Why You’ll Love This Recipe
The Bang Bang Chicken Bowl is a delightful fusion of creamy, spicy, and tangy flavors layered together in a hearty and wholesome dish. Originating as an Asian-American inspired recipe, this meal brings the perfect balance of textures: crispy chicken, creamy sauce, and fresh vegetables, all nestled on a bed of fluffy rice. The bang bang sauce, made with a luscious combination of mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, and a touch of sriracha, elevates this bowl into a satisfying weeknight dinner or a special weekend treat. It is quick to prepare, versatile in its toppings, and easily customizable to suit various dietary preferences. Whether you are seeking a high-protein meal, a satisfying family dinner, or a dish that combines both comfort and a hint of indulgence, the Bang Bang Chicken Bowl is guaranteed to impress.
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Bang Bang Chicken Bowl – A Flavorful Fusion of Creamy and Spicy
- Total Time: 45 mins
- Yield: 4 bowls
- Diet: Halal
Description
A flavorful chicken bowl featuring crispy chicken bites tossed in creamy, spicy bang bang sauce, served over rice with fresh veggies for a delicious and balanced meal.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 lbs boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup cornstarch
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Vegetable oil, for frying
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup sweet chili sauce
- 2 tbsp sriracha (adjust for spice level)
- 2 tbsp honey
- 3 cups cooked white rice
- 1 cup shredded carrots
- 1 cup shredded cabbage or coleslaw mix
- 1 cucumber, sliced
- Green onions, chopped (for garnish)
- Sesame seeds (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Marinate chicken in buttermilk for at least 30 minutes (up to overnight).
- In a bowl, whisk flour, cornstarch, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Heat oil in a skillet to 350°F (175°C). Dredge chicken pieces in flour mixture and fry until golden and crispy, about 5–6 minutes. Drain on paper towels.
- In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, and honey to make bang bang sauce.
- Toss fried chicken in the bang bang sauce until well coated.
- Assemble bowls with rice, carrots, cabbage, and cucumber.
- Top with bang bang chicken, green onions, and sesame seeds.
- Serve warm.
Notes
- For a lighter option, bake or air fry the chicken instead of deep frying.
- Adjust spice by adding more or less sriracha.
- Swap rice for quinoa or cauliflower rice for a healthier version.
- Prep Time: 20 mins
- Cook Time: 25 mins
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Asian-American
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
The magic of this recipe lies in the balance of its key components. Each ingredient plays a unique role, contributing to the flavor and texture that make this dish unforgettable.
Chicken breasts form the hearty base of the bowl, offering lean protein with a tender bite. When lightly breaded and cooked until golden, they provide the perfect texture to soak up the creamy sauce.
Cornstarch ensures the chicken develops a light, crispy coating without overpowering the dish. It creates that signature crunch which contrasts beautifully with the creamy elements.
Eggs act as a binder for the coating, helping the cornstarch cling firmly to the chicken, resulting in even crispiness across each piece.
Mayonnaise is the star of the bang bang sauce, providing a smooth, creamy richness that balances out the spicy notes.
Sweet chili sauce adds a sweet yet tangy flavor profile that softens the heat while delivering an irresistible glaze to the chicken.
Sriracha enhances the bang bang sauce with its bold spiciness, giving the bowl its signature kick.
Garlic powder lends a subtle depth of flavor, elevating both the chicken coating and the sauce with savory notes.
Jasmine rice creates the hearty base of the bowl, adding a fragrant and fluffy canvas that soaks up every bit of the sauce.
Cucumber provides freshness and crunch, balancing the richness of the sauce with a clean, cooling bite.
Shredded carrots bring sweetness, vibrant color, and a crisp texture, rounding out the vegetable medley.
Green onions finish the bowl with a touch of freshness, offering a mild sharpness that enhances every layer.
Directions
Begin by preparing the chicken. Cut the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces and set them aside. In a small bowl, beat the eggs, and in a separate bowl, add the cornstarch and garlic powder. Dip each chicken piece into the egg mixture, then dredge it in the cornstarch until fully coated. Heat oil in a skillet over medium-high heat and cook the chicken until golden brown and crispy on all sides. Transfer the cooked chicken to a paper towel–lined plate to remove excess oil.
While the chicken cooks, prepare the bang bang sauce. In a mixing bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, and a pinch of garlic powder until smooth and creamy. Adjust the heat level by adding more sriracha if desired.
For the base, cook the jasmine rice according to package instructions until fluffy. Assemble the bowls by layering the rice at the bottom, followed by fresh cucumber slices and shredded carrots. Top with the crispy chicken, then drizzle generously with the bang bang sauce. Garnish with sliced green onions for added freshness. Serve immediately while warm for the best experience.
Servings and timing
This recipe makes 4 servings, perfect for a family dinner or meal prep. The preparation time is about 15 minutes, while the cooking time takes roughly 20 minutes. In total, you can have this satisfying meal ready in just 35 minutes.
Storage/reheating
Bang Bang Chicken Bowls are best enjoyed fresh, but leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep the chicken and sauce separate from the rice and vegetables to preserve texture. Reheat the chicken in a skillet or air fryer to restore its crispiness before assembling the bowl. The sauce can be stored in the fridge and drizzled over after reheating.
Variations and Customizations
Spicy Upgrade
For heat lovers, add extra sriracha or even a sprinkle of red pepper flakes to the sauce for a fiery kick.
Lighter Version
Swap mayonnaise with Greek yogurt for a healthier, lighter sauce while maintaining the creamy texture.
Vegetarian Option
Replace chicken with crispy tofu or cauliflower bites for a plant-based version that still delivers the same saucy goodness.
Grain Alternatives
Use quinoa, brown rice, or cauliflower rice instead of jasmine rice for a different base that suits your dietary needs.
Veggie Boost
Incorporate bell peppers, edamame, or shredded cabbage for extra crunch and nutrition in your bowl.
Kid-Friendly Adaptation
Reduce or omit sriracha in the sauce to create a milder version suitable for children.
Low-Carb Twist
Serve the chicken and sauce over a bed of zucchini noodles or lettuce for a lighter, carb-conscious meal.
Asian-Inspired Garnishes
Add sesame seeds, cilantro, or pickled radishes to give the bowl extra layers of flavor and color.
FAQs
What does bang bang sauce taste like?
It has a creamy, sweet, and mildly spicy flavor with tangy undertones.
Can I bake the chicken instead of frying it?
Yes, baking the chicken at 400°F for about 20 minutes will yield a lighter version.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can prep the chicken and sauce in advance, but assemble the bowls just before serving.
Is this dish gluten-free?
Yes, if you use cornstarch for coating and gluten-free sweet chili sauce.
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely, thighs add extra juiciness and flavor.
What other vegetables work well in this bowl?
Bell peppers, red cabbage, or snap peas are great additions.
Can I air fry the chicken?
Yes, air frying at 375°F for 15–18 minutes will make the chicken crispy with less oil.
Conclusion
The Bang Bang Chicken Bowl is a vibrant, versatile, and satisfying meal that effortlessly combines crunch, creaminess, and spice. Perfect for both weeknight dinners and meal prep, it caters to a wide range of preferences with its adaptable components and customizable flavors. From the golden crisp chicken to the creamy, fiery sauce, every bite delivers a balance of indulgence and freshness. Whether you keep it classic or experiment with variations, this dish will quickly become a household favorite.