Ever tasted chicken so crispy and flavorful that it makes your taste buds dance?
Bang Bang Chicken Bowls have taken the culinary world by storm with their perfect balance of crunch, creaminess, and a kick of spice. This dish brings together tender, golden-brown chicken, a vibrant mix of fresh veggies, and a mouthwatering spicy mayo drizzle all over a fluffy bed of jasmine rice. Seriously, your dinner routine deserves this upgrade!
Why Make This Recipe
If you’re snacking on the same old thing, splashing some flavor into your meal plan is just what you need. Here’s why this Bang Bang Chicken Bowl is your next go-to:
Quick and Easy: This recipe comes together in one pan and less than 30 minutes. It’s practically begging for your busy weeknights!
Affordable and Family-Friendly: With simple ingredients and a flavor kids (and adults!) will love, it’s a win-win for mealtime. Who doesn’t love a dinner they actually want to eat?
Customizable: You can mix and match the veggies or adjust the levels of heat in the sauce. It’s like adding a twist to an already fabulous tale!
Ingredients
You don’t need fancy stuff — just these basics! Gather up:
- 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)
Directions
Let’s get cooking! Follow these steps:
Prepare the Chicken: In a large bowl, combine cornstarch, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. Toss the chicken pieces in the mixture until well coated.
Cook Chicken: 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.
Make Spicy Sauce: In a small bowl, mix together mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, and sriracha until smooth. Adjust the sriracha to your desired spice level.
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 and Serve: Drizzle the spicy mayo sauce over the top and sprinkle with sesame seeds if desired. Serve immediately.
How to Make Bang Bang Chicken Bowl (Overview)
Picture this: you’re tossing crispy chicken in a cornstarch coating, heating oil, and creating a spicy bliss of a sauce. Don’t sweat; this is super simple!
- First, you’ll coat and fry the chicken to golden perfection.
- While that’s happening, whip up the creamy, spicy sauce.
- Finally, layer everything in a bowl over steaming rice and top it off with your favorite veggies.
Pro Tip: Don’t skip letting the chicken get nice and crispy. It makes every bite count!
How to Serve Bang Bang Chicken Bowl
Serve these bowls like a culinary masterpiece! Each bowl should have:
- A fluffy mound of rice that soaks up the saucy goodness.
- A colorful array of bright veggies for crunch and freshness.
- The aroma of spicy mayo wafting through the air is just irresistible!
Presentation Tip: Consider using a large bowl for sharing family-style, or make individual bowls for a fun meal prep idea.
How to Store Bang Bang Chicken Bowl
Leftovers? Yes, please!
- Fridge: Store your Bang Bang Chicken Bowl in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezer: If you want to stretch it further, freeze the chicken separately for up to 2 months.
- Reheating Tip: Warm it up in a skillet or microwave, but make sure the chicken gets nice and crispy again!
Tips to Make Bang Bang Chicken Bowl
You’re about to be a culinary genius. Try these tips:
- Timing is Key: Cook the chicken in batches if your pan isn’t large enough; overcrowding makes for soggy pieces!
- Texture Boost: Feel free to toast the cornstarch coatings for extra crunch before frying.
- Veggie Swaps: Use whatever veggies you have on hand or mix in some roasted bell peppers for a twist!
Variation
Feeling adventurous? Consider these variations:
- Coconut Rice: Swap jasmine rice for coconut rice for added sweetness.
- Vegan Option: Replace chicken with tofu or chickpeas for a plant-based delight.
- Flavor Explosion: Add some pineapple chunks for a sweet and savory combination.
FAQs
Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! Prep the chicken and veggies ahead of time and store them separately in the fridge.
Q: What if I don’t have sriracha?
A: No problem! Use any hot sauce you like, or even a touch of chili powder for some heat.
Q: How do I keep the chicken crispy when storing?
A: Store the chicken separate from wet ingredients to maintain its crispiness, and reheat in the oven if you can!
📌 Pin this recipe for your next cozy dinner night!
Bang Bang Chicken Bowls
Ingredients
Method
- In a large bowl, combine 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 mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, and sriracha until smooth. Adjust the sriracha to your desired spice level.
- 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.
