As a baker, I’m always looking for new ways to mix up the menu with exciting and flavorful dishes, and this Bang Bang Chicken Bowl is a perfect addition. This dish combines crispy chicken, creamy sauce, and fresh veggies, all layered in a bowl to create a satisfying meal that’s bursting with bold flavors. Whether you’re craving something spicy, sweet, or savory, this recipe has it all. The best part? It’s so simple to make and can be customized with your favorite toppings.
The Bang Bang sauce is what really makes this dish special—it’s creamy, tangy, and has just the right amount of kick. When paired with crispy, tender chicken, you get a contrast of textures that will keep you coming back for more. This dish is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or even a fun weekend meal. And, of course, it’s easy to prep and serve in individual bowls, making it a hit for families or gatherings.
So, if you’re ready to treat yourself to something delicious and different, the Bang Bang Chicken Bowl is the way to go. Let’s dive into the ingredients and steps you need to make this mouthwatering bowl of goodness.
Ingredients + How to Make the Bang Bang Chicken Bowl
Ingredients:
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2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs for a juicier option)
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1 cup all-purpose flour
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1 tsp garlic powder
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1 tsp onion powder
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1/2 tsp paprika
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Salt and pepper to taste
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2 large eggs
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1 cup panko breadcrumbs (for extra crispiness)
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Vegetable oil for frying
For the Bang Bang Sauce:
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1/2 cup mayonnaise
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2 tbsp sweet chili sauce
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1 tbsp sriracha sauce (adjust to taste for spice level)
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1 tbsp rice vinegar
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1 tsp honey (optional, for a touch of sweetness)
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Salt to taste
For the bowl:
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2 cups cooked white or brown rice
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1 cup shredded cabbage (for crunch)
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1/2 cup sliced cucumbers
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1/4 cup sliced green onions
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1/4 cup chopped cilantro
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Sesame seeds for garnish (optional)
How to Make the Bang Bang Chicken Bowl:
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Prepare the Chicken: Start by prepping the chicken. If using chicken breasts, slice them into strips for easy eating. For thighs, you can keep them whole or cut them into smaller pieces depending on your preference.
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Coat the Chicken: In one shallow bowl, whisk together the flour, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. In a second bowl, beat the eggs. In a third bowl, add the panko breadcrumbs. Take each piece of chicken, first coat it in the seasoned flour, dip it in the egg, and then coat it in the panko breadcrumbs.
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Fry the Chicken: Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, fry the breaded chicken pieces in batches, cooking for about 3-4 minutes on each side or until golden brown and crispy. Remove from the pan and place on a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil.
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Make the Bang Bang Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha sauce, rice vinegar, honey, and a pinch of salt. Taste the sauce and adjust the spice or sweetness level to your preference. This sauce is the star of the dish, so don’t be afraid to tweak it until you get the perfect balance!
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Assemble the Bowl: Start with a base of rice in each bowl. Add a handful of shredded cabbage, followed by sliced cucumbers, green onions, and cilantro. Arrange the crispy chicken on top and drizzle generously with the Bang Bang Sauce. Finish with a sprinkle of sesame seeds for a bit of crunch and extra flavor.
How Long to Bake, How to Store Leftovers, and Tips for Perfecting the Bang Bang Chicken Bowl
How Long to Bake:
While this recipe doesn’t require baking, it does require frying the chicken to crispy perfection. If you’re concerned about the frying process or prefer a healthier alternative, you can bake the breaded chicken at 400°F (200°C) for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through. This will give you a crispy texture without the need for excessive oil, making it a bit lighter but still delicious. Keep in mind that the texture won’t be quite the same as the deep-fried version, but it’s still a fantastic option.
How to Store Leftovers:
If you have any leftover Bang Bang Chicken, don’t worry—it stores well for a quick meal the next day! To store, place the fried chicken in an airtight container and refrigerate. You can keep the chicken for up to 2 days. To prevent the chicken from becoming soggy, it’s best to store the Bang Bang Sauce separately and drizzle it on top just before serving. If you plan to reheat the chicken, consider using an oven or air fryer to restore its crispiness rather than microwaving it, which can make it soft.
The rice and veggies should also be stored separately to maintain their freshness. When you’re ready to enjoy the leftovers, simply assemble the bowl again with your desired toppings, and it will taste almost as good as the original meal!
Tips for Perfecting the Bang Bang Chicken Bowl:
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Get the Crispy Coating Just Right: The key to perfect Bang Bang Chicken is the crispy coating. Be sure to coat each piece of chicken thoroughly in flour, egg, and panko breadcrumbs to ensure an even crunch. Also, frying the chicken in batches prevents overcrowding in the pan, which helps maintain that crispy texture.
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Adjust the Spice Level: The Bang Bang Sauce can be made as spicy or mild as you like. Start with the recommended sriracha amount and taste as you go. If you want more heat, add a little more sriracha; if you prefer a milder version, cut back on the sriracha and increase the sweet chili sauce for a sweeter profile.
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Customize Your Bowl: While the basic toppings like rice, cabbage, and cucumbers are delicious, you can customize your bowl with other fresh ingredients such as avocado slices, shredded carrots, or even pickled vegetables for an added tang. Feel free to get creative and make the bowl your own!
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Don’t Skip the Sauce: The Bang Bang Sauce is essential to this recipe. It brings all the flavors together and adds a creamy, tangy element that perfectly complements the crispy chicken. Make sure to drizzle generously and enjoy every bite!
Bang Bang Chicken Bowl: A Flavor-Packed Dish That Will Wow Your Taste Buds
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
This Bang Bang Chicken Bowl is the perfect combination of crispy chicken, fresh vegetables, and a creamy, spicy sauce. With layers of flavor and a satisfying crunch, it’s a dish that can be enjoyed for lunch or dinner. The sweet, tangy, and spicy Bang Bang Sauce brings everything together, making each bite absolutely irresistible. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or a crowd, this bowl will quickly become a favorite. Let’s dive into how you can make this delicious meal!
Ingredients
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2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs for a juicier option)
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1 cup all-purpose flour
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1 tsp garlic powder
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1 tsp onion powder
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1/2 tsp paprika
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Salt and pepper to taste
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2 large eggs
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1 cup panko breadcrumbs (for extra crispiness)
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Vegetable oil for frying
For the Bang Bang Sauce:
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1/2 cup mayonnaise
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2 tbsp sweet chili sauce
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1 tbsp sriracha sauce (adjust to taste for spice level)
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1 tbsp rice vinegar
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1 tsp honey (optional, for a touch of sweetness)
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Salt to taste
For the bowl:
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2 cups cooked white or brown rice
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1 cup shredded cabbage (for crunch)
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1/2 cup sliced cucumbers
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1/4 cup sliced green onions
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1/4 cup chopped cilantro
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Sesame seeds for garnish (optional)
Instructions
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Prepare the Chicken: Slice the chicken breasts (or thighs) into strips or leave them whole, depending on your preference.
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Coat the Chicken: In one bowl, mix flour, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. In a second bowl, beat the eggs. In a third bowl, place the panko breadcrumbs. Coat each chicken piece in flour, dip in eggs, and then coat in breadcrumbs.
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Fry the Chicken: Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Fry the chicken pieces in batches for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown and crispy. Remove and drain on paper towels.
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Make the Bang Bang Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, rice vinegar, honey, and salt. Adjust seasoning to taste.
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Assemble the Bowl: In each bowl, start with a base of rice. Add shredded cabbage, sliced cucumbers, and green onions. Top with the fried chicken and drizzle generously with the Bang Bang Sauce. Garnish with chopped cilantro and sesame seeds.
Notes
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For added crunch, sprinkle chopped walnuts or almonds over the pears before baking.
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These baked pears can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven or enjoy cold.
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If you prefer, substitute the feta cheese with blue cheese for a stronger flavor profile.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
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Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts? Yes, absolutely! Chicken thighs can be a great substitute for chicken breasts in this recipe. They tend to be juicier and more flavorful, so if you prefer a richer taste and a bit more moisture in your dish, chicken thighs are a perfect choice. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time as needed, as thighs might take a little longer to cook through.
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Can I make the Bang Bang Chicken Bowl ahead of time? While this dish is best enjoyed fresh, you can prepare some components ahead of time. The rice and veggies can be prepped and stored in the fridge, and the Bang Bang Sauce can be made in advance and stored in an airtight container for up to a week. However, it’s best to fry the chicken just before serving to maintain its crispy texture.
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How do I make this dish gluten-free? To make this recipe gluten-free, substitute the all-purpose flour and panko breadcrumbs with gluten-free alternatives. For the flour, you can use rice flour or a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. For the breadcrumbs, look for gluten-free panko or use ground almonds or crushed gluten-free cornflakes for a similar texture. The rest of the ingredients in the recipe are naturally gluten-free!
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Can I make this recipe spicier? Yes, you can adjust the spice level according to your preferences. If you love extra heat, add more sriracha to the Bang Bang Sauce. You can also sprinkle some red pepper flakes on the chicken or in the sauce for an added kick. Just keep in mind that the sweetness of the chili sauce will balance the heat, so taste and adjust until you find your ideal level of spice.