The Bowl That Actually Works
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.
• 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
• 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.
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Servings 4
Serving Size 1
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.