If you love meals that come together quickly but deliver a whirlwind of flavor and freshness, then you are going to adore this Irresistibly Easy Bang Bang Chicken Bowl with Fresh Veggies Recipe. Picture tender, spicy chicken coated in a creamy, tangy sauce paired with crisp veggies and fluffy rice—each bite bursting with textures and bright, balanced flavors. It’s an absolute weeknight hero that never fails to impress and satisfies cravings for something both comforting and vibrant.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Preparing this Irresistibly Easy Bang Bang Chicken Bowl with Fresh Veggies Recipe is a breeze thanks to a straightforward selection of ingredients that each bring something unique to the table. From creamy mayo to crunchy fresh veggies, every component plays a delicious role in making this bowl a standout.
- Mayonnaise: Adds creaminess and richness to the bang bang sauce.
- Thai Sweet Chili Sauce: Brings sweetness and a gentle tang for balanced flavor.
- Honey: Offers natural sweetness that mellows the spice.
- Sriracha: Packs a punch of heat essential for that signature bang bang zing.
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts: The star protein, tender and easy to cook evenly in bite-sized cubes.
- Vegetable oil: For coating the chicken, helping seasonings stick and promoting even cooking.
- Paprika: Adds smoky depth and vibrant color to the chicken.
- Garlic powder: Infuses savory undertones for complexity.
- Kosher salt: Enhances all the natural flavors effortlessly.
- Black pepper: Provides subtle heat and earthiness.
- White rice: The comforting, fluffy base that carries all the delicious toppings.
- Red cabbage: Offers crunch and a pop of color that awakens the palate.
- Carrot: Adds natural sweetness and vibrant orange hues.
- Cucumber: Brings refreshing crispness to balance the richness.
- Avocado: Provides buttery softness that pairs beautifully with the spicy chicken.
- Fresh cilantro: Adds a bright, herbaceous note to finish the dish.
- Sesame seeds: Sprinkle on top for extra texture and a subtle nutty flavor.
How to Make Irresistibly Easy Bang Bang Chicken Bowl with Fresh Veggies Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Bang Bang Sauce
Start by whisking together mayonnaise, Thai sweet chili sauce, honey, and Sriracha in a medium bowl until perfectly smooth. This luscious sauce is the soul of the dish—offering a creamy, sweet-spicy coating that makes every bite irresistible.
Step 2: Season the Chicken
Next, toss your cubed chicken with vegetable oil, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper until every piece is evenly seasoned. This simple rub builds layers of flavor and ensures the chicken will be juicy and flavorful after cooking.
Step 3: Cook the Chicken
You can air fry the chicken by placing it in a single layer in the basket and cooking at 400°F for 11-12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until it reaches 165°F internally. If you prefer, cook the seasoned chicken in a hot skillet with oil over medium-high heat for 8-10 minutes, turning occasionally until golden brown and fully cooked.
Step 4: Toss Chicken in Sauce
Once the chicken is cooked through, remove it from heat, pour in about half a cup of your freshly made bang bang sauce, and toss gently to coat every succulent piece in that flavorful glaze. This step transforms the chicken from tasty to simply irresistible.
Step 5: Assemble the Bowls
Divide warm white rice into four bowls as the foundation. Add a colorful layer of thinly sliced red cabbage, julienned carrots, and crisp cucumber slices on top. Then, crown each bowl with the saucy bang bang chicken.
Step 6: Add Fresh Finishing Touches
Top off your bowl with thin avocado slices, a sprinkle of chopped cilantro, a drizzle of any remaining sauce, and a scattering of sesame seeds for that extra pop of flavor and texture. Serve immediately for the best experience!
How to Serve Irresistibly Easy Bang Bang Chicken Bowl with Fresh Veggies Recipe
Garnishes
Adding fresh cilantro and sesame seeds at the end is a simple but powerful way to elevate this dish. The bright herbaceous zing of cilantro perfectly offsets the creamy-spicy chicken, while sesame seeds provide a delightful crunch. You can also add thinly sliced green onions or a squeeze of lime for an extra layer of freshness.
Side Dishes
This bowl packs plenty of veggies and carbs, but if you want to round out the meal, a light cucumber salad or a crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette would pair beautifully. For a heartier option, crispy egg rolls or steamed edamame are fabulous complements.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve your bang bang chicken bowl in colorful ceramic bowls to really make the vibrant ingredients pop. For a casual gathering, consider building a bang bang chicken bar where everyone can customize their bowl with extra toppings like pickled radishes, jalapeños, or crunchy fried shallots. It’s a personalized touch that delights guests every time.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover bang bang chicken bowls can be refrigerated in airtight containers for up to 3 days. Keep the sauce separate if you want to maintain freshness of the veggies and rice, then toss everything together just before serving.
Freezing
The cooked chicken coated in bang bang sauce freezes well for up to 2 months. Store in freezer-safe containers or bags, and defrost overnight in the fridge before reheating. However, fresh veggies are best added after thawing to keep their crispness.
Reheating
Reheat the chicken gently in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave until warmed through. Avoid overheating to keep the sauce creamy and avoid drying out the chicken. Warm the rice separately, then reassemble your bowls with fresh veggies and avocado slices for the best texture.
FAQs
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Absolutely! Just be sure to use a gluten-free Thai sweet chili sauce and confirm that your Sriracha and other condiments are gluten-free. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free, making this dish easy to adapt.
Is it possible to use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes! Chicken thighs are a fantastic substitute if you prefer a juicier, more flavorful cut. Adjust the cooking time slightly, as thighs may take a bit longer to reach 165°F internal temperature.
Can I prepare the sauce ahead of time?
You sure can. The bang bang sauce can be made a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator. Just give it a good stir before using to recombine any separated ingredients.
What other vegetables work well in this chicken bowl?
Feel free to swap or add veggies like snap peas, bell peppers, or radishes depending on what’s fresh and what you like. This Irresistibly Easy Bang Bang Chicken Bowl with Fresh Veggies Recipe is wonderfully versatile and forgiving.
How spicy is this dish?
The balance of sweetness from the honey and Thai sauce helps soften the heat from the Sriracha, so it’s typically moderately spicy. You can always adjust the amount of Sriracha up or down to suit your heat preference.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about the Irresistibly Easy Bang Bang Chicken Bowl with Fresh Veggies Recipe that makes it feel like a little celebration in every bite. It brings bright colors, fiery flavors, and creamy delights to your plate without any fuss. Whether you’re feeding family or impressing friends, this bowl has all the right ingredients to become a beloved go-to in your kitchen. Give it a try—I promise it will quickly become one of your favorite meals!
Print
Irresistibly Easy Bang Bang Chicken Bowl with Fresh Veggies Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American with Asian Influence
Description
This Irresistibly Easy Bang Bang Chicken Bowl combines crispy, flavorful chicken coated in a creamy, spicy Bang Bang sauce with fresh veggies and warm rice for a deliciously balanced meal. Ready in under 40 minutes, this versatile recipe can be made with an air fryer or skillet, making it perfect for quick weeknight dinners packed with bold flavors and vibrant textures.
Ingredients
Bang Bang Sauce
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- ¼ cup Thai Sweet Chili Sauce
- 2 tbsp honey
- 2 tbsp Sriracha
Chicken
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp kosher salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
Other Ingredients
- 4 cups white rice, cooked and warmed
- 2 cups red cabbage, thinly sliced
- 1 large carrot, julienned
- 1 medium cucumber, halved and sliced
- 1 large avocado, thinly sliced
- ¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 2 tbsp sesame seeds
Instructions
- Make the Bang Bang Sauce: In a medium bowl, combine mayonnaise, Thai sweet chili sauce, honey, and Sriracha. Whisk thoroughly until smooth, then set aside to allow flavors to meld.
- Prepare the Chicken: Toss the cubed chicken in vegetable oil, paprika, garlic powder, kosher salt, and black pepper until every piece is evenly coated for maximum flavor.
- Cook the Chicken (Air Fryer Option): Arrange chicken in a single layer in the air fryer basket, working in batches if needed. Air fry at 400°F for 11–12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F and chicken is cooked through.
- Alternatively, Cook the Chicken (Skillet Option): Heat vegetable oil in a large non-stick skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add the seasoned chicken and cook for 8–10 minutes, turning halfway until golden brown and fully cooked with an internal temperature of 165°F.
- Coat Chicken in Sauce: Remove the cooked chicken from heat (or air fryer) and pour in ½ cup of the prepared Bang Bang sauce. Toss to thoroughly coat each piece in the flavorful sauce.
- Assemble the Bowls: Divide the warmed rice evenly among 4 bowls (about 1 cup per bowl). Top each with ½ cup thinly sliced red cabbage, ¼ cup julienned carrots, and ¼ cup cucumber slices for freshness and crunch.
- Add Chicken and Toppings: Place equal portions of the sauced Bang Bang chicken atop the veggies and rice. Add thin slices of avocado to each bowl, sprinkle with chopped cilantro, drizzle with any remaining Bang Bang sauce, and finish with a scattering of sesame seeds.
- Serve Immediately: Enjoy your vibrant, delicious Bang Bang Chicken Bowls fresh for the best taste and texture.
Notes
- You can substitute chicken thighs if preferred; adjust cooking time accordingly.
- The sauce can be made ahead and refrigerated for up to 3 days to save time.
- For a low-carb option, swap white rice with cauliflower rice or quinoa.
- If you don’t have an air fryer, the skillet method yields equally delicious results.
- Adjust Sriracha quantity in the sauce to tailor the spiciness to your preference.
