| |

Bang Bang Chicken Bowls with Spicy Honey Chili Sauce Recipe

I absolutely love how the Bang Bang Chicken Bowls with Spicy Honey Chili Sauce Recipe comes together—it’s such a vibrant, flavor-packed meal that feels both fresh and comforting at the same time. When I first tried this dish, I was hooked by the perfect balance of sweet honey, spicy chili, and creamy mayo that clings to tender, crispy chicken pieces nestled over fluffy jasmine rice. You’ll find this recipe works beautifully for quick weeknight dinners or as a fabulous meal prep lunch to brighten up your week.

What makes this Bang Bang Chicken Bowls with Spicy Honey Chili Sauce Recipe really special is how versatile it is—you can tweak the spice level and veggies to suit your family’s tastes, and it comes together in under an hour! Plus, the combination of crunchy cabbage and carrots adds a lovely textural contrast that keeps every bite interesting. Trust me, once you try it, your family goes crazy for this dish just like mine does.

💙

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Flavor Explosion: The spicy honey chili sauce perfectly balances sweet heat and creamy texture for unforgettable taste.
  • Easy to Make: You can prepare the chicken, sauce, and veggies quickly, making it ideal for busy weekdays.
  • Meal Prep Friendly: These bowls store well and taste great reheated, perfect for grabbing on-the-go meals.
  • Customizable: Adjust spice levels and swap veggies to suit personal needs and preferences.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe combines simple pantry staples with fresh veggies and a homemade sauce that really ties everything together. I always recommend picking fresh, crisp vegetables and good-quality honey to get the best flavor possible in your Bang Bang Chicken Bowls with Spicy Honey Chili Sauce Recipe.

  • Tapioca starch (or potato starch): This gives the chicken a beautiful crispy coating without frying in heavy batter.
  • Garlic powder: Adds subtle savory depth to both chicken coating and veggies.
  • Salt and pepper: Basic seasoning essentials to highlight your ingredients’ natural flavors.
  • Paprika: A smoky hint that complements the spicy honey chili sauce well.
  • Boneless skinless chicken breasts: Cubed for quick cooking and easy portioning.
  • Avocado oil: Great for high-heat cooking and adds a mild, buttery flavor.
  • Avocado mayo: Keeps the sauce creamy without overpowering other flavors.
  • Honey: Balances the heat with a sweet natural touch.
  • Sweet chili sauce: Adds a tangy, mildly spicy kick that defines the sauce.
  • Hot sauce: Customize your preferred spice level easily here.
  • Minced garlic: Provides fresh aromatic punch.
  • Sliced carrots: Adds crunch and natural sweetness to your bowls.
  • Red cabbage: Brings vibrant color and a satisfying crunch.
  • Cooked jasmine rice: Fluffy and fragrant base for the bowls.
  • Cucumber: Offers cooling freshness to balance the spicy sauce.
  • Lime juice: Adds brightness and lifts all the flavors.
  • Green onion stalk: For garnish and subtle onion flavor.
  • Black sesame seeds (optional): Adds a nutty crunch and pretty finishing touch.
Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

I often switch up the veggies depending on what I have in the fridge or what’s in season—feel free to make this Bang Bang Chicken Bowls with Spicy Honey Chili Sauce Recipe your own by adding your favorite crunch or swapping mild for bold flavors. It’s a flexible dish that always turns out fantastic!

  • Protein Swap: I’ve tried this recipe great with shrimp or tofu, especially when pressed for time or accommodating dietary needs.
  • Veggie Upgrades: Sometimes, I add shredded kale or snap peas for extra color and texture.
  • Spice Level: For those who like it fiery, doubling the hot sauce kick completely changes the profile in a delicious way.
  • Rice Alternatives: Use brown rice or cauliflower rice for a lower-carb option without losing that satisfying base.

How to Make Bang Bang Chicken Bowls with Spicy Honey Chili Sauce Recipe

Step 1: Coat and Cook Your Chicken to Crispy Perfection

Start by mixing the tapioca starch, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and paprika in a medium bowl. Toss in the cubed chicken until every piece is nicely coated—this is the secret to that crispy, golden exterior. Heat avocado oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat, then add the chicken. Let it cook undisturbed for 5 to 8 minutes before flipping to the other side for another 5 to 8 minutes. Look for a golden-brown color and ensure the chicken is fully cooked through. I like to break up the pieces a bit with a spatula to get nice bite-sized chunks.

Step 2: Whip Up Your Signature Spicy Honey Chili Sauce

While the chicken cooks, in a large bowl combine avocado mayo, honey, sweet chili sauce, hot sauce, minced garlic, and salt—but just start with one tablespoon mayo. Reserve about 1/4 cup of this sauce to drizzle on later, then toss the cooked chicken in the rest until it’s fully coated and glossy. This sauce is the heart of the Bang Bang Chicken Bowls with Spicy Honey Chili Sauce Recipe, so taste and adjust the heat to suit your cravings.

Step 3: Sauté Your Fresh Veggies to Tender Crunchiness

Add a bit more avocado oil to the skillet, heat it to medium-high, then add carrots. Cook for about 10 minutes to soften slightly while retaining crunch. Add the cabbage along with garlic powder, salt, and pepper, and cook another 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally. The veggies should be tender but with a little snap—a texture contrast that truly makes the bowls sing.

Step 4: Assemble Your Bang Bang Chicken Bowls 

Warm and evenly divide cooked jasmine rice and fresh cucumber slices across four bowls or meal prep containers. Drizzle each bowl with freshly squeezed lime juice—it adds that fresh zing that wakes everything up. Add the chicken and veggie mixture on top. Whisk the remaining two tablespoons of mayo into the reserved 1/4 cup sauce and drizzle over each bowl. Finish with chopped green onions and black sesame seeds if you have them—these garnishes add a nice look and a subtle crunch.

👨‍🍳

Pro Tips for Making Bang Bang Chicken Bowls with Spicy Honey Chili Sauce Recipe

  • Perfect Crispy Coating: Using tapioca starch instead of flour gives chicken a lighter, crispier texture that won’t get soggy quickly.
  • Sauce Balance: I learned to start with less hot sauce, then add more after tasting, so the heat never overwhelms the sweetness and creaminess.
  • Veggie Texture: Don’t overcook the cabbage and carrots—they should retain some bite to keep the bowls lively.
  • Storage Separation: Keep the extra sauce, chicken, veggies, and rice separate when storing leftovers to avoid sogginess and maintain freshness.

How to Serve Bang Bang Chicken Bowls with Spicy Honey Chili Sauce Recipe

Bang Bang Chicken Bowls with Spicy Honey Chili Sauce Recipe - Recipe Image

Garnishes

I always love to finish these bowls with chopped green onion and black sesame seeds—they add an oniony freshness and little nutty crunch, elevating the dish visually and flavor-wise. Sometimes I’ll sprinkle a bit of extra lime zest or fresh cilantro for an even brighter finish.

Side Dishes

Though this recipe makes a complete meal on its own, I occasionally serve it alongside a simple miso soup or Asian-inspired slaw when entertaining. A side of steamed edamame or even pickled radishes would also be fantastic to add some more variety.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I like to serve these bowls in pretty glass containers or bamboo bowls, topped with edible flowers and extra chili slices to make the colors pop. It’s a fun way to turn casual meals into something a bit more festive without extra fuss!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftovers in separate airtight containers—chicken in one, veggies in another, rice in a third, and sauce in a small jar. This helps preserve texture and flavor so that nothing gets mushy or overly saucy. When ready to eat, just combine them all fresh in a bowl.

Freezing

While I don’t usually freeze the fresh cucumbers and sauce for the best texture, the cooked chicken and veggies freeze well if wrapped tightly. Just thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently on the stovetop.

Reheating

Reheat chicken and veggies in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through to maintain crispness. I prefer reheating the rice in the microwave with a damp paper towel to keep it moist. Then assemble everything together fresh with cold cucumber and drizzle more sauce before serving.

FAQs

  1. Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts for this recipe?

    Absolutely! Chicken thighs add extra juiciness and flavor. Just cube them the same way and adjust cooking time to ensure they’re fully cooked but still tender. They crisp up beautifully with the tapioca starch coating.

  2. How spicy is the Bang Bang Chicken Bowls with Spicy Honey Chili Sauce Recipe?

    The spice level is moderate by default, but you control it by adjusting the amount of hot sauce. If you like heat, add more; if you prefer mild, use less or omit it entirely. The honey and mayo help balance the heat nicely.

  3. Can these bowls be made gluten-free?

    Yes! Just make sure your sweet chili sauce and hot sauce are certified gluten-free. The other ingredients naturally don’t contain gluten. Using tapioca starch instead of flour also keeps the coating gluten-free.

  4. What can I substitute for avocado mayo?

    You can swap in regular mayonnaise or a vegan mayo depending on your preference. The key is to keep that creamy texture that binds the sauce ingredients together for that signature coating.

  5. Is this recipe freezer-friendly?

    The chicken and veggies freeze well, but raw cucumber and the sauce are best added fresh after reheating. Freeze your cooked components separately and store the fresh elements in the fridge to enjoy the best texture.

Final Thoughts

This Bang Bang Chicken Bowls with Spicy Honey Chili Sauce Recipe has become one of my go-to meals whenever I want something quick, tasty, and a little bit special. It always impresses guests and satisfies my family’s cravings for bold, layered flavors without spending hours in the kitchen. Give this recipe a try—I bet you’ll find it as addictive and comforting as I do!

Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon

Bang Bang Chicken Bowls with Spicy Honey Chili Sauce Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.8 from 139 reviews
  • Author: Anna
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 35 minutes
  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 4 Bowls
  • Category: Main Dish
  • Method: Frying
  • Cuisine: Asian Fusion

Description

This Bang Bang Chicken recipe offers a flavorful and easy-to-make bowl meal perfect for lunch or dinner. Featuring crispy pan-fried chicken coated in a spicy-sweet sauce, paired with sautéed carrots and cabbage, fresh cucumbers, and jasmine rice, this dish balances textures and bold flavors for a satisfying and colorful meal.


Ingredients

Units Scale

Chicken

  • 1/4 cup tapioca starch (or potato starch)
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 1/2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts, cubed (about 3 cups)
  • 2 Tablespoons avocado oil

Sauce

  • 3 Tablespoons avocado mayo, divided
  • 1/3 cup honey
  • 3 Tablespoons sweet chili sauce
  • 1-2 Tablespoons hot sauce
  • 2 teaspoons minced garlic
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt

Veggies

  • 1 Tablespoon avocado oil
  • 1 1/2 cups sliced carrots
  • 2 cups sliced red cabbage
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon pepper

Bowls

  • 2 cups cooked jasmine rice
  • 1 medium cucumber, sliced
  • Freshly squeezed lime juice, to taste
  • 1 medium green onion stalk, chopped (for garnish)
  • Black sesame seeds (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Coat the Chicken: In a medium bowl, combine tapioca starch, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and paprika. Add the cubed chicken and toss until fully coated with the seasoning mixture.
  2. Cook the Chicken: Heat 2 tablespoons of avocado oil in a large non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. Add the coated chicken pieces and pan fry for 5-8 minutes on one side. Flip and cook another 5-8 minutes until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through. Stir lightly to break up the pieces once cooked.
  3. Prepare the Sauce: While the chicken cooks, mix together 1 tablespoon avocado mayo, honey, sweet chili sauce, hot sauce, minced garlic, and salt in a large bowl. Set aside about 1/4 cup of this sauce separately for later use.
  4. Drain Excess Oil: Transfer the cooked chicken to paper towels to drain any excess oil, if desired, then add the chicken to the large bowl with the remaining sauce. Toss thoroughly to coat the chicken evenly.
  5. Sauté the Vegetables: Add 1 tablespoon of avocado oil to the same skillet and reheat over medium-high heat. Add sliced carrots and cook for about 10 minutes. Then add sliced red cabbage along with garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Cook for another 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables soften.
  6. Prepare the Bowls: While the veggies cook, warm the jasmine rice. Divide the rice and sliced cucumber evenly between four bowls or meal prep containers. Drizzle freshly squeezed lime juice over each one.
  7. Combine Extra Sauce: Mix the remaining 2 tablespoons avocado mayo with the reserved 1/4 cup of sauce, whisking to combine smoothly.
  8. Assemble the Bowls: Distribute the cooked vegetables and coated chicken evenly over the rice and cucumber in each bowl. Garnish with chopped green onions and sprinkle with black sesame seeds if using. Drizzle the extra sauce over the bowls before serving. Enjoy your flavorful Bang Bang Chicken bowls!

Notes

  • You can adjust the heat level by adding more or less hot sauce to the sauce mixture.
  • For best texture when storing leftovers, keep the vegetables, rice, chicken, and extra sauce separated until ready to serve.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 bowl
  • Calories: 520
  • Sugar: 18g
  • Sodium: 650mg
  • Fat: 22g
  • Saturated Fat: 3.5g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 17g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 50g
  • Fiber: 5g
  • Protein: 35g
  • Cholesterol: 85mg

Similar Posts

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe rating 5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star