This Easy Bang Bang Chicken Bowl is a tasty and fun meal! It features crispy chicken drizzled with a creamy, spicy sauce that’s sure to make your taste buds dance.
You can serve it over a bed of rice with fresh veggies. Honestly, I sometimes add extra sauce just because it’s that delicious! Who can resist a little more flavor? 😋
Making this bowl is super simple! Just fry the chicken, whip up the sauce, and mix it all together. It’s a quick meal that feels extra special. Enjoy!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs work perfectly for this recipe. If you prefer a lighter version, you can use turkey or even tofu for a plant-based option.
Cornstarch: This is used for coating the chicken to achieve a crispy texture. If you’re avoiding cornstarch, you can use all-purpose flour or even crushed cornflakes for a crunchier bite!
Rice: White or jasmine rice is traditional here, but you can swap it for brown rice or quinoa if you’re looking for something with more fiber.
Mayonnaise: The base for the Bang Bang sauce, mayonnaise brings creaminess. If you’re looking for a lighter option, consider Greek yogurt or a vegan mayo for a dairy-free dish.
Sriracha: This adds spice to the sauce. If you prefer less heat, you can use ketchup or omit it altogether, depending on your taste.
How Do I Make the Chicken Super Crispy?
Getting that perfect crispy texture is all about the coating! Here’s how you can ensure your chicken comes out right:
- Make sure to coat the chicken pieces evenly with cornstarch. This helps create a barrier that traps moisture and keeps the chicken juicy.
- Heat your oil to medium-high before adding chicken. If the oil isn’t hot enough, the chicken will absorb too much oil and become greasy instead of crispy.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan! Fry in batches if necessary, so the chicken has room to breathe and crisp up.
- Let the fried chicken drain on paper towels. This removes excess oil and helps keep the coating crisp.
Easy Bang Bang Chicken Bowl
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken Bowl:
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1/2 cup cornstarch (for coating chicken)
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil (for frying)
- 2 cups cooked white or jasmine rice
- 1 cup shredded lettuce or cabbage
- 1/2 cup shredded carrots
- 1/4 cup sliced green onions
- Optional: chopped cilantro for garnish
For the Bang Bang Sauce:
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 3 tbsp sweet chili sauce
- 1 to 2 tsp sriracha sauce (adjust to taste for spice)
- 1 tbsp honey or sugar (optional, for extra sweetness)
- 1 tsp rice vinegar or lime juice (optional, for tang)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 25-30 minutes to prepare and cook. You’ll spend about 10 minutes prepping the ingredients and about 15-20 minutes cooking the chicken and assembling the bowls. It’s a quick and delicious meal perfect for any day of the week!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Chicken:
In a bowl, toss the chicken pieces with cornstarch until they are evenly coated. This will help them get crispy when fried.
2. Fry the Chicken:
Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the coated chicken pieces to the pan. Fry until they are golden brown and cooked through, which should take about 5-7 minutes. When done, remove the chicken from the skillet and place it on a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.
3. Make the Bang Bang Sauce:
While the chicken is frying, you can prepare the Bang Bang sauce. In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, honey (if using), and rice vinegar (if using) until the mixture is smooth. Taste it and adjust the spiciness or sweetness to your liking.
4. Assemble the Bowls:
To put together your bowls, start by placing a generous serving of the cooked rice at the bottom of each bowl.
5. Add Toppings:
Top the rice with the crispy fried chicken pieces, followed by the shredded lettuce or cabbage, shredded carrots, and slices of green onions.
6. Drizzle with Sauce:
Now, drizzle your homemade Bang Bang sauce generously over the contents of the bowl. You can add as much or as little as you like—it’s so yummy!
7. Garnish and Serve:
If you’d like, sprinkle some chopped cilantro on top for an extra pop of flavor and color. Serve your Easy Bang Bang Chicken Bowls immediately and enjoy this delightful meal!
Bon appétit!
FAQ for Easy Bang Bang Chicken Bowl
Can I Use Frozen Chicken for This Recipe?
Yes, you can! Just make sure to thaw the chicken completely before cooking. The best way to thaw it is by leaving it in the refrigerator overnight or using the cold water method—place the chicken in a sealed bag and submerge it in cold water for quick thawing.
What Can I Substitute for Mayonnaise in the Bang Bang Sauce?
If you’re looking for a healthier option or need a dairy-free version, you can use Greek yogurt or a vegan mayo. Both will give you a similar creamy texture with a slight flavor variation.
Can This Dish Be Made Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the Bang Bang sauce and cook the chicken in advance. Just store them separately in the fridge. When you’re ready to eat, reheat the chicken in a skillet to retain its crispiness and assemble your bowls with the fresh ingredients.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm the chicken in a skillet for best results, and serve it over freshly cooked rice with the sauce drizzled on top. Enjoy your meal without any hassle!
