Bang bang chicken recipe in a bowl with rice, veggies, and sauce.
5.00 from 26 votes
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Crispy chicken tossed in a creamy, sweet, and spicy sauce—this Bang Bang Chicken Bowl Recipe is so good! As a busy mom of 3 littles, I know the struggle of getting a balanced, high-protein meal on the table quickly, and this one is a game-changer. With 40 grams of protein and healthy ingredients, this dinner is one that I could eat every single day! The best part is that it's easy to make, meal-prep friendly, and works perfectly every time. You're going to love this bang bang chicken recipe!

Prep: 10 Cook: 35 Total: 45
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Bang Bang Chicken Bowls

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Common Questions

What is Bang Bang Chicken?

Bang Bang Chicken is a flavorful dish with origins in China, where shredded poached chicken is served with a spicy sesame sauce. In Western cuisine, it’s often a crispy, battered chicken tossed in a creamy, sweet-spicy sauce. Both versions are flavorful and such a favorite!

Is Bang Bang Chicken Spicy

Yes, Bang Bang Chicken is typically spicy, especially the traditional version, which features a bold, chili-infused sesame sauce. This recipe has a milder heat, balanced with a creamy, sweet-spicy sauce made from mayo and chili sauce. The spice level can be adjusted to taste!

Can I make this recipe ahead of time for meal prep?

Yes! Bang Bang Chicken is perfect for meal prep and stays fresh for several days.

Crispy chicken tossed in a creamy, sweet, and spicy sauce—this Bang Bang Chicken Bowl Recipe is so good! As a busy mom of 3 littles, I know the struggle of getting a balanced, high-protein meal on the table quickly, and this one is a game-changer. With 40 grams of protein and healthy ingredients, this dinner is one that I could eat every single day! The best part is that it’s easy to make, meal-prep friendly, and works perfectly every time. You’re going to love this bang bang chicken recipe!

Bang Bang Chicken Recipe

Lightly pan-fried chicken coated in a perfectly sticky, garlicky, sweet chili sauce, served with vibrant veggies, fluffy jasmine rice, and a refreshing crunch of cucumber—every bite in these healthy protein bowls is full of the best flavors. I’ve been making this recipe on repeat lately and even my kiddos love it!

Whether you’re making this recipe for a quick weeknight dinner or meal prepping it ahead for high-protein lunches, these Bang Bang Chicken Bowl will definitely become one of your favorite meals. It’s SO good!

RELATED: Orange Chicken Meal Prep Bowls

Why You’ll Love this Bang Bang Chicken Recipe

  • 40 Grams Protein – This recipe is high-protein, making it filling and hearty! If you’ve been wanting to add more protein to your daily meals, this recipe is for you.
  • Quick & Easy – Make this recipe in under 45 minutes! The method and process is simple and easy.
  • One-Skillet – This entire recipe comes together in a large non-stick pan!
  • Healthy Dinner Idea – Stuck in a dinner rut? This Bang Bang Chicken recipe is such a fun, flavorful healthy meal that’s easy to make even on the busiest weeknights!

You’ll Also Love: Honey Sesame Chicken Meal Prep Bowls

Close up of high protein Bang Bang Chicken Bowl.

Bang Bang Chicken Ingredients

Crispy Chicken

  • Chicken Breasts: This recipe calls for boneless and skinless chicken breasts.
  • Tapioca Starch: (opens in a new tab) Feel free to use potato starch or corn starch as a substitute.
  • Garlic Powder
  • Salt/Pepper
  • Paprika
  • Avocado Oil: Olive oil is a great alternative as well but will create a slightly different flavor.

Bang Bang Chicken Sauce

Stir-Fry Veggies

Bowls

  • Jasmine Rice: (opens in a new tab) Prep this ahead or use store-bought microwave rice packets to save time!
  • Lime: Freshly squeezed lime juice works best.
  • Cucumber
  • Green Onion: Chopped green onion stalk is used for garnishing the bowls (and it adds so much flavor), but it’s totally optional!
Ingredients for Bang Bang Chicken Bowls recipe.

How to Make Bang Bang Chicken

These bowls are so delicious, full of protein, and easy to make. Making a double batch for dinner and meal prepping the rest for lunches will save you time throughout the week! Here’s how to make Bang Bang Chicken:

  1. Coat the Chicken: Toss cubed chicken in a mixture of tapioca starch, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and paprika.
  2. Cook the Chicken: Pan-fry in avocado oil until golden brown and crispy.
  3. Make the Sauce: Whisk together mayo, honey, sweet chili sauce, hot sauce, garlic, and salt. Set aside a small portion for drizzling later.
  4. Coat the Chicken in Sauce: Transfer cooked chicken to a paper towel (optional), then toss it in the sauce.
  5. Sauté the Veggies: Cook carrots in avocado oil, then add cabbage and seasonings, sautéing until tender.
  6. Assemble the Bowls: Divide cooked rice and fresh cucumber into bowls, squeeze lime juice over the top.
  7. Finish with Sauce & Garnish: Add the chicken and veggies, drizzle with extra sauce, and garnish with green onions.

TIP: I also like to add a sprinkle of black sesame seeds on top!

Chicken tossed in seasoning and starch.
Crispy cooked chicken in bang bang sauce.
Angled photo of Bang Bang Chicken Bowl recipe.

What to Serve With Bang Bang Chicken

This Bang Bang Chicken Bowl is already a balanced meal, but if you’re looking for extra sides or pairings, here are some delicious ideas for how to serve bang bang chicken:

  • Steamed or Roasted Veggies – Broccoli, snap peas, bok choy, Roasted Brussels Sprouts, or asparagus add extra greens and balance the spice.
  • Crispy Egg Rolls or Spring Rolls – A crunchy side that pairs perfectly with the creamy, spicy sauce.
  • Side Salad – A light cucumber salad or Asian slaw with a tangy vinaigrette complements the bold flavors.
  • Fried Rice or Cauliflower Rice – Swap jasmine rice for fried rice or a low-carb cauliflower rice option.
  • Egg Drop Soup or Miso Soup – A warm and cozy side dish that won’t overpower the main meal.
  • Dipping Sauces – Extra sweet chili sauce, sriracha mayo, or a garlic aioli for extra flavor.

RELATED: 129 Healthy Dinners You’ll Crave

Tips

  • Make sure the pan and oil are hot before adding the chicken for the crispiest texture!
  • Adjust the spice level by adding more hot sauce or red pepper flakes for heat, or balancing with extra honey for a milder flavor.
  • Feel free to swap the rice for quinoa, cauliflower rice, or greens if you want a lower-carb option, and feel free to add extra veggies like bell peppers or snap peas.
Top photo of Bang Bang Chicken Bowls.

How to Store Bang Bang Chicken

Storing:

  • Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Keep the sauce topping separate to maintain the best texture.
  • Freezer: You can freeze the cooked chicken for up to 3 months. Let it thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating!

Reheating:

  • Microwave: Heat in 30-second intervals until warmed through. Add extra sauce after reheating for the best flavor.
  • Stovetop: Sauté the chicken in a pan over medium heat for a few minutes to keep it crispy.
  • Air Fryer: Reheat at 350°F for 3-5 minutes to bring back the crispiness!

Bang Bang Chicken FAQs

Close up of Bang Bang Chicken recipe in a bowl.

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Bang bang chicken recipe in a bowl with rice, veggies, and sauce.
ServingsServes 4
5.00 from 26 votes

Bang Bang Chicken Recipe (Easy Bowls)

Crispy chicken tossed in a creamy, sweet, and spicy sauce—this Bang Bang Chicken Bowl Recipe is so good! As a busy mom of 3 littles, I know the struggle of getting a balanced, high-protein meal on the table quickly, and this one is a game-changer. With 40 grams of protein and healthy ingredients, this dinner is one that I could eat every single day! The best part is that it's easy to make, meal-prep friendly, and works perfectly every time. You're going to love this bang bang chicken recipe!
Prep: 10 minCook: 35 minTotal: 45 min
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Equipment

Ingredients

Chicken

Sauce

Veggies

  • 1 Tablespoon avocado oil (opens in a new tab)
  • 1 1/2 cups sliced carrots
  • 2 cups sliced red cabbage
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon pepper

Bowls

  • 2 cups cooked jasmine rice (opens in a new tab)
  • 1 medium cucumber (sliced)
  • freshly squeezed lime juice (to taste)
  • 1 medium green onion stalk (chopped, for garnish)
  • black sesame seeds (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

  1. In a medium bowl combine the tapioca starch, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and paprika.
  2. Add in the cubed chicken and toss until well coated.
  3. In a large non-stick skillet, heat the avocado oil over medium-high heat and add in the chicken.
  4. Let pan fry for 5-8 minutes before flipping and cooking for another 5-8 minutes (or until the outsides are golden brown and the chicken is fully cooked). Once cooked stir a bit to break up the pieces.
  5. While the chicken cooks – In a large bowl mix the sauce ingredients (with just 1 Tablespoon mayo) and set aside about 1/4 cup of the sauce.
  6. Transfer the chicken to a paper towel to allow any excess oil to drip off (optional).
  7. Once the oil has dripped off the chicken add it to the large sauce bowl and toss/mix until fully coated.
  8. Add more avocado oil to the pan and bring up to medium-high heat.
  9. Add in the carrots, cooking for about 10 minutes.
  10. Add the cabbage and seasoning, then cook for another 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the veggies start to soften.
  11. While the veggies cook, warm and divide the rice and fresh cucumber equally between 4 bowls or meal prep containers. Drizzle lime juice over each one.
  12. Add the remaining 2 Tablespoons mayo to the 1/4 cup sauce that was set aside and whisk.
  13. Assemble the bowls – Evenly divide the cooked veggies and chicken over each bowl with rice and cucumbers, top with chopped green onions and black sesame seeds (optional). Drizzle each bowl with the extra sauce and enjoy!

Watch Me Make This

Notes

  • You can adjust the spice level of these bowls by using more or less hot sauce.
  • For maintaining texture with storing, it’s best to keep the veggies, rice, chicken and extra sauce separate.

Nutrition

Serving: 1 Bowl | Calories: 644 kcal | Carbohydrates: 70 g | Protein: 40 g | Fat: 22 g | Saturated Fat: 3 g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2 g | Monounsaturated Fat: 9 g | Trans Fat: 0.02 g | Cholesterol: 109 mg | Sodium: 1393 mg | Potassium: 1053 mg | Fiber: 4 g | Sugar: 34 g | Vitamin A: 8771 IU | Vitamin C: 36 mg | Calcium: 72 mg | Iron: 2 mg

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Rating




32 Comments

  1. Kelly

    Obsessed with this recipe! Adding it to our weekly dinner rotation!

    Reply
  2. Aurora

    Such an easy meal for a busy weeknight. The chicken was juicy, and the sauce was amazing.

    Reply
  3. Audrey

    I’m always on the lookout for high protein recipes that my kids will also eat. This is definitely going in our meal rotation!

    Reply
  4. KAren

    I’m on a mission to eat eat least 30g of protein per meal and this has become one of my favorite lunch dishes for Saturday and Sunday. My husband loves it too! SO tasty, but also nutritious

    Reply
  5. Jody

    My whole family loves this dish! I’ve been making it on a regular basis. Thanks for this recipe.

    Reply
    1. JOL Team

      So glad you love it! Thank you for sharing!

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