Bang Bang Chicken Bowl

The Bang Bang Chicken Bowl is a flavorful, spicy, and satisfying meal that combines crispy chicken bites with a creamy, sweet, and spicy bang bang sauce, all served over a bed of rice and fresh vegetables. Inspired by the popular Asian-American dish, this bowl is a perfect fusion of texture, heat, and sweetness that hits all the right notes.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe offers the perfect balance of indulgent flavor and wholesome ingredients. It’s customizable, meal-prep friendly, and comes together quickly—ideal for busy weeknights. The bang bang sauce is addictive, and the variety of textures from crispy chicken to crunchy veggies and fluffy rice makes every bite exciting.

ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
• Cornstarch or flour (for coating)
• Eggs
• Salt
• Pepper
• Garlic powder
• Oil (for frying or air frying)
• Cooked white or brown rice
• Shredded lettuce or mixed greens
• Shredded carrots
• Sliced cucumbers
• Chopped green onions
• Sesame seeds (optional)

For the Bang Bang Sauce:

• Mayonnaise
• Sweet chili sauce
• Sriracha or hot sauce
• Honey (optional, for extra sweetness)

directions

1. Cook the rice according to package instructions and set aside.
2. Cut chicken into bite-sized pieces. Season with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
3. Dredge chicken in flour or cornstarch, dip in beaten eggs, then coat again in flour.
4. Heat oil in a skillet over medium-high heat and fry chicken pieces until golden and cooked through. Drain on paper towels.
5. In a small bowl, mix mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, and honey to make the bang bang sauce.
6. Toss the fried chicken in the sauce until evenly coated.
7. Assemble the bowl: Start with a base of rice, then layer with lettuce, carrots, cucumbers, and bang bang chicken.
8. Garnish with green onions and sesame seeds if desired.
9. Serve immediately.

Servings and timing

Serves: 4
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 15–20 minutes
Total time: 30–35 minutes

Variations

• Make it healthier: Use grilled or air-fried chicken instead of fried.
• Low-carb version: Substitute rice with cauliflower rice.
• Add crunch: Top with chopped peanuts or cashews.
• Different protein: Use shrimp, tofu, or even crispy cauliflower instead of chicken.
• Add fruit: Pineapple or mango can add a tropical twist to the bowl.

storage/reheating

Store components separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheat the chicken in a toaster oven or air fryer for best results to maintain crispiness. Avoid microwaving the assembled bowl, as it can make the chicken soggy.

FAQs

What is bang bang sauce made of?

It’s typically a mix of mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, and sriracha. Some recipes also include honey or garlic for extra depth.

Can I make the chicken in an air fryer?

Yes, just spray the coated chicken lightly with oil and air fry at 400°F for about 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway through.

Is this dish very spicy?

It has a moderate kick, but you can adjust the spice level by using less or more sriracha.

Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?

Yes, all components can be made ahead and assembled just before serving.

What type of rice works best?

Jasmine or basmati rice is ideal, but brown rice or even quinoa works well.

Can I use rotisserie chicken?

Yes, for a shortcut, toss pre-cooked chicken with the bang bang sauce and serve over rice.

Is there a dairy-free option?

Yes, use a dairy-free mayo alternative in the sauce.

What veggies can I add to the bowl?

Bell peppers, red cabbage, and avocado are great additions.

How do I make it gluten-free?

Use cornstarch instead of flour and ensure the sauces are gluten-free.

Can I make the sauce ahead of time?

Absolutely. The bang bang sauce can be stored in the fridge for up to a week.

Conclusion

The Bang Bang Chicken Bowl is a flavor-packed, satisfying dish that’s easy to customize and quick to prepare. With its creamy, spicy sauce and crispy chicken, it’s bound to become a favorite for lunch, dinner, or even meal prep. Give it a try and experience the crave-worthy magic of bang bang at home.

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