This Easy Bang Bang Chicken Bowl is a tasty mix of crispy chicken and spicy sauce, all served over rice. It’s got a bit of heat and lots of flavor to keep your taste buds happy!
My favorite part? The creamy sauce makes everything better! I love making a big bowl and piling on the toppings—it’s like a party in my mouth! 🎉
Plus, this bowl is super simple to whip up on a busy night. Just cook the chicken, mix the sauce, and you’re ready to enjoy a yummy meal that feels special!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs are perfect for this recipe. If you’re looking for a healthier option, try using turkey or even tofu for a vegetarian twist!
Cornstarch: This is key for the crispy coating. If you don’t have cornstarch, you can substitute it with all-purpose flour, but the texture may be less crunchy.
Bang Bang Sauce: Mayonnaise gives creaminess. You can use Greek yogurt for a lighter option or even vegan mayo if you’re avoiding eggs. Sweet chili sauce is crucial for that sweet heat, so consider using store-bought or making your own!
How Do I Get Perfectly Crispy Chicken?
The secret to crispy chicken lies in how you coat it! Use cornstarch for a great crunch. Here’s a simple step-by-step:
- Season the chicken pieces well with salt and pepper. This boosts the flavor.
- Dredge the chicken in cornstarch, ensuring it’s fully coated. This creates a barrier that helps keep the juices in.
- Dip in beaten eggs, then coat again with cornstarch. This double coating is what gives you that amazing crunch!
- Cook in hot oil until golden brown. Don’t overcrowd the pan, or they won’t fry well.
Perfectly crispy chicken makes a huge difference in your Bang Bang Chicken Bowl, so take your time and enjoy the process!
Easy Bang Bang Chicken Bowl
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs), cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1/2 cup cornstarch
- 2 eggs, beaten
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (for frying)
For the Base:
- 2 cups cooked white or brown rice
- 1 cup shredded carrots
- 1 cup chopped cucumber or snap peas
- 2 green onions, sliced
- 1/4 cup chopped cilantro (optional)
- Sesame seeds, for garnish
For the Bang Bang Sauce:
- 1/3 cup mayonnaise
- 2-3 tablespoons sweet chili sauce
- 1-2 teaspoons sriracha sauce (adjust for desired heat)
- 1 teaspoon honey or sugar
- 1 teaspoon rice vinegar or lime juice
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes for prep and about 15-20 minutes for cooking, making it a perfect dish to have ready in under an hour. In total, you’ll have a delicious meal in around 30-35 minutes!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Chicken:
Start by seasoning the chicken pieces with salt and pepper. This will enhance their flavor. Next, dredge each piece in cornstarch, ensuring each piece is fully coated. Then, dip the cornstarch-coated chicken into the beaten eggs for a layer of moisture, and finish with another coating of cornstarch for that extra crunch!
2. Fry the Chicken:
In a large skillet, heat vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, carefully place the coated chicken pieces into the skillet in batches (don’t crowd the pan). Fry them until they turn golden brown and are cooked through, about 4-5 minutes on each side. Once done, transfer the chicken to a paper towel-lined plate to drain off any excess oil.
3. Make the Bang Bang Sauce:
While the chicken is frying, prepare your bang bang sauce. In a small bowl, mix together the mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, honey, and rice vinegar (or lime juice) until smooth and well blended. Taste it and adjust the spiciness if you’d like!
4. Assemble the Bowls:
To put it all together, start with a base of cooked rice in each serving bowl. Top it off with those crispy chicken pieces, shredded carrots, chopped cucumber or snap peas, and sliced green onions. It should look colorful and inviting!
5. Drizzle & Garnish:
Generously drizzle the bang bang sauce over everything. This is where the magic happens! Finish by garnishing with chopped cilantro and a sprinkle of sesame seeds for a touch of crunch and flavor.
6. Serve & Enjoy:
Enjoy your Easy Bang Bang Chicken Bowl immediately while it’s warm and fresh. Dive in and savor each delicious bite!
FAQ for Easy Bang Bang Chicken Bowl
Can I Use Frozen Chicken for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken but make sure to fully thaw it before cooking! Thawing in the refrigerator overnight is the best method, or you can use the cold water method by sealing the chicken in a bag and submerging it in cold water for about an hour.
How Can I Make This Dish Spicier?
If you crave extra heat, consider adding more sriracha to the bang bang sauce or sprinkle some red pepper flakes on top before serving. You can also use a spicier sweet chili sauce for an added kick!
Can I Make the Sauce Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! The bang bang sauce can be made ahead of time and stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week. Just give it a good stir before using it to ensure it’s well combined!
What Are Some Good Storage Tips for Leftovers?
If you have leftovers, store the chicken and any toppings separately from the rice in airtight containers in the fridge. They will keep well for about 3 days. To reheat, warm the chicken and rice gently in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a little water to steam and prevent dryness.
