Can I make these bowls dairy-free or vegan?

Absolutely! Substitute dairy-free yogurt and mayo in the sauce, and use tofu, beans, or another plant-based protein. The flavor remains just as punchy and satisfying.

Are Calabrian chiles very spicy?

Calabrian chiles have a distinctive fruity, smoky heat—not overwhelmingly hot, but they do add a real kick. Start with less and add more to suit your spice preference; you can also substitute with harissa or mild red pepper flakes for a gentler option.

Can I prepare the salad or sauce ahead of time?

Yes! The sauce actually tastes better after the flavors have mingled for a few hours in the fridge. For the salad, store chopped veggies separately and dress just before serving for crispness.

What if I don’t have Banza rice?

No problem—use any cooked grain or rice you like. Quinoa, brown rice, farro, or even cauliflower rice all work beautifully and absorb the sauce well.

Banza Chicken Bowls with Calabrian Chili Sauce Recipe

A vibrant, flavor-packed meal you can pull together in just over half an hour, these Banza Chicken Bowls with Calabrian Chili Sauce will quickly become your go-to for those jam-packed weeknights. Relying on simple fresh ingredients and seriously craveable sauces, this recipe delivers juicy, tender protein, a bright tomato-cucumber salad, and a spicy-creamy sauce that ties everything together. The whole process is delightfully simple, yet the result tastes like something special you’d eagerly order at a restaurant. Whether you’re feeding the family or just want a meal that feels both nourishing and exciting, these bowls deliver every time.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Effortless and Quick: You can get everything on the table in about 35 minutes, and most of the prep is just tossing and stirring. Perfect for those nights when you want something great—without a lot of fuss.
Big Flavors, Simple Ingredients: The Calabrian chili sauce is both spicy and creamy, the salad is fresh and tangy, and the air fryer chicken is wonderfully juicy.
Versatile: Use chicken or tofu, serve with Banza rice or your favorite carb, and the toppings are easy to adapt to your mood.
Meal Prep Friendly: The sauce and salad keep well, so you can make components ahead and throw them together at dinnertime.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s everything that makes these bowls so great, plus a few notes to help you get just the right flavor and texture every time:

For the Tomato Cucumber Salad

English cucumber: Adds crunch and a cooling counterpoint to the spicy sauce.
Cherry tomatoes: Sweet and juicy, they bring a pop of color and brightness.
Red onion: Sliced super thin for sharpness without being overwhelming; a mandoline works wonders here.
Parsley: Fresh, herbaceous flavor; don’t skip this if you want real lift.
White vinegar: Brings acidity and balances out the oil for a refreshing bite.
Olive oil: Richness and depth; choose a good quality for best results.
Salt & black pepper: Essential for making all those veggies sing.

For the Calabrian Chile Sauce

Mayonnaise: Creamy base; keeps the sauce rich and helps balance the heat.
Greek yogurt: Adds a bit of tang and lightness, making the sauce lively but not heavy.
Calabrian chiles: The real star—fruity, smoky heat you can adjust to your taste. Jarred chiles work perfectly.
Garlic: Freshly grated for extra bite and aromatics.
Castelvetrano olive brine (optional): For a salty, buttery undertone; if you don’t have it, pickle brine works, or just skip.
Salt: Pulls all the flavors together.

For the Rest

Protein of your choice: Air fryer chicken is quick and juicy, but air fryer tofu is an excellent vegetarian option. Roasted chickpeas work too!
Banza rice mix: Adds satisfying heft and packs extra protein (the tomato chipotle variety is especially tasty), but any rice, quinoa, or grain will work beautifully.

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

Grain Swap: Use brown rice, farro, couscous, or even cauliflower rice if you’re aiming for lower carbs.
Protein Variety: Swap chicken for grilled shrimp, roasted chickpeas, or marinated tempeh. The sauce works with almost anything!
Vegan Twist: Use dairy-free yogurt and mayo, swap in tofu or beans, and you’ve got a delicious vegan bowl.
Herb Upgrade: Substitute parsley with fresh dill or mint for a more Mediterranean vibe.
Extra Crunch: Toss in some toasted pine nuts or sunflower seeds for texture.

How to Make Banza Chicken Bowls with Calabrian Chili Sauce

1. Prep the Salad

Start by tossing together your chopped cucumber, halved cherry tomatoes, thinly sliced red onion, and freshly chopped parsley in a large bowl. Drizzle over white vinegar and olive oil, then season generously with salt and pepper. Give it a taste, and adjust to your liking. If you’re prepping ahead, keep the veggies dry and add dressing just before serving to preserve crispness.

2. Make the Chili Sauce

In a small bowl, stir together mayonnaise and Greek yogurt, then mix in your smashed Calabrian chiles, freshly grated garlic, and a splash of olive or pickle brine if you have it. Season with salt, then taste—add more chili for extra heat or more yogurt for tang. The sauce keeps well, so feel free to make extra!

3. Cook Your Protein and Carb

While the salad and sauce rest, get your protein going. Air fryer chicken works best here: simply season, cook, and slice. If you’re going vegetarian, air fried tofu or chickpeas are just as satisfying. Prep your Banza rice (or whatever carb you’re using) according to package instructions.

4. Assemble the Bowls

Layer the rice or grains at the bottom of each bowl. Top with slices of juicy chicken or tofu, then pile on the fresh salad. Drizzle everything generously with the Calabrian chili sauce. Finish with extra parsley if you like.

5. Serve and Enjoy

These bowls are ready to eat immediately, and all the flavor and texture contrasts make every bite an adventure.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Chop Veggies Evenly: This makes every forkful consistent and satisfying.
Sauce Adjustments: Calabrian chiles vary in heat—start slow, taste as you go, and make sure the sauce is punchy but not overpowering.
Air Fryer Chicken Is Key: Air frying gives you crisp edges and juicy centers in record time. If you’re in a hurry, rotisserie chicken is a great shortcut.
Separate Storage for Meal Prep: If making ahead, keep salad, sauce, protein, and rice separate to keep everything fresh and vibrant until serving.
Don’t Skip the Brine: That little splash of olive brine in the sauce is subtle but so delicious; if you love complexity, don’t miss it.

How to Serve

These bowls are a complete meal, but you can absolutely get creative with toppings and pairings:

Sprinkle with Feta or Goat Cheese: For a bit more creaminess.
Serve with Pita or Flatbread: For scooping up all the goodness.
Add Crunch: Top with crushed pita chips or roasted chickpeas.
Fresh Herbs: Try mint or basil for added freshness.
Pair with a Light White Wine or Citrus-Forward Sparkling Water: To complement the bright, spicy flavors.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep rice, salad, protein, and sauce in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This prevents soggy veggies and helps everything taste freshly made when reheated.

Freezing

Freeze cooked chicken or tofu and rice separately for up to 2 months. The sauce and salad are best made fresh, though you can freeze the sauce if necessary (texture may change slightly due to the yogurt).

Reheating

Reheat chicken and rice gently in the microwave or a skillet. Assemble bowls with fresh salad and sauce after reheating.

FAQs

Can I make these bowls dairy-free or vegan?

Absolutely! Substitute dairy-free yogurt and mayo in the sauce, and use tofu, beans, or another plant-based protein. The flavor remains just as punchy and satisfying.
Are Calabrian chiles very spicy?

Calabrian chiles have a distinctive fruity, smoky heat—not overwhelmingly hot, but they do add a real kick. Start with less and add more to suit your spice preference; you can also substitute with harissa or mild red pepper flakes for a gentler option.
Can I prepare the salad or sauce ahead of time?

Yes! The sauce actually tastes better after the flavors have mingled for a few hours in the fridge. For the salad, store chopped veggies separately and dress just before serving for crispness.
What if I don’t have Banza rice?

No problem—use any cooked grain or rice you like. Quinoa, brown rice, farro, or even cauliflower rice all work beautifully and absorb the sauce well.

Final Thoughts

There’s a certain magic to these Banza Chicken Bowls with Calabrian Chili Sauce—the combination of fresh, colorful veggies, a sauce that’s equal parts creamy and fiery, and your favorite protein is just so satisfying. This recipe is impressively easy, endlessly adaptable, and almost impossible not to love. Give it a try on your next busy evening—you just might find it moving into regular rotation!