If you love vibrant, flavorful dishes that bring a delightful balance of spicy, sweet, and tangy notes, you’re going to fall head over heels for this Bang Bang Chicken Bowl Recipe. It’s a colorful, comforting bowl packed with tender marinated chicken, crisp fresh veggies, and a luscious, creamy bang bang sauce that ties everything together perfectly. This recipe is not just satisfying—it’s a celebration of textures and tastes, perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or impressing friends without any fuss.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are simple yet essential, each bringing its own magic to the Bang Bang Chicken Bowl Recipe. From juicy chicken thighs to the sweet crunch of shredded cabbage, every component works harmoniously to create a bowl bursting with flavor and texture.
- Whole-egg mayonnaise: Provides the creamy base for the bang bang sauce, lending richness and smoothness.
- Sweet chilli sauce: Adds a mild, sweet heat and glossy finish to the sauce.
- Sriracha or hot chilli sauce (optional): Gives an extra kick for those who like it spicy.
- Honey: Balances the heat with natural sweetness, enhancing the sauce’s depth.
- Lime juice: Brings bright, zesty acidity to lift the entire dish.
- Boneless chicken thighs: Juicy, flavorful, and ideal for achieving that tender, caramelized crust.
- Sweet paprika: Offers subtle smoky sweetness that deepens the marinade.
- Onion powder: Adds umami and a gentle bite.
- Cracked black pepper: For sharpness and a touch of heat.
- Tamari or regular soy sauce: Brings saltiness and depth of flavor.
- Brown sugar: Caramelizes beautifully during baking, enriching the chicken.
- Olive oil: Helps the marinade coat the chicken evenly and promotes browning.
- Spring onion (scallion): Adds a fresh, mild onion crunch when sprinkled on top.
- Steamed rice: The perfect base for soaking up all the saucy goodness.
- Shredded red cabbage: Adds vibrant color and crisp texture.
- Carrots (grated or julienned): A sweet, crunchy complement.
- Cucumber slices: Provide refreshing coolness to balance the heat.
How to Make Bang Bang Chicken Bowl Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Tray
Start by preheating your oven to a high temp of 220°C (425°F) so it’s hot and ready. Line a baking tray with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup easy. This step ensures your chicken gets that perfect caramelized crust.
Step 2: Mix the Bang Bang Sauce
Whisk together the mayonnaise, sweet chilli sauce, sriracha (if using), honey, and lime juice in a small bowl to create your bang bang sauce. Set aside most of it, reserving about a quarter to brush over the raw chicken. This layering of flavors is what makes the Bang Bang Chicken Bowl Recipe so irresistible.
Step 3: Pound and Slice the Chicken
Place each chicken thigh between two sheets of baking paper on a cutting board. Use a mallet or rolling pin to gently pound them to an even thickness; this helps them cook uniformly and stay juicy. Cut each piece in half vertically for manageable, bite-sized portions in your bowl.
Step 4: Marinate the Chicken
Combine the sweet paprika, onion powder, cracked black pepper, tamari, brown sugar, and olive oil in a large, shallow bowl. Toss the chicken pieces in this marinade with tongs until every piece is evenly coated. This step infuses your chicken with bold, layered flavors before it hits the oven.
Step 5: Arrange Chicken on the Tray
Place the marinated chicken on your lined baking tray making sure the pieces aren’t touching or overlapping. Overcrowding will cause steaming instead of roasting, which means you won’t get that beautifully caramelized, slightly crispy exterior that makes the Bang Bang Chicken Bowl Recipe truly special.
Step 6: Brush with Bang Bang Sauce
Using a pastry brush, generously coat the chicken pieces with the reserved portion of the bang bang sauce. This not only adds flavor but helps create a sticky, shiny coat that caramelizes deliciously as it bakes.
Step 7: Bake Until Golden and Cooked Through
Bake the chicken in your preheated oven for about 25 to 30 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 75°C (165°F) and has a gorgeous golden crust. This baking time strikes the perfect balance between juicy meat and savory, caramelized edges.
Step 8: Serve Your Bang Bang Chicken Bowl Recipe
Once baked, serve the chicken atop steaming bowls of rice, along with vibrant shredded red cabbage, carrots, cucumber slices, and finish with a drizzle of the remaining bang bang sauce and a sprinkle of freshly sliced spring onions. The contrast of creamy, spicy sauce with crunchy fresh veggies is like a flavor party in every bite!
How to Serve Bang Bang Chicken Bowl Recipe
Garnishes
To take your Bang Bang Chicken Bowl Recipe from great to unforgettable, consider garnishing with extra spring onions for a fresh pop of flavor, a squeeze of lime for zing, or even a handful of toasted sesame seeds for added crunch and nuttiness.
Side Dishes
This dish stands beautifully on its own, but you can complement it with light, fresh sides like an Asian-inspired cucumber salad or crispy vegetable spring rolls to add some variety and extra texture to your meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Feeling fancy? Serve your Bang Bang Chicken Bowl in individual glass jars layered with rice, veggies, and chicken for a visually stunning presentation. You can even offer extra bang bang sauce on the side for dipping or drizzling. It’s perfect for casual parties or meal prep with flair.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover chicken and veggies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep the bang bang sauce separate to preserve its creamy texture, and add it fresh when reheating to maintain that perfect flavor balance.
Freezing
While the fresh veggies don’t freeze well, you can freeze the cooked chicken and rice separately in a freezer-safe container or bag for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently to retain that tender juiciness.
Reheating
Reheat your chicken and rice in the microwave or in a skillet over low heat until warmed through, then add fresh raw veggies and drizzle with the bang bang sauce just before serving. This keeps the bowl tasting as fresh and flavorful as the first time.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs for this Bang Bang Chicken Bowl Recipe?
Absolutely! While thighs stay juicier, chicken breasts can work well if you’re careful not to overcook them and pound them to even thickness for consistent cooking.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
You can make it gluten-free by using tamari instead of regular soy sauce and ensuring your sweet chilli sauce and sriracha are gluten-free brands. Always double-check labels to be safe.
How spicy is the Bang Bang Chicken Bowl Recipe?
The spiciness is moderate and can be adjusted by adding more or less sriracha or omitting it altogether if you prefer milder flavors.
Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time for meal prep?
Yes, the chicken and sauce can be made ahead and stored separately. Prep the veggies fresh on the day you are serving for the best crunch and color.
What can I substitute for sweet chilli sauce if I don’t have any?
A combination of honey and a little hot sauce or chili paste mixed with a splash of rice vinegar can mimic the sweet and spicy flavor nicely in a pinch.
Final Thoughts
This Bang Bang Chicken Bowl Recipe is one of those magical meals that delivers big on flavor with simple steps and ingredients. From the juicy chicken to the creamy sauce and fresh veggies, every bite feels like a warm, satisfying hug. I’m so excited for you to try this recipe and make it your own—your taste buds are in for an absolute treat!
Print
Bang Bang Chicken Bowl Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Asian Fusion
Description
This Bang Bang Chicken Bowl features tender, flavorful marinated chicken thighs baked to golden perfection and served with fresh vegetables and steamed rice. The homemade bang bang sauce combines creamy mayonnaise, sweet chilli, and a hint of sriracha for a perfect balance of spicy, sweet, and tangy flavors. Ideal for an easy weeknight dinner that feels both comforting and vibrant.
Ingredients
Bang Bang Sauce
- 1 cup (250 g) whole-egg mayonnaise
- ¼ cup (60 g) sweet chilli sauce
- 1 tbsp sriracha or hot chilli sauce (optional)
- 1 tbsp honey
- 1 tbsp lime juice
Chicken Marinade and Protein
- 600 g (1 lb 5 oz) boneless chicken thighs, skin on or off
- 1 tsp sweet paprika
- 1 tsp onion powder
- ¼ tsp cracked black pepper
- 1 tbsp tamari or regular soy sauce
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- ¼ cup (60 g) bang bang sauce (from above)
- 1 spring onion (scallion), sliced
Vegetables and Side
- Steamed rice
- 1 cup (75 g) shredded red cabbage
- 2 carrots, grated or julienned
- 1 cucumber, sliced
- 1 spring onion (scallion), finely sliced
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 220°C (425°F). Line a baking tray with baking (parchment) paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
- Make Bang Bang Sauce: In a small bowl, combine mayonnaise, sweet chilli sauce, sriracha (if using), honey, and lime juice. Stir well to blend all ingredients. Reserve one-quarter of this sauce separately for brushing on the chicken before baking.
- Prepare Chicken: Place the chicken thighs on a chopping board and cover with a sheet of baking paper. Use a mallet or rolling pin to pound the chicken to an even thickness, ensuring even cooking. Then cut each thigh in half vertically.
- Marinate Chicken: Transfer the chicken pieces into a large shallow bowl. Add sweet paprika, onion powder, cracked black pepper, tamari or soy sauce, brown sugar, and olive oil. Toss well using tongs to coat the chicken evenly with the marinade.
- Arrange Chicken: Lay the marinated chicken evenly spaced on the prepared baking tray, making sure pieces do not overlap to avoid steaming and promote caramelization.
- Brush Sauce: Using a pastry brush, apply the reserved quarter of the bang bang sauce over the tops of the chicken pieces to add flavor and create a glossy coating.
- Bake Chicken: Place the tray in the preheated oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through. Check that the internal temperature reaches at least 75°C (165°F) for safety.
- Serve: Serve the baked chicken with steamed rice, shredded red cabbage, grated carrots, sliced cucumber, and a drizzle of remaining bang bang sauce. Garnish with finely sliced spring onions for freshness and crunch.
Notes
- For a gluten-free option, ensure you use gluten-free tamari and sweet chilli sauce.
- Using skin-on chicken thighs can add more flavor and moisture but skinless also works well.
- Do not overcrowd the baking tray to allow the chicken to caramelize instead of steaming.
- If you prefer more heat, increase the sriracha or add fresh chopped chillies to the sauce.
- Check chicken internal temperature with a meat thermometer to ensure it’s fully cooked and safe to eat.
