Bang Bang Chicken Bowl

There’s something incredibly satisfying about a bowl meal. It’s like a little treasure trove of flavors, all layered together to create the perfect bite every single time. The Bang Bang Chicken Bowl is one of those dishes that hits every craving—crispy, juicy chicken coated in a creamy, spicy sauce, served over a bed of rice with fresh, crunchy toppings.

If you love meals that are both comforting and packed with bold flavors, this recipe is a must-try. It’s inspired by the ever-popular Bang Bang Chicken, a dish known for its addictively creamy, slightly sweet, and spicy sauce. By turning it into a bowl, we make it a well-rounded meal that’s satisfying, easy to put together, and perfect for meal prep.

This dish is also highly customizable. You can swap out the rice for cauliflower rice or quinoa, add extra veggies, or even switch up the protein. But no matter how you tweak it, the magic lies in the Bang Bang Sauce—a creamy, spicy, slightly sweet sauce that takes everything to the next level.

Let’s dive into how to make this delicious and easy meal!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Crispy and Juicy Chicken – Perfectly cooked chicken bites with a golden crust, adding texture and flavor.
• The Best Bang Bang Sauce – A creamy, slightly spicy sauce that coats the chicken beautifully.
• Quick and Easy – Simple ingredients and a straightforward process make this a great weeknight meal.
• Customizable – You can switch out the protein, base, or toppings to suit your preferences.
• Meal-Prep Friendly – Make a batch ahead of time for quick lunches or dinners.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Chicken:

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 cup cornstarch
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 2 large eggs, beaten
• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
• 2 tablespoons olive oil (for frying)

For the Bang Bang Sauce:

• ½ cup mayonnaise
• 2 tablespoons sweet chili sauce
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 1 teaspoon sriracha (adjust to taste)
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 tablespoon lime juice

For the Bowl:

• 2 cups cooked white or brown rice
• ½ cup shredded carrots
• ½ cup shredded cabbage
• ½ cup sliced cucumbers
• ¼ cup green onions, chopped
• 1 tablespoon sesame seeds (for garnish)

How to Make Bang Bang Chicken Bowl

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Start by cutting the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces. This helps them cook quickly and evenly.

In a shallow bowl, mix together the cornstarch, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. In a second bowl, beat the eggs. In a third bowl, add the panko breadcrumbs.

Now, take each piece of chicken and coat it in the cornstarch mixture, then dip it into the beaten egg, and finally, coat it in panko breadcrumbs. This triple-layer coating gives the chicken that perfect crispy texture.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken pieces in a single layer, being careful not to overcrowd the pan. Cook for about 3-4 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through. Transfer the cooked chicken to a paper towel-lined plate while you prepare the sauce.

Step 3: Make the Bang Bang Sauce

In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, honey, sriracha, garlic powder, and lime juice. Adjust the sriracha to your preferred spice level.

Step 4: Toss the Chicken in the Sauce

Place the crispy chicken pieces in a large bowl and pour the Bang Bang Sauce over them. Toss until each piece is fully coated in the creamy, flavorful sauce.

Step 5: Assemble the Bowls

Now comes the fun part—assembling the bowls! Start with a base of warm rice, then layer on the crispy Bang Bang Chicken. Add your shredded carrots, cabbage, sliced cucumbers, and green onions. Sprinkle with sesame seeds for a finishing touch.

Helpful Tips

• For Extra Crispiness: If you want the chicken to stay extra crispy, toss it in the sauce right before serving rather than letting it sit.
• Baking Option: Instead of frying, you can bake the chicken at 400°F (200°C) for about 20 minutes, flipping halfway through.
• Air Fryer Friendly: Cook the breaded chicken pieces in an air fryer at 375°F (190°C) for 12-15 minutes, shaking halfway.
• Make it Low-Carb: Swap out the rice for cauliflower rice or a fresh salad base.
• Adjust the Spice Level: If you like it extra spicy, add more sriracha or a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce.

Recipe Details

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
• Diet: Dairy-Free

Notes

• If meal prepping, store the sauce separately and drizzle it over the chicken when ready to eat.
• The chicken can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or air fryer for crispiness.
• You can substitute the chicken with shrimp or tofu for a different take on this dish.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

• Calories: ~450
• Protein: ~35g
• Carbohydrates: ~50g
• Fat: ~15g
• Fiber: ~3g

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes! For best results, store the chicken and sauce separately to maintain the crispiness. Reheat the chicken in an oven or air fryer before tossing in the sauce.

What can I serve with this bowl?

This bowl is great on its own, but you can pair it with a side of edamame, steamed broccoli, or a fresh cucumber salad for extra veggies.

Can I use a different protein?

Absolutely! This recipe works well with shrimp, tofu, or even beef strips. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly.

How do I make it gluten-free?

Use gluten-free panko breadcrumbs and ensure that your sweet chili sauce and soy sauce (if adding) are gluten-free.

Storage Instructions

• Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: Freeze the cooked, uncoated chicken pieces for up to 2 months. When ready to eat, bake or air fry to crisp them back up, then toss in fresh sauce.
• Reheating: Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10 minutes or in an air fryer at 375°F (190°C) for 5-7 minutes.

Related Recipes

If you loved this Bang Bang Chicken Bowl, here are a few other recipes you might enjoy:

• Korean Spicy Chicken Tacos
• Southern Hot Honey Fried Chicken
• Savory Creamy Chicken Bowls with Feta Bliss
• Wholesome Honey Chipotle Chicken Rice Perfection

Conclusion

This Bang Bang Chicken Bowl is a flavor-packed, satisfying meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights or meal prepping. With crispy chicken, a creamy and spicy sauce, and fresh toppings, it’s a dish that will quickly become a favorite in your household.

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