When it comes to bold, flavorful meals, the Bang Bang Chicken Bowl is a standout. This dish brings together perfectly cooked chicken, creamy sauce, and a variety of fresh toppings, making each bite an explosion of flavor. Whether you’re looking for a hearty lunch, a dinner that’s both satisfying and exciting, or a meal to impress your guests, this bowl has it all.
The combination of crispy, golden chicken coated in a spicy, tangy sauce creates a taste experience that’s both comforting and daring. The creamy dressing is the perfect balance to the crispy chicken, and when paired with the freshness of vegetables and rice, it becomes a complete meal in a bowl. With a touch of heat and a hint of sweetness, the sauce ties everything together in a harmonious dance of flavors.
A Meal That Delivers Flavor
What makes the Bang Bang Chicken Bowl so special is its versatility. You can serve it as a meal on its own or as part of a larger spread. It’s easy to make but looks impressive on the plate, and the best part is that it’s customizable. You can add your favorite vegetables, choose your preferred level of spiciness, and make it as light or as indulgent as you like. This bowl will satisfy both your hunger and your cravings for something bold and delicious.
Ingredients for Bang Bang Chicken Bowl
To create this flavorful Bang Bang Chicken Bowl, you’ll need a selection of fresh, high-quality ingredients that come together to deliver the perfect balance of savory, spicy, and sweet.
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Chicken Breast – Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are ideal for this recipe. They cook quickly and remain tender, providing a great base for the crispy coating.
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Flour – Used to coat the chicken, helping it crisp up nicely when cooked.
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Cornstarch – Adds extra crispness to the chicken coating, making it golden and crunchy.
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Egg – Helps bind the coating ingredients together, ensuring the crispy layer sticks to the chicken.
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Rice (White or Brown) – The base of the bowl. You can use white rice or brown rice, depending on your preference for texture and flavor.
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Cabbage – Thinly sliced cabbage adds crunch and freshness to the bowl, balancing the richness of the chicken and sauce.
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Carrots – Shredded carrots provide a hint of sweetness and texture contrast to the other ingredients.
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Green Onions – Fresh green onions add a pop of color and mild, fresh flavor to complement the dish.
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Cucumber – Thinly sliced cucumber provides a cool, refreshing bite that works well with the heat of the sauce.
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Bang Bang Sauce – The star of the dish, this sauce combines mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, and a touch of garlic, creating a creamy, spicy, and tangy dressing that coats the chicken perfectly.
How to Make Bang Bang Chicken Bowl
Making the Bang Bang Chicken Bowl is a straightforward process that results in a mouthwatering meal. Here’s how you can bring it all together:
Step 1:
Begin by preparing your rice. Cook the rice according to the package instructions, then set it aside to cool slightly.
Step 2:
For the chicken, start by cutting the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces. In one bowl, combine flour and cornstarch. In another bowl, beat an egg. Dip each piece of chicken first into the egg, then coat it thoroughly in the flour-cornstarch mixture.
Step 3:
Heat oil in a large pan over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, carefully add the chicken pieces and cook for 4-5 minutes per side, or until golden brown and crispy. Remove the chicken from the pan and drain it on a paper towel.
Step 4:
To make the Bang Bang sauce, simply whisk together mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, and minced garlic in a bowl. Adjust the amount of sriracha to your preferred level of spice.
Step 5:
Once the chicken is crispy and cooked, toss it in the prepared Bang Bang sauce until each piece is well coated.
Step 6:
To assemble the bowl, place a serving of rice in each bowl. Top with shredded cabbage, shredded carrots, sliced cucumber, and green onions. Add a generous portion of the coated chicken on top.
Step 7:
Drizzle any remaining Bang Bang sauce over the top and garnish with extra green onions if desired. Serve immediately while everything is warm and fresh.
This bowl is packed with flavors and textures that will keep you coming back for more. Whether you’re enjoying it solo or sharing with others, the Bang Bang Chicken Bowl is sure to be a hit!
How Long to Cook the Chicken
Cooking the chicken to perfection is essential for a crispy and tender result. The cooking time can vary depending on the size of the chicken pieces, but here are some general guidelines:
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Small Chicken Pieces – If you cut the chicken into smaller chunks, they will cook faster. Typically, they’ll need around 4-5 minutes per side over medium-high heat to achieve a golden, crispy texture.
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Medium Chicken Pieces – For slightly larger pieces, cook them for about 6-7 minutes per side.
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Large Chicken Pieces – If you prefer larger chunks, it will take around 8-10 minutes per side, ensuring they cook all the way through and become crispy on the outside.
Make sure to keep an eye on the chicken and check for a crispy golden exterior. You can also test its doneness by cutting a piece in half to ensure it’s no longer pink inside.
How to Store Leftovers
If you find yourself with any leftover Bang Bang Chicken Bowl, don’t worry — it stores well! Here’s how to keep it fresh:
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Refrigerator – Allow the chicken and rice to cool down before storing. Place them in an airtight container, and they can be refrigerated for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet over medium heat to bring back some crispiness to the chicken.
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Freezer – While freezing the rice and sauce can be done, it’s best to freeze the chicken separately. Wrap the chicken pieces in plastic wrap or foil, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They will last for up to 1 month. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating in the oven or skillet.
Tips for Perfect Bang Bang Chicken Bowl
Here are a few tips to ensure your Bang Bang Chicken Bowl turns out perfectly:
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Perfect Chicken Coating – Be sure to coat the chicken pieces evenly with the flour-cornstarch mixture to ensure a crispy and crunchy texture. Don’t skip the egg wash — it helps the coating stick better.
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Adjust the Sauce’s Spice – The sauce has a spicy kick from sriracha, but if you’re not a fan of heat, you can reduce the amount of sriracha or omit it entirely for a milder version.
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Customize the Veggies – You can easily change up the toppings. If you don’t like cabbage, try using spinach or lettuce. Avocado slices also make a great creamy addition.
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Meal Prep Option – This recipe works great for meal prepping! You can prepare the chicken, rice, and veggies in advance, and then assemble the bowls when you’re ready to serve. This way, you’ll have a quick, delicious meal ready to go.
By following these tips, you’ll be able to enjoy a flavorful and satisfying Bang Bang Chicken Bowl every time.
Print
Bang Bang Chicken Bowl – A Bold and Delicious Meal
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
This Bang Bang Chicken Bowl is a perfect blend of bold, spicy, and creamy flavors, making it a standout dish for any occasion. Crispy, golden chicken, paired with a tangy sauce, and served over a bed of rice with fresh veggies, creates a satisfying meal that’s both filling and flavorful. Whether you’re looking for a hearty lunch or a dinner that’s sure to impress, this bowl will not disappoint!
Ingredients
2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cut into bite-sized pieces)
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1/4 cup cornstarch
1 egg (beaten)
2 cups cooked rice (white or brown)
1 cup shredded cabbage
1/2 cup shredded carrots
1 cucumber (thinly sliced)
2 green onions (sliced)
Bang Bang Sauce:
1/2 cup mayonnaise
2 tbsp sweet chili sauce
1 tbsp sriracha (adjust to desired spice level)
1 clove garlic (minced)
Instructions
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Cook the rice according to package instructions and set aside to cool slightly.
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In a bowl, combine flour and cornstarch. Dip each chicken piece into the beaten egg, then coat thoroughly in the flour mixture.
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Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the chicken for 4-5 minutes per side until golden and crispy. Remove from the skillet and drain on paper towels.
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To make the sauce, whisk together mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, and minced garlic in a small bowl. Adjust the sriracha to taste.
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Toss the cooked chicken in the Bang Bang sauce until well coated.
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To assemble, place rice in bowls and top with shredded cabbage, carrots, cucumber, and green onions.
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Add the saucy chicken on top of the veggies. Drizzle with any extra Bang Bang sauce and garnish with green onions if desired. Serve immediately.
Notes
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For added crunch, sprinkle chopped nuts like peanuts or cashews over the top before serving.
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If you prefer, you can substitute the mayonnaise with Greek yogurt for a lighter option.
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Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet to preserve the crispiness of the chicken.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I make the Bang Bang Chicken Bowl ahead of time?
Yes, you can prep many of the components in advance. Cook the rice and chop the vegetables ahead of time, and store them in the refrigerator. You can also prepare the Bang Bang sauce and refrigerate it. However, it’s best to cook the chicken fresh for the crispiest texture. If you need to store the chicken, you can refrigerate it for up to 3 days and reheat it in a pan to restore its crispiness.
2. Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Absolutely! If you prefer dark meat, chicken thighs are a great alternative. They have more flavor and are juicier than chicken breasts, but they may take a bit longer to cook. Follow the same process, ensuring that the chicken is fully cooked through. Just remember to adjust the cooking time if needed.
3. How can I make the sauce spicier?
If you want to add more heat to your Bang Bang sauce, you can increase the amount of sriracha or add a pinch of cayenne pepper. If you’re a fan of extra spicy food, you can also mix in some red pepper flakes for an added kick. Be sure to taste the sauce as you go to find your perfect spice level.
4. Can I use a different protein for this recipe?
Yes, you can substitute the chicken with other proteins such as shrimp, tofu, or even beef. If using shrimp, be sure to cook them until they are pink and opaque, and if using tofu, make sure to press out any excess moisture and cook until crispy. The Bang Bang sauce will work with most proteins, adding a great flavor contrast.