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This bright, colorful Bang Bang Chicken Bowl combines tender chicken coated in a sweet and spicy sauce with fresh vegetables and rice for a satisfying meal that delivers on both flavor and nutrition. I developed this recipe when looking for a quick weeknight dinner that would please everyone at my table while still packing a flavor punch.
I first made this recipe when trying to recreate a restaurant favorite at home and now it has become our Thursday night tradition. My family actually gets excited when they see the sweet chili sauce come out of the refrigerator because they know what's coming.
Ingredients
- Mayonnaise: creates the creamy base for the bang bang sauce use good quality for best results
- Thai sweet chili sauce: provides sweetness and mild heat look for authentic brands for the best flavor
- Honey: adds natural sweetness and helps balance the heat
- Sriracha: gives the signature spicy kick adjust according to your heat preference
- Boneless skinless chicken breasts: create the protein foundation choose high quality chicken for best results
- Paprika, garlic powder, salt and pepper: create a simple but flavorful coating for the chicken
- White rice: serves as the perfect base to absorb all the delicious sauce
- Red cabbage: adds crunch and vibrant color slice it thinly for the best texture
- Carrots: bring natural sweetness and more crunch julienne them for easy eating
- Cucumber: offers refreshing contrast to the spicy elements
- Avocado: provides creamy richness choose ones that yield slightly to gentle pressure
- Fresh cilantro and sesame seeds: finish the dish with color and texture
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare the Bang Bang Sauce:
- Combine mayonnaise Thai sweet chili sauce honey and Sriracha in a medium bowl and whisk until completely smooth. The consistency should be pourable but thick enough to coat the back of a spoon. Make sure all ingredients are fully incorporated for an even flavor distribution throughout.
- Season and Cook the Chicken:
- Mix vegetable oil paprika garlic powder salt and pepper in a large bowl until they form a uniform paste. Add chicken cubes and use your hands to massage the seasoning into every piece ensuring even coverage. For perfect air fryer results avoid overcrowding the basket and maintain a single layer of chicken. The chicken should have a beautiful golden color when done and reach exactly 165°F for food safety.
- Assemble the Bowls:
- Start with a base of warm rice pressing it down slightly with the back of a spoon. Arrange red cabbage carrots and cucumber in separate sections around the edge of each bowl for visual appeal. Place the sauce coated chicken in the center where it becomes the star of the dish. The warm chicken will slightly wilt the vegetables creating the perfect temperature contrast.
- Add the Final Touches:
- Fan out avocado slices along one side of the bowl. Sprinkle fresh cilantro generously over everything paying special attention to the chicken. Finish with a light dusting of sesame seeds focusing on the avocado and chicken sections. These final elements bring brightness freshness and visual appeal that elevates the entire dish.
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The Thai sweet chili sauce is truly the magic ingredient in this recipe. I once tried substituting it with a regular hot sauce and the dish lost its distinctive sweet heat balance. My daughter actually requested this bowl for her birthday dinner last year saying it was better than going to her favorite restaurant.
Storage and Meal Prep
The components of this bowl can be prepared and stored separately for up to 3 days in the refrigerator. Keep the sauce in an airtight container and reheat the chicken gently before assembling. For the freshest experience store the sliced vegetables separately from the rice and chicken. When ready to eat simply assemble your bowl and add the avocado and garnishes fresh. This makes Bang Bang Chicken Bowls perfect for weekly meal prep where you can quickly assemble fresh bowls throughout the week.
Ingredient Substitutions
This recipe welcomes creative adaptations based on what you have available. Swap chicken for shrimp or tofu for equally delicious results. The cooking time will decrease to about 7 minutes for shrimp and 8 minutes for well pressed tofu. Brown rice quinoa or cauliflower rice make excellent alternatives to white rice if you prefer a more nutritious base. For a dairy free version use vegan mayonnaise in the bang bang sauce. The flavor profile remains nearly identical making this dish adaptable for various dietary needs.
Serving Suggestions
These bowls work beautifully for both casual family dinners and entertaining guests. Serve with additional bang bang sauce on the side for those who enjoy extra heat. For a fun interactive meal create a build your own bowl bar with all components separated allowing everyone to customize their creation. Pair with a light cucumber salad or miso soup for a more complete meal. For a refreshing beverage complement Thai iced tea or a simple cucumber water balances the sweet spiciness perfectly.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → How spicy is the Bang Bang Chicken Bowl?
The spice level is moderate but adjustable. Increase or reduce Sriracha depending on your preference.
- → Can I substitute chicken with another protein?
Yes, you can use shrimp, tofu, or even grilled vegetables as an alternative.
- → What can I use instead of white rice?
Quinoa, brown rice, or cauliflower rice can be great substitutes for white rice.
- → Can the Bang Bang sauce be made in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the sauce up to three days in advance and store it in the refrigerator.
- → What is the best way to store leftovers?
Store the components separately in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days. Assemble fresh before serving.