Bang Bang Chicken Bowl is a delicious, cozy dish that brings warmth to your table. The crispy chicken is paired with fresh veggies and a creamy, spicy sauce that adds a nice kick. It’s perfect for a family dinner or a quick meal any night of the week. You’ll love how simple and satisfying it is to whip up this flavorful bowl.

Why You Will Love This Bang Bang Chicken Bowl

This recipe is great for families. It’s quick to prepare and packed with simple, everyday ingredients. The chicken cooks up wonderfully crispy while staying tender inside. Plus, the fresh toppings make every bite delightful. Your kids will love the flavors, and you’ll enjoy how easy it is to put together.

How to Make Bang Bang Chicken Bowl

Making this dish is straightforward. You start by coating the chicken and frying it to golden perfection. Then, whip up a quick spicy mayo sauce. Finally, layer everything in a bowl with rice and fresh veggies. It’s a blend of textures and flavors that is hard to resist!

What You Need to Make It

2 cups cooked jasmine rice
1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts (cut into bite-sized pieces)
1/2 cup cornstarch
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon paprika
1/4 cup vegetable oil for frying
1/2 cup mayonnaise
2 tablespoons sweet chili sauce
1 tablespoon sriracha (adjust to taste)
1 cup shredded lettuce
1 cup diced cucumber
1/2 cup shredded carrots
1/4 cup chopped green onions
Sesame seeds for garnish (optional)

Step-by-Step

In a large bowl, combine the cornstarch, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. Toss the chicken pieces in the mixture until well coated.
Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the coated chicken pieces in a single layer. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from heat and set aside.
In a small bowl, mix together the mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, and sriracha until smooth. Adjust the sriracha to your desired spice level.
To assemble the bowls, start with a base of jasmine rice. Top with the cooked chicken, shredded lettuce, diced cucumber, shredded carrots, and green onions.
Drizzle the spicy mayo sauce over the top and sprinkle with sesame seeds if desired. Serve immediately.

How to Serve Bang Bang Chicken Bowl

This dish is perfect on its own or served with a side of steamed broccoli or extra veggies. You can also add rice rolls or fresh fruit for a light dessert. It’s an excellent meal for busy weeknights or easy weekend lunches.

How to Store Bang Bang Chicken Bowl

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. The chicken can also be frozen for up to a month. To reheat, gently warm the chicken in a skillet over low heat. Add a splash of water to keep it moist. The veggies are best added fresh to keep their crunch.

Recipe Tips

Use a thermometer to check that the chicken reaches 165°F for safety.
Feel free to swap in different proteins like shrimp or tofu.
Cut the chicken into smaller pieces for quicker cooking.
For a sweeter sauce, add more sweet chili sauce.
Always adjust the sriracha to your preferred spice level.

Variations & Swaps

Teriyaki Chicken Bowl: Replace the mayo sauce with teriyaki sauce for a sweet twist.
Vegetarian Option: Use tofu instead of chicken and ensure it’s well-pressed.
Spicy Buffalo Style: Swap the sauce with buffalo sauce for an extra kick, perfect for spice lovers.

FAQs

Can I make this meal ahead of time?
Yes, you can prep the chicken and sauce in advance. Just store them separately in the fridge and combine them when you’re ready to serve. This will keep everything fresh.

Can I freeze the leftovers?
Absolutely! Just store the chicken in a freezer-safe container. The veggies and sauce are best added fresh, so consider preparing them right before serving.

How do I reheat the chicken?
Reheat in a skillet over low heat, adding a little water to keep it moist. You can microwave, but this may make it less crispy.

What can I substitute for the cornstarch?
You can use all-purpose flour if you don’t have cornstarch. Just remember it may not get as crispy.

What are some common mistakes to avoid?
Be careful not to overcrowd the pan when cooking the chicken. This will ensure it crisps up nicely instead of steaming. Also, adjust the sauces to suit your taste!