If you’re craving a dish that combines spicy, creamy, tangy, and crunchy all in one bowl, look no further than the Bang Bang Chicken Bowl: A Flavorful Dinner Delight! Recipe. This vibrant and satisfying meal brings together tender chicken coated with a crispy layer, coated in a luscious bang bang sauce that perfectly balances heat and sweetness. Paired with fresh veggies, creamy avocado, and fluffy rice, this dish never fails to impress whether it’s a cozy weeknight dinner or a casual gathering with friends. Let’s dive into the magic behind this colorful and irresistible bowl!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The foundation of this Bang Bang Chicken Bowl is built on simple ingredients that each add their own special touch. From the crispy chicken to the crunchy veggies and creamy sauce, every component contributes to an explosion of texture, flavor, and color that will keep you coming back for more.
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Cut into bite-sized pieces for quick, even cooking and perfect finger-food bites.
- ½ cup cornstarch: Creates a wonderfully crispy coating on the chicken when cooked.
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil: Essential for frying the chicken to golden perfection without overpowering flavors.
- 1 cup cooked jasmine or white rice: The fluffy base that soaks up all those delicious sauces and flavors.
- 1 cup shredded red cabbage: Adds a vibrant purple crunch and subtle earthiness to the bowl.
- 1 cup shredded carrots: Provides natural sweetness and bright orange color for a fresh balance.
- 1 avocado, sliced: Silky and creamy, it cools down the heat while adding richness.
- 2 green onions, sliced: The perfect fresh garnish, offering a hint of sharpness.
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds (optional): Adds a nutty crunch and beautiful visual appeal when sprinkled on top.
- For the Bang Bang Sauce: A flavorful mix of ½ cup mayonnaise, 2 tablespoons sweet chili sauce, 1 tablespoon sriracha (adjust for your spice preference), 1 tablespoon honey, and 1 teaspoon rice vinegar for the perfect balance of sweet, spicy, tangy, and creamy.
How to Make Bang Bang Chicken Bowl: A Flavorful Dinner Delight! Recipe
Step 1: Whisk the Sauce
Start by combining all the bang bang sauce ingredients in a small bowl. Whisk until everything is perfectly smooth and creamy. This combination is the soul of the dish, offering that signature mix of heat and sweetness that makes you want to eat more.
Step 2: Coat the Chicken
Toss the bite-sized chicken pieces in cornstarch until every piece is well-coated. This helps create that satisfying crispy crust once cooked, making sure each bite has a wonderful texture.
Step 3: Cook the Chicken
Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the coated chicken pieces and cook for about 6 to 8 minutes, turning occasionally. You’re aiming for a gorgeous golden color and juicy, cooked-through chicken. Once done, remove from heat.
Step 4: Toss Chicken in Sauce
While the chicken is still warm, toss it with about half of the prepared bang bang sauce. This ensures every piece is glistening with flavor and ready to shine in your bowl.
Step 5: Assemble the Bowls
Divide your fluffy cooked rice between bowls as the base layer. Top with shredded cabbage and carrots to add color and crunch. Lay down slices of creamy avocado, then pile on the saucy bang bang chicken. Drizzle the remaining sauce on top, and finish with a sprinkle of green onions and sesame seeds if you like.
How to Serve Bang Bang Chicken Bowl: A Flavorful Dinner Delight! Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh garnishes make all the difference! Bright green onions lend a subtle bite and eye-catching color, while sesame seeds add a delicate crunch and nutty aroma. You can also add fresh cilantro or a squeeze of lime for an extra pop of brightness.
Side Dishes
Although the bowl itself is a meal, pairing it with light side dishes like steamed edamame, pickled cucumbers, or crisp Asian-inspired slaws can enhance the meal. These sides add refreshing contrasts to the rich and spicy profile of the bang bang chicken.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving this bowl in pretty individual ramekins or wide, shallow bowls to show off all the vibrant layers. You can also turn it into a fun DIY platter setup, letting guests build their own bowls with toppings, extra sauce, and crunchy elements for a personalized experience.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This Bang Bang Chicken Bowl: A Flavorful Dinner Delight! Recipe stores beautifully. Separate the components if you can (chicken, rice, veggies, sauce) to maintain freshness and texture. Stored in airtight containers, leftovers will keep well in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Freezing
While the chicken can be frozen, it’s best to freeze it without the sauce to preserve texture. Freeze in portions, then thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating and tossing with fresh bang bang sauce for a freshly sauced taste.
Reheating
To maintain crispiness, reheat the chicken separately in a skillet rather than the microwave, then toss with sauce just before serving. Warm the rice and veggies gently to avoid sogginess, and add fresh avocado after reheating for the best flavor and texture.
FAQs
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Absolutely! Just be sure to use gluten-free cornstarch and check that your sweet chili sauce is gluten-free. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free, making this a great option for many dietary needs.
How spicy is the Bang Bang sauce?
The spice level is pretty flexible! The sriracha brings a mild heat, but you can easily adjust it to your preference by adding more or less, or substitute with a milder chili sauce for a gentle kick.
Can I substitute the chicken with another protein?
Yes! Shrimp or tofu both work wonderfully in this recipe. Just be mindful of cooking times, as shrimp cooks quickly and tofu benefits from pressing and drying before coating for the best texture.
Is there a low-carb version of this recipe?
Definitely, just swap out the jasmine or white rice for cauliflower rice. It’s lighter, still flavorful, and will keep the dish low in carbohydrates while preserving the satisfying bowl experience.
What’s the best way to get crispy chicken without deep frying?
Using cornstarch and pan-frying in a generous amount of oil, as described in this recipe, is the perfect way to achieve that crispy exterior without deep frying. Just be sure your pan is hot enough and do not overcrowd to get crispiness on every piece.
Final Thoughts
The Bang Bang Chicken Bowl: A Flavorful Dinner Delight! Recipe truly brings a burst of excitement to the dinner table with its vibrant colors, dynamic textures, and bold flavors. It’s approachable yet sophisticated, making it perfect for both busy weeknights and casual entertaining. I can’t wait for you to try it and see why this dish has become such a personal favorite—get ready to fall in love with every bite!
Print
Bang Bang Chicken Bowl: A Flavorful Dinner Delight! Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Experience a vibrant and flavorful dinner with this Bang Bang Chicken Bowl, featuring crispy chicken coated in a spicy, creamy Bang Bang sauce served over fluffy jasmine rice and fresh veggies. Perfect for a quick weeknight meal that’s both satisfying and colorful.
Ingredients
Chicken and Bowl Ingredients
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- ½ cup cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 cup cooked jasmine or white rice
- 1 cup shredded red cabbage
- 1 cup shredded carrots
- 1 avocado, sliced
- 2 green onions, sliced
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds (optional)
Bang Bang Sauce
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons sweet chili sauce
- 1 tablespoon sriracha (adjust to taste)
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 teaspoon rice vinegar
Instructions
- Prepare the Bang Bang Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, honey, and rice vinegar until smooth. Set aside for later use.
- Coat the Chicken: Toss the bite-sized chicken pieces in cornstarch, ensuring each piece is evenly coated for a crispy texture after cooking.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the coated chicken pieces and cook for 6–8 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through.
- Toss Chicken with Sauce: Remove the cooked chicken from heat and toss it in about half of the prepared Bang Bang sauce, coating each piece thoroughly.
- Assemble the Bowls: Divide the cooked rice evenly among serving bowls. Top each bowl with shredded red cabbage, shredded carrots, avocado slices, and the Bang Bang chicken.
- Finish and Garnish: Drizzle the remaining Bang Bang sauce over the assembled bowls. Garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds if using. Serve immediately to enjoy at its freshest.
Notes
- For a low-carb version, substitute cauliflower rice instead of jasmine rice.
- You can grill the chicken instead of pan-frying for a lighter variation.
- Add additional toppings like cucumbers, edamame, or pickled veggies for extra flavor and crunch.
