spicy elements. The combo of mayo, sweet chili sauce, and hot sauce gives it a flavor that’s bold but approachable. When used to coat proteins like chicken or shrimp, it creates a crave-worthy dish that’s as exciting as it is satisfying.

Is bang bang chicken spicy?

It has a gentle kick, but it’s not overwhelmingly spicy. The Sriracha in the bang bang sauce gives it heat, but the mayonnaise and honey help tone it down. You can easily adjust the spiciness by increasing or reducing the Sriracha. If you're heat-sensitive, start with less and build up to your liking. Want it milder? Use a bit of plain Greek yogurt in place of some mayo.

Chicken Bang Bang Bowl An Easy Recipe With Bold Flavor

Description

This high-protein Chicken Bang Bang Bowl combines crispy air-fried chicken with a creamy, spicy sauce, served over warm rice with crunchy vegetables and avocado. It’s quick, customizable, and ideal for meal prep or dinner.

Ingredients

Bang Bang Sauce

1 ¼ cups mayonnaise

⅔ cup Thai sweet chili sauce

2 tablespoons honey

2 teaspoons Sriracha, or more to taste

Chicken

2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes

1 tablespoon vegetable oil

1 teaspoon paprika

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon kosher salt

½ teaspoon black pepper

Bowl Assembly

4 cups prepared white rice

2 cups thinly sliced red cabbage

1 large carrot, julienned

1 medium cucumber, halved and sliced

1 large avocado, thinly sliced

Fresh cilantro, chopped

Sesame seeds

Instructions

1. Add mayonnaise, Thai sweet chili sauce, honey, and Sriracha to a bowl. Stir to combine.

2. In a large bowl, mix oil, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Add cubed chicken and toss to coat.

3. Place chicken in a single layer in the air fryer. Cook at 400°F for 11–12 minutes, flipping halfway.

4. Transfer cooked chicken to a bowl and toss with ½ cup of bang bang sauce.

5. In each bowl, layer 1 cup of rice, ½ cup cabbage, ¼ cup carrots, and ¼ cup cucumbers.

6. Top with sauced chicken and sliced avocado.

7. Garnish with remaining sauce, cilantro, and sesame seeds.

Notes

Adjust spice by increasing or decreasing Sriracha.

Swap rice for quinoa or cauliflower rice for variation.

Meal prep tip: store sauce and toppings separately for freshness.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 bowl
Calories: 630
Sugar: 11g
Sodium: 980mg
Fat: 32g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Unsaturated Fat: 20g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 45g
Fiber: 5g
Protein: 44g
Cholesterol: 120mg