If you’re craving a meal that’s bursting with flavor, color, and just the right amount of kick, you have to try this Bang Bang Chicken Bowl Recipe. Imagine tender, crispy chicken pieces coated in a perfectly spicy-sweet sauce, resting on a bed of fluffy jasmine rice, bright veggies, and crunchy greens. It’s vibrant, satisfying, and so easy to make, whether you’re cooking for a quick weeknight dinner or impressing friends at a casual get-together. Trust me, once you taste this dish, it’ll become one of your go-to recipes for vibrant, crave-worthy meals.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this Bang Bang Chicken Bowl Recipe plays a crucial role in building layers of flavor and texture. From the crispy chicken to the crunchy veggies and creamy sauce, each component is simple but essential to bring this dish to life.
- Boneless skinless chicken breasts: The star protein, cut into bite-sized pieces for easy frying and perfect bites.
- Cornstarch: Coats the chicken to create that irresistible crispy crust.
- Salt and black pepper: Basic seasonings that enhance the natural flavor of the chicken.
- Garlic powder and paprika: Add subtle warmth and depth to the chicken’s coating.
- Vegetable oil: For frying the chicken to golden perfection without overpowering flavors.
- Cooked jasmine rice: The fragrant, fluffy base that balances the dish.
- Shredded lettuce: Adds a fresh, crunchy texture and vibrant green color.
- Diced cucumber: Offers a cool, refreshing contrast to the saucy chicken.
- Shredded carrots: Brings a touch of sweetness and bright orange hues.
- Chopped green onions: Provides a boost of sharpness and color.
- Sesame seeds (optional): A little nutty crunch sprinkled on top for extra flair.
- Mayonnaise: The creamy base of the Bang Bang sauce that ties everything together.
- Sweet chili sauce: Adds a sweet and tangy balance to the sauce.
- Sriracha: Delivers the signature spicy punch—adjust to your heat preference!
How to Make Bang Bang Chicken Bowl Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken Coating
Start by tossing your bite-sized chicken pieces in a mix of cornstarch, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. This simple combination forms the crispy, flavorful crust that makes the chicken so addictive in the bowl. Make sure each piece is evenly coated for the best texture.
Step 2: Fry the Chicken
Heat your vegetable oil in a pan over medium-high heat until it’s shimmering but not smoking. Carefully add the chicken pieces in batches so they don’t crowd the pan. Fry until they turn beautifully golden brown and are cooked through—this usually takes about 5-7 minutes depending on your pan and heat. The result is juicy chicken with a satisfying crunch.
Step 3: Whisk Up the Bang Bang Sauce
While the chicken cooks, whip together the sauce by mixing mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, and sriracha in a bowl. This creamy, spicy sauce is what defines the Bang Bang Chicken Bowl Recipe, delivering the perfect balance of sweet, spicy, and tangy flavors in every bite.
Step 4: Assemble Your Bowl
In each serving bowl, create a vibrant base with fluffy cooked jasmine rice. Layer on your crispy fried chicken, then add the shredded lettuce, diced cucumber, shredded carrots, and chopped green onions. This layering brings freshness, crunch, and color that complements the chicken and rice beautifully.
Step 5: Add the Finishing Touches
Drizzle the luscious Bang Bang sauce generously over the bowl, ensuring every bite gets a flavorful kick. If you love a bit of nuttiness, sprinkle sesame seeds on top for added texture and visual appeal. Serve immediately to enjoy the crispy chicken at its best.
How to Serve Bang Bang Chicken Bowl Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh garnishes make all the difference. Beyond sesame seeds, try adding fresh cilantro leaves or a wedge of lime for a zesty twist. These simple touches brighten the dish and invite your guests to personalize their bowls.
Side Dishes
This Bang Bang Chicken Bowl pairs beautifully with light and refreshing sides. Consider a tangy Asian cucumber salad or steamed edamame sprinkled with sea salt. These sides keep the meal balanced and keep your taste buds excited without overwhelming the main dish.
Creative Ways to Present
For special occasions or meal prep, serve your Bang Bang Chicken Bowl Recipe in mason jars or compartmentalized lunch boxes. Layering the ingredients separately keeps everything fresh until mealtime, making it a fun, portable option. Alternatively, serve it family-style with each component in separate bowls so everyone can build their own perfect bite.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, store the chicken, rice, and veggies separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. This helps maintain the textures, especially keeping the chicken crispy and the veggies fresh for up to 3 days.
Freezing
You can freeze the fried chicken pieces before assembling the bowl for longer storage. Place them on a baking sheet to freeze individually before transferring to a freezer-safe bag. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat in the oven for best results. It’s a great way to have Bang Bang Chicken ready on busy days.
Reheating
To reheat, avoid the microwave when possible as it can make the coating soggy. Instead, warm the chicken in a preheated oven or air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes until crisp again. Reheat rice and veggies separately at a lower temperature or enjoy the veggies fresh to keep their crunch.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs add extra juiciness and flavor. Just cut them into similar-sized pieces and follow the same frying instructions.
Is this recipe spicy?
It has a moderate spice level that you can easily adjust by varying the amount of sriracha in the sauce. For a milder version, reduce the sriracha or leave it out completely.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, just ensure you use gluten-free cornstarch and sweet chili sauce. Most ingredients are naturally gluten-free, making it an excellent option for gluten-sensitive eaters.
What type of rice works best?
Jasmine rice is preferred for its fluffy texture and fragrant aroma, but you can substitute with basmati or even brown rice for a healthier twist.
Can this recipe be made vegan or vegetarian?
You can easily swap chicken for crispy tofu or chickpeas and use vegan mayo to keep the Bang Bang sauce creamy and delicious.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a dish that brings a whole rainbow of flavors and textures to your table, the Bang Bang Chicken Bowl Recipe is a total winner. It is straightforward to make, endlessly customizable, and absolutely packed with fresh, vibrant zest. I promise, once you try it, it will become a beloved staple in your recipe arsenal. So go ahead, get cooking, and enjoy every bite of this flavorful, fun bowl!
Print
Bang Bang Chicken Bowl Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Bang Bang Chicken Bowl is a flavorful and satisfying meal featuring crispy fried chicken bites coated in a spicy-sweet sauce, served over fluffy jasmine rice with fresh vegetables, making it perfect for a quick and delicious lunch or dinner.
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 1 lb 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
For the Rice and Toppings:
- 2 cups cooked jasmine rice
- 1 cup shredded lettuce
- 1 cup diced cucumber
- 1/2 cup shredded carrots
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions
- Sesame seeds to taste (optional)
For the Sauce:
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons sweet chili sauce
- 1 tablespoon sriracha (adjust to taste)
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: In a bowl, mix the bite-sized chicken pieces with cornstarch, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and paprika until well coated to ensure a crispy texture when fried.
- Fry the Chicken: Heat vegetable oil in a pan over medium-high heat. Carefully fry the coated chicken pieces until they are golden brown and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally for even cooking. Drain on paper towels to remove excess oil.
- Make the Bang Bang Sauce: In a separate bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, and sriracha until smooth. Adjust the level of sriracha for desired spiciness.
- Assemble the Bowls: In serving bowls, layer cooked jasmine rice as the base, then top with the fried chicken pieces, shredded lettuce, diced cucumber, shredded carrots, and chopped green onions to add freshness and crunch.
- Finish and Serve: Drizzle the Bang Bang sauce generously over the assembled bowls and sprinkle with sesame seeds if desired for added flavor and texture. Serve the bowls immediately while the chicken is warm and crispy.
Notes
- For a healthier option, you can bake the chicken instead of frying, but the texture may differ.
- Adjust the amount of sriracha in the sauce to suit your preferred spice level.
- Jasmine rice can be substituted with brown rice or cauliflower rice for a different nutrient profile.
- Ensure the oil is hot enough before frying to prevent the chicken from absorbing too much oil and becoming greasy.
- Leftover sauce can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
