Craving that crispy, craveable, restaurant-style Bang Bang Chicken, but don’t want to leave the comfort of your kitchen? This Bang Bang Chicken Bowl Recipe delivers all the satisfying flavors and textures, without the hefty price tag (or the wait!). We’re talking perfectly crispy chicken, tossed in a creamy, sweet, and spicy sauce, served over fluffy rice and topped with your favorite fresh add-ins. This bowl is quick, easy, and guaranteed to become a weeknight favorite.
What is Bang Bang Chicken Bowl?
Bang Bang Chicken Bowl is a culinary masterpiece that combines crispy, golden-brown chicken with a luscious, creamy, and slightly spicy sauce. Imagine tender pieces of chicken, each bite offering a delightful crunch, generously coated in a sauce that tantalizes the taste buds with its balanced sweetness and a kick of heat. This flavorful chicken is then served atop a bed of fluffy rice, creating a hearty and satisfying base. What makes it a bowl is the addition of fresh, vibrant toppings such as crisp shredded lettuce, juicy tomatoes, crunchy shredded carrots, and maybe even a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds and chopped green onions, adding layers of texture and flavor to the dish.
This recipe makes it easy to enjoy a restaurant-quality meal right at home, offering a customizable and cost-effective alternative to takeout. The perfect balance of textures and tastes in the Bang Bang Chicken Bowl makes it a surefire crowd-pleaser. So, why wait? Roll up your sleeves and experience the magic in your own kitchen tonight!
Key Ingredients for Bang Bang Chicken Bowl:
For the Chicken:
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- Vegetable oil, for frying (about 3-4 cups)
For the Bang Bang Sauce:
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup sweet chili sauce (adjust to taste)
- 2 tablespoons sriracha (adjust to taste)
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 teaspoon rice vinegar
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
For the Bowls:
- Cooked rice (white or brown), for serving
- Shredded lettuce
- Diced tomatoes
- Shredded carrots
- Chopped green onions
- Toasted sesame seeds (optional)
How to Make Bang Bang Chicken Bowl:
This Bang Bang Chicken Bowl is surprisingly easy to make, even though it tastes like a restaurant-quality dish. The secret lies in getting the chicken perfectly crispy and then tossing it in that signature sauce. It’s a simple dish packed with flavor that will have you craving more. The total time for the recipe, including prep to finish, will take about 45 minutes.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
Prepare the Chicken: In a medium bowl, combine flour, cornstarch, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. In another bowl, beat the eggs. Place panko breadcrumbs in a third bowl. Dredge each chicken cube in the flour mixture, then dip into the beaten eggs, and finally coat with panko breadcrumbs, pressing gently to adhere.
Fry the Chicken: Heat vegetable oil in a large, deep skillet or pot to 350°F (175°C). Carefully add the breaded chicken in batches, ensuring not to overcrowd the skillet. Fry for 3-4 minutes per batch, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken with a slotted spoon and place on a wire rack lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.
Make the Bang Bang Sauce: While the chicken is frying, prepare the sauce. In a medium bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, honey, rice vinegar, and garlic powder until smooth and well combined. Taste and adjust the sweetness and spiciness according to your preference.
Toss the Chicken: Once all the chicken is fried and drained, place it into a large bowl. Pour the prepared Bang Bang sauce over the crispy chicken. Gently toss until the chicken is evenly coated in the sauce.
Assemble the Bowls: Divide the cooked rice evenly into bowls. Top with the saucy Bang Bang chicken. Garnish with shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, shredded carrots, chopped green onions, and toasted sesame seeds, if desired.
Serve and Enjoy: Serve the Bang Bang Chicken Bowls immediately and enjoy the delightful combination of crispy, saucy, and fresh flavors!
Why You’ll Love This Bang Bang Chicken Bowl:
This Bang Bang Chicken Bowl is a total WIN for a few key reasons. First, that crispy chicken! It’s seriously addicting, and the satisfying crunch is hard to beat. Second, making it at home is a HUGE money-saver compared to ordering takeout, and you control the ingredients (hello, healthier!) Third, you can customize it with your favorite toppings! Think crunchy veggies, a drizzle of sesame oil, or even some avocado for extra creaminess.
If you’re a fan of Asian-inspired flavors, you might also like Chicken Teriyaki Bowls, but this Bang Bang version brings a unique spicy-sweet flavor that’s in a league of its own. Ready to ditch the takeout menu and create your own flavorful Bang Bang Chicken Bowl at home? Give this recipe a try!
What to Serve Bang Bang Chicken Bowl With:
- Edamame: Steamed or pan-fried edamame makes a healthy and satisfying side dish.
- Spring Rolls: Crispy spring rolls add a delightful contrast in texture to the bowl.
- Asian Slaw: A light and tangy Asian slaw complements the richness of the chicken.
- Miso Soup: Warm miso soup provides a comforting and flavorful start to the meal.
- Iced Green Tea: A refreshing iced green tea helps balance the spice and richness of the bowl.
Top Tips for Perfecting Bang Bang Chicken Bowl:
- Crispy Chicken is Key: Make sure your oil is hot enough before frying the chicken. A thermometer is your best friend here. If the oil isn’t hot enough, the chicken will absorb too much oil and won’t be as crispy. Also, don’t overcrowd the skillet, as this will lower the oil temperature. Smaller batches ensure crispy perfection.
- Spice Level Adjustment: Adjust the amount of sriracha in the sauce to customize the spice level to your liking. Start with a little and taste as you go.
- Chicken Alternatives: If you’re not a fan of chicken, you can use shrimp or tofu instead. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly. Tofu will need to be pressed to remove excess water before breading and frying.
- Sauce Consistency: If the sauce is too thick, add a tablespoon of water or rice vinegar to thin it out.
- Avoid Soggy Chicken: If you’re prepping ahead of time, keep the chicken separate from the sauce until just before serving to prevent it from becoming soggy. You can fry the chicken earlier in the day and then toss it with the sauce just before assembling the bowls.
5 Facts about Bang Bang Chicken Bowl:
- The origins of “Bang Bang” sauce are often attributed to Bonefish Grill, a popular American restaurant chain.
- The name “Bang Bang” likely refers to the explosive flavor of the sauce, which is a combination of sweet, spicy, and creamy.
- While Bonefish Grill’s Bang Bang Shrimp is the most well-known dish with this sauce, the flavor profile works exceptionally well with chicken.
- The dish can easily be adapted to be gluten-free by using gluten-free flour and breadcrumbs.
- Bang Bang sauce is incredibly versatile and can be used as a dipping sauce for other appetizers, such as egg rolls or potstickers.
Storing and Reheating Tips:
Storing: Store any leftover Bang Bang chicken and rice separately in airtight containers. The rice can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, while the chicken is best consumed within 2-3 days to maintain its crispiness. Store the sauce separately as well.
Reheating: For the rice, you can reheat it in the microwave with a tablespoon of water to prevent it from drying out. For the chicken, the best way to reheat it while maintaining some crispiness is to use an air fryer or oven. Preheat your air fryer or oven to 350°F (175°C) and reheat the chicken for about 5-7 minutes, or until warmed through. Reheating in the microwave is also an option, but the chicken will lose some of its crispiness.
Freezing: It’s not recommended to freeze the entire assembled Bang Bang Chicken Bowl, as the rice and vegetables may become mushy upon thawing. However, you can freeze just the fried chicken before it’s tossed in the sauce. Allow the fried chicken to cool completely, then place it in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Freeze for about 2-3 hours, or until the chicken is solid. Then, transfer the frozen chicken to a freezer-safe bag or container. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 2 months. When ready to use, thaw the chicken overnight in the refrigerator and reheat as described above. Prepare the Bang Bang sauce fresh when you’re ready to serve.
Final Thoughts:
This Bang Bang Chicken Bowl Recipe is your ticket to a delicious, customizable, and budget-friendly meal. Whether you’re craving a quick weeknight dinner or impressing friends with your culinary skills, this recipe is sure to be a hit. So, grab your ingredients, get cooking, and enjoy every flavorful bite of your homemade Bang Bang Chicken Bowl!
try also : Easy Pumpkin Dump Cake Recipe and find more in pinterest
Bang Bang Chicken Bowl FAQs:
Q: Can I make this recipe spicier?
A: Absolutely! Increase the amount of sriracha in the sauce to your liking. You can also add a pinch of cayenne pepper for an extra kick.
Q: Can I use store-bought fried chicken?
A: While it’s best with freshly fried chicken, you can use store-bought fried chicken in a pinch. Just make sure it’s crispy before tossing it with the sauce.
Q: Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
A: Yes! Use gluten-free flour and breadcrumbs for the chicken. Also, double-check that your sweet chili sauce is gluten-free.
Q: Can I prepare the sauce ahead of time?
A: Yes, the Bang Bang sauce can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to a week.
Q: What if I don’t have sweet chili sauce?
A: You can try substituting it with a mixture of honey and a little bit of red pepper flakes, but the flavor won’t be exactly the same.