Save to Pinterest The first time I had Bang Bang chicken at that little restaurant downtown, I kept sneaking tastes of the sauce, trying to figure out what made it so addictive. Sweet, creamy, with this slow burn heat that made me want to take another bite immediately. My friend finally had to ask if I was going to eat my actual food or just keep doing sauce reconnaissance. That weekend, I was in my kitchen, determined to crack the code.
Last Tuesday, my roommate walked in while I was tossing the chicken in the sauce and immediately asked what smelled so incredible. We ended up eating standing up at the counter, barely waiting for me to take a photo first. She texted me the next morning asking for the recipe, said she was still thinking about it.
Ingredients
- Chicken breasts or thighs: thighs stay juicier but breasts work beautifully if thats what you have, just dont overcook them
- Olive oil: helps the chicken get those gorgeous golden edges that make everything taste better
- Salt and black pepper: simple seasoning that lets the sauce shine, dont skip this step
- Mayonnaise: the creamy base that makes everything rich and luxurious
- Sweet chili sauce: this is the secret weapon, that perfect sweet heat balance
- Sriracha: start with one teaspoon and taste, you can always add more fire
- Honey: rounds out the sharp edges and helps everything come together
- Garlic: fresh minced gives you those little bursts of flavor
- Cooked rice: brown rice adds nuttiness but white rice soaks up the sauce beautifully
- Shredded carrots: bring natural sweetness and the prettiest color contrast
- Cucumber: cool and crisp against the spicy sauce, slice them thin
- Red cabbage: that crunch factor that makes every bite interesting
- Green onions: fresh bite that cuts through all the creamy richness
- Sesame seeds: totally optional but they make it look so pretty
- Fresh cilantro: if you love it, add a handful, if you hate it, leave it out
Instructions
- Get your chicken golden:
- Heat that olive oil in your big skillet over medium heat, then season your chicken pieces and let them sizzle until theyre cooked through and gorgeous, about 6 to 8 minutes.
- Whisk up the magic sauce:
- In a bowl, mix together the mayo, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, honey and garlic until its smooth and tastes like heaven.
- Coat the chicken:
- Drizzle half that beautiful sauce over your cooked chicken and toss it until every piece is covered.
- Build your bowls:
- Start with rice as your base, then arrange the chicken, carrots, cucumber, cabbage and green onions on top however looks pretty to you.
- Finish with sauce:
- Drizzle the remaining sauce over everything and top with sesame seeds and cilantro if youre feeling fancy.
Save to Pinterest My little brother came over last month and had three bowls, kept saying he didnt know healthy food could taste this good. Now he texts me every Sunday asking if Im making it for dinner.
Making It Lighter
Greek yogurt works surprisingly well as a mayo substitute if you want to cut down on the richness. The tang actually plays really nicely with the sweet chili sauce, and you get that protein boost.
Protein Swaps
Cauliflower florets get all caramelized and amazing in the skillet, and tofu soaks up that Bang Bang sauce like a dream. Press the tofu first so it gets crispy instead of soggy.
Meal Prep Magic
Everything keeps beautifully for 3 to 4 days, just keep the sauce separate until youre ready to eat so the veggies stay crunchy.
- slice all your veggies on Sunday and store them in containers
- make a double batch of the sauce, youll thank yourself later
- reheat the chicken gently so it doesnt dry out
Save to Pinterest Hope this becomes one of those recipes you find yourself making on repeat, the one everyone asks you about.
Recipe Help Center
- → What does Bang Bang sauce taste like?
Bang Bang sauce delivers a creamy, tangy flavor with sweet notes from the chili sauce and gentle heat from sriracha. The garlic adds depth, creating a balanced coating that's rich without being overwhelming.
- → Can I make this bowl ahead of time?
Yes, this bowl excels for meal prep. Store components separately in airtight containers—the sauce keeps up to a week, while cooked chicken and vegetables last 3-4 days. Assemble just before eating to maintain texture.
- → How can I adjust the spice level?
Control heat by varying the sriracha quantity—start with one teaspoon and increase gradually. For milder flavor, reduce sriracha and increase honey. The sauce base remains consistent, allowing easy customization.
- → What protein alternatives work well?
Pan-seared shrimp, crispy tofu cubes, or cauliflower florets all substitute beautifully. Adjust cooking time accordingly—shrimp need just 2-3 minutes per side, while tofu benefits from pressing and crisp cooking edges.
- → Is this gluten-free and dairy-free?
With tamari instead of soy sauce and verified gluten-free chili sauce and mayonnaise, this bowl becomes gluten-free. For dairy-free needs, ensure mayonnaise brands avoid dairy additives, or swap in coconut yogurt alternative.
- → What rice works best?
Both white and brown rice perform well—white offers quicker cooking and softer texture, while brown adds nutty flavor and extra fiber. For low-carb versions, try cauliflower rice or quinoa as bases.