If you’re craving a dish that bursts with flavor, crunch, and a little kick of spice, the Bang Bang Chicken Bowl Recipe is going to become your new favorite go-to. This vibrant bowl layers crispy, tender chicken coated in a perfectly seasoned crust, paired with fresh veggies and a creamy, spicy sauce that ties everything together beautifully. It’s like a party in every bite, easy to make in about 30 minutes, and just perfect for lunch or dinner when you want something both satisfying and exciting.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe keeps it simple yet essential, focusing on ingredients that bring out the best in every component of the bowl. Each plays a vital role from the crispy coating on the chicken to the fresh veggies that add brightness and crunch, creating a balanced taste and texture that everyone will love.
- Cooked jasmine rice: The fluffy, fragrant base that soaks up all the delicious sauces and juices.
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Tender and easy to cook, perfect for bite-sized pieces.
- Cornstarch: The secret to that irresistible crispy crust on the chicken.
- Salt and black pepper: Simple seasoning to enhance the chicken’s natural flavor.
- Garlic powder and paprika: Add a smoky, savory depth to the coating mixture.
- Vegetable oil: For frying the chicken to golden perfection.
- Mayonnaise: Creates a rich and creamy base for the spicy sauce.
- Sweet chili sauce: Brings a touch of sweetness and gentle heat for balance.
- Sriracha: Adds that kick of spice and bold flavor to the sauce.
- Shredded lettuce, diced cucumber, shredded carrots, and chopped green onions: Provide crunch, freshness, and a pop of color.
- Sesame seeds (optional): Nutty garnish that gives a lovely finishing touch.
How to Make Bang Bang Chicken Bowl Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken Coating
Start by combining the cornstarch, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and paprika in a large bowl. Toss the bite-sized chicken pieces in this mixture until they’re completely coated. This simple blend creates the crispy texture and flavor foundation that makes this chicken so irresistible.
Step 2: Fry the Chicken to Golden Perfection
Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is shimmering hot, carefully add the coated chicken pieces in a single layer. Cook them for about 5 to 7 minutes, flipping occasionally, until they’re golden brown and cooked through. This step is crucial because the crispy coating combined with juicy chicken is the star of the Bang Bang Chicken Bowl Recipe.
Step 3: Mix the Spicy Mayo Sauce
While the chicken is cooking, whisk together mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, and sriracha in a small bowl. This creamy, spicy sauce adds so much flavor and pairs perfectly with the crunchy chicken and fresh veggies. Feel free to adjust the sriracha amount if you want more or less heat.
Step 4: Assemble the Bang Bang Chicken Bowl
Lay down a generous scoop of fluffy jasmine rice on the base of each serving bowl. Layer on the cooked chicken, then pile on the shredded lettuce, diced cucumber, shredded carrots, and chopped green onions. Each layer builds texture and freshness, making every spoonful exciting.
Step 5: Drizzle and Garnish
Finish by drizzling your spicy mayo sauce generously over the chicken and veggies. Sprinkle sesame seeds on top for an extra nutty flavor and beautiful presentation if you like. Serve immediately to enjoy the contrast between warm chicken and crisp vegetables.
How to Serve Bang Bang Chicken Bowl Recipe
Garnishes
Adding sesame seeds is a classic choice, but you can also top the bowls with chopped fresh cilantro or a squeeze of lime juice for a zesty twist. Thinly sliced red chili or a sprinkle of crushed peanuts can also bring interesting textures and flavors that make the dish pop even more.
Side Dishes
This bowl is fantastic as a standalone meal, but if you want to go all out, serve it alongside some simple steamed edamame or a light Asian cucumber salad. These sides complement the spicy, creamy main dish while keeping things fresh and balanced on the palate.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, try serving this in lettuce wraps instead of bowls for a low-carb option. You can also get creative with the rice by mixing in some chopped herbs or swapping jasmine rice for brown rice or quinoa for a different texture and nutrition boost. Presentation-wise, layering components neatly or arranging the veggies in colorful sections adds an eye-catching appeal.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover rice, chicken, and veggies separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. This keeps everything fresh and allows you to reassemble the bowl quickly when you’re ready to eat again.
Freezing
The cooked chicken can be frozen, but the fresh veggies and sauce don’t freeze well. If you want to prep ahead, freeze only the chicken pieces and reheat them before assembling the bowl with fresh veggies and sauce.
Reheating
Reheat the chicken gently in a skillet or oven to help maintain its crispy texture instead of microwaving. Warm the rice separately, then combine everything as usual with fresh veggies and sauce for the best experience.
FAQs
Can I make this Bang Bang Chicken Bowl Recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Simply swap the cornstarch for a gluten-free alternative like rice flour or potato starch, and be sure your sweet chili sauce does not contain gluten. This way, you can enjoy the recipe without worry.
How spicy is this Bang Bang Chicken Bowl Recipe?
The dish has a nice moderate heat thanks to the sriracha, but you can adjust the spice level by adding more or less sriracha to the sauce depending on your heat tolerance.
What can I substitute for mayonnaise in the sauce?
If you prefer a lighter or dairy-free option, Greek yogurt or a vegan mayo alternative works well and keeps the sauce creamy while catering to different dietary needs.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Absolutely! The components store well separately, and it’s easy to quickly assemble your bowls when ready. Just remember to keep the sauce and fresh veggies separate until serving to keep everything crisp.
Can I use other proteins instead of chicken?
Definitely! Shrimp, tofu, or even crispy tempeh can be fantastic alternatives while maintaining the spirit of this flavorful Bang Bang Chicken Bowl Recipe.
Final Thoughts
I truly hope you give the Bang Bang Chicken Bowl Recipe a try because it’s one of those dishes that hits all the right notes—crispy, creamy, spicy, fresh, and easy to whip up any day of the week. It’s a meal that feels like a special treat but comes together without any fuss. Trust me, once you make it, you’ll want to share it with all your friends too.
Print
Bang Bang Chicken Bowl Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Asian Fusion
Description
This Bang Bang Chicken Bowl is a flavorful, quick, and easy meal perfect for weeknight dinners. Crispy, seasoned chicken bites are pan-fried to golden perfection and served over a bed of fluffy jasmine rice, topped with fresh veggies and a spicy, creamy bang bang sauce made from mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, and sriracha. The dish offers a delightful balance of textures and a spicy kick, making it a crowd-pleaser that comes together in just 30 minutes.
Ingredients
Chicken and Coating
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1/2 cup cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil (for frying)
Rice and Vegetables
- 2 cups cooked jasmine rice
- 1 cup shredded lettuce
- 1 cup diced cucumber
- 1/2 cup shredded carrots
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions
Sauce and Garnish
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons sweet chili sauce
- 1 tablespoon sriracha (adjust to taste)
- Sesame seeds for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Season the Chicken: In a large bowl, combine the cornstarch, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. Toss the chicken pieces in the mixture until each piece is well coated, ensuring a crispy crust once fried.
- Fry the Chicken: Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until hot. Add the coated chicken pieces in a single layer and cook for 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside on paper towels to drain any excess oil.
- Prepare the Bang Bang Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, and sriracha until smooth. Adjust the amount of sriracha to your preferred spice level to balance heat and flavor.
- Assemble the Bowls: Divide the cooked jasmine rice evenly among four bowls as the base. Top each with the fried chicken, shredded lettuce, diced cucumber, shredded carrots, and chopped green onions for freshness and crunch.
- Finish and Serve: Drizzle the prepared spicy mayo sauce generously over each bowl. Sprinkle with sesame seeds if using, adding a nutty flavor and attractive garnish. Serve immediately to enjoy the contrast of textures and flavors.
Notes
- You can substitute jasmine rice with brown rice or cauliflower rice for a healthier option.
- Adjust sriracha quantity to lower the heat if preferred or increase for extra spice.
- The chicken can be baked at 400°F (200°C) for 20 minutes as a lighter alternative to frying.
- For a gluten-free version, ensure the sweet chili sauce and other condiments are certified gluten-free.
- Leftover chicken and sauce can be stored separately in the fridge for up to 2 days.
