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This hearty Bang Bang Chicken Bowl has become my ultimate solution for weeknight dinners that need to deliver on flavor without demanding hours in the kitchen. The creamy, spicy sauce coats perfectly cooked chicken pieces, creating a vibrant bowl that satisfies both comfort food cravings and the need for something fresh.
I first created this recipe when trying to recreate a restaurant favorite that my family couldn't stop talking about. After several attempts to perfect the sauce, this version now appears on our table at least twice a month to everyone's delight.
Ingredients
- Mayonnaise provides the creamy base for your bang bang sauce
- Thai sweet chili sauce brings the perfect balance of sweetness and mild heat
- Honey adds a natural sweetness that helps mellow the spice
- Sriracha allows you to control exactly how fiery you want your sauce
- Boneless chicken breasts create the protein centerpiece that carries the flavor
- Paprika adds color and mild smoky flavor to the chicken
- Red cabbage delivers satisfying crunch and stunning visual appeal
- Fresh vegetables provide texture contrast and nutritional balance
- Avocado contributes creamy richness and healthy fats
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Make the Bang Bang Sauce
- Combine mayonnaise, Thai sweet chili sauce, honey, and Sriracha in a medium bowl until completely incorporated. The sauce should have a beautiful orange pink hue and a consistency that will cling to the chicken. I like to make this first so the flavors have time to meld while I prepare everything else.
- Season the Chicken
- Mix oil with paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper in a large bowl to create a flavorful coating. Add your chicken cubes and gently toss until each piece is evenly coated. This seasoning base ensures your chicken is flavorful even before the sauce goes on.
- Cook the Chicken
- Arrange the seasoned chicken pieces in a single layer in your air fryer basket. Cook at 400°F for about 12 minutes, flipping halfway through. The chicken should reach 165°F internal temperature and have a slightly golden exterior. Working in batches ensures proper air circulation for even cooking.
- Sauce the Chicken
- Transfer the hot cooked chicken to a large bowl and add about half a cup of the bang bang sauce. Toss gently to ensure each piece gets an even coating. The warm chicken will absorb some of the sauce, creating incredible flavor.
- Assemble Your Bowls
- Start with a base of warm rice in each bowl, then arrange sections of cabbage, carrots, and cucumber. Add your sauced chicken in the center and fan sliced avocado along one side. The presentation creates a beautiful color palette that makes the meal even more appetizing.
- Garnish and Serve
- Drizzle additional bang bang sauce over each bowl, then sprinkle with fresh cilantro and sesame seeds. These final touches add brightness, texture, and visual appeal that elevates the entire dish.
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My favorite aspect of this recipe is how the sweet chili sauce creates complexity without requiring dozens of ingredients. The first time I served this to guests, everyone wanted the recipe before they even finished eating. That moment convinced me this would become a signature dish in our home.
Storing Leftovers
When storing leftovers, keep the components separate if possible. Store the sauce in a small container, the chicken in another, and the vegetables in a third. This prevents everything from becoming soggy. Reheat just the chicken and rice, keeping the vegetables and avocado fresh. Assembled bowls will keep for about 2 days in the refrigerator, though the vegetables will soften somewhat.
Ingredient Substitutions
This recipe welcomes many adaptations based on what you have available. Try using chicken thighs instead of breast for more moisture and flavor. Greek yogurt can replace half the mayonnaise for a lighter sauce with a tangy twist. Brown rice or quinoa make excellent nutritious alternatives to white rice. For vegetarians, crispy tofu or tempeh works beautifully with the same seasoning and sauce.
Serving Suggestions
While delicious on its own, this bowl pairs wonderfully with a side of miso soup or vegetable spring rolls for an Asian inspired feast. For entertaining, set up a bang bang bowl bar where guests can assemble their own combinations. Include additional toppings like sliced green onions, crushed peanuts, pickled ginger, or crispy wonton strips. A cold lemongrass tea or light beer complements the flavors perfectly.
Make It Your Own
The beauty of bowl recipes lies in their flexibility. Try adding edamame for extra protein or mango chunks for sweet tropical notes. Roasted broccoli or bell peppers add depth and nutrition. For a lower carb option, replace some or all of the rice with cauliflower rice. You can also adapt the base flavors by adding lime juice and fish sauce to the bang bang sauce for a Thai inspired variation.
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Common Questions
- → Can I make Bang Bang sauce less spicy?
Yes! Simply reduce or omit the Sriracha in the sauce mixture. The Thai sweet chili sauce already provides mild heat, so adjusting the Sriracha allows you to control the spice level while maintaining the signature flavors.
- → How can I cook the chicken if I don't have an air fryer?
You can easily cook the chicken in a skillet. Season as directed, then cook in a non-stick skillet with oil over medium-high heat for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and cooked through to 165°F. Add the sauce and toss to coat.
- → Can I prepare any components ahead of time?
The Bang Bang sauce can be made up to 3 days ahead and stored in the refrigerator. You can also prep the vegetables a day in advance. For best results, cook the chicken and assemble the bowls just before serving.
- → What can I substitute for Thai sweet chili sauce?
If you don't have Thai sweet chili sauce, you can make a substitute by combining 2 parts sweet jam (like apricot) with 1 part hot sauce, a splash of rice vinegar, and a pinch of garlic powder for a similar sweet-spicy flavor profile.
- → Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Absolutely! Replace the chicken with cubed extra-firm tofu or tempeh. Press the tofu to remove excess moisture, then season and cook according to the chicken instructions. Alternatively, try using roasted cauliflower or chickpeas as protein alternatives.
- → How do I store leftovers?
Store components separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep the sauce, cooked chicken, and prepared vegetables in separate containers. Reheat the chicken and rice before assembling with the fresh components.