If you’re craving a dish that’s bursting with flavor, texture, and vibrant colors, this Bang Bang Chicken Bowl Recipe is exactly what you need. It combines crispy, perfectly seasoned chicken with a creamy, spicy sauce and fresh veggies over fluffy jasmine rice, making every bite a delightful adventure. Whether you’re making dinner for the family or meal prepping for the week, this recipe hits all the right notes without demanding hours in the kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are wonderfully simple yet crucial for capturing the authentic taste and satisfying textures that make this dish so irresistible. Each component plays a special role, from the crispy chicken coating to the fiery, creamy bang bang sauce and the fresh, crunchy veggies that balance it all out.
- Cooked jasmine rice: The fragrant, fluffy base that soaks up all the flavors and keeps the bowl comforting and filling.
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Lean, tender, and perfect for bite-sized pieces that get crispy on the outside while staying juicy inside.
- Cornstarch: The secret to that irresistibly crunchy chicken coating without the heaviness of breadcrumbs.
- Salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and paprika: These spices bring warmth and depth to the chicken’s flavor, making every bite unforgettable.
- Vegetable oil: Essential for frying the chicken to golden perfection, giving it that beautiful crisp texture.
- Mayonnaise: Creates a creamy base for the bang bang sauce, adding richness and smoothness.
- Sweet chili sauce: Adds a touch of sweetness and subtle heat for that signature balance in the sauce.
- Sriracha: The spicy kick that makes the sauce pop; adjust the amount to suit your heat preference.
- Shredded lettuce: Provides a crisp, refreshing crunch to complement the warm chicken and rice.
- Diced cucumber: Adds coolness and a slight snap that brightens the bowl’s overall flavor profile.
- Shredded carrots: Brings a natural sweetness and vibrant color to keep things fun and fresh.
- Chopped green onions: Offers a mild oniony bite that rounds out the dish perfectly.
- Sesame seeds (optional): A finishing touch that adds nuttiness and a subtle crunch.
How to Make Bang Bang Chicken Bowl Recipe
Step 1: Coat the Chicken
Start by mixing cornstarch, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and paprika in a large bowl. This simple seasoning mix is the foundation of the chicken’s crispy, flavorful crust. Toss your chicken pieces in this mixture until they are coated evenly. This step sets the stage for that delightful crunch we’re aiming for.
Step 2: Fry the Chicken to Golden Perfection
Heat up your vegetable oil over medium-high heat until it shimmers. Carefully place the coated chicken pieces into the skillet in a single layer so they can crisp up evenly. Cook them for about 5 to 7 minutes, turning occasionally to get a beautiful, golden brown crust on all sides. Once cooked through, remove the chicken and let it rest for just a moment.
Step 3: Whip Up the Bang Bang Sauce
Now for the magic sauce! Combine mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, and sriracha in a small bowl until smooth and creamy. This spicy, sweet, and tangy sauce is what makes this Bang Bang Chicken Bowl Recipe truly special. Taste and adjust the sriracha if you prefer it hotter or milder—it’s customizable to your spice level.
Step 4: Assemble the Bowl
Grab your serving bowls and start with a generous scoop of warm jasmine rice. Layer the crispy chicken over the rice, followed by shredded lettuce, diced cucumber, shredded carrots, and chopped green onions. All these colorful veggies bring freshness and crunch to each mouthful.
Step 5: Drizzle and Garnish
Finish the dish by drizzling the creamy bang bang sauce all over the bowl, ensuring each bite gets a bit of that zesty flavor. Sprinkle sesame seeds on top if you like an extra nutty crunch. Serve your bowls immediately for the best experience.
How to Serve Bang Bang Chicken Bowl Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate your dish even further, consider adding a handful of chopped fresh cilantro or a squeeze of lime juice for a bright, herbal note that pairs beautifully with the creamy sauce. If you love heat, thinly sliced red chilies make a fiery, eye-catching garnish. These thoughtful touches let you customize the flavors even more.
Side Dishes
The beauty of this Bang Bang Chicken Bowl Recipe is that it’s a well-rounded meal on its own, but if you want to add sides, light and fresh options work best. A crisp cucumber salad or simple steamed edamame are perfect complements and keep things balanced without overwhelming the palate. You can also serve with pickled vegetables for a tangy contrast.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, layer all your ingredients in clear jars for a grab-and-go lunch or party platter. You could also serve the chicken and sauce over quinoa or cauliflower rice for a low-carb alternative, making the dish fit your dietary preferences while maintaining its delicious essence.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers (which is quite possible), transfer them to an airtight container and refrigerate. The chicken holds up well for up to 3 days, making this recipe a great option for lunches or quick dinners. Keep the sauce separate to prevent the chicken from getting soggy.
Freezing
You can freeze the cooked chicken pieces, but it’s best to do so without the sauce or fresh veggies. Store in a freezer-safe container or bag for up to 2 months. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently for best texture and flavor.
Reheating
To reheat, warm the chicken in a skillet or oven to help maintain crispiness instead of microwaving, which can make it rubbery. Reheat the rice separately and add fresh veggies before serving. Drizzle the bang bang sauce fresh to bring back the creamy zing you love.
FAQs
Can I use other types of rice?
Absolutely! While jasmine rice offers a fragrant and fluffy base, you can use brown rice or even cauliflower rice for a lower-carb option. The dish adapts easily to your preferences.
How spicy is the Bang Bang Chicken Bowl Recipe?
The heat level depends on how much sriracha you include in the sauce. It’s easy to adjust—start with a little and add more if you like it spicy. The sweet chili sauce also tempers the heat with sweetness.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Ensure your sweet chili sauce and mayonnaise are gluten-free, and substitute the cornstarch with arrowroot powder or potato starch for the coating. This way, you keep the crunch without gluten.
Is the chicken crispy if I bake it instead of frying?
Baking can work for a lighter version, but frying generally gives the best crispy texture. If baking, coat the chicken as usual, then bake at a high temperature on a wire rack to help crisp them up.
Can I use pre-cooked chicken for a quicker version?
You can, but keep in mind the coating won’t be as crispy since the breading is applied raw before cooking. For best results, use raw chicken and fry fresh; however, leftover cooked chicken can be tossed with the sauce for a faster meal.
Final Thoughts
This Bang Bang Chicken Bowl Recipe is a total winner for anyone who loves bold flavors combined with simple preparation. It’s vibrant, versatile, and hits every craving for something crispy, spicy, creamy, and fresh all at once. I hope you give this recipe a try soon—it might just become your new favorite weeknight dinner that everyone asks for again and again!
Print
Bang Bang Chicken Bowl Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Asian Fusion
- Diet: Halal
Description
This Bang Bang Chicken Bowl is a quick and flavorful meal featuring crispy pan-fried chicken tossed in a spicy, creamy sauce, served over fragrant jasmine rice with fresh vegetables like lettuce, cucumber, and carrots. Perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner, this dish balances crunchy textures with a sweet and spicy kick.
Ingredients
Rice Base
- 2 cups cooked jasmine rice
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)
Spicy Mayo Sauce
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons sweet chili sauce
- 1 tablespoon sriracha (adjust to taste)
Vegetable Toppings
- 1 cup shredded lettuce
- 1 cup diced cucumber
- 1/2 cup shredded carrots
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions
Garnish
- Sesame seeds for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken Coating: In a large bowl, combine the cornstarch, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. Toss the chicken pieces in this mixture until they are evenly coated.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the coated chicken pieces in a single layer. Cook them for 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is golden brown and fully cooked through. Remove the chicken from heat and set aside.
- Make the Spicy Mayo Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, and sriracha until smooth. Adjust the amount of sriracha according to your preferred spice level.
- Assemble the Bowl: Start by placing the cooked jasmine rice as the base in each serving bowl. Top the rice with the cooked chicken pieces, then add shredded lettuce, diced cucumber, shredded carrots, and chopped green onions.
- Add Sauce and Garnish: Drizzle the spicy mayo sauce generously over the assembled ingredients. Sprinkle with sesame seeds if desired. Serve the bowls immediately while the chicken is warm and enjoy.
Notes
- For a gluten-free option, ensure the cornstarch and sauces used are certified gluten-free.
- Adjust sriracha amount to control the heat of the spicy mayo sauce.
- Use fresh vegetables for the best crunch and flavor.
- Leftover chicken can be refrigerated and used within 2 days.
- This recipe works well with other rice varieties if jasmine rice is not available.
