Sweet mango slaw, spicy BBQ chicken, and a balanced bowl that actually delivers on flavor—not just looks.
This spicy BBQ chicken bowl with mango slaw came together the second I got my hands on Mantis BBQ Sauce—specifically the Ghostly Glaze. I didn’t overthink it. I wanted something fresh, something with heat, and something that balanced both without turning into another forgettable bowl.
The combination of spicy BBQ chicken and sweet mango slaw just made sense. The heat from the glaze hits first, then the mango cools it down and brings everything back into balance. It’s the kind of contrast that makes you keep going back for another bite.
And what really sold me on this sauce, beyond how versatile it is as a marinade, glaze, or finishing sauce, is what it supports. A portion of every bottle goes to the The Kidney Project, which is working to develop a bio-artificial kidney for people with chronic kidney disease—so it’s one of those rare products that actually delivers in the kitchen and contributes to something bigger at the same time.
Why this Recipe Works
• Spicy BBQ glaze adds bold flavor without needing extra seasoning
• Mango slaw balances heat with sweetness and acidity
• Rice keeps it grounded and filling
• Simple components, but each one has a role
• Easy to build and customize without overcomplicating it
Tips for Making Spicy BBQ Chicken Rice Bowls with Mango Slaw
• Don’t overcrowd the pan when cooking chicken
• Add glaze at the end to avoid burning
• Let the slaw sit briefly for best flavor
• Keep the balance—don’t overload with sauce
• Use fresh lime juice for brightness
🌱 A Greener Bite of Sustainability
Using fresh produce like cabbage and mango, along with simple pantry staples, keeps this meal efficient and low-waste while still feeling complete and satisfying.
Ingredients & Why They Matter
For the Chicken
• Chicken thighs – juicy, flavorful, and forgiving
• Mantis Ghostly Glaze – heat, sweetness, and depth in one
• Salt & pepper – base seasoning
For the Mango Slaw
• Green + red cabbage – crunch and color
• Mango – sweetness and freshness
• Lime juice – acidity to balance the bowl
• Cilantro & onion – brightness and bite
• Light dressing – ties everything together without weighing it down
For the Bowl
• Jasmine rice – neutral base
• Optional toppings (cucumber, herbs) – added texture and freshness
How To Make Spicy BBQ Chicken Rice Bowls with Mango Slaw
Spicy BBQ chicken bowls with mango slaw. A sweet, tangy, and smoky rice bowl recipe that’s easy, fresh, and perfect for a quick, flavorful meal.
Cook the Rice:
Prepare jasmine rice according to package instructions. Fluff and set aside.
Make the Mango Slaw:
In a large bowl, combine shredded cabbage, mango, carrot, cilantro, and onion. In a separate bowl, whisk together lime juice, a small amount of honey, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Toss with the slaw and let sit for 10–15 minutes.
Cook the Chicken:
Season chicken thighs with salt and pepper. Heat oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Cook chicken for 5–6 minutes per side until golden and cooked through.
Glaze the Chicken:
Lower heat and add Mantis Ghostly Glaze to the pan. Toss the chicken until coated and glossy. Remove from heat, rest briefly, then slice.
Assemble the Bowls:
Divide rice into bowls. Top with sliced BBQ chicken and mango slaw. Finish with additional glaze, herbs, or fresh toppings as desired.
More Than Just a Sauce
This spicy BBQ chicken bowl with mango slaw is one of those meals that’s easy to make but doesn’t feel like it. It’s balanced, it’s fresh, and it actually delivers on flavor without overcomplicating things. And knowing that Mantis BBQ Sauce supports the The Kidney Project—with a portion of every bottle going toward developing a bio-artificial kidney—makes it even better. If you make this, tag me on Instagram at @the.sustainable.kitchen.
Spicy BBQ chicken bowls with mango slaw. A sweet, tangy, and smoky rice bowl recipe that’s easy, fresh, and perfect for a quick, flavorful meal.
Ingredients
For the Chicken
1 1/2lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs
1tbs avocado oil or any neutral oil
1tsp Kosher salt
1/2tsp freshly ground black pepper
For the Glaze
1/3cup Mantis Ghostly Glaze
1tbs honey
For the Rice
1 1/2cups jasmine rice
2 1/4cups water
pinch of salt
For the Mango Slaw
2cups green cabbage, very thinly shredded
1cup red cabbage, very thinly shredded
1large mango, thinly sliced
1/4cup carrot, shredded
2tbs fresh cilantro, chopped
2tbs scallions, thinly sliced
1-2tbs red onion, thinly sliced
Slaw Dressing
2tbs mayonnaise or Greek yogurt
1tbs lime juice
1tsp honey
1tsp olive oil
1/4tsp salt
pinch of black pepper
How To Make Spicy BBQ Chicken Rice Bowls with Mango Slaw
1
Cook the Rice
Rinse the jasmine rice until the water runs mostly clear. Add rice, water, and a pinch of salt to a pot. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and cook for 15 minutes.
Remove from heat and let sit, covered, for 10 minutes. Fluff with a fork and set aside.
1 1/2 cups jasmine rice, 2 1/4 cups water, pinch of salt
2
Make the Mango Slaw
In a large bowl, combine green cabbage, red cabbage, mango, carrot, cilantro, scallions, and red onion.
In a separate bowl, whisk together mayonnaise (or Greek yogurt), lime juice, honey, olive oil, salt, and black pepper until smooth. Pour dressing over the slaw and toss until evenly coated. Let sit for 10–15 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to come together.
2 cups green cabbage, 1 cup red cabbage, 1 mango, 1/4 cup carrot, 2 tbs cilantro, 2 tbs scallions, 1-2 tbs red onion, 2 tbs mayonnaise, 1 tbs lime juice, 1 tsp honey, 1 tsp olive oil, 1/4 tsp salt, pinch of black pepper
3
Cook the Chicken
Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels. Season both sides with kosher salt and black pepper.
Heat neutral oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken thighs and cook for 5–6 minutes per side, or until deeply golden and cooked through.
Reduce heat to medium-low. Add the Mantis Ghostly Glaze and honey to the skillet. Turn the chicken to coat evenly and cook for 1–2 minutes, until the glaze becomes glossy and slightly sticky.
Remove from the skillet and let rest for 5 minutes before slicing.
1/3 cup Mantis Ghostly Glaze, 1 tbs honey
5
Assemble the Bowls
Divide the rice among bowls. Top with sliced glazed chicken and mango slaw.
Finish with sliced cucumbers, sesame seeds, and extra cilantro if using. Serve immediately.
Nutritional Value
Servings 4
Serving Size 1
Amount Per Serving
Calories480kcal
% Daily Value *
Total Fat16g25%
Saturated Fat4g20%
Cholesterol110mg37%
Sodium600mg25%
Potassium500mg15%
Total Carbohydrate50g17%
Dietary Fiber4g16%
Sugars12g
Protein28g57%
Vitamin A 2500 IU
Vitamin C 35 mg
Calcium 80 mg
Iron 2.5 mg
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.