If you’re craving a dish that bursts with flavor and packs a punch of spice while still feeling fresh and wholesome, you are going to love the Bang Bang Chicken Bowl: A Spicy & Satisfying Recipe. This vibrant bowl combines tender, marinated chicken with crisp veggies, creamy avocado, and a tangy, spicy sauce that ties everything together perfectly. It’s a fuss-free, colorful meal that hits every craving spot — sweet, spicy, savory, and crunchy — all in one bowl. Whether you’re cooking for a busy weeknight dinner or impressing friends at a casual lunch, this recipe delivers bold satisfaction and wholesome goodness with every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in the Bang Bang Chicken Bowl: A Spicy & Satisfying Recipe has its role, creating layers of flavor and texture that make this dish so irresistible. From the juicy chicken and vibrant veggies to the zesty marinade and sauce, these simple components come together beautifully without any fuss.
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts (1.5 lbs): Tender and lean, perfect for quick cooking and soaking up the marinade.
- Olive oil (1 tbsp): Adds a smooth, healthy fat that helps sauté the chicken.
- Soy sauce (1 tbsp): Brings a savory umami depth and saltiness to the marinade.
- Honey (1 tbsp): Balances the savory and spicy notes with a touch of sweetness.
- Sesame oil (1 tsp): Adds a toasty, aromatic finish to the chicken and sauce.
- Grated ginger (1 tsp): Adds a refreshing zing and subtle warmth.
- Garlic, minced (1 clove): Delivers a punch of classic savory flavor.
- Red pepper flakes (1/2 tsp): Brings the heat — adjust this to your preferred spice level.
- Rice vinegar (1/4 cup): Lifts the dish with bright acidity in the sauce.
- Cooked jasmine rice (2 cups): The perfect fragrant, fluffy base for the bowl.
- Shredded carrots (1 cup): Adds sweet crunch and vibrant color.
- Shredded red cabbage (1 cup): Crunchy texture and beautiful purple hues.
- Chopped cucumber (1 cup): Cool and crisp contrast to the spicy chicken.
- Chopped green onions (1/2 cup): Fresh onion bite that perks up the bowl.
- Chopped cilantro (1/2 cup): Herbal brightness for a fresh finish.
- Diced avocado (1): Creamy richness that balances the spice.
- Sesame seeds (optional): Sprinkle for an extra nutty crunch.
- Sriracha (optional): For those who want to dial up the heat even more.
How to Make Bang Bang Chicken Bowl: A Spicy & Satisfying Recipe
Step 1: Prepare and Marinate the Chicken
Begin by slicing your chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces to ensure quick, even cooking and great sauce coverage. In a medium bowl, whisk together olive oil, soy sauce, honey, sesame oil, grated ginger, minced garlic, and red pepper flakes for that signature bang bang flavor. Toss the chicken pieces into this marinade and let it soak in all those vibrant spices for a minimum of 15 minutes, or up to an hour if you have time. This step is crucial for locking in bright and spicy flavors that will make your chicken sing.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
Heat a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat and add the marinated chicken, cooking in batches if your pan isn’t big enough. Stir occasionally to achieve an even browning and caramelization, which adds a lovely depth of flavor. The chicken should be cooked through and golden in about 6 to 8 minutes. Once done, set the chicken aside on a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil. This step keeps your chicken juicy but not soggy, ensuring the perfect texture.
Step 3: Whisk the Bang Bang Sauce
Using a small bowl, combine rice vinegar, 2 tablespoons of the leftover chicken marinade, and an optional pinch of red pepper flakes for an extra kick. Taste and adjust sweetness or saltiness by adding a touch more honey or soy sauce if needed. This tangy, spicy sauce is what elevates the dish, giving that signature bang bang excitement. It’s simple but packs a full-flavored punch.
Step 4: Assemble the Bang Bang Chicken Bowl: A Spicy & Satisfying Recipe
Now for the fun part: assembling your bowl! Divide the fragrant jasmine rice evenly into four bowls as your base. Top the rice with the beautifully cooked chicken, then pile on the fresh shredded carrots, cabbage, cucumber, green onions, and cilantro. Nestle diced avocado on top for a creamy, cooling balance to the spicy chicken. Finally, drizzle generously with the homemade bang bang sauce and finish with a sprinkle of sesame seeds and a dab of sriracha if you like it hot. The combination of colors and textures here makes this bowl almost too good to eat.
How to Serve Bang Bang Chicken Bowl: A Spicy & Satisfying Recipe
Garnishes
Garnishes take your Bang Bang Chicken Bowl from delicious to dazzling. A shower of sesame seeds lends a subtle nutty crunch, while a drizzle of sriracha lets each eater customize their heat level. Fresh cilantro adds a pop of green brightness, and thinly sliced green onions provide a sharp finish that cuts through the richness.
Side Dishes
While this bowl is a complete meal on its own, pairing it with light, crunchy sides like a cucumber salad or pickled vegetables complements its bold flavors excellently. If you’re feeling indulgent, a side of crispy spring rolls or steamed dumplings can round out the meal for a more festive occasion.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving the Bang Bang Chicken Bowl family-style in large platters so everyone can customize their bowl. You can also wrap the ingredients in lettuce leaves for a fresh, handheld twist or transform it into a wrap by using large tortillas or pita bread. For a meal prep idea, pack the ingredients separately and combine just before eating to keep textures crisp and fresh.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, store the cooked chicken, rice, and veggies separately in airtight containers to preserve freshness and texture. Keep the bang bang sauce in its own jar or container to prevent sogginess. Properly stored, the components can last in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Freezing
This recipe is best enjoyed fresh, but you can freeze the cooked chicken separately in freezer-safe bags for up to 2 months. Avoid freezing the fresh vegetables and avocado since they lose texture and flavor when frozen. When ready to eat, thaw the chicken overnight in the fridge and reheat gently.
Reheating
Gently reheat the chicken in a skillet over medium heat to bring back its juicy char without drying it out. Warm the rice in the microwave or on the stove with a splash of water to keep it fluffy. Add fresh veggies and avocado after reheating to keep their crunch and creaminess intact.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs offer more fat and juiciness, which can make the dish even more flavorful. Just adjust cooking time slightly to ensure they’re cooked through.
How spicy is the Bang Bang Chicken Bowl: A Spicy & Satisfying Recipe?
The spice level is moderate thanks to red pepper flakes and optional sriracha, but you can easily customize it by adding more or less chili to suit your palate.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Definitely! Substitute the chicken with tofu or tempeh marinated with the same sauce and pan-fried until crispy. The rest of the fresh ingredients and sauce remain the same!
Is jasmine rice the only rice that works here?
Jasmine rice is preferred for its fragrance and texture, but you can also use basmati, brown rice, or even cauliflower rice for a low-carb option.
What’s the best way to store leftovers to keep the avocado fresh?
Keep the avocado separate and only add it when serving. To prevent browning, toss the avocado with a little lemon or lime juice before storing.
Final Thoughts
I cannot recommend the Bang Bang Chicken Bowl: A Spicy & Satisfying Recipe enough for anyone looking to add a little excitement to their dinner routine. It’s a celebration of flavors, textures, and colors all in one bowl, easy to make, and perfect for sharing or meal prepping. Give it a try and get ready to fall in love with a new staple for your kitchen that’s as delightful as it is delicious!
Print
Bang Bang Chicken Bowl: A Spicy & Satisfying Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Asian Fusion
Description
This Bang Bang Chicken Bowl is a spicy, flavorful, and satisfying meal perfect for a quick weeknight dinner. It features tender, marinated chicken cooked in a skillet and served over jasmine rice, topped with fresh shredded vegetables, avocado, and a tangy, spicy Bang Bang sauce. Garnished with sesame seeds and Sriracha for an extra kick, this bowl combines Asian-inspired flavors and vibrant textures in a single dish.
Ingredients
Chicken and Marinade
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced into bite-sized pieces
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp honey
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- 1 tsp grated ginger
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (or more, to taste)
Bang Bang Sauce
- 1/4 cup rice vinegar
- 2 tablespoons leftover chicken marinade
- Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)
- Honey or soy sauce to taste (optional)
Bowl Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked jasmine rice
- 1 cup shredded carrots
- 1 cup shredded red cabbage
- 1 cup chopped cucumber
- 1/2 cup chopped green onions
- 1/2 cup chopped cilantro
- 1 avocado, diced
- Sesame seeds, for garnish (optional)
- Sriracha, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Slice Chicken: Prepare the chicken breasts by slicing them into bite-sized pieces to ensure quick and even cooking.
- Make Marinade: In a medium bowl, whisk together olive oil, soy sauce, honey, sesame oil, grated ginger, minced garlic, and red pepper flakes to create a flavorful marinade.
- Marinate Chicken: Add the sliced chicken to the marinade bowl and toss until all pieces are well coated. Let the chicken marinate for at least 15 minutes, or up to 1 hour in the refrigerator for deeper flavor.
- Cook Chicken: Heat a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken pieces in batches and cook, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through and slightly browned, about 6-8 minutes. Remove cooked chicken and set aside on a paper towel-lined plate to absorb excess oil.
- Prepare Bang Bang Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the rice vinegar, 2 tablespoons of the leftover chicken marinade, and a pinch of red pepper flakes. Adjust the seasoning by adding honey or soy sauce to taste if desired.
- Assemble Bowls: Divide cooked jasmine rice evenly into four serving bowls. Top each bowl with the cooked chicken.
- Add Fresh Vegetables: Layer shredded carrots, shredded red cabbage, chopped cucumber, chopped green onions, and chopped cilantro over the chicken.
- Add Avocado: Top with diced avocado for creaminess and added nutrition.
- Drizzle Sauce: Generously drizzle the prepared Bang Bang sauce over each bowl to enhance flavor and add a spicy, tangy kick.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle sesame seeds and drizzle with Sriracha if desired for extra heat and crunch. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Notes
- For spicier bowls, increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add more Sriracha when garnishing.
- Marinating the chicken longer will impart more flavor, but 15 minutes is sufficient for a quick meal.
- Use jasmine rice as preferred, but brown rice or quinoa can be substituted for a healthier option.
- To make this dish gluten-free, use tamari instead of soy sauce.
- Leftover leftover marinade used for sauce should be handled carefully; ensure it was not in contact with raw chicken or boiled before use to avoid food safety issues.
