A Flavor-Packed Lunch Bowl That Tastes Like Takeout—But Better
Juicy, crispy chicken tossed in a creamy, spicy-sweet bang bang sauce—piled over jasmine rice with crunchy cabbage and zesty toppings. It’s like Asian-inspired takeout, but healthier, quicker, and totally addictive. This easy one-bowl wonder is perfect for meal prep or fast weeknight dinners. If bold flavors and cozy comfort are your thing, this is your new go-to.
P.S. Want to learn more about the health benefits of chili peppers? Spoiler: they do more than just spice up your life!
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Crave This Bowl Every Week
If you’re craving a flavorful, quick, and healthy meal, the bang bang chicken bowl hits every mark. This bang bang chicken bowl is perfect for meal prep, family dinners, or solo nights in. With crispy chicken, a creamy-spicy sauce, and vibrant toppings, it’s pure comfort in a bowl. Ready to dig in? Let’s make it happen!
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Bang Bang Chicken Bowl
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Lunch
- Method: Air Fryer, Oven, Skillet
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired, Fusion
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Crispy chicken bites tossed in a creamy, spicy-sweet bang bang sauce, layered over fluffy jasmine rice and topped with fresh, crunchy veggies. A quick and satisfying weeknight dinner or meal prep favorite!
Ingredients
For the Bang Bang Sauce:
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½ cup mayonnaise (regular or avocado mayo)
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3 tbsp sweet chili sauce
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1 tbsp honey
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1–2 tsp sriracha (adjust to heat preference)
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1 tsp lime juice
For the Chicken:
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1½ lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
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1 egg
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½ cup tapioca starch or cornstarch
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1 tsp salt
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½ tsp black pepper
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Oil spray or 2 tbsp neutral oil (for skillet version)
For the Bowl:
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2 cups cooked jasmine rice (or cauliflower rice for low-carb)
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1 cup shredded red cabbage
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1 cup julienned carrots
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½ cup sliced cucumber
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2 green onions, chopped
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Fresh cilantro (optional)
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Lime wedges (for serving)
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Sesame seeds (for garnish)
Instructions
1. Prepare the Bang Bang Sauce:
In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, honey, sriracha, and lime juice. Taste and adjust spice level as desired. Set aside.
2. Prep the Chicken:
Pat the chicken dry. Season with salt and pepper. Beat the egg in one bowl, and place the starch in another. Dip chicken pieces in egg, then coat in starch.
3. Cook the Chicken:
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Air Fryer:
Preheat air fryer to 400°F. Spray basket with oil. Cook chicken in a single layer for 15 minutes, flipping halfway through. -
Oven:
Preheat oven to 425°F. Spread coated chicken on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake 20–25 minutes, flipping once. -
Skillet:
Heat oil over medium-high heat. Fry chicken in batches until golden and cooked through, about 8–10 minutes.
4. Assemble the Bowl:
Divide cooked rice into 4 bowls. Top with crispy chicken and drizzle generously with bang bang sauce. Add veggies: cabbage, carrots, cucumber, and green onions. Garnish with lime, sesame seeds, and cilantro.
Notes
For a low-carb version, use cauliflower rice and sugar-free honey.
Make sauce up to 5 days in advance and refrigerate.
Chicken can be reheated in the air fryer for best texture.
Customize toppings with avocado, snap peas, or pickled veggies.
Nutrition
- Calories: 485 kcal
- Fat: 23g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 38g
🥄 Ingredients & Substitutions
One of the things I love most about this bang bang chicken bowl is how customizable it is. Whether you’re making it low-carb, gluten-free, or family-style, it’s easy to adapt. Here’s everything you’ll need, broken down by component:
1. Bang Bang Sauce
The heart of this recipe is the sauce—creamy, sweet, and with just the right amount of kick.
You’ll need:
- ½ cup mayonnaise (regular or avocado mayo)
- 3 tablespoons sweet chili sauce
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1–2 teaspoons sriracha (adjust to taste)
- 1 teaspoon lime juice (for a zesty balance)
Substitutes & Tips:
- Swap mayo for Greek yogurt for a lighter, tangier version.
- Use sugar-free honey or a keto-friendly sweetener to lower the carb count.
- No sweet chili sauce? Mix sambal oelek with a little honey and vinegar.
This sauce can be made up to 5 days ahead and kept in the fridge—it actually gets better as the flavors mingle!
2. Chicken
The star of the show: crispy, juicy chicken bites. I recommend using boneless, skinless chicken thighs for flavor, but breasts work too if that’s what you have on hand.
What you need:
- 1½ pounds chicken thighs or breasts, cut into cubes
- 1 egg (to help the coating stick)
- ½ cup tapioca starch or cornstarch (for that crisp coating)
- Salt and pepper
Cooking Methods:
- Air Fryer: Toss coated chicken in a bit of oil spray and air fry at 400°F for 15 minutes.
- Skillet: Pan-fry in a neutral oil like avocado or grapeseed until golden and crispy.
- Oven: Bake at 425°F for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway. This method gives a caramelized finish with less mess!
For extra crispy bites, pat your chicken dry before coating. You can also try the skillet-then-bake method if you like them ultra-crunchy.
3. Rice Base
The rice in your bang bang chicken bowl soaks up all that flavorful sauce, so choose your favorite base. Traditional jasmine rice works beautifully, but there are several great options depending on your dietary needs.
Choices:
- Jasmine rice: Fragrant and fluffy; classic pairing.
- Brown rice: Nutty and fiber-rich.
- Cauliflower rice: Great low-carb alternative.
- Rice noodles or soba noodles: Fun twist for dinner bowls.
Pro tip: Cook rice with a pinch of salt and a splash of lime juice to boost flavor. You can even stir in chopped cilantro for a fresh kick.
4. Vegetables & Toppings
Here’s where you add crunch, color, and freshness. I love using what’s in season or what’s already in my fridge.
Go-to toppings:
- Shredded red cabbage (adds crunch + color)
- Julienned carrots (for sweetness)
- Sliced cucumbers (cool and crisp)
- Green onions (zesty and fresh)
- Cilantro leaves (garnish magic)
- Lime wedges (a must!)
Optional Add-Ons:
- Avocado slices
- Pickled red onions
- Sesame seeds
- Baby spinach or snap peas
Toss veggies in a quick lime vinaigrette if you want an extra tangy finish.
🧊 Make-Ahead Tips: Cook Once, Eat Twice
Busy week ahead? This bang bang chicken bowl recipe was practically made for meal prep. Each component stores beautifully, and you can assemble fresh bowls in under 5 minutes during the week.
Here’s how to prep ahead like a pro:
1. Sauce
- Make the bang bang sauce and refrigerate in a sealed jar for up to 5 days.
- Pro tip: double the batch! It’s amazing on wraps, burgers, or as a dipping sauce for veggies.
2. Chicken
- Marinate cubed chicken a day in advance with a little salt and lime juice for added flavor.
- Cook and store in an airtight container; reheat using air fryer or skillet for crispy texture.
3. Rice
- Cook rice in bulk and portion it into meal prep containers.
- Let it cool before sealing to avoid sogginess.
4. Veggies
- Prep toppings and store them dry in paper towels inside zip bags or glass containers to keep them fresh and crisp.
This bowl holds up well in the fridge for 3–4 days, making it the perfect choice for grab-and-go lunches or last-minute dinners.
🧊 Storage Instructions: Keep It Fresh & Tasty
Let’s be honest—no one likes soggy chicken or wilted veggies. If you’re planning to enjoy your bang bang chicken bowl throughout the week, proper storage is key. Luckily, this bang bang chicken bowl is incredibly storage-friendly and easy to reheat without sacrificing flavor or texture.
Here’s how to store each component:
- Chicken: After cooking, let it cool completely. Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days. To reheat, pop it in the air fryer for 3–5 minutes at 375°F, or warm it in a skillet with a drizzle of oil. Avoid microwaving if you want to keep that crispy texture!
- Rice: Cool and store in a separate container. A splash of water before reheating helps bring it back to life. Microwave or warm gently on the stovetop.
- Veggies: Always store toppings separately. Keep them dry and refrigerated in a sealed container. Avoid mixing with warm components to preserve their crunch.
- Sauce: The bang bang sauce holds up beautifully! Store it in a mason jar or small container with a tight lid for up to 5 days. Stir before serving.
Assembly Tip:
For bang bang chicken bowl meal prep containers, layer rice first, then the chicken (keep the sauce separate if possible), and pack veggies on the side. Assemble fresh before eating for the best texture.
💬 Real Reviews from the Kitchen Table
We’ve made this bang bang chicken bowl part of our regular rotation—and you’re not alone! Here’s what fellow readers are saying:
“This is a flavor bomb! I made it for meal prep and actually looked forward to lunch every day.” – Kelly M.
“My kids gobbled it up—even the veggies! The sauce is next-level. Definitely a keeper.” – Sarah D.
“I tried the air fryer version and it turned out so crispy! Thank you for the simple steps.” – Jason W.
Love this recipe? Leave a review or share your creation on Instagram with #KetoOatmealBowls. I’d love to see how you make it your own!
🥗 You Might Also Love…
If you’re a fan of the sweet-spicy-creamy combo, don’t stop here. Try these next:
- creamy gochujang chili for spicy chicken lovers – A rich, spicy dinner twist!
- easy Catalina chicken recipe with bold flavors – For more sweet-and-savory cravings.
- healthy buffalo chicken dip as a spicy side dish – Game-day perfection in dip form.
👩🍳 Meet Jessica – Your Recipe Guide at KetoOatmeal
Hi, I’m Jessica 👋—the cook behind KetoOatmeal 🥣💚. I believe comfort food and clean eating can totally coexist. As a busy mom and food lover, I create simple, flavorful keto recipes that feed both your body and soul—like this delicious bang bang chicken bowl. Let’s make low-carb cooking fun and fuss-free—together!
❓Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Absolutely! To make your bang bang chicken bowl gluten-free, just ensure your sweet chili sauce and starch (like cornstarch or tapioca) are labeled gluten-free. You can also use tamari as a gluten-free soy sauce substitute.
2. What’s the best way to reheat this dish without losing texture?
To reheat your bang bang chicken bowl, use an air fryer or skillet for the chicken—it brings back the crisp! Warm the rice separately in the microwave with a splash of water, and add the fresh veggies cold for the best texture contrast.
3. Can I use frozen chicken?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken for your bang bang chicken bowl, but make sure to thaw it completely before coating and cooking. Pat it dry to remove any excess moisture so you still get that crispy finish.
4. What’s a good low-carb alternative to rice?
Cauliflower rice is a fantastic low-carb base for your bang bang chicken bowl. You can also try sautéed cabbage, zucchini noodles, or even a bed of fresh spinach for a lighter twist.
5. Can I make the sauce spicier or milder?
Totally! To turn up the heat in your bang bang chicken bowl, add more sriracha or a dash of crushed red pepper. Want it milder? Just reduce the sriracha and mix in a bit more honey or mayo.