Ingredients for Bang Bang Chicken Bowl

• Boneless, skinless chicken breasts, 1.5 lbs cut into 1-inch pieces: The star protein, offering lean, tender bites. Crucial for the crispy Bang Bang Chicken Bowl. Ensure even pieces for uniform cooking.
• Cooked white rice, 4 cups: The comforting base, perfect for soaking up the delicious creamy, spicy sauce. Use jasmine or basmati for best texture.
• Full-fat mayonnaise, 1/2 cup: The essential creamy foundation for our signature Bang Bang sauce. Use good quality, full-fat mayo for richness.
• Sweet chili sauce, 1/4 cup: Adds a crucial sweet and tangy kick, defining the unique flavor of the Bang Bang Chicken Bowl. Adjust to your sweetness preference.
• Cornstarch, 1/4 cup: Key for achieving that irresistible crispy coating on the chicken. Essential for the perfect texture. Don’t skip this step!
• Sriracha, 2-3 tablespoons: Delivers the perfect amount of spicy heat to the creamy sauce. Adjust to your desired spice level for a weeknight win.
• Honey, 1 tablespoon: Balances the spice and tang, adding a touch of natural sweetness. A little goes a long way to round out flavors.
• Rice vinegar (unseasoned), 1 tablespoon: Provides a bright, tangy counterpoint, essential for a well-rounded sauce. Use unseasoned rice vinegar for best control.
• Toasted sesame oil, 1 teaspoon: Aromatic and nutty, it ties all the sauce flavors together beautifully. Use toasted sesame oil for maximum impact.
• Garlic powder, 1 teaspoon: Infuses the chicken and sauce with an aromatic, savory depth. An easy way to boost flavor without mincing.
• Salt, 1 teaspoon: Essential seasoning for the chicken and balancing the bold sauce flavors. Always season as you go for best taste.
• Black pepper, 1/2 teaspoon: Adds a subtle warmth and a hint of spice to the chicken. Freshly ground is always superior for flavor.
• Vegetable oil, 1/2 cup (for frying): For frying the chicken to golden, crispy perfection. Ensure oil is hot enough before adding chicken.
• Green onions, 2 tablespoons sliced: Fresh, vibrant garnish that adds a mild oniony bite and visual appeal. Crucial for a fresh finish.
• Toasted sesame seeds, 1 tablespoon: Toasted for nutty crunch and an appealing visual finish. Adds texture and a classic Asian-inspired touch.

How to Make Bang Bang Chicken Bowl

Prep Chicken:

In a medium bowl, toss chicken pieces with cornstarch, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper until evenly coated. This crucial step creates a wonderfully crispy exterior for your Bang Bang Chicken Bowl. Set aside while you prepare the sauce.

Make Sauce:

In a separate small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, Sriracha, honey, rice vinegar, and toasted sesame oil until smooth and creamy. Taste and adjust Sriracha for your preferred spice level in this delicious Bang Bang sauce.

Fry Chicken:

Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Fry chicken in batches for 4-6 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through (165°F internal temperature). Avoid overcrowding for best crispiness.

Coat Chicken:

Once all chicken is fried, transfer it immediately to the bowl with your prepared creamy Bang Bang sauce. Gently toss the chicken until each piece is fully coated. This ensures every bite of your Bang Bang Chicken Bowl is bursting with flavor.

Assemble Bowls:

Divide the warm, cooked white rice evenly among four serving bowls. Spoon generous portions of the saucy Bang Bang chicken over the rice. This forms the delicious base of your satisfying and easy weeknight meal.

Garnish & Serve:

Finish your Irresistible Bang Bang Chicken Bowl by sprinkling generously with sliced green onions and toasted sesame seeds. Serve immediately while warm, adding extra Sriracha or sweet chili sauce if you crave more heat. Enjoy!

How to Store Bang Bang Chicken Bowl

To store leftover Bang Bang Chicken Bowl, transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate promptly. It stays fresh for 3-4 days. Leaving it out too long degrades texture and can spoil – don’t do what I did and leave it on the counter overnight! Discard if any off smell appears.

For make-ahead, prep coated chicken and sauce separately. Refrigerate in airtight containers up to 2 days. Fry chicken and assemble just before serving for best fresh taste.

When reheating, gently microwave or warm in a skillet. A splash of water helps maintain moisture.

What to Serve with Bang Bang Chicken Bowl

To serve your Irresistible Bang Bang Chicken Bowl, spoon the saucy chicken generously over warm white rice. For a vibrant presentation, garnish with fresh cilantro or extra sesame seeds, making it perfect for any occasion. This dish is best enjoyed immediately while warm. Pair it with a crisp side salad or a refreshing iced tea to complement the bold flavors.

My favorite way to serve this is with a generous squeeze of fresh lime juice. The bright citrus perfectly cuts through the rich, creamy sauce, making each bite incredibly fresh and satisfying. It’s a perfect way to enjoy the vibrant flavors.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I substitute another oil for vegetable oil when frying this Bang Bang Chicken Bowl?

Yes, you can use canola or peanut oil, as they have high smoke points suitable for frying. Avoid olive oil; it burns easily at high temperatures. I’ve tried it, and the smoky flavor wasn’t ideal for this dish.

→ How do I prevent my Bang Bang Chicken from becoming soggy after coating with sauce?

To prevent sogginess, fry chicken until extra crispy and coat it immediately with the warm sauce. Serve your Easy Bang Bang Chicken Bowl right away after assembly. Crispy chicken is key to the best texture.

→ What if I want to make this Irresistible Bang Bang Chicken Bowl gluten-free?

To make this Bang Bang Chicken Bowl gluten-free, ensure your sweet chili sauce and Sriracha are certified gluten-free. Cornstarch is naturally gluten-free, making the coating safe. Always double-check ingredient labels, as brand formulations can vary.

→ How long can I store leftover Irresistible Bang Bang Chicken Bowl in the refrigerator?

You can store leftover Bang Bang Chicken Bowl in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. For best texture, separate the chicken and rice if possible before storing. Reheat gently to maintain moisture.

→ Can I prepare components of this Easy Bang Bang Chicken Bowl ahead of time for faster assembly?

Yes, you can prepare the Bang Bang sauce up to two days ahead and store it chilled. You can also coat the chicken with the cornstarch mixture and refrigerate for a few hours. Fry and assemble just before serving.