Introduction

The Bang Bang Chicken Bowl is a vibrant, flavor-packed dish that brings together tender, spicy chicken with fresh vegetables and creamy avocado. It’s a quick, satisfying meal perfect for lunch or dinner with a delicious homemade sauce that ties everything together.

The dish is served in a white bowl on a white marbled surface, layered carefully. At the bottom, there is a base of white rice, topped with grilled brown chicken pieces arranged in the center. Around the chicken, there are slices of green cucumber, bright orange shredded carrots, thinly sliced avocado fanned out, and shredded purple cabbage on one side. A light creamy sauce is drizzled over the chicken, avocado, carrots, and cabbage. There are black sesame seeds sprinkled lightly on top for contrast. Nearby, there is a silver fork placed to the right of the bowl. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

Bang Bang Sauce:

1 ¼ cups (290 g) mayonnaise
⅔ cup (177 g) 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

Bang Bang Chicken Bowl:

4 cups (744 g) prepared white rice, warmed, divided
2 cups (140 g) red cabbage, thinly sliced, divided
1 large carrot, julienned, divided
1 medium cucumber, halved, sliced, divided
1 large avocado, thinly sliced, divided
Fresh cilantro, chopped for garnish
Sesame seeds, for garnish

Instructions

Step 1: In a medium bowl, combine mayonnaise, Thai sweet chili sauce, honey, and Sriracha. Stir well and set aside to create the bang bang sauce.
Step 2: In a large bowl, mix vegetable oil, paprika, garlic powder, kosher salt, and black pepper. Add the chicken cubes and toss gently to coat evenly.
Step 3: Place the chicken in a single layer inside the air fryer basket. Depending on your air fryer size, you may need to cook in batches. Air fry at 400°F for 11–12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
Step 4: Transfer the cooked chicken to a large bowl. Add ½ cup of the prepared bang bang sauce and toss to coat the chicken pieces thoroughly.
Step 5: To assemble each bowl, add 1 cup of warm white rice, ½ cup red cabbage, ¼ cup julienned carrots, and ¼ cup sliced cucumber. Top with equal portions of avocado and the coated bang bang chicken.
Step 6: Drizzle the remaining bang bang sauce over the bowls. Garnish with chopped fresh cilantro and a sprinkle of sesame seeds. Serve immediately for best flavor.

Tips & Variations

For a gluten-free version, ensure the Thai sweet chili sauce you use is gluten-free or substitute with a similar gluten-free chili sauce.
If you prefer cooking on the stove, sear the chicken in a hot skillet with oil for 8-10 minutes, then toss with bang bang sauce once cooked through.
Add a squeeze of fresh lime juice over the bowls just before serving for a bright, tangy finish.
Swap white rice for brown rice or quinoa to boost fiber and nutrients.

Storage

Store leftover bang bang chicken and sauce separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep the fresh vegetables separate to maintain their crispness. Reheat chicken gently in a skillet or microwave until warm, then reassemble your bowls with fresh veggies and avocado to enjoy.

How to Serve

A white bowl contains a colorful layered dish starting with a base of white rice topped with bright orange shredded carrots, sliced green cucumbers arranged in a semi-circle, and shredded purple cabbage on one side. In the center, there are golden brown glazed chicken pieces, slightly shiny with sauce. On one side of the bowl, there are thin slices of green avocado neatly fanned out. A light orange creamy sauce is drizzled over the chicken, avocado, and vegetables. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface with a silver fork next to it and small wooden bowls with black sesame seeds and sliced cucumbers nearby. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make the bang bang sauce ahead of time?

Yes, the sauce can be prepared up to 3 days in advance and stored in the refrigerator. Just give it a good stir before using.

What if I don’t have an air fryer?

You can easily cook the chicken in a skillet over medium-high heat for 8-10 minutes, flipping occasionally until golden and fully cooked. Toss with the bang bang sauce as directed.