Bang Bang Chicken Bowl: Irresistible 30-Minute Dinner

Name: Bang Bang Chicken Bowl
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Asian-inspired
Ingredients: 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces; ½ cup cornstarch; 1 teaspoon salt; ½ teaspoon black pepper; ¼ teaspoon garlic powder; ¼ teaspoon paprika; ¼ cup vegetable oil, for frying; 2 cups cooked jasmine rice; 1 cup shredded lettuce; 1 cup diced cucumber; ½ cup shredded carrots; ¼ cup chopped green onions; Sesame seeds, for garnish (optional); ½ cup mayonnaise; 2 tablespoons sweet chili sauce; 1 tablespoon sriracha, or to taste

Jump to Recipe

If there’s one thing I hear over and over from readers, it’s this: “I want dinner to be exciting… but I also want it fast.” Friend, this Bang Bang Chicken Bowl understands the assignment.

Crispy chicken, fluffy jasmine rice, crunchy veggies, and that creamy-sweet-spicy sauce that makes you go back for “just one more bite” (and then another). This is the kind of dinner that feels a little indulgent—but still totally doable on a weeknight when your to-do list is longer than your patience.

I love recipes like this because they’re flexible, family-friendly, and honestly? They save my sanity on those evenings when everyone’s hungry right now. Let’s get into it.

Why You’ll Love This Bang Bang Chicken Bowl

Fast but flavorful – Ready in about 30 minutes, start to finish.
Crispy comfort – That golden chicken has serious takeout vibes (without the takeout bill).
Customizable – Swap the protein, adjust the spice, clean out the veggie drawer.
Weeknight hero – Perfect for busy families, working professionals, or anyone who just wants dinner handled.

This Bang Bang Chicken Bowl is proof that quick meals don’t have to be boring—or bland.

What Is a Bang Bang Chicken Bowl, Anyway?

Think of it as a cozy-meets-crunchy dinner bowl. You’ve got:

Crispy, seasoned chicken
Steamy jasmine rice
Fresh, cool veggies
A creamy Bang Bang-style sauce that balances sweet heat beautifully

Everything lands in one bowl, which means fewer dishes and more time to relax. (A win I’ll take any day.)

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Crispy Chicken

1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
Swap idea: Shrimp or tofu both work beautifully here.
½ cup cornstarch
1 tsp salt
½ tsp black pepper
¼ tsp garlic powder
¼ tsp paprika
¼ cup vegetable oil, for frying

For the Rice & Toppings

2 cups cooked jasmine rice
Substitute: Brown rice or quinoa if that’s your thing.
1 cup shredded lettuce
1 cup diced cucumber
½ cup shredded carrots
¼ cup chopped green onions
Sesame seeds, for garnish (optional but lovely)

For the Bang Bang Sauce

½ cup mayonnaise
Light option: Non-fat mayo or plain Greek yogurt
2 tbsp sweet chili sauce
1 tbsp sriracha (adjust to taste)

How to Make a Bang Bang Chicken Bowl (Step-by-Step)

1. Prep the Chicken

In a large bowl, combine the cornstarch, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. Toss the chicken pieces until every nook and cranny is coated. This is the secret to that crave-worthy crunch.

2. Fry Until Golden

Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken in a single layer (don’t crowd the pan—crispy chicken likes personal space).

Cook for 5–7 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden brown and cooked through. Transfer to a plate and try not to snack too much. (No judgment if you do.)

3. Make the Sauce

In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, and sriracha until smooth. Taste and adjust the spice level—this is your bowl.

4. Assemble the Bowls

Start with a warm base of jasmine rice. Top with crispy chicken, lettuce, cucumber, carrots, and green onions. Drizzle generously with the Bang Bang sauce and finish with sesame seeds if you like.

Serve immediately while everything’s fresh and warm.

Bang Bang Chicken Bowl with crispy chicken, jasmine rice, fresh vegetables, and creamy spicy sauce — This Bang Bang Chicken Bowl is loaded with crispy chicken, fluffy rice, and fresh veggies, all drizzled with a creamy sweet-and-spicy sauce.

Helpful Tips from My Kitchen to Yours

Extra crispy chicken? Make sure your oil is hot before adding the chicken. If it sizzles right away, you’re good to go.
Too spicy? Add a touch more mayo or sweet chili sauce to mellow things out.
Not spicy enough? A little extra sriracha never hurt anyone
Meal prep friendly: Store chicken and rice separately for best texture.

If your sauce looks a little thick, don’t worry—it’s not a problem. It’s just extra comfort waiting to happen.

A Little Real-Life Story

This Bang Bang Chicken Bowl became a regular in my house during one of those weeks where everything felt chaotic. You know the kind—appointments, emails, laundry piles that multiply overnight.

I needed dinner to be quick, filling, and something everyone would actually eat. This bowl checked all the boxes. It’s colorful enough to feel fresh, cozy enough to feel satisfying, and simple enough to make without thinking too hard. That’s a keeper in my book.

FAQs About Bang Bang Chicken Bowl

Can I substitute the chicken?

Absolutely. Shrimp cooks even faster, and crispy tofu is a great vegetarian option. Just adjust the cooking time.

How do I store leftovers?

Store each component in airtight containers in the fridge.
Chicken: up to 3 days
Veggies: best within 1–2 days
Reheat the chicken in a skillet or air fryer for best texture.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes! Prep the rice, sauce, and veggies ahead. Cook the chicken fresh or reheat it just before serving.

Is this Bang Bang Chicken Bowl kid-friendly?

It can be! Simply reduce or skip the sriracha and let everyone add spice to their own bowl.

A Cozy Bowl Worth Repeating

This Bang Bang Chicken Bowl is one of those recipes that quietly earns a permanent spot in your dinner rotation. It’s quick, comforting, and just exciting enough to break you out of a weeknight rut—without demanding extra effort from you.

If you try it, I hope it brings a little calm and a lot of flavor to your table. Because dinner shouldn’t be stressful—it should feel like a warm, delicious pause in your day.

More Cozy Bowl & Weeknight Dinner Ideas to Try

If this Bang Bang Chicken Bowl made your dinner routine feel easier (and tastier), here are a few more comforting, flavor-packed meals you might enjoy next. Each one keeps that same balance of bold flavor and simple prep—perfect for busy nights when you still want something special on the table:

Craving that same sweet-and-spicy vibe with a lighter twist? Bang Bang Ground Turkey Rice Bowls deliver all the flavor with a protein-packed swap that’s great for weeknights.
If creamy heat is your love language, Buffalo Chicken Bowls are just as satisfying and easy to customize for picky eaters.
For a one-pan dinner that feels cozy and effortless, Salsa Verde Chicken and Rice Skillet is a go-to when you want bold flavor without extra cleanup.
Bowl lovers who enjoy fresh, colorful toppings will adore Street Corn Chicken and Rice Bowls—they’re fantastic for meal prep and leftovers.
And if you’re in the mood to explore another take on this classic flavor combo, Bang Bang Chicken Bowls from Jar of Lemons offer a fresh spin with fun ingredient ideas and presentation inspiration.

These recipes keep dinner exciting while staying practical—because good food should fit real life, not complicate it.