If you’re craving a meal that’s bursting with flavor, texture, and color, you have to try this Bang Bang Chicken Bowls Recipe. It’s a perfect balance of crispy, saucy chicken paired with fresh veggies and warm rice, making every bite exciting and satisfying. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight dinner or impressing friends at a casual get-together, these bowls bring that spicy-sweet kick you didn’t even know you needed but won’t be able to live without once you do.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Bang Bang Chicken Bowls Recipe comes down to a handful of simple ingredients that work beautifully together. Each element plays a key role, from the crunchy panko that gives the chicken its irresistible crispiness to the colorful veggies that add freshness and crunch. Plus, the bang bang sauce ties everything together with just the right amount of heat and sweetness.
- Chicken breasts or thighs (1 lb): Bite-sized pieces ensure quick, even cooking and maximum coating coverage.
- Panko breadcrumbs (1 cup): Provides a light, airy crunch that outshines regular breadcrumbs.
- All-purpose flour (1/2 cup): Helps the egg and panko stick for that perfect crispy crust.
- Eggs (2, beaten): Acts as the glue binding the crispy coating to the chicken.
- Cooked white or brown rice (2 cups): The hearty base that soaks up all the flavorful sauce and juices.
- Shredded carrots (1 cup): Adds a sweet crunch and vibrant color to the bowl.
- Cucumber slices (1 cup): Provides cooling contrast to the spicy chicken.
- Green onions (2, sliced): Brings a mild oniony freshness to finish off the dish.
- Mayonnaise (1/4 cup): The creamy base of the bang bang sauce for richness.
- Sweet chili sauce (2 tablespoons): Balances heat with sweetness in the sauce.
- Sriracha (1 tablespoon, adjust to taste): Adds a fiery kick to the bang bang sauce.
- Honey (1 tablespoon): Sweetens and lends depth to the sauce.
- Salt and pepper: Enhances flavors at every stage for a well-rounded taste.
- Oil for frying: Essential for getting that golden-brown, crispy exterior on the chicken pieces.
How to Make Bang Bang Chicken Bowls Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Bang Bang Sauce
Start by mixing the mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, and honey in a bowl. This homemade bang bang sauce combines creamy, spicy, and sweet in perfect harmony, which will later coat the chicken beautifully. Setting this aside allows the flavors to mingle while you prepare the rest of the dish.
Step 2: Season the Chicken
Generously season the bite-sized chicken pieces with salt and pepper. This step is crucial because it builds the foundational flavor, ensuring every juicy bite is well-seasoned even beneath that crunchy coating.
Step 3: Set Up Your Breading Station
Organize three shallow bowls for the breading process: one with flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with panko breadcrumbs. This will keep things neat and efficient as you coat the chicken, producing that coveted crispy texture that makes this Bang Bang Chicken Bowls Recipe so irresistible.
Step 4: Coat the Chicken
One at a time, dip each piece of chicken into the flour, then the beaten eggs, and finally coat it with panko breadcrumbs. This three-step method ensures the coating adheres perfectly and fries to a golden, crunchy finish without falling off.
Step 5: Fry the Chicken
Heat oil in a deep skillet or fryer to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius). Carefully fry the chicken pieces in batches until they’re golden brown and cooked through, about 4 to 5 minutes per batch. Use a slotted spoon to drain them on paper towels, keeping them crispy and free of excess oil.
Step 6: Toss Chicken in Bang Bang Sauce
Once all the chicken is fried, toss the pieces in your prepared bang bang sauce until every bite is generously coated. This step finishes off the signature flavor and texture combination that brings this recipe to life.
Step 7: Assemble Your Bowls
Divide the cooked rice evenly among four bowls as the delicious base. Spoon the saucy, crispy bang bang chicken on top, then layer with shredded carrots, cucumber slices, and sliced green onions for freshness and crunch.
Step 8: Serve and Enjoy
Dive into your vibrant, flavorful Bang Bang Chicken Bowls Recipe immediately while the chicken is still crispy and sauce-coated. Each bowl delivers a beautiful balance of heat, creaminess, and freshness in a satisfying, wholesome meal.
How to Serve Bang Bang Chicken Bowls Recipe
Garnishes
Adding garnishes like extra green onions, a sprinkle of sesame seeds, or fresh cilantro can elevate your Bang Bang Chicken Bowls Recipe by introducing new flavors and textures. These toppings also add a pop of color, making the dish even more tempting.
Side Dishes
This dish is substantial on its own, but serving it alongside simple sides like steamed edamame, a fresh cucumber salad, or even crispy spring rolls can turn your meal into an exciting Asian-inspired feast.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving these bowls in colorful, rustic ceramic dishes or bamboo bowls to give an authentic vibe. Layer the rice first, then artfully arrange your chicken and veggies on top instead of mixing everything together—this adds visual appeal and lets everyone customize their bites.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store leftover chicken and rice separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator to maintain the chicken’s texture and rice’s freshness. The bang bang sauce-coated chicken can become soggy if mixed with rice too early.
Freezing
You can freeze leftover cooked chicken before tossing in sauce for up to two months. Freeze in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. Rice freezes well but can lose texture, so consider reheating it separately.
Reheating
Reheat the chicken in an oven or air fryer at 350 degrees Fahrenheit to restore crispiness, then toss with fresh bang bang sauce. Microwave rice separately with a drizzle of water to keep it moist. Avoid microwaving the chicken directly to maintain texture.
FAQs
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Absolutely! Simply substitute the panko breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs and use gluten-free all-purpose flour to keep the coating crispy and delicious.
Is it possible to bake the chicken instead of frying?
Yes, baking is a healthier alternative. Bake coated chicken pieces at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for about 20 minutes, flipping halfway through for even crispness. They might not be as crispy, but still very tasty.
How spicy is the bang bang sauce?
The sauce has a mild to medium heat level thanks to the sriracha. You can easily adjust the heat by adding more or less sriracha depending on your spice preference.
Can I use pre-cooked chicken or leftovers?
This recipe works best with freshly cooked chicken for maximum crispiness and flavor, but you can use pre-cooked chicken. Just toss it in the bang bang sauce and serve over rice with fresh veggies.
What’s the best type of rice to use?
Both white jasmine rice and brown rice work wonderfully here. Jasmine rice offers a fragrant, fluffy base, while brown rice adds nuttier flavor and more fiber.
Final Thoughts
This Bang Bang Chicken Bowls Recipe is truly a joyous celebration of textures and bold flavors all coming together in a bowl you’ll want to eat over and over again. It’s approachable, fun to make, and guaranteed to impress anyone lucky enough to dig in. So go ahead, gather your ingredients, and treat yourself to this delightfully crispy, saucy, and vibrant meal tonight!
Print
Bang Bang Chicken Bowls Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Description
This vibrant Bang Bang Chicken Bowl recipe features crispy fried chicken pieces coated in a sweet and spicy bang bang sauce, served over a bed of fluffy cooked rice and topped with fresh shredded carrots, cucumber slices, and green onions. Perfect for a flavorful and satisfying meal, this dish blends a crunchy texture with a creamy, tangy sauce for an irresistible combination.
Ingredients
Chicken and Breading
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 eggs, beaten
- Oil for frying
Rice and Vegetables
- 2 cups cooked white or brown rice
- 1 cup shredded carrots
- 1 cup cucumber, sliced
- 2 green onions, sliced
Bang Bang Sauce
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons sweet chili sauce
- 1 tablespoon sriracha (adjust to taste)
- 1 tablespoon honey
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Bang Bang Sauce: In a bowl, mix together the mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, and honey until smooth and well combined. Set this sauce aside for coating the chicken later.
- Season the Chicken: Lightly season the bite-sized chicken pieces with salt and pepper to enhance flavor before breading.
- Set Up Breading Station: Arrange three separate bowls: one with all-purpose flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with panko breadcrumbs to create an efficient breading process.
- Bread the Chicken: Dip each chicken piece first into the flour, shaking off excess, then into the beaten eggs, and finally coat thoroughly with panko breadcrumbs. This triple coating ensures a crispy exterior when fried.
- Fry the Chicken: Heat oil in a deep skillet or fryer to 350°F (175°C). Carefully fry the breaded chicken pieces until they turn golden brown and are cooked through, approximately 4-5 minutes. Remove and drain on paper towels to eliminate excess oil.
- Coat Chicken with Sauce: Toss the freshly fried chicken pieces in the prepared bang bang sauce ensuring each piece is evenly coated with the creamy, spicy dressing.
- Assemble the Bowls: Distribute the cooked rice evenly into four bowls. Top each bowl with the sauced bang bang chicken, shredded carrots, cucumber slices, and sliced green onions to add freshness and crunch.
- Serve: Serve the bowls immediately while the chicken is crispy and warm. Enjoy this flavorful and colorful Bang Bang Chicken Bowl as a satisfying meal.
Notes
- For a healthier alternative, use brown rice instead of white rice.
- Adjust the amount of sriracha in the sauce to control the heat level according to your preference.
- If preferred, chicken thighs offer a juicier texture compared to breasts.
- Ensure oil temperature stays steady at 350°F to achieve a perfect fry without greasy chicken.
- Leftover bang bang sauce can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
