Say hello to your new weeknight obsession: the Bang Bang Chicken Bowl. This irresistible dish brings together juicy, golden chicken, a bright medley of crisp veggies, fluffy rice, and a creamy, sweet-and-spicy Bang Bang sauce that you may just want to put on everything. It’s a feast for the senses and a breeze to prepare, making it the sort of recipe you’ll find yourself craving again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The real magic of a Bang Bang Chicken Bowl comes from a handful of simple ingredients that each play a starring role—bold flavor from the sauce, satisfying crunch from veggies, and tender chicken to soak it all up. Here’s why every element counts:
- Chicken breast: Lean and tender, perfect for soaking up all that wonderful sauce flavor.
- Cornstarch: The secret to creating that irresistible crisp coating on the chicken, even without deep frying.
- Salt and black pepper: Essential for seasoning every bite and enhancing the chicken’s natural flavor.
- Vegetable oil: Ensures the chicken cooks up golden and succulent in just a few minutes.
- Cooked white or brown rice: Serves as a cozy base for the bowl, soaking up sauces and textures beautifully.
- Shredded lettuce or cabbage: Adds refreshing crunch and a vibrant green boost.
- Shredded carrots: Lends a hint of sweetness and a pop of orange color.
- Sliced cucumbers: Offers cool, crisp contrast to the spicy, saucy chicken.
- Green onions: Brings mild sharpness and a lovely finishing sprinkle over the top.
- Sesame seeds (optional): For the extra nutty crunch and a bit of visual flair.
- Mayonnaise: Creates that creamy, luscious base for the famous Bang Bang sauce.
- Sweet chili sauce: Packs in sweetness and gentle heat for a well-balanced, addictive sauce.
- Sriracha: Dial up the spice to your liking; a little goes a long way here.
- Honey: Smooths out the heat and brings a touch of sticky sweetness.
- Rice vinegar: Adds brightness and a little tang, tying the sauce together.
How to Make Bang Bang Chicken Bowl
Step 1: Whisk Together the Bang Bang Sauce
In a small bowl, combine mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, honey, and rice vinegar. Grab a whisk and mix until the sauce is super smooth and fully blended. This is the signature flavor bomb that brings everything together, so don’t be afraid to taste and tweak the spice to your preference!
Step 2: Coat the Chicken
Place your chicken pieces in a large bowl, then sprinkle with cornstarch, salt, and pepper. Toss everything well so every bite-sized piece is evenly coated. This coating is key—it creates a light, crisp crust once the chicken hits the hot pan.
Step 3: Cook the Chicken
Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet set over medium-high heat. Once shimmering, arrange the chicken in a single layer. Let the pieces sizzle and cook, turning occasionally, until they’re golden all over and cooked through—about 6 to 8 minutes. Trust your nose; when it smells irresistible, it’s just about perfect.
Step 4: Toss Chicken with Bang Bang Sauce
Remove the pan from the heat, then drizzle half of your Bang Bang sauce over the freshly cooked chicken. Toss gently so every piece gets glazed in that creamy, tangy, spicy sauce. This step seals in the flavor and locks in juiciness.
Step 5: Build Your Bang Bang Chicken Bowl
Grab your serving bowls and divide the rice evenly among them. Layer with a generous pile of shredded lettuce or cabbage, a sprinkle of carrots, and cool cucumber slices. Pile the saucy chicken on top, then drizzle with the remaining Bang Bang sauce for extra decadence.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Finish each Bang Bang Chicken Bowl with a scattering of sliced green onions and sesame seeds (if you’re feeling fancy). Serve up while everything is still warm and the flavors are at their most vibrant.
How to Serve Bang Bang Chicken Bowl
Garnishes
A well-placed garnish does more than decorate—those green onions add a bite of freshness and a pop of color, while sesame seeds give your Bang Bang Chicken Bowl a subtle nutty aroma. Don’t shy away from a sprinkle of extra chili flakes if you like a little more heat.
Side Dishes
This bowl is balanced all on its own, but you can pair it with simple steamed edamame or a light Asian slaw for extra texture. A bowl of miso soup also makes a comforting companion on colder nights. The goal is to complement, not overshadow, the star of the show.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re feeling playful, try serving your Bang Bang Chicken Bowl deconstructed on a platter for a “build-your-own” experience at the table. Or, spoon the fillings into lettuce cups for a hand-held, party-ready twist. Mason jar lunches are another fun option for meal prepping ahead!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Bang Bang Chicken Bowl components should be stored separately: the sauced chicken in one airtight container, the fresh veggies in another, and your rice on its own. This keeps everything crisp, fresh, and avoids soggy textures. Enjoy within 3 days for peak flavor.
Freezing
Freeze only the cooked chicken (without veggies or rice) for up to 2 months; thaw in the fridge overnight before use. The sauce can also be portioned and frozen, then stirred back together when ready to serve. Fresh veggies and rice are best made fresh for each bowl.
Reheating
Reheat the chicken gently in a skillet or microwave with a splash of water to keep it moist. Warm the rice separately, then assemble your Bang Bang Chicken Bowl with all the cool, crunchy toppings just before serving—this way, every bite tastes freshly made.
FAQs
Can I make this Bang Bang Chicken Bowl vegetarian?
Absolutely! Swap the chicken for crispy baked tofu or roasted cauliflower florets. Both work beautifully with the sauce and keep all the irresistible flavors and textures.
How spicy is the Bang Bang Chicken Bowl?
The heat level is easy to adjust—add more or less sriracha to the sauce according to your preference. Want it extra mild? Use a sweet chili sauce with less heat, or stir in a splash of extra mayo to tone things down.
What type Main Course
You can use either fluffy white rice, hearty brown rice, or even jasmine rice for a subtle floral note. For extra nutrition, try a mix of quinoa or cauliflower rice as a lower-carb alternative.
Can I prepare the Bang Bang sauce ahead of time?
Yes—make the sauce up to three days ahead and store it tightly covered in the fridge. Give it a good stir before using, as the ingredients may separate slightly.
Can I serve this cold?
Definitely! The Bang Bang Chicken Bowl is just as tasty at room temperature or even chilled, making it a fantastic choice for meal prep lunches or picnic fare.
Final Thoughts
If you love bold, playful flavors and quick comfort food, the Bang Bang Chicken Bowl is a must-try recipe that fits right into busy schedules and family cravings alike. Give it a whirl and see why it’s sure to become a regular on your table!
Print
Bang Bang Chicken Bowl Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Bang Bang Chicken Bowl recipe is a delicious and satisfying meal that combines crispy chicken coated in a flavorful sauce with fresh vegetables and rice. It’s a perfect balance of sweet, spicy, and savory flavors in every bite.
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1/2 cup cornstarch
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (for cooking)
For the Bowl:
- 2 cups cooked white or brown rice
- 1 cup shredded lettuce or cabbage
- 1/2 cup shredded carrots
- 1/2 cup sliced cucumbers
- 2 green onions, sliced
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds (optional)
For the Bang Bang Sauce:
- 1/3 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons sweet chili sauce
- 1 tablespoon sriracha (or to taste)
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 teaspoon rice vinegar
Instructions
- Prepare the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together all the sauce ingredients until smooth. Set aside.
- Cook the Chicken: Toss the chicken pieces with cornstarch, salt, and pepper. Cook in oil until golden and fully cooked. Toss with half of the sauce.
- Assemble the Bowls: Divide rice among 4 bowls. Top with lettuce, carrots, cucumbers, and chicken. Drizzle remaining sauce over the top. Garnish with green onions and sesame seeds.
Notes
- For a lighter version, bake or air-fry the chicken instead of pan-frying.
- You can also use cauliflower or tofu for a vegetarian option.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 510
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 620mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
