Are you searching for a meal that is simultaneously creamy, spicy, savory, and refreshingly crisp? If so, then your search ends here. This incredible Bang Bang Chicken Bowl recipe is a true flavor explosion that will completely transform your weeknight dinner routine. Furthermore, it brings the excitement of a restaurant-quality dish right into your own kitchen with surprising ease. This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know, consequently ensuring you can create the most delicious and satisfying bowl you have ever tasted. Get ready to discover your new favorite meal.
What Exactly is a Bang Bang Chicken Bowl?
Before we dive into the details, let’s explore what makes this dish so special. The “Bang Bang” in the name refers to the iconic sauce, a creamy and spicy concoction that has become incredibly popular in the United States. While its exact origins are often debated, it’s widely associated with a famous restaurant chain’s appetizer, Bang Bang Shrimp. However, the versatile sauce pairs beautifully with chicken, creating a perfect centerpiece for a hearty bowl.
A classic Bang Bang Chicken Bowl features pieces of crispy, golden-brown chicken generously coated in that signature sauce. This delicious chicken is then served over a bed of fluffy rice and surrounded by a variety of fresh, crunchy vegetables. For this reason, the combination of textures and temperatures—warm, crispy chicken with cool, crisp veggies and a creamy sauce—is what makes every bite an unforgettable experience. In addition, it’s a completely customizable meal, allowing you to build a bowl that perfectly suits your preferences.
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Bang Bang Chicken Bowl Recipe: The 15 Ultimate Steps for the Best Flavor Explosion
Crispy golden chicken tossed in a creamy, sweet-and-spicy bang bang sauce, served over fluffy rice with fresh, crunchy vegetables for the ultimate flavor-packed bowl.
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Ingredients
1½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
1/2 cup cornstarch
2 large eggs, beaten (or 1/2 cup buttermilk)
1 cup Panko breadcrumbs
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon paprika
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Oil for frying (or cooking spray for air fryer/baking)
1 cup mayonnaise
1/2 cup Thai sweet chili sauce
2–3 tablespoons Sriracha (adjust to taste)
1 tablespoon honey
3 cups cooked jasmine or brown rice
2 cups shredded romaine or iceberg lettuce
1 cup shredded carrots
1 large cucumber, sliced
1/4 cup sliced green onions
Fresh cilantro for garnish (optional)
Instructions
1. Pat the chicken pieces dry with paper towels and season lightly with salt and pepper.
2. Set up a breading station with three bowls: one with cornstarch, one with beaten eggs or buttermilk, and one with Panko mixed with garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
3. Dredge each chicken piece in cornstarch, shaking off excess.
4. Dip into the egg or buttermilk mixture, allowing excess to drip off.
5. Coat thoroughly in the seasoned Panko breadcrumbs and set aside on a plate.
6. Heat oil in a skillet to 350°F for frying, or preheat an air fryer to 400°F, or oven to 425°F.
7. Cook the chicken in batches until golden brown and cooked through to an internal temperature of 165°F, about 3–4 minutes per side when frying, 10–12 minutes in air fryer, or 15–20 minutes baked.
8. Transfer cooked chicken to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil if frying.
9. In a bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, Sriracha, and honey until smooth.
10. Taste and adjust spice level by adding more Sriracha if desired.
11. Place the cooked chicken in a large bowl and toss with half of the bang bang sauce until evenly coated.
12. Prepare serving bowls with a base of rice and shredded lettuce.
13. Top with sauced chicken, shredded carrots, sliced cucumber, and green onions.
14. Drizzle additional bang bang sauce over the top.
15. Garnish with fresh cilantro if desired and serve immediately.
Notes
Do not overcrowd the pan or air fryer to keep the chicken crispy.
For a lighter version, substitute Greek yogurt for part or all of the mayonnaise.
Swap white rice for brown rice, quinoa, or cauliflower rice for different dietary preferences.
Store chicken, sauce, and vegetables separately in airtight containers for up to 4 days.
Reheat chicken before assembling bowls for best texture.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Fried
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 720
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 38g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 28g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 65g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 36g
- Cholesterol: 165mg
Essential Ingredients for Your Bang Bang Chicken Bowl Recipe
To create the perfect bowl, gathering the right ingredients is the first and most crucial step. A successful Bang Bang Chicken Bowl recipe relies on quality components for both the chicken and the sauce. Below, we’ve broken down everything you will need.
For the Crispy Chicken
The chicken needs to be perfectly tender on the inside and irresistibly crispy on the outside to hold up to the creamy sauce. Therefore, using the right breading is key.
- Chicken: 1.5 pounds of boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes.
- Buttermilk or Egg: 1/2 cup of buttermilk or 2 large eggs, beaten, to help the coating adhere.
- Cornstarch: 1/2 cup, for a light, crispy coating.
- Panko Breadcrumbs: 1 cup of Panko for that signature crunch. Regular breadcrumbs can work, but Panko provides a superior texture.
- Seasonings: 1 teaspoon each of garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper.
- Oil for Frying: Canola or vegetable oil if pan-frying, or cooking spray for air frying or baking.
For the Famous Bang Bang Sauce
This sauce is the star of the show. The balance of creamy, sweet, and spicy is what defines the entire dish. Consequently, getting these proportions right is essential for authentic flavor.
- Mayonnaise: 1 cup of good quality mayonnaise serves as the creamy base.
- Sweet Chili Sauce: 1/2 cup of Thai sweet chili sauce provides sweetness and a mild kick.
- Sriracha: 2-3 tablespoons, or more, depending on your desired heat level.
- Honey or Maple Syrup: 1 tablespoon to balance the flavors. You could also use agave nectar.
For Assembling the Bowls
The base and toppings provide freshness and texture, which perfectly complements the rich chicken and sauce. Feel free to get creative here!
- Rice: 3 cups of cooked white or brown rice (jasmine rice is a fantastic choice).
- Lettuce: 2 cups of shredded romaine or iceberg lettuce for a crunchy base.
- Carrots: 1 cup of shredded or julienned carrots.
- Cucumber: 1 large cucumber, thinly sliced or diced.
- Scallions: 1/4 cup of thinly sliced green onions for a mild onion flavor and garnish.
- Cilantro: A handful of fresh cilantro, chopped, for garnish (optional).
Step-by-Step Instructions
Now that you have all your ingredients, it’s time to bring this delicious Bang Bang Chicken Bowl recipe to life. Follow these steps carefully for the best results.
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
First, ensure your chicken pieces are uniform in size. Pat the chicken cubes completely dry with a paper towel; this is a critical step because it helps the coating stick and ensures maximum crispiness. Then, season the chicken pieces generously with salt and pepper.
Step 2: Create the Breading Station
Next, set up an assembly line for breading. You will need three shallow dishes. In the first dish, place the cornstarch. In the second, whisk the eggs or pour in the buttermilk. In the third dish, combine the Panko breadcrumbs with the garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika. Mix the seasoned breadcrumbs well.
Step 3: Bread and Cook the Chicken
Working with a few pieces at a time, first dredge the chicken in the cornstarch, shaking off any excess. After that, dip it into the egg or buttermilk mixture, allowing any extra to drip off. Finally, press the chicken firmly into the Panko mixture, ensuring it’s fully coated on all sides. As you finish breading each piece, set it on a clean plate or baking sheet.
You have a few options for cooking. For the crispiest result, pan-fry the chicken in about an inch of oil heated to 350°F until golden brown and cooked through, about 3-4 minutes per side. For a healthier alternative, you can air fry at 400°F for 10-12 minutes, or bake in the oven at 425°F for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through. For more healthy cooking tips, check authoritative sources like the Mayo Clinic.
Step 4: Whisk Together the Bang Bang Sauce
While the chicken is cooking, you can prepare the sauce. In a medium bowl, simply whisk together the mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, Sriracha, and honey until the mixture is smooth and completely combined. You can taste it and adjust the Sriracha or honey to your liking. For instance, if you prefer it spicier, add more Sriracha.
Step 5: Assemble Your Bowls
Once the chicken is cooked, let it cool for just a minute. Then, place it in a large bowl and pour about half of the bang bang sauce over it. Gently toss the chicken until every piece is evenly coated. Now, it’s time to build your bowls! Start with a base of rice and shredded lettuce. Top with a generous serving of the saucy chicken. Finally, arrange the shredded carrots and sliced cucumbers around the chicken. Garnish with sliced scallions and fresh cilantro before serving.
Tips for the Perfect Bowl and Variations
While this Bang Bang Chicken Bowl recipe is fantastic as is, there are always ways to customize it or make it even better. Here are some tips and fun variations to try.
Pro Tips for Success
To ensure your chicken is as crispy as possible, do not overcrowd the pan, air fryer basket, or baking sheet. Cooking in batches gives the chicken space to brown properly. In addition, always make the sauce fresh. While it can be stored, its flavors are most vibrant right after being mixed. For other protein ideas, you could even swap the chicken for steak, similar to these amazing Garlic Butter Beef Bites.
Healthy Swaps and Variations
For a lighter version, you can substitute the mayonnaise with plain Greek yogurt. This will add extra protein and reduce the fat content. Furthermore, you can swap the white rice for quinoa, brown rice, or even cauliflower rice for a low-carb option. Feel free to load up on extra veggies like bell peppers, edamame, or avocado. Customizing bowls is a great way to meet different dietary needs, much like you would for a Low Carb Burrito Bowl.
Meal Prep Instructions
This recipe is surprisingly great for meal prep. To do this, cook the chicken and rice ahead of time and store them in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator. In another container, mix the sauce and keep it sealed. Chop all your vegetables and store them together. When you are ready to eat, simply reheat the chicken and rice, and then assemble the bowls with the cold sauce and fresh veggies. As a result, you have a quick and delicious lunch or dinner in minutes.
Nutritional Information and Health Benefits
A homemade Bang Bang Chicken Bowl can be a well-balanced meal, providing a good mix of protein, carbohydrates, and fats. The chicken is an excellent source of lean protein, which is essential for muscle repair and growth. You can learn more about the benefits of protein from trusted sources like Healthline. The vegetables contribute valuable fiber, vitamins, and minerals. Similarly, using brown rice or quinoa instead of white rice will increase the fiber content, aiding in digestion and providing sustained energy.
Of course, the creamy bang bang sauce adds calories and fat, primarily from the mayonnaise. By using a light mayonnaise, an avocado oil-based mayo, or the Greek yogurt substitution mentioned earlier, you can significantly reduce the overall calorie count without sacrificing too much flavor. Likewise, choosing to air fry or bake the chicken instead of pan-frying it will also make the dish considerably healthier. The beauty of this recipe is its adaptability to fit your specific health and wellness goals. Adding a fresh side like a Honeycrisp Apple Feta Salad can further boost the nutritional value.
Conclusion
In conclusion, this Bang Bang Chicken Bowl recipe offers an unbeatable combination of flavors and textures that is sure to impress. With crispy chicken, a creamy and spicy sauce, and fresh vegetables, it is a complete meal that satisfies on every level. By following these detailed steps, you can easily replicate this restaurant-favorite dish at home. Moreover, the flexibility of this recipe allows for endless customization, so you can make it your own. We are confident that this delicious Bang Bang Chicken Bowl recipe will become a regular in your meal rotation.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I make the bang bang sauce ahead of time?
Yes, absolutely! You can prepare the sauce up to 3-4 days in advance. Just store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The flavors may even meld and become richer over time. Give it a good stir before using.
What can I use instead of chicken?
This recipe is incredibly versatile. The sauce pairs wonderfully with crispy shrimp, tofu, or even cauliflower florets for a vegetarian option. The cooking time and method may need to be adjusted depending on the protein you choose.
Is this Bang Bang Chicken Bowl recipe very spicy?
The heat level is easily adjustable. The spiciness comes from the Sriracha. The recipe suggests 2-3 tablespoons for a moderate kick, but you can start with just one tablespoon and add more until you reach your desired heat level. The sweet chili sauce also adds a very mild spice that is balanced by its sweetness.
