Bang Bang Chicken Bowl Recipe

If you’re craving a dish that’s bursting with flavor, quick to make, and endlessly satisfying, you’re going to love this Bang Bang Chicken Bowl Recipe. I absolutely adore how the crispy chicken pairs perfectly with the creamy, spicy sauce and fresh veggies—all nestled on a bed of fragrant jasmine rice. Trust me, this one is a fan-freaking-tastic meal that you’ll want to make again and again!

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Fast and Easy: This Bang Bang Chicken Bowl Recipe comes together in just about 30 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights.
  • Loved by Everyone: My family goes crazy for the crispy chicken and spicy sauce combo every single time.
  • Customizable Bowls: You can swap chicken for shrimp or tofu, and change up the veggies or rice to suit your taste.
  • Flavor-packed and Balanced: Crispy, creamy, spicy, and fresh all at once—so satisfying without feeling heavy.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The ingredients for this Bang Bang Chicken Bowl Recipe are super straightforward but work so well together. You’ll want to start with good-quality chicken and make sure your sauce has that kick of heat balanced by sweetness.

Flat lay of a small mound of uncooked boneless skinless chicken breasts cut into bite-sized pieces, a small white bowl filled with fine cornstarch powder, a small white bowl with coarse pink salt, a small white bowl containing fresh ground black pepper, a small white bowl with garlic powder, a small white bowl holding bright red paprika powder, a small white bowl filled with golden vegetable oil, a simple heap of fluffy cooked jasmine rice, a small pile of crisp shredded green lettuce, a neat pile of diced fresh cucumber, a small bunch of vibrant shredded orange carrots, chopped fresh green onions arranged in a small white bowl, a sprinkling of raw sesame seeds displayed on a white dish, and a small white bowl containing a creamy pale orange sauce made of mayonnaise mixed with sweet chili sauce and sriracha—all ingredients fresh and natural, perfectly arranged with balanced symmetry, placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997 - Bang Bang Chicken Bowl, crispy chicken bowl, spicy chicken rice bowl, quick Asian chicken meal, easy dinner recipes
  • Boneless skinless chicken breasts: I like cutting these into bite-sized pieces for easier frying and eating.
  • Cornstarch: This gives the chicken a beautifully crispy coating—don’t skip it!
  • Salt and pepper: Basic seasonings that bring out the flavor — simple but essential.
  • Garlic powder and paprika: These spices add subtle depth and a slight smoky note to the chicken.
  • Vegetable oil: Use a neutral oil with a high smoke point for perfect frying.
  • Jasmine rice: Fragrant and fluffy, it’s the perfect base but feel free to use brown rice or quinoa.
  • Shredded lettuce, diced cucumber, shredded carrots, green onions: Fresh, crunchy veggies add texture and brightness.
  • Sesame seeds: Optional but they add a lovely nutty crunch as a garnish.
  • Mayonnaise: I sometimes swap for Greek yogurt if I want it lighter, but mayo makes the sauce luscious.
  • Sweet chili sauce: Brings sweetness and a gentle heat that balances the sauce perfectly.
  • Sriracha: Adjust this to control the heat level of your bang bang sauce. I recommend starting with less and tasting!
Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

I love how adaptable this Bang Bang Chicken Bowl Recipe is—you can easily change it up based on your preferences or what you have on hand. Don’t hesitate to experiment!

  • Protein swap: I once made this with crispy tofu for a vegetarian twist, and my friends couldn’t believe how good it was.
  • Grain options: If you’re looking for something heartier, brown rice or even cauliflower rice works beautifully.
  • Heat level: Adjust the amount of sriracha to keep things mild for kids or turn it up for spice lovers.
  • Veggie mix-ins: Feel free to add bell peppers, snap peas, or even avocado for extra creaminess.

How to Make Bang Bang Chicken Bowl Recipe

Step 1: Coat and Fry the Chicken

Start by mixing the cornstarch, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and paprika in a large bowl. Toss your chicken pieces in this mixture until they’re completely coated. This step might feel simple, but it’s the secret to that crave-worthy crispy skin.

Heat your vegetable oil in a skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering—this usually takes a few minutes, and it’s worth checking the temperature by dropping a bit of the coating mix in the oil; it should sizzle immediately.

Fry the chicken in a single layer for 5 to 7 minutes, turning occasionally so each piece browns evenly and cooks through. You want that gorgeous golden crust without drying out the chicken.

Once cooked, transfer the chicken to a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil.

Step 2: Whip Up the Bang Bang Sauce

While the chicken is cooking, mix mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, and sriracha in a small bowl until smooth. The sauce is what makes this dish so special: creamy, slightly sweet, and with just the right amount of kick.

Keep tasting as you go and adjust the sriracha if you want more or less heat—this is your comfort zone, after all!

Step 3: Assemble Your Bowl

Layer out your jasmine rice as the base in each bowl. Top with the crispy chicken, then pile on shredded lettuce, diced cucumber, shredded carrots, and green onions for fresh crunch.

Drizzle your bang bang sauce generously over everything and finish with a sprinkle of sesame seeds if you’re using them. Serve it immediately while the chicken is still warm and crisp—trust me, it makes all the difference.

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Pro Tips for Making Bang Bang Chicken Bowl Recipe

  • Cornstarch Coating: I found that tossing chicken well in cornstarch—not flour—gives a lighter, crispier texture almost like restaurant-style.
  • Oil Temperature: Don’t rush frying; keep the oil hot enough or the chicken will soak up oil and get greasy.
  • Sauce Balance: Mixing the sauce last means you can adjust sweetness or heat to your exact liking—never underestimate tasting!
  • Prep Ahead: Pre-chopping veggies saves loads of time when assembling, especially on busy nights.

How to Serve Bang Bang Chicken Bowl Recipe

This dish shows a bowl with three main layers. The bottom layer is white rice, covering the whole base. On top of this is a layer of small, golden-brown crispy pieces coated with a bright orange sauce. The sauce drips lightly over the crispy pieces, which are sprinkled with black and white sesame seeds and bits of green onion. Around one side of the bowl, there are neatly placed thin slices of bright orange carrots and green cucumber. The bowl is white and sits on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Bang Bang Chicken Bowl, crispy chicken bowl, spicy chicken rice bowl, quick Asian chicken meal, easy dinner recipes

Garnishes

I love finishing these bowls with a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds and sometimes a little extra chopped green onion for color and crunch. A wedge of lime on the side can brighten it up even more if you’re feeling zesty.

Side Dishes

For sides, I usually keep things light—maybe a simple cucumber salad or steamed edamame. It balances well since the main bowl already has plenty of flavor and texture.

Creative Ways to Present

Once, I arranged these bowls on a wooden platter for a casual dinner party, letting everyone serve themselves—it was a big hit! You can even wrap leftovers in lettuce leaves for a fun hand-held meal.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I like storing leftover chicken in an airtight container in the fridge—it stays crispy-ish for up to three days. Keep your fresh veggies separate to avoid sogginess, and add them fresh when you reheat the bowl.

Freezing

Freezing the cooked chicken works well, though I don’t recommend freezing the entire bowl assembled. Just thaw the chicken overnight and reheat gently.

Reheating

To keep the chicken crispy when reheating, I pop it under the broiler or in a hot skillet for a couple of minutes. Microwave if you’re in a rush, but expect the texture to soften a bit. Add veggies fresh after reheating.

FAQs

  1. Can I make this Bang Bang Chicken Bowl Recipe vegetarian?

    Absolutely! Swap the chicken for crispy tofu or tempura vegetables. Just coat and fry tofu the same way you would the chicken for a delicious vegetarian version.

  2. What can I use instead of mayonnaise for the sauce?

    If you want to lighten the sauce, plain Greek yogurt works beautifully. It keeps the creaminess while adding a nice tang.

  3. How do I keep the chicken crispy after frying?

    Drain the fried chicken on paper towels to remove excess oil and avoid covering it immediately. When storing leftovers, reheat in an oven or skillet to regain some crispness.

  4. Can I prepare any part of this recipe ahead of time?

    Yes, you can chop your veggies and cook the rice ahead to save time. The chicken is best cooked fresh but can be fried earlier and reheated carefully.

  5. Is this recipe spicy?

    The spice level depends on how much sriracha you add. I recommend starting with a small amount and adjusting to your preferred heat.

Final Thoughts

This Bang Bang Chicken Bowl Recipe has become one of those meals I turn to when I want something that’s comforting but still exciting. It’s perfect for impressing friends at a casual dinner or treating the family to a fun homemade takeout night. I really hope you enjoy making it as much as I do and that it brings you many happy, flavorful dinners ahead!

Print
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Bang Bang Chicken Bowl Recipe

Bang Bang Chicken Bowl Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.9 from 71 reviews
  • Author: Jessica
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings
  • Category: Main Dish
  • Method: Frying
  • Cuisine: Asian Fusion
  • Diet: Halal

Description

This Bang Bang Chicken Bowl is a vibrant, flavorful dish featuring crispy pan-fried chicken coated in a spicy mayo sauce, served over a bed of jasmine rice with fresh veggies like shredded lettuce, cucumber, and carrots. It’s a quick and easy meal perfect for lunch or dinner, with customizable protein options and a deliciously creamy, tangy sauce that packs a mild kick.


Ingredients

For the Chicken

  • 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces (can substitute with shrimp or tofu)
  • 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 (ensure oil is hot enough before adding chicken)

For the Rice and Toppings

  • 2 cups cooked jasmine rice (can substitute jasmine rice for brown rice or quinoa)
  • 1 cup shredded lettuce
  • 1 cup diced cucumber
  • 1/2 cup shredded carrots
  • 1/4 cup chopped green onions
  • Sesame seeds to taste for garnish (optional)

For the Sauce

  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise (can use non-fat mayonnaise or plain Greek yogurt)
  • 2 tablespoons sweet chili sauce
  • 1 tablespoon sriracha (adjust to taste)


Instructions

  1. Prepare the Coating: In a large bowl, combine the cornstarch, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. Toss the chicken pieces in this mixture until they are evenly coated to ensure a crispy texture when cooked.
  2. Cook the Chicken: Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the chicken pieces in a single layer. Cook for 5 to 7 minutes, turning occasionally so that each side becomes golden brown and the chicken is fully cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside to drain any excess oil.
  3. Mix the Sauce: In a small bowl, combine the mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, and sriracha. Mix until smooth. Adjust the amount of sriracha based on your preferred spice level.
  4. Assemble the Bowl: Start with a base of cooked jasmine rice in each serving bowl. Layer the crispy chicken pieces on top, followed by the shredded lettuce, diced cucumber, shredded carrots, and chopped green onions.
  5. Add Finishing Touches: Drizzle the prepared spicy mayo sauce over the top of the assembled ingredients. Sprinkle sesame seeds on the bowl for garnish, if desired. Serve immediately for the best taste and texture.

Notes

  • Store uneaten components separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator.
  • Cooked chicken will keep well for up to 3 days.
  • Fresh vegetables are best consumed within 1 to 2 days for optimal freshness.
  • For a healthier option, substitute mayonnaise with plain Greek yogurt.
  • Adjust the spiciness by varying the amount of sriracha in the sauce.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 bowl (approximately 1/4 of recipe)
  • Calories: 520 kcal
  • Sugar: 7 g
  • Sodium: 680 mg
  • Fat: 28 g
  • Saturated Fat: 4.5 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 22 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 45 g
  • Fiber: 3 g
  • Protein: 30 g
  • Cholesterol: 85 mg

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