Creamy Bang Bang Chicken Bowl: Flavorful Air Fryer Chicken with Rice & Veggies

Name: Creamy Bang Bang Chicken Bowl
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 40 min
Ingredients: Bang Bang Sauce:; 1¼ cups mayonnaise; ⅔ cup sweet chili sauce; 2 tablespoons honey; 2 teaspoons sriracha (adjust to taste); Chicken:; 2 pounds boneless (skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes); 1 tablespoon vegetable oil; 1 teaspoon paprika; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 teaspoon kosher salt; ½ teaspoon black pepper; Bowl Assembly:; 4 cups cooked white rice (warmed); 2 cups red cabbage (thinly sliced); 1 large carrot (julienned); 1 medium cucumber (sliced); 1 large avocado (thinly sliced); Fresh cilantro (chopped, for garnish); Sesame seeds (for garnish)

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The Creamy Bang Bang Chicken Bowl is one of those recipes that manages to feel indulgent while still being balanced, fresh, and vibrant. Tender, perfectly cooked chicken bites are coated in a sweet, tangy, and slightly spicy Bang Bang sauce and served over a bed of fluffy white rice. Crisp vegetables—red cabbage, carrots, cucumber—add refreshing crunch, while creamy avocado slices and a sprinkle of sesame seeds elevate the bowl to restaurant-quality flavor at home.

This dish is ideal for busy weeknights, meal prep for the week ahead, or for anyone seeking a healthy, flavor-packed meal that is easy to assemble. Unlike fried Bang Bang chicken served as a heavy appetizer, this bowl version integrates lean protein, nutrient-rich vegetables, and satisfying carbs in a single, balanced dish. The air fryer method keeps the chicken juicy while giving it a lightly golden exterior, making cleanup quick and effortless.

Beyond convenience, the appeal lies in its flavor balance. The creamy sauce hits a perfect sweet, spicy, and tangy combination, while fresh vegetables provide crunch and contrast. Rice provides a neutral base, allowing the Bang Bang sauce to shine. The combination is visually stunning, nutritionally satisfying, and deeply comforting.

Whether you’re cooking for kids, meal prepping for yourself, or hosting a casual dinner, this recipe delivers the perfect harmony of flavor, texture, and ease of preparation.

Why This Recipe Works

Creating a Bang Bang Chicken Bowl that is both healthy and indulgent requires careful attention to flavor layering, cooking technique, and ingredient selection. Here’s why this recipe works so well:

Flavor Layering

The dish balances sweetness, heat, and umami. The Bang Bang sauce combines mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, honey, and sriracha. Each ingredient plays a role:

Mayonnaise gives creaminess and richness without overpowering other flavors.
Sweet chili sauce adds sweetness and a subtle tang.
Honey enhances sweetness and creates a glossy, sticky coating that clings to the chicken.
Sriracha introduces a mild heat that wakes up the palate without overwhelming.

When tossed together with the hot chicken, the sauce adheres beautifully, ensuring every bite is flavorful.

Technique

Using the air fryer method for the chicken ensures:

Crisp edges without heavy frying.
Juicy, tender interior.
Minimal cleanup and oil usage.

Alternatively, cooking in a skillet works perfectly, allowing those without an air fryer to achieve similar results. Toasting the rice slightly before assembly or keeping it warm ensures that it soaks up a bit of the sauce, creating cohesion in the bowl.

Cooking Logic

This recipe follows efficient cooking logic:

Sauce first – Mixing the Bang Bang sauce ahead of time allows flavors to meld.
Chicken second – Quick cooking ensures tenderness and prevents overcooking.
Vegetables last – Fresh vegetables are sliced just before assembly for maximum crunch and vibrancy.
Assembly – Layering rice first, vegetables second, chicken third, and avocado last ensures balance and visual appeal.

Each element is timed to retain its individual texture while combining into a harmonious bowl.

Recipe Information

Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 10–12 minutes (air fryer)
Total Time: 40–42 minutes
Yield: 4 bowls
Category: Dinner / Main Course
Cuisine: Asian-Inspired / Fusion

Ingredient Breakdown

Chicken

Chicken breasts are used for lean protein and quick cooking. Cubes ensure even cooking and easy coating with sauce. For more flavor, thighs can be substituted, offering juicier meat but slightly higher fat content.

Bang Bang Sauce Ingredients

Mayonnaise: Provides creamy texture and richness. Use full-fat for traditional flavor or a lighter version for lower calories.
Sweet Chili Sauce: Adds sweetness, subtle heat, and vibrant color. Adjust the quantity depending on your preferred spice level.
Honey: Balances heat and adds glossy finish.
Sriracha: Provides mild heat; adjust to taste.

Vegetables

Red Cabbage: Thinly sliced for crunch, color, and nutritional benefits (rich in antioxidants).
Carrot: Julienned carrots add sweetness and vibrant orange contrast.
Cucumber: Adds freshness and cooling contrast to the warm chicken and sauce.

Rice

Fluffy white rice is traditional for Bang Bang bowls, but jasmine or brown rice can be substituted. Properly rinsing the rice removes excess starch for a fluffier texture.

Avocado

Sliced avocado adds creaminess and healthy fats. Adds a contrast to the sweet-spicy sauce.

Garnishes

Cilantro: Fresh flavor and visual appeal.
Sesame Seeds: Adds nutty aroma and crunch.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Make the Bang Bang Sauce

In a medium bowl, combine 1¼ cups mayonnaise, ⅔ cup sweet chili sauce, 2 tablespoons honey, and 2 teaspoons sriracha. Whisk until smooth. Taste and adjust spice levels. Set aside.

Step 2: Prepare the Chicken

Pat chicken cubes dry. Toss with 1 tablespoon vegetable oil, 1 teaspoon paprika, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon kosher salt, and ½ teaspoon black pepper.

Air Fryer Method:

Arrange chicken in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Cook at 400°F for 11–12 minutes, flipping halfway. Check internal temperature reaches 165°F. Toss cooked chicken with ½ cup Bang Bang sauce.

Skillet Method:

Heat oil in a non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook 8–10 minutes, flipping halfway. Toss with ½ cup Bang Bang sauce.

Step 3: Prepare Vegetables

Slice red cabbage, julienne carrot, and slice cucumber. Slice avocado just before assembly to prevent browning.

Step 4: Assemble Bowls

Divide 4 cups cooked rice among 4 bowls. Layer vegetables over rice: ½ cup cabbage, ¼ cup carrots, ¼ cup cucumber per bowl. Add Bang Bang chicken and avocado slices. Drizzle remaining sauce over the top. Garnish with cilantro and sesame seeds. Serve immediately.

Texture and Flavor Profile

This bowl combines multiple textures:

Creamy chicken with rich Bang Bang sauce
Fluffy rice
Crisp vegetables
Smooth avocado
Nutty sesame seeds

Flavor is balanced: sweet, spicy, tangy, and savory. The richness of mayonnaise and honey contrasts with the freshness of vegetables. Sriracha provides subtle heat, balanced by cooling cucumber and avocado.

Tips for Best Results

Use room temperature ingredients for the sauce for easier mixing.
Pat chicken dry to ensure crispiness.
Slice vegetables just before serving for maximum crunch.
Adjust sauce based on heat preference—add more sriracha for spice lovers, more honey for sweetness.
Rice alternatives: Jasmine, brown, or cauliflower rice for low-carb option.

Variations

Spicy Version: Add extra sriracha or chili flakes.
Vegetarian Version: Swap chicken for crispy tofu or tempeh.
Grilled Version: Grill chicken cubes for smoky flavor.
Meal Prep Bowls: Double ingredients and store chicken and rice separately from veggies; combine before serving.

Serving Suggestions

Pair with light Asian-style salads.
Serve with miso soup or edamame for a complete meal.
Sprinkle extra sesame seeds or crushed peanuts for texture.
Garnish with pickled ginger or scallions for added color.

Storage and Reheating

Store chicken, rice, and vegetables separately in airtight containers up to 3 days.
Reheat chicken in a skillet or microwave.
Assemble bowls fresh to retain texture and freshness.
Sauce can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.

Nutrition Overview (per bowl)

Calories: 1,276 kcal
Protein: 45 g
Carbohydrates: 120 g
Fat: 65 g
Saturated Fat: 12 g
Fiber: 10 g
Sugar: 15 g
Sodium: 1,200 mg

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, prep sauce and chicken in advance. Store rice and vegetables separately. Assemble before serving.

Can I use thighs instead of breasts?
Yes. Thighs provide juicier, more flavorful meat. Adjust cooking time slightly.

Is this dish very spicy?
Mild by default. Adjust sriracha for more heat.

Can I freeze this meal?
Cooked chicken freezes well; vegetables are best fresh. Rice can be frozen and reheated.

Can I make it low-carb?
Substitute rice with cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles.

The Creamy Bang Bang Chicken Bowl is a versatile, vibrant, and balanced dish that combines flavor, color, and texture in every bite. Its appeal lies in its simplicity, speed, and the ability to adapt to dietary preferences while maintaining its characteristic sweet, spicy, and savory flavor.

Perfect for busy weeknights, meal prep, or casual dinners, this bowl brings together Asian-inspired flavors with home-cooked comfort, offering a restaurant-quality meal at home. Rich, creamy, and satisfying, yet brightened with fresh vegetables, it is a bowl that delivers on taste, nutrition, and presentation.

With this recipe, you can enjoy a flavorful, healthy, and visually stunning dinner in under 45 minutes, proving that comfort food can be quick, easy, and nutritious.