Craving something that combines crispy, creamy, and absolutely delicious all in one bowl? This Bang Bang Chicken Bowl recipe is about to become your new obsession! I've been perfecting this recipe for months, and let me tell you, it's a total game-changer for busy weeknights.
What makes this Bang Bang Chicken Bowl so special is the perfect balance of textures and flavors. You get tender, crispy chicken coated in that signature creamy-spicy sauce, paired with fresh vegetables and fluffy rice. Trust me, once you try this Bang Bang Chicken Bowl recipe, you'll understand why it's taking social media by storm!
Background & Why This Bang Bang Chicken Bowl Recipe Stands Out
The beauty of this Bang Bang Chicken Bowl lies in its versatility and simplicity. Unlike complicated Asian fusion dishes that require hard-to-find ingredients, this recipe uses pantry staples to create restaurant-quality flavors at home. What sets this Bang Bang Chicken Bowl apart is the homemade sauce that perfectly balances sweet, spicy, and creamy elements.
I've tested countless variations of this Bang Bang Chicken Bowl recipe, and this version consistently delivers the most flavor with the least effort. The secret is in the double-coating technique for extra crispy chicken and the perfectly balanced sauce that clings to every bite. Whether you're meal prepping for the week or need a quick dinner solution, this Bang Bang Chicken Bowl recipe never disappoints.
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Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- Chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
- All-purpose flour
- Eggs, beaten
- Panko breadcrumbs
- Garlic powder
- Onion powder
- Paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Vegetable oil for frying
For the Bang Bang Sauce:
- Mayonnaise
- Sweet chili sauce
- Sriracha (adjust to taste)
- Honey
- Rice vinegar
- Garlic powder
For the Bowl:
- Cooked jasmine rice
- Cucumber, diced
- Shredded carrots
- Red cabbage, thinly sliced
- Green onions, chopped
- Sesame seeds
- Fresh cilantro for garnish
See recipe card for quantities.
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Bang Bang Sauce
- In a medium bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, honey, rice vinegar, and garlic powder.
- Taste and adjust spice level as needed.
- Set aside in refrigerator until ready to use.
Step 2: Prep and Cook the Chicken
- Set up three shallow dishes: flour seasoned with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder in the first; beaten eggs in the second; panko breadcrumbs mixed with paprika in the third.
- Dredge each chicken piece in flour, then egg, then breadcrumbs, pressing gently to adhere.
- Heat oil to 350°F in a large skillet or deep fryer.
- Fry chicken pieces in batches for 3-4 minutes until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature 165°F).
Step 3: Assemble Your Bang Bang Chicken Bowl
- Divide cooked rice between serving bowls.
- Toss hot chicken with half of the bang bang sauce.
- Arrange chicken over rice and top with cucumber, carrots, cabbage, and green onions.
- Drizzle with remaining sauce and sprinkle with sesame seeds and cilantro.
Expert Cooking Tips
Creating the perfect Bang Bang Chicken Bowl requires attention to a few key details that make all the difference.
Temperature Control:
- Keep oil temperature consistent at 350°F for perfectly crispy chicken
- Use a thermometer for best results
- Don't overcrowd the pan, which drops oil temperature
Coating Technique:
- Press breadcrumbs firmly onto chicken for better adhesion
- Let coated chicken rest for 5 minutes before frying
- Double-dip in egg and breadcrumbs for extra crispiness
Sauce Consistency:
- Make sauce ahead and chill for better flavors
- Adjust spice level gradually; you can always add more
- Thin sauce with a splash of rice vinegar if too thick
Recipe Variations & Substitutions
This Bang Bang Chicken Bowl recipe is incredibly adaptable to different dietary needs and preferences.
Protein Alternatives:
- Swap chicken for shrimp, tofu, or cauliflower florets
- Use chicken thighs for juicier meat
- Try salmon or white fish for a seafood twist
Healthier Options:
- Bake chicken at 425°F for 15-20 minutes instead of frying
- Use Greek yogurt in place of half the mayonnaise
- Substitute cauliflower rice for regular rice
- Add more vegetables like bell peppers or snap peas
Sauce Modifications:
- Make it spicier with extra sriracha or chili flakes
- Use coconut aminos instead of sweet chili for paleo version
- Add ginger and lime juice for extra zing
Equipment Recommendations
Having the right tools makes preparing this Bang Bang Chicken Bowl much easier and ensures consistent results.
- Deep fryer or heavy-bottomed pot: Essential for maintaining proper oil temperature
- Instant-read thermometer: Crucial for checking both oil and chicken temperatures
- Wire cooling rack: Keeps fried chicken crispy by allowing air circulation
- Large mixing bowls: Needed for breading station and sauce preparation
- Fine-mesh strainer: Helps remove oil debris between batches
Storage & Meal Prep Tips
This Bang Bang Chicken Bowl is perfect for meal preparation and storage.
Storage Guidelines:
- Store cooked chicken separately from sauce for up to 3 days refrigerated
- Keep fresh vegetables in airtight containers for maximum crispness
- Rice can be stored for up to 4 days in the refrigerator
- Freeze cooked chicken for up to 2 months
Meal Prep Strategy:
- Cook chicken and rice in large batches on Sunday
- Prep all vegetables and store in separate containers
- Make sauce fresh or store for up to 1 week
- Assemble bowls just before eating for best texture
Grandma's Secret That Changed Everything
Here's the secret that transformed my Bang Bang Chicken Bowl from good to absolutely incredible: marinating the chicken in buttermilk for at least 30 minutes before breading. This simple step creates the most tender, juicy chicken you've ever tasted. The acid in the buttermilk breaks down the proteins, while the coating becomes extra crispy.
The second game-changing tip is adding a tablespoon of cornstarch to your bang bang sauce. This creates the perfect glossy consistency that clings to every piece of chicken and vegetable in your Bang Bang Chicken Bowl, ensuring each bite is packed with flavor.
FAQ
What is a bang bang chicken bowl?
A Bang Bang Chicken Bowl is a popular Asian-fusion dish featuring crispy breaded chicken pieces tossed in a creamy, sweet, and spicy sauce served over rice with fresh vegetables. It's inspired by the famous bang bang chicken appetizer but transformed into a complete meal.
What does Bang Bang chicken have in it?
Bang Bang chicken typically contains chicken pieces coated in flour and breadcrumbs, then fried until crispy. The signature sauce combines mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, and honey, creating the perfect balance of creamy, sweet, and spicy flavors that define this Bang Bang Chicken Bowl.
Why is it called bang bang chicken?
The name "bang bang" comes from the traditional Chinese preparation method where chicken was tenderized by pounding it with a wooden stick or "bang" it with a rolling pin. The "bang bang" sound during preparation gave this dish its distinctive name.
What is in a Bojangles chicken bowl?
A Bojangles chicken bowl typically contains seasoned rice, crispy chicken tenders, coleslaw, and their signature sauce. While different from our Bang Bang Chicken Bowl recipe, it follows a similar concept of combining protein, starch, and vegetables in one satisfying bowl.
The Perfect Ending to Your Bang Bang Adventure
This Bang Bang Chicken Bowl recipe has become my go-to solution for busy weeknights when I want something special without the fuss. The combination of crispy chicken, creamy sauce, and fresh vegetables creates a restaurant-quality meal that's ready in just 30 minutes. What I love most about this Bang Bang Chicken Bowl is how customizable it is; you can adjust the spice level, swap vegetables, or even change up the protein while keeping that signature flavor profile intact.
Once you've mastered this Bang Bang Chicken Bowl, you'll find yourself craving it weekly. The leftovers are fantastic, the meal prep possibilities are endless, and your family will be begging you to add this to your regular dinner rotation. Don't forget to try our Bang Bang Salmon Bites Recipe and Bang Bang Chicken Recipe for even more delicious variations on this incredible flavor combination!
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Pairing
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