Introduction to Bang Bang Chicken Bowl
Welcome to the world of flavor with my Bang Bang Chicken Bowl! If you’re anything like me, you crave meals that are not only delicious but also quick to whip up on those busy weeknights. This dish is a delightful blend of crispy chicken, spicy sauce, and fresh veggies, all served over a bed of rice. It’s perfect for impressing your loved ones or simply treating yourself after a long day. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it’ll become a go-to in your kitchen!
Why You’ll Love This Bang Bang Chicken Bowl
This Bang Bang Chicken Bowl is a game-changer for anyone who loves bold flavors without spending hours in the kitchen. It’s quick to prepare, taking just about 50 minutes from start to finish. The crispy chicken paired with that spicy, creamy sauce creates a taste explosion that will have your taste buds dancing. Plus, it’s customizable! You can easily swap in your favorite veggies or adjust the spice level to suit your family’s preferences.
Ingredients for Bang Bang Chicken Bowl
Gathering the right ingredients is the first step to creating your delicious Bang Bang Chicken Bowl. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Bang Bang Sauce: This sauce is the star of the show! It combines creamy mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, and a kick of Sriracha. You can adjust the heat by adding more or less Sriracha. A touch of honey adds sweetness, while lime juice brings a zesty tang.
- Chicken: I prefer boneless, skinless chicken breasts or tenders for this recipe. They’re easy to cut into bite-sized pieces and cook quickly. Marinating them in buttermilk helps keep the chicken tender and juicy.
- Coating: A mix of all-purpose flour and cornstarch gives the chicken that perfect crispy texture. Paprika and garlic powder add flavor, while salt and pepper enhance the overall taste.
- Oil for frying: Choose a neutral oil like vegetable, canola, or avocado oil for frying. This ensures the chicken gets crispy without overpowering the flavor.
- Rice: Serve your Bang Bang Chicken over cooked white or brown rice. It acts as a hearty base that soaks up all that delicious sauce.
- Fresh Vegetables: I love adding shredded lettuce or cabbage for crunch, along with sliced cucumbers and green onions for freshness. Feel free to get creative with your favorite veggies!
- Garnishes: Sesame seeds add a nice touch, and fresh cilantro or sliced avocado can elevate the dish even further.
For exact measurements, check the bottom of the article where you can find everything you need for printing. Happy cooking!
How to Make Bang Bang Chicken Bowl
Now that you have all your ingredients ready, let’s dive into making this mouthwatering Bang Bang Chicken Bowl! Follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a delicious meal in no time.
Step 1: Make the Bang Bang Sauce
Start by mixing the star of the show—your Bang Bang sauce! In a small bowl, combine mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, and Sriracha. If you like it sweeter, add a teaspoon of honey. For a zesty kick, squeeze in some lime juice. Stir everything together until it’s smooth and creamy. Set this aside; it’ll be the perfect topping for your crispy chicken!
Step 2: Marinate the Chicken
Next, let’s marinate the chicken. Place your bite-sized chicken pieces in a bowl and pour in the buttermilk. This step is optional, but trust me, it makes a world of difference! Let the chicken soak for about 10 to 15 minutes. This helps tenderize the meat, making it juicy and flavorful.
Step 3: Coat the Chicken
Now it’s time to coat the chicken. In a separate bowl, mix together the flour, cornstarch, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Once your chicken has marinated, take it out and shake off any excess buttermilk. Dredge each piece in the flour mixture until it’s fully coated. This coating is what gives your chicken that irresistible crunch!
Step 4: Fry the Chicken
Heat oil in a deep skillet or pot to about 350–375°F (175–190°C). Carefully add the coated chicken pieces in batches, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Fry them for about 4 to 5 minutes, or until they’re golden brown and cooked through. Once done, drain the chicken on a paper towel-lined plate to remove excess oil.
Step 5: Toss Chicken in Sauce
Now comes the fun part! Place your crispy chicken in a large bowl and drizzle the Bang Bang sauce over it. Toss gently to coat each piece evenly. The sauce clings to the chicken, creating a deliciously spicy and creamy layer that you won’t be able to resist!
Step 6: Assemble the Bowl
Let’s build your Bang Bang Chicken Bowl! Start with a generous scoop of cooked rice at the bottom. Then, add a layer of shredded lettuce or cabbage for that crunchy texture. Top it off with your saucy chicken, followed by sliced cucumbers and green onions. Feel free to get creative with any other toppings you love!
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy
Finally, it’s time to serve! Drizzle a little extra Bang Bang sauce on top if you’re feeling adventurous. Garnish with sesame seeds and fresh cilantro for a pop of color. If you prefer a lighter version, you can air fry the chicken instead. Just preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) and cook for 10–12 minutes, shaking halfway through. Enjoy your flavorful Bang Bang Chicken Bowl!
Tips for Success
- Don’t skip the marination! It’s key for juicy chicken.
- Adjust the Sriracha in the sauce to match your spice tolerance.
- For extra crunch, double-coat the chicken by dipping it back in buttermilk before the flour mixture.
- Use a thermometer to ensure your oil is at the right temperature for frying.
- Feel free to mix and match veggies based on what you have on hand!
Equipment Needed
- Deep skillet or pot: A heavy-bottomed pan works well if you don’t have a deep fryer.
- Mixing bowls: Use these for marinating and coating the chicken.
- Measuring cups and spoons: Essential for accurate ingredient amounts.
- Slotted spoon or tongs: Perfect for safely frying and removing chicken.
- Paper towels: Great for draining excess oil after frying.
Variations of Bang Bang Chicken Bowl
- Vegetarian Option: Swap the chicken for crispy tofu or tempeh. Marinate and coat them just like the chicken for a satisfying plant-based meal.
- Spicy Shrimp: Use shrimp instead of chicken for a seafood twist. Just adjust the cooking time, as shrimp cooks faster!
- Grain Alternatives: Try quinoa or cauliflower rice instead of traditional rice for a healthier, low-carb option.
- Extra Veggies: Add roasted bell peppers, snap peas, or carrots for more color and nutrition in your bowl.
- Gluten-Free Coating: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend or almond flour for a gluten-free version.
Serving Suggestions for Bang Bang Chicken Bowl
- Pair your Bang Bang Chicken Bowl with a refreshing cucumber salad for a light side.
- Serve with a chilled glass of iced green tea to complement the spicy flavors.
- For a pop of color, garnish with extra cilantro and lime wedges on the side.
- Consider adding crispy wontons for an extra crunch!
FAQs about Bang Bang Chicken Bowl
As I’ve shared my love for the Bang Bang Chicken Bowl, I know you might have some questions. Here are a few common ones that pop up:
Can I make the Bang Bang Chicken Bowl ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the Bang Bang sauce and marinate the chicken in advance. Just fry the chicken and assemble the bowl when you’re ready to eat. It’s a great way to save time on busy nights!
What can I substitute for buttermilk?
If you don’t have buttermilk on hand, you can easily make a substitute. Just mix regular milk with a tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice and let it sit for about 5 minutes. This will give you a similar tangy flavor!
Is the Bang Bang Chicken Bowl spicy?
The spice level is adjustable! If you’re sensitive to heat, start with less Sriracha in the sauce. You can always add more later if you want that extra kick. It’s all about finding your perfect balance!
Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?
While fresh chicken is best for this Bang Bang Chicken Bowl, you can use frozen chicken. Just make sure to thaw it completely before marinating and cooking. This ensures even cooking and better flavor!
What are some good toppings for my Bang Bang Chicken Bowl?
Get creative! You can add sliced avocado, pickled vegetables, or even crushed peanuts for extra crunch. The beauty of this bowl is that you can customize it to your taste!
Final Thoughts
Creating a Bang Bang Chicken Bowl is more than just cooking; it’s an experience filled with flavor and joy. The crispy chicken, spicy sauce, and fresh veggies come together to create a dish that’s not only satisfying but also fun to make. Whether you’re sharing it with family or enjoying it solo, each bite is a celebration of taste. I hope this recipe brings a little excitement to your kitchen and inspires you to experiment with your own variations. So, roll up your sleeves, dive in, and enjoy the deliciousness that awaits!
Print
Bang Bang Chicken Bowl: Discover a Flavorful Recipe!
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A delicious and flavorful Bang Bang Chicken Bowl featuring crispy chicken tossed in a spicy Bang Bang sauce, served over rice with fresh vegetables.
Ingredients
- For the Bang Bang Sauce:
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- ¼ cup sweet chili sauce
- 1–2 tablespoons Sriracha (adjust to your preferred spice level)
- 1 teaspoon honey (optional, for extra sweetness)
- 1 tablespoon lime juice (optional, for tang)
- For the Chicken:
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts or tenders, cut into bite-sized pieces
- ½ cup buttermilk or regular milk
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- ½ cup cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- Oil for frying (vegetable, canola, or avocado oil)
- For the Bowl:
- Cooked white or brown rice
- Shredded lettuce or cabbage
- Sliced cucumbers
- Sliced green onions
- Sesame seeds for garnish
- Fresh cilantro (optional)
- Sliced avocado (optional)
Instructions
- Make the Bang Bang Sauce: In a small bowl, mix together mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, Sriracha, honey, and lime juice (if using). Set aside.
- Marinate the Chicken: Place the chicken pieces in a bowl with the buttermilk and let sit for 10–15 minutes (optional but helps tenderize).
- Coat the Chicken: In a separate bowl, combine flour, cornstarch, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Remove chicken from buttermilk, shake off excess, and dredge in the flour mixture until fully coated.
- Fry the Chicken: Heat oil in a deep skillet or pot to 350–375°F (175–190°C). Fry the chicken in batches until golden brown and cooked through (about 4–5 minutes). Drain on a paper towel-lined plate.
- Toss Chicken in Sauce: Place fried chicken in a bowl and drizzle with Bang Bang sauce. Toss gently to coat.
- Assemble the Bowl: Start with a base of cooked rice and shredded lettuce or cabbage. Top with saucy chicken, cucumbers, green onions, and any other toppings you like. Drizzle extra sauce on top if desired, and garnish with sesame seeds and cilantro.
- Serve immediately and enjoy!
- Air Fryer/Oven Option: For a lighter version, you can air fry or bake the chicken: Preheat air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Lightly spray coated chicken with oil and air fry for 10–12 minutes, shaking halfway, until crispy and cooked through. Toss in sauce as above.
Notes
- Adjust the spice level of the Bang Bang sauce by varying the amount of Sriracha.
- For a healthier option, consider air frying the chicken instead of frying.
- Feel free to customize the bowl with your favorite vegetables and toppings.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying, Air Frying
- Cuisine: Asian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 600
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 20g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
