The Bang Bang Chicken Bowl is a delicious and satisfying meal that combines crispy, tender chicken with a creamy, spicy sauce. It’s a fusion dish that blends bold flavors, making it a favorite for those who enjoy a bit of heat in their meals.

This bowl typically features chicken coated in a crispy batter, tossed in a flavorful sauce made from ingredients like mayonnaise, sweet chili, and a touch of heat. Served over rice or vegetables, it’s both comforting and filling.

Why You’ll Love Bang Bang Chicken Bowl

Healthy and Nutritious: This dish is not only tasty but also nutritious. It’s loaded with fresh vegetables and protein-rich chicken, making it a great option for a balanced meal that supports your health goals.

Quick and Easy to Make: You can whip up a Bang Bang Chicken Bowl in no time. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or for a family, it’s an easy and fast meal that requires minimal ingredients and effort.

Great for Meal Prep: This dish is perfect for meal prepping. You can prepare multiple servings ahead of time, making it a great option for busy days when you need a quick, nutritious meal that’s already ready to go.

Ingredients for a Bang Bang Chicken Bowl

Here’s what you’ll need to make a delicious Bang Bang Chicken:

• Chicken Breast: Tender, lean, and perfect for frying. Chicken breast adds protein and keeps the dish light while still being filling.
• All-Purpose Flour: Used to create a light coating for the chicken. It helps the breadcrumbs stick, giving the chicken a crispy outer layer.
• Garlic Powder: A key seasoning for flavor. Garlic powder adds depth and an aromatic taste to the chicken, enhancing its overall flavor profile.
• Paprika: Adds a mild smoky flavor and beautiful color to the chicken. It complements the garlic and balances the taste.
• Salt and Pepper: Basic but essential for seasoning. Salt enhances the flavors, while pepper adds a bit of heat and freshness.
• Egg: This acts as a binder, helping the flour and breadcrumbs stick to the chicken. It also gives the chicken a golden, crispy texture once fried.
• Breadcrumbs: Coating the chicken in breadcrumbs gives it the perfect crunch. The breadcrumbs turn golden when fried, making the chicken even more irresistible.
• Vegetable Oil: Used for frying. Vegetable oil is ideal for deep frying because it has a high smoke point and won’t overpower the flavors.

How to Make Bang Bang Chicken Bowl

Ingredients

For the Chicken:

• 1 lb chicken breast (cut into bite-sized pieces)
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 egg
• 1 tablespoon water
• 1 cup breadcrumbs (for coating)
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (for frying)

For the Bang Bang Sauce:

• 1/4 cup mayonnaise
• 2 tablespoons sweet chili sauce
• 1 tablespoon sriracha sauce (adjust to taste)
• 1 teaspoon honey
• 1 teaspoon rice vinegar

For Serving:

• Cooked rice or quinoa (for the base)
• Sliced cucumber, shredded carrots, and cilantro (for garnish)

Directions

1. Prepare the Chicken: In a large bowl, mix the flour, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. In another small bowl, whisk the egg and water together. Dip each chicken piece into the egg mixture and then coat it thoroughly in the flour mixture. Set aside.
2. Fry the Chicken: Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the chicken pieces and cook until golden brown and crispy, about 4-5 minutes on each side. Remove from the pan and drain on paper towels to remove excess oil.
3. Make the Bang Bang Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, honey, and rice vinegar. Stir until smooth and well combined.
4. Assemble the Bowl: Start with a base of cooked rice or quinoa. Top with the crispy chicken, then drizzle with the bang bang sauce. Garnish with fresh cucumber slices, shredded carrots, and cilantro.
5. Serve & Enjoy! Mix everything together in the bowl for the perfect bite of crispy chicken, spicy sauce, and fresh veggies.

Bang Bang Chicken Bowl Variation

There are several ways you can customize your Bang Bang Chicken to suit your tastes. Here are a few variations to consider:

• Vegetarian Bang Bang Bowl: Swap the chicken for crispy tofu or tempeh for a vegetarian version that still has that satisfying crunch and flavor.
• Spicy Bang Bang Chicken: Add extra chili sauce or chopped fresh chilies to the sauce to give it an extra kick.
• Low-Carb Version: Replace the rice with cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles for a low-carb alternative while keeping the flavor intact.
• Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs for the chicken, and make sure the sauce ingredients are free from gluten.
• Add Veggies: You can easily add steamed broccoli, bell peppers, or other vegetables to enhance the bowl with extra nutrients and flavor.

How to Serve Bang Bang Chicken Bowl

When serving the Bang Bang Chicken, presentation plays a big role. Here are some tips to serve it in a way that enhances the dining experience:

Layer the Rice and Chicken: Start with a base of warm, cooked rice. Then, place the crispy chicken on top, making sure to evenly coat it in the sauce.

Garnish: Sprinkle some sesame seeds, chopped green onions, or cilantro on top for an added touch of freshness and color.

Side Dishes: Pair the bowl with a side of steamed vegetables, a small salad, or pickled veggies for extra flavor and balance.

Family-Style: For larger gatherings, serve the Bang Bang Chicken ingredients separately, allowing guests to build their own bowls. This is especially fun for parties and lets everyone customize their own meal.

Storage Tips

If you have leftovers, it’s important to store your Bang Bang Chicken properly to maintain its taste and texture:

Chicken: Store the cooked chicken separately in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days. When reheating, re-crisp it in the oven or air fryer for the best results.

Sauce: If you have leftover sauce, keep it in a small container in the fridge. It will stay good for up to a week. You can also freeze the sauce in an ice cube tray for longer storage.

Rice: Store any leftover rice in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, add a splash of water and microwave or heat on the stovetop.

Assemble Before Serving: For the best texture, it’s recommended to store the components separately and assemble them just before serving. This helps maintain the crunchiness of the chicken and the freshness of the rice.

More Chicken Recipes:

Cream Cheese Chicken
Cheesy Garlic Chicken Wraps
Texas Roadhouse Smothered Chicken

FAQs About Bang Bang Chicken Bowl