Spicy sweet chicken bowls

The irresistible combination of crispy chicken coated in sweet-spicy sauce transforms an ordinary weeknight into something special with these protein-packed Bang Bang Chicken Bowls. Perfectly golden chicken bites enrobed in a creamy, tangy sauce sit atop fluffy jasmine rice with vibrant veggies for a meal that satisfies both nutritional needs and flavor cravings. Whether you're meal prepping for busy days or seeking a family-friendly dinner that doesn't compromise on taste or health, this 40-gram protein powerhouse delivers restaurant-quality results with minimal effort.

I first created these bowls during a particularly hectic season when my energy was lagging and takeout was becoming too frequent. Not only did my whole family devour them, but I noticed we all had sustained energy throughout the evening—no mid-evening snack cravings! Even my six-year-old, who typically avoids anything with "green things," cleaned his plate and asked for leftovers in his lunch the next day.

Ingredients That Make All The Difference

• Tapioca starch: Creates a lighter, crispier coating on the chicken than traditional flour. The chicken stays crispy even after being tossed in sauce—a game-changing texture difference.
• Sweet chili sauce: Provides the perfect balance of sweetness and mild heat that gives the sauce its signature flavor. Look for one without artificial colors or corn syrup for best results.
• Avocado mayo: Offers a healthier fat profile than regular mayonnaise while maintaining the creamy richness essential to the sauce. Its neutral flavor lets the other ingredients shine.
• Fresh lime: The bright acidity cuts through the richness of the sauce and awakens all the flavors in the bowl. Fresh lime juice makes a noticeable difference compared to bottled.
• Red cabbage: Adds beautiful color, satisfying crunch, and nutritional value. The slight pepperiness creates another flavor dimension that regular cabbage can't match.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1:

Begin by preparing your chicken properly. Cut boneless, skinless chicken breasts into 1-inch cubes of uniform size to ensure even cooking. Pat the pieces dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture—this step is crucial for achieving maximum crispiness when cooking. Having evenly sized pieces ensures that all the chicken will cook at the same rate, preventing some pieces from overcooking while others remain undercooked.

Step 2:

In a large bowl, combine the tapioca starch (or cornstarch if substituting), garlic powder, salt, pepper, and paprika, mixing thoroughly to distribute the seasonings evenly. Add the chicken cubes to the bowl and toss until each piece is completely coated with the starch mixture. The starch creates a light coating that will become crispy when cooked and helps the sauce adhere better to the chicken later.

Step 3:

Heat a large non-stick skillet over medium-high heat and add the avocado oil. Once the oil is hot and shimmering (but not smoking), carefully add the coated chicken pieces in a single layer, being cautious not to overcrowd the pan. Work in batches if necessary to maintain proper spacing between pieces. This allows the chicken to get crispy rather than steaming in a crowded pan.

Step 4:

Cook the chicken for about 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown and crispy on the outside and completely cooked through on the inside (internal temperature of 165°F). Transfer the cooked chicken to a paper towel-lined plate to absorb any excess oil while you prepare the sauce. This ensures your final dish isn't greasy.

Step 5:

While the chicken is cooking or just after it's done, prepare the bang bang sauce by whisking together avocado mayo, honey, sweet chili sauce, hot sauce, minced garlic, and salt in a bowl until smooth and well combined. The sauce should have a creamy consistency with a beautiful orange-pink hue. Reserve about 2 tablespoons of the sauce in a separate small bowl for drizzling over the completed bowls later.

Step 6:

Return the crispy chicken to an empty bowl and pour the majority of the prepared sauce over it. Gently toss until each piece is evenly coated with the sticky, flavorful sauce. The warm chicken will slightly thin the sauce, creating the perfect consistency that clings to each piece without becoming soggy.

Step 7:

Using the same skillet (no need to clean it), add another tablespoon of avocado oil and heat over medium heat. Add the julienned carrots and sauté for about 2 minutes until they just begin to soften but still maintain some crispness. Then add the sliced red cabbage, garlic powder, salt, and pepper, continuing to cook for an additional 3-4 minutes until the vegetables are tender-crisp. The residual flavor from cooking the chicken adds depth to the vegetables.

Step 8:

To assemble each bowl, start with a base of fluffy jasmine rice. Squeeze fresh lime juice over the rice to add brightness and acidity that balances the rich sauce. Add a portion of thinly sliced cucumber along the side of the bowl for fresh crunch. Arrange the sautéed vegetable mixture and the sauced chicken pieces on top of the rice, keeping them somewhat separate for visual appeal.

Step 9:

Finish each bowl with a drizzle of the reserved bang bang sauce, a sprinkle of sliced green onions, and optional black sesame seeds for extra visual appeal and texture. The contrast of colors creates a visually stunning dish that's as beautiful as it is delicious. Serve immediately while the chicken is still warm and the vegetables maintain their vibrant colors and textures.

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I discovered the power of tapioca starch by accident when I ran out of cornstarch one evening. The resulting chicken had an incredibly light, crispy texture that stayed crunchy even after being tossed in sauce. Now I keep tapioca starch on hand specifically for this recipe—it's a small change that makes a noticeable difference in the final texture!

Perfect for Meal Prep

These bowls shine as a meal prep option. To maintain optimal texture, store the components separately—rice, vegetables, and sauced chicken in different compartments. This prevents the crispy chicken from becoming soggy and keeps the vegetables fresh. When ready to eat, simply warm the chicken and rice, keeping the cucumber fresh, and assemble your bowl. The flavors actually develop nicely overnight, making day-two lunch potentially even more delicious than dinner the night before.

Customize Your Bowl

The versatility of this recipe makes it perfect for families with different preferences. Create a build-your-own bowl setup where everyone can choose their components and sauce amount. For lower-carb needs, substitute cauliflower rice or serve the chicken and vegetables over a bed of mixed greens. For additional vegetables, bell peppers, snow peas, or broccoli make excellent additions that maintain the Asian-inspired flavor profile while boosting nutritional value.

Make It Your Own

While the recipe is delicious as written, there's plenty of room for personalization. For an extra layer of flavor and texture, add crushed peanuts or cashews as a garnish. If you enjoy fermented flavors, kimchi makes an excellent addition that adds probiotics along with a tangy kick. For a sweet variation, add chunks of fresh pineapple to the veggie mix during the last minute of cooking for a tropical twist that complements the sweet-spicy sauce beautifully.

I've come to treasure this recipe not just for its incredible flavor, but for how it's transformed our busy weeknights. There's something deeply satisfying about creating a meal that fires on all cylinders—nutritionally dense, bursting with flavor, visually appealing, and simple enough for regular rotation. When my family requests these bowls (which is often!), I know I'm providing them with both nourishment and enjoyment, the perfect combination for fostering a positive relationship with healthy eating that extends far beyond a single meal.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I meal prep these Bang Bang Chicken Bowls?

Yes! Store the chicken, veggies, rice and sauce separately in airtight containers for up to 3 days. This keeps everything fresh and prevents sogginess.

→ How spicy is this recipe?

The spice level is adjustable. Use 1 tablespoon of hot sauce for mild heat or 2 tablespoons for a stronger kick. You can even add more if you love spicy food!

→ Can I substitute the chicken?

Absolutely! Tofu works great for a vegetarian version, or try shrimp for a seafood twist. Just adjust cooking times accordingly.

→ What if I don't have tapioca or potato starch?

Cornstarch makes a perfect substitute. The goal is to get that light, crispy coating on the chicken pieces.

→ Can I add other vegetables?

Definitely! Bell peppers, broccoli, or snow peas would be delicious additions. Just add firmer veggies earlier in the cooking process.

→ Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, this recipe is gluten-free as written. Just double-check your hot sauce and sweet chili sauce labels to ensure they're gluten-free.