If there’s one bowl recipe that never fails to wake up my taste buds, it’s this Bang Bang Chicken Bowl. It’s bold, creamy, spicy, and just indulgent enough to feel like takeout—yet easy enough to make at home. I first started making Bang Bang–style sauces years ago, drizzling them over everything from shrimp to roasted vegetables, but turning it into a full Bang Bang Chicken Bowl was a total game changer.
This version uses crispy air-fried chicken, fluffy rice, fresh vegetables, and that irresistible sweet-heat Bang Bang sauce that ties everything together. It’s inspired by American comfort food with Asian-style flavors, perfect for weeknight dinners, meal prep, spicy-food lovers, and year-round cravings.
Once you try this Bang Bang Chicken Bowl, it’s guaranteed to become a repeat recipe.
Why You’ll Love This Bang Bang Chicken Bowl
- Crispy air-fried chicken without deep frying
- Creamy, sweet, spicy Bang Bang sauce
- Perfect for meal prep (8 servings!)
- Customizable heat level
- Balanced with rice, veggies, and protein
- Better than takeout—and faster
This Bang Bang Chicken Bowl delivers restaurant-style flavor in a wholesome, satisfying bowl.
Ingredients for Bang Bang Chicken Bowl (8 Servings)
Chicken
- 2½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)
- 1½ cups panko breadcrumbs
- ½ cup cornstarch
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- Olive oil spray
Bang Bang Sauce
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- ½ cup sweet chili sauce
- 2–4 tablespoons sriracha (adjust to taste)
- 1 tablespoon honey or sugar
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar (or lime juice)
Bowl Base
- 6 cups cooked jasmine rice (or basmati)
- 2 cups shredded red cabbage
- 2 cups shredded carrots
- 1 large cucumber, sliced
- ½ cup green onions, sliced
- Sesame seeds (optional)
Tip: Air-frying gives you that crunchy texture with far less oil. For air-fryer fundamentals, King Arthur Baking and Serious Eats both have excellent guides.
Kitchen Tools You’ll Need
- Air fryer
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Shallow dredging bowls
- Tongs
- Saucepan or rice cooker
Prep Time & Cook Time
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 15–18 minutes
- Total Time: About 45 minutes
How to Make Bang Bang Chicken Bowl
Step 1: Prepare the Bang Bang Sauce
In a bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, honey, and rice vinegar. Taste and adjust heat as desired.
Set aside half for drizzling and reserve the other half for tossing the chicken.
Step 2: Prep the Chicken
Cut chicken into bite-sized pieces. Pat dry with paper towels—this helps the coating stick and crisp.
Season chicken with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika.
Step 3: Bread the Chicken
Set up three bowls:
- Cornstarch
- Whisked eggs
- Panko breadcrumbs
Dip chicken pieces into cornstarch, then egg, then breadcrumbs, pressing gently to coat.
Step 4: Air Fry Until Crispy
Preheat air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
Spray basket lightly with oil. Arrange chicken in a single layer and spray tops with olive oil.
Air fry for 14–18 minutes, shaking halfway, until golden brown and cooked through (165°F internal temp).
Pro tip: Don’t overcrowd the basket—cook in batches for maximum crispiness.
Step 5: Toss with Bang Bang Sauce
While chicken is hot, toss lightly with a few spoonfuls of Bang Bang sauce. Keep the coating crisp by not over-saucing.
How to Build the Perfect Bang Bang Chicken Bowl
Base
Start with a scoop of warm jasmine rice.
Veggies
Add shredded cabbage, carrots, and cucumber for crunch and freshness.
Protein
Top with crispy Bang Bang chicken.
Finish
Drizzle extra sauce over the top and garnish with green onions and sesame seeds.
This layering keeps textures balanced in every bite of your Bang Bang Chicken Bowl.
Customization Ideas
Make It Healthier
- Use brown rice or cauliflower rice
- Reduce mayo and add Greek yogurt to the sauce
Extra Spicy
- Add chili crisp or extra sriracha
- Sprinkle crushed red pepper on top
Swap the Protein
- Bang Bang shrimp
- Crispy tofu
- Air-fried cauliflower
Low-Carb Option
Serve over shredded lettuce instead of rice.
Perfect for Meal Prep
This Bang Bang Chicken Bowl is ideal for meal prep:
- Store rice, chicken, and veggies separately
- Keep sauce in a small container
- Assemble fresh for best texture
Storage
- Fridge: Up to 4 days
- Chicken reheating: Air fryer or oven for crispness
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overcrowding the air fryer
- Adding sauce too early
- Skipping cornstarch (it’s key for crunch)
- Overcooking the chicken
Nutrition Information (Approximate per Serving)
- Calories: 520
- Protein: 38g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fat: 26g
- Sugar: 8g
Final Thoughts from My Kitchen
This Bang Bang Chicken Bowl is everything I love about bold flavors in one comforting, satisfying dish. It’s spicy, creamy, crunchy, and endlessly customizable—perfect for busy weeknights or prepping ahead for the week.
Once you make it at home, you’ll never crave the takeout version the same way again 🌶️🍗🥣