Bang Bang Chicken Bowl Recipe

If you’re craving something that’s bursting with flavor, simple to throw together, and absolutely satisfying, I’ve got just the thing for you. The Bang Bang Chicken Bowl Recipe is one of my go-to meals when I want a balance of spicy, creamy, and fresh in every bite. Trust me, once you try this, it’ll become a staple in your weeknight dinner rotation — it’s that fan-freaking-tastic.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

The ingredients in this Bang Bang Chicken Bowl Recipe work beautifully together to create layers of texture and flavor – crispy chicken, fresh veggies, fluffy rice, and that irresistible spicy mayo sauce. Most of these you’ll likely have in your pantry or fridge already, and the fresh stuff is easy to find too.

• Boneless skinless chicken breasts: Cut into bite-sized pieces for quick, even cooking; you can swap in shrimp or tofu if you prefer.
• Cornstarch: This gives the chicken a wonderfully crispy coating without weighing it down.
• Salt, black pepper, garlic powder, paprika: Simple spices that pack a flavor punch.
• Vegetable oil: Make sure it’s hot before frying for that golden crispiness.
• Cooked jasmine rice: I love jasmine for its fragrant aroma, but brown rice or quinoa work great too.
• Shredded lettuce: Adds crunch and a fresh contrast to the warm, spicy chicken.
• Diced cucumber: Cool and refreshing, it balances the spice nicely.
• Shredded carrots: Slightly sweet and colorful for an inviting bowl.
• Chopped green onions: For a mild onion flavor and a pop of green.
• Sesame seeds: Optional but they add a nutty crunch and make for a pretty garnish.
• Mayonnaise: It makes the sauce creamy, and you can swap in non-fat mayo or Greek yogurt to lighten things up.
• Sweet chili sauce: Gives the sauce the perfect sweet and tangy vibe.
• Sriracha: For that spicy kick. Adjust depending on how much heat you want.

Variations

I like to play around with this Bang Bang Chicken Bowl Recipe depending on what’s in season or what my family’s mood is. The flexibility is one of its best features, so don’t be shy about switching things up.

• Protein Swap: I once made this with crispy fried shrimp, and it was just as amazing—plus a fun twist for seafood lovers.
• Veggie Boost: Throw in some steamed broccoli or snap peas if you want more green goodness and texture.
• Heat Level: For milder palates, I reduce the sriracha or swap it out for a milder chili sauce without losing the flavor.
• Grain Alternatives: Quinoa or cauliflower rice work well if you’re aiming for something gluten-free or lower carb.

How to Make Bang Bang Chicken Bowl Recipe

Step 1: Coat the Chicken with the Perfect Crispy Blend

Start by combining cornstarch, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and paprika in a large bowl—that’s the secret to getting that crispy, flavorful crust on the chicken. Toss your bite-sized chicken pieces in this mix until each piece is fully coated. It might seem like a lot of cornstarch, but trust me, that’s what gives you that satisfying crunch you want.

Step 2: Fry the Chicken Till Golden and Delicious

Heat about a quarter cup of vegetable oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Here’s a tip I learned: make sure the oil is hot enough before adding the chicken—you can test by dropping in just one piece; it should sizzle immediately. Cook the chicken pieces in a single layer for about 5 to 7 minutes, flipping occasionally so they brown evenly without burning. When they’re golden and cooked through, remove them and set aside on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.

Step 3: Whip Up the Bang Bang Sauce

While the chicken’s cooking, mix the sauce ingredients together in a small bowl: mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, and sriracha. I usually start with less sriracha and add more after tasting—it’s easy to adjust the heat to your liking. This sauce is what makes the dish come alive with its creamy, spicy-sweet goodness.

Step 4: Assemble Your Bang Bang Chicken Bowl

Grab your serving bowls and start with a bed of fluffy jasmine rice. Layer on your perfectly crispy chicken, then pile on shredded lettuce, diced cucumber, shredded carrots, and green onions for a fresh crunch. Drizzle that luscious bang bang sauce over the top and sprinkle with sesame seeds if you’re feeling fancy. Serve immediately and enjoy that wonderful combination of flavors and textures.

How to Serve Bang Bang Chicken Bowl Recipe

Garnishes

I usually top my bowls with a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds for a little crunch and nutty flavor. Sometimes I add fresh cilantro or chopped peanuts if I want to amp up the freshness and texture — both choices are wonderful and vary the experience in a delightful way.

Side Dishes

When I serve this Bang Bang Chicken Bowl Recipe, I love pairing it with a simple cucumber salad or some steamed edamame for extra veggies. A light Asian slaw also goes really well if you want to keep the meal bright and fresh without overpowering the main dish.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I arrange the bowls in colorful bento-style compartments, keeping each element separate so everyone can mix it how they want — it’s fun and visually appealing. You can also serve the chicken on skewers over rice, drizzling sauce on top, which makes it perfect for casual parties or outdoor meals.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover chicken, rice, and veggies separately in airtight containers in the fridge. The chicken usually stays good for up to 3 days, but I try to eat the veggies within 1 or 2 days to keep them crisp and fresh. Keeping everything separate helps maintain the textures when reheating.

Freezing

I’ve frozen the cooked chicken before (minus the fresh veggies and sauce), and it reheats quite well. Just thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently in a skillet. I avoid freezing the entire bowl because the fresh veggies don’t freeze well and get soggy.

Reheating

The best way I’ve found to reheat leftover chicken is in a hot skillet to revive that crispiness, rather than using the microwave which makes it mushy. I reheat the rice in the microwave with a sprinkle of water to steam it up, and then add fresh veggies and sauce when serving.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

I absolutely love how this Bang Bang Chicken Bowl Recipe turns out every time—crispy chicken, fresh crunchy veggies, and that creamy, spicy sauce all coming together in a bowl that feels both comforting and exciting. When I first tried making it at home, it became a fast favorite because of how quick and rewarding it is. You’re going to enjoy the way the flavors balance perfectly, and I can’t wait for you to make this one your own. So go ahead, gather your ingredients, and treat yourself to this easy, delicious meal—you’ll be glad you did!

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