This Easy Bang Bang Chicken Bowl is a fun and tasty dish! It features crispy chicken, fresh veggies, and a creamy, spicy sauce that brings everything together.
You’ll love how quick it is to whip up! Just fry the chicken, toss it with the sauce, and serve over rice or greens. It’s perfect for busy nights when you crave something delicious! 🍽️
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: For the best results, use boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs. If you’re looking for a lower-fat option, try using turkey cutlets. You can also make this dish with tofu for a vegetarian version!
Flour & Cornstarch: The mix of both creates a great texture for frying. If you’re gluten-free, substitute with a gluten-free flour blend or almond flour. Cornstarch gives extra crunch, but you can use arrowroot powder as a substitute.
Bang Bang Sauce: For a lighter option, Greek yogurt can replace mayonnaise. If you prefer more sweetness, add extra honey or use agave syrup. Adjust the sriracha level to your spice preference; you can skip it altogether for a milder sauce or use chili flakes instead!
How Do You Get Perfectly Crispy Fried Chicken?
Getting that satisfying crunch on your chicken takes some care! Start by ensuring your oil is hot enough. A good tip is to drop in a small piece of chicken—if it bubbles up, you’re ready. Here’s how to fry it right:
- Coat chicken thoroughly in the egg and flour mixture to create a solid crust.
- Fry in batches, giving space for each piece to avoid steaming.
- Only fry until golden brown; overcooking dries it out. About 4-5 minutes should do.
Lastly, drain the chicken on paper towels right away to keep it crispy. Enjoy your homemade Bang Bang Chicken Bowl!
Easy Bang Bang Chicken Bowl
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken:
- 1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup cornstarch
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 large eggs
- Vegetable oil, for frying
For the Bowl:
- 2 cups cooked white or brown rice
- 1 cup shredded lettuce or shredded cabbage
- 1/2 cup shredded carrots
- 1/2 cup sliced cucumber
- 2 green onions, thinly sliced
- Sesame seeds, for garnish (optional)
For the Bang Bang Sauce:
- 1/3 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tbsp sweet chili sauce
- 1-2 tsp sriracha (adjust for desired spice level)
- 1 tbsp honey
- 1 tsp rice vinegar (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This Easy Bang Bang Chicken Bowl takes about 30 minutes from start to finish. You’ll spend around 10 minutes prepping the ingredients and about 20 minutes cooking the chicken and assembling the bowls. Quick and simple!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Coating:
In a large bowl, mix together the all-purpose flour, cornstarch, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. This blend will coat your chicken for that extra crispy texture!
2. Get the Chicken Ready:
In another bowl, beat the eggs. Dip each piece of chicken into the egg wash first, then coat it well with the flour mixture. Place the coated chicken on a plate and set it aside while you heat the oil.
3. Heat the Oil:
In a deep skillet or pot, pour in about 1-2 inches of vegetable oil. Heat it over medium-high heat until it reaches about 350°F (175°C). This is the perfect temperature for frying!
4. Fry the Chicken:
Carefully add the coated chicken pieces into the hot oil in batches—don’t overcrowd the pan! Fry them for about 4-5 minutes, or until they are golden brown and cooked all the way through. Once done, remove them and let them drain on paper towels.
5. Make the Bang Bang Sauce:
In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, honey, and rice vinegar (if using). Adjust the spiciness according to your taste!
6. Toss the Chicken:
In a large bowl, toss the fried chicken pieces gently with half of the bang bang sauce to ensure they are well coated. This adds flavor and sets the stage for the rest of the dish!
7. Assemble the Bowls:
Start with a base of cooked rice in each serving bowl. On top of the rice, add a handful of shredded lettuce or cabbage, followed by the shredded carrots, sliced cucumber, and green onions.
8. Top It Off:
Add the cooked, sauced chicken on top of the veggies. Drizzle the remaining bang bang sauce over everything for that extra zing!
9. Garnish & Serve:
If desired, sprinkle sesame seeds on top for a little extra crunch. Serve immediately and enjoy your flavorful and easy Bang Bang Chicken Bowl!
Happy cooking! 🥡✨
FAQ for Easy Bang Bang Chicken Bowl
Can I Use a Different Protein?
Absolutely! If you prefer, you can substitute chicken with shrimp, tofu, or even tempeh. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly; shrimp will cook quickly, while tofu may require longer frying for a crispy texture.
How to Store Leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Be sure to keep any extra bang bang sauce separate to maintain the dish’s crunchiness when reheating!
Can I Make the Sauce Spicier?
Yes! If you enjoy a kick, feel free to add more sriracha to the sauce or include some red pepper flakes to the chicken while frying. You can also try incorporating diced jalapeños for an extra spicy touch!
What Can I Serve This Dish With?
This Bang Bang Chicken Bowl is delicious on its own, but you can serve it with additional side dishes like steamed vegetables, edamame, or a light sesame dressing salad for a refreshing contrast.
