When dinner needs to be fast, satisfying, and packed with bold flavor, the Bang Bang Chicken Bowl delivers every single time. Crispy chicken bites coated in a creamy, sweet-heat bang bang sauce and served over fluffy rice create a dinner bowl that feels indulgent yet incredibly easy to make at home.

Inspired by the popular bang bang sauce found in Asian-American fusion cuisine, this dish balances sweetness, spice, and richness in a way that keeps you coming back for more. It’s a perfect choice for busy weeknights, meal prep lunches, or even casual entertaining when you want something comforting but exciting.

Unlike deep-fried restaurant versions, this easy chicken bowl recipe can be pan-fried or air-fried, giving you flexibility without sacrificing texture or flavor.

What Is Bang Bang Chicken?

Bang Bang Chicken is known for its signature sauce—a creamy blend of mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, and heat from sriracha. The name comes from the bold, punchy flavor that hits all taste buds at once. When paired with crispy chicken and rice, it becomes a complete, satisfying meal.

Ingredients

For the Chicken:

1 lb chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
½ cup cornstarch
½ tsp garlic powder
½ tsp salt
¼ tsp black pepper
2 tbsp oil (for frying)

For the Bang Bang Sauce:

½ cup mayonnaise
¼ cup sweet chili sauce
1–2 tbsp sriracha (to taste)
1 tbsp honey or sugar

For the Bowls:

3 cups cooked white or jasmine rice
Green onions, sliced
Sesame seeds (optional)

Instructions

Prepare the Chicken:
In a bowl, toss chicken with cornstarch, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until evenly coated.
Cook the Chicken:
Heat oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Cook chicken in batches until golden brown and crispy, about 3–4 minutes per side. Remove and set aside.
Make the Sauce:
In a separate bowl, whisk mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, and honey until smooth.
Coat the Chicken:
Toss warm chicken pieces with bang bang sauce until fully coated.
Assemble the Bowls:
Divide rice into bowls, top with sauced chicken, and garnish with green onions and sesame seeds.
Serve:
Serve immediately while hot and creamy.

Tips for the Best Bang Bang Chicken Bowl

Extra Crispy Chicken: Don’t overcrowd the pan.
Adjust the Heat: Add more or less sriracha to control spice.
Meal Prep Friendly: Store sauce separately for best texture.
Air Fryer Option: Cook chicken at 400°F for 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway.

Variations

Healthier Bowl: Use brown rice or cauliflower rice.
Shrimp Version: Swap chicken for shrimp.
Veggie Bowl: Use crispy tofu or cauliflower.
Low-Carb: Skip rice and serve over shredded lettuce.

Serving Suggestions

Pair this spicy chicken bowl with steamed broccoli, cucumber salad, or edamame for a balanced meal. It also works beautifully as a lunch bowl for busy workdays.

Storage & Reheating

Store leftovers in airtight containers for up to 3 days.
Reheat chicken and rice separately for best results.
Sauce may thicken when chilled—stir before serving.

Final Thoughts

The Bang Bang Chicken Bowl is proof that weeknight dinners don’t have to be boring. Creamy, spicy, and incredibly satisfying, this quick dinner bowl brings restaurant-style flavor straight to your kitchen with minimal effort.