If you’re craving takeout‑style flavor but don’t want to wait or spend a fortune, this Easy Bang Bang Chicken Bowl is exactly what you need. Tender cubes of chicken are tossed in a creamy, sweet‑and‑spicy “bang bang” sauce and served over fluffy rice with crisp fresh vegetables. The whole meal comes together in about 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights, meal prep, or a quick lunch you can pack and reheat.
The sauce is the star: a blend of mayonnaise, Thai sweet chili sauce, a touch of honey, and a kick of sriracha that coats the chicken in a glossy, sticky glaze. Serve it in a bowl with crunchy cabbage, carrots, cucumber, avocado, and a sprinkle of sesame seeds and cilantro, and you’ve got a colorful, satisfying dish that looks just as good as it tastes—ideal for Pinterest and Reels.
Complete Ingredient List (Serves 4)
This version is designed to be pantry‑friendly and easy to scale up for leftovers.
For the Bang Bang Sauce
- ¾ cup light mayonnaise
- ½ cup Thai sweet chili sauce
- ¼ cup ketchup
- 1–2 teaspoons sriracha (adjust for heat)
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon powdered peanut butter (optional, for depth)
For the Chicken
- 1½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite‑sized cubes
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and black pepper to taste
For the Bowls
- 2 cups cooked white rice (or jasmine rice)
- 12 ounces cooked frozen cauliflower rice (optional, for lower‑carb)
- 2 cups shredded green or red cabbage
- 1 large carrot, julienned
- 1 cucumber, halved and thinly sliced
- ½ cup pickled red onions (store‑bought or quick‑pickled)
- 1–2 green onions, thinly sliced
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
- Lime wedges, for serving
Step‑By‑Step Instructions
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 10–15 minutes
Total time: About 30 minutes
Servings: 4 bowls
- Cook the Chicken
Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add the olive oil. Season the cubed chicken with salt and pepper. Add the chicken to the pan in a single layer and let it cook untouched for about 3 minutes so it gets a light sear. Flip the pieces and continue cooking for another 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is fully cooked through and no longer pink in the center. - Make the Bang Bang Sauce
While the chicken cooks, whisk together the mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, ketchup, sriracha, garlic powder, and powdered peanut butter (if using) in a small bowl. Taste and adjust: add more sriracha for heat, more sweet chili for sweetness, or a squeeze of lime for brightness. - Toss Chicken in Sauce
Once the chicken is cooked, turn off the heat and pour about half of the sauce into the skillet. Stir to coat the chicken evenly. Reserve the rest of the sauce to drizzle over the bowls at the end. - Assemble the Bowls
In each bowl, combine warm white rice and cauliflower rice. Top with shredded cabbage, julienned carrots, sliced cucumber, and pickled onions. Add a generous scoop of sauced chicken, then drizzle with the remaining bang bang sauce. Finish with sliced green onions, sesame seeds, and a squeeze of fresh lime juice.
Tips for the Best Bang Bang Chicken Bowl
- Use chicken thighs if you want juicier, more flavorful meat; they stay tender even if slightly overcooked.
- If you prefer crispy chicken, toss the cubes in a little cornstarch or tapioca starch before pan‑frying.
- Make a bigger batch of sauce and store it in the fridge for up to 1 week; it’s great as a dip for veggies, spring rolls, or grilled chicken.
- For meal prep, divide the rice and veggies into containers, then add the sauced chicken just before eating so the veggies stay crisp.
Nutrition Snapshot (Per Bowl)
This bowl is rich in protein and healthy fats from the chicken and sauce, with fiber from the vegetables. You can lighten it by using light mayo, more cauliflower rice, and extra veggies. It reheats beautifully in the microwave or on the stovetop, making it a perfect make‑ahead lunch.
Why This Works So Well for TikTok and Pinterest
The Bang Bang Chicken Bowl is incredibly photogenic: bright red chili glaze on golden chicken, colorful veggies, and a sprinkle of sesame seeds make it pop on camera. The 30‑minute timeline is perfect for short‑form video, and the “better than takeout” hook resonates with busy home cooks. For Pinterest, focus on overhead shots of the bowl with lime wedges and chopsticks, and keep the background simple so the colors stand out.
Serve this bowl with extra lime wedges on the side and let everyone adjust the spice level to their taste. Once you try it, you’ll understand why this easy, flavorful dish has become such a favorite for quick dinners and meal prep.