Bang Bang Chicken Bowl

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Bang Bang Chicken Bowl is a fun and flavorful twist on your traditional chicken bowl. The crispy, golden-brown chicken is paired with a creamy, tangy, and spicy sauce that makes every bite incredibly addictive. It’s served on a bed of fluffy rice, complemented by fresh vegetables and a few garnishes for added flavor. This meal is quick to prepare, satisfying, and packed with bold flavors. Plus, it’s easy to make and customize based on your spice preference and vegetable choices!

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the chicken:

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs for more flavor)

• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour

• 1/2 teaspoon paprika

• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

• 1/4 teaspoon salt

• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

• 1 egg, beaten

• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs (for extra crunch)

• 1 tablespoon olive oil (for cooking)

For the Bang Bang sauce:

• 1/4 cup mayonnaise

• 2 tablespoons sweet chili sauce

• 1 tablespoon sriracha (or more for extra spice)

• 1 teaspoon rice vinegar

• 1/2 teaspoon honey (optional, for extra sweetness)

For the bowl:

• 2 cups cooked rice (white, brown, or jasmine rice)

• 1 cup cucumber, sliced thinly

• 1/2 cup shredded carrots

• 1/4 cup green onions, chopped

• 1 tablespoon sesame seeds (optional)

• Fresh cilantro, chopped (optional, for garnish)

Directions

Prepare the chicken:

1. Prep the chicken: Cut the chicken breasts into bite-sized chunks or strips. Pat them dry with a paper towel to remove excess moisture, which helps them crisp up better when cooked.

2. Season and bread the chicken: In a shallow bowl, mix the flour, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. In a separate bowl, beat the egg. Place the panko breadcrumbs in another shallow bowl. Dredge each piece of chicken in the flour mixture, dip it into the beaten egg, and then coat it in the panko breadcrumbs, pressing gently to ensure the breadcrumbs stick.

3. Cook the chicken: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken pieces and cook for 4-5 minutes per side, or until golden brown and crispy. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside on a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil.

Make the Bang Bang sauce:

4. Mix the sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, rice vinegar, and honey (if using). Taste the sauce and adjust the spice or sweetness as needed by adding more sriracha or honey.

Assemble the bowl:

5. Prepare the base: Start with a bed of rice in each bowl. Top the rice with the crispy chicken pieces.

6. Add the veggies: Add the sliced cucumber, shredded carrots, and chopped green onions to the bowl. You can also add any other veggies you enjoy, such as avocado or bell peppers.

7. Drizzle with sauce: Spoon a generous amount of the Bang Bang sauce over the chicken. Drizzle more sauce as needed, depending on your preference.

8. Garnish and serve: Sprinkle sesame seeds and fresh cilantro on top for garnish, if desired. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 2-3 people. Prep time is about 15 minutes, and cook time is around 20 minutes, making this a quick and satisfying meal ready in under 40 minutes.

Variations

• Use different proteins: While chicken is the classic choice, you can substitute it with shrimp, tofu, or even grilled beef for a different flavor profile.

• Make it lighter: For a lighter version, you can bake the chicken instead of frying it, or use air-fried chicken for a healthier option.

• Adjust the spice level: If you like it spicier, increase the amount of sriracha in the sauce. If you prefer it milder, reduce the amount of sriracha or omit it completely.

Storage/reheating

Store any leftover chicken and sauce separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. Reheat the chicken in the oven or air fryer to retain its crispy texture, and warm the rice and veggies in the microwave. Drizzle with fresh Bang Bang sauce before serving.

FAQs

1. Can I make the sauce ahead of time?

Yes, you can make the Bang Bang sauce ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Just give it a good stir before using it.

2. Can I bake the chicken instead of frying it?

Yes, you can bake the breaded chicken at 400°F (200°C) for about 15-20 minutes or until golden and crispy, flipping halfway through. You can also use an air fryer for a healthier, crispy texture.

3. Can I use a different kind of sauce for the chicken?

Absolutely! If you prefer a different flavor, try using a teriyaki sauce or a creamy buffalo sauce in place of the Bang Bang sauce.

4. Can I make this dish vegetarian?

Yes! Use crispy tofu or tempeh instead of chicken for a vegetarian version. You can still coat the tofu in breadcrumbs and bake or fry it to get a crispy texture.

5. How do I make the chicken even crunchier?

For extra crunch, double-dip the chicken: after the first coat of breadcrumbs, dip it in the egg again and coat it in breadcrumbs once more before cooking.

6. Can I add more vegetables?

Yes, you can add more vegetables like bell peppers, snap peas, or avocado. The veggies add a nice crunch and freshness to balance the rich flavors of the chicken and sauce.

7. How do I store leftovers?

Store the leftover chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. For the best texture, store the rice and chicken separately, and reheat them when you’re ready to eat.

8. Can I make this dish without the rice?

Yes, you can skip the rice and serve the Bang Bang chicken over a bed of greens like spinach or mixed lettuce for a lighter, low-carb option.

9. How can I make this dish spicier?

Increase the amount of sriracha in the Bang Bang sauce or add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the chicken coating for an extra kick.

10. Can I use regular chicken breast instead of thighs?

Yes, boneless, skinless chicken breasts can be used in place of thighs. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time slightly, as breasts tend to cook faster.

Conclusion

Bang Bang Chicken Bowls are a flavorful, filling, and easy-to-make meal that packs a punch with bold, spicy flavors. The crispy chicken, creamy sauce, and fresh vegetables come together to create the ultimate satisfying dish. Whether you’re serving it for dinner, meal prepping for the week, or enjoying a quick weeknight meal, these bowls are sure to become a family favorite. Customize them with your favorite veggies and spice level, and enjoy this irresistible dish!

Bang Bang Chicken Bowl

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• Author: Alice
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 2-3 servings
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Pan-fried
• Cuisine: American

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Description

Bang Bang Chicken Bowl is a crispy, flavorful dish featuring tender chicken coated in a creamy, spicy sauce and served over a bed of rice. This easy-to-make bowl is perfect for lunch or dinner, blending crunchy, creamy, and spicy elements with fresh veggies. Try this irresistible meal that’s simple to prepare and customizable to your spice preference!

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Ingredients

For the chicken:

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs for more flavor)

• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour

• 1/2 teaspoon paprika

• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

• 1/4 teaspoon salt

• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

• 1 egg, beaten

• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs (for extra crunch)

• 1 tablespoon olive oil (for cooking)

For the Bang Bang sauce:

• 1/4 cup mayonnaise

• 2 tablespoons sweet chili sauce

• 1 tablespoon sriracha (or more for extra spice)

• 1 teaspoon rice vinegar

• 1/2 teaspoon honey (optional, for extra sweetness)

For the bowl:

• 2 cups cooked rice (white, brown, or jasmine rice)

• 1 cup cucumber, sliced thinly

• 1/2 cup shredded carrots

• 1/4 cup green onions, chopped

• 1 tablespoon sesame seeds (optional)

• Fresh cilantro, chopped (optional, for garnish)

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Instructions

• Prepare the chicken:

  • Cut the chicken breasts into bite-sized chunks or strips. Pat dry to remove excess moisture.

• Season and bread the chicken:

  • In a shallow bowl, mix flour, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Beat the egg in another bowl. In a third bowl, place panko breadcrumbs. Dredge each chicken piece in the flour mix, dip in egg, and coat in breadcrumbs.

• Cook the chicken:

  • Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken pieces and cook for 4-5 minutes per side until golden and crispy. Remove from pan and drain on paper towels.

• Make the Bang Bang sauce:

  • In a bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, rice vinegar, and honey (optional). Taste and adjust the spice level.

• Assemble the bowl:

  • Start with a base of rice in each bowl. Top with crispy chicken pieces, followed by cucumber, carrots, and green onions. Drizzle with Bang Bang sauce, garnish with sesame seeds and cilantro, if desired.

• Serve and enjoy:

  • Serve immediately while warm and enjoy!

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Notes

You can substitute chicken with shrimp, tofu, or beef for a different protein.For a lighter option, bake or air fry the chicken instead of frying.If you want extra crunch, double-dip the chicken in breadcrumbs.Adjust the spice by adding more sriracha or reducing it as preferred.