Description
Creamy Bang Bang Chicken Bowl is a quick, flavorful dinner. Crispy chicken, zesty sauce, fresh veggies a delightful weeknight meal-prep win!
Ingredients
Scale
- Main Ingredients:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1/2 cup cornstarch
- 1 large egg, whisked
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil, for frying
- Creamy Bang Bang Sauce Components:
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise (full-fat, please!)
- 1/4 cup sweet chili sauce
- 1–2 tablespoons sriracha (to taste)
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Fresh Toppings & Serving:
- 1/2 cucumber, julienned or thinly sliced
- 1 large carrot, shredded or julienned
- 2 green onions, sliced
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
- 2 cups cooked rice (white or brown)
- Lettuce cups (optional, for serving)
Instructions
- Prep the Chicken: First things first, let’s get that chicken ready! Slice your boneless, skinless chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces, about 1-inch cubes. Try to keep them somewhat uniform so they cook evenly – this is where I always get a little messy, honestly. In a medium bowl, whisk up one egg. In another shallow bowl, place your cornstarch. Dip each chicken piece into the egg wash, letting any excess drip off, then dredge it thoroughly in the cornstarch, ensuring it’s fully coated. Set them aside on a plate; this little prep step makes all the difference for crispiness!
- Crispy Chicken Fry: Now for the fun part: frying! Heat about 1/2 inch of vegetable oil in a large skillet or a sturdy pot over medium-high heat. You want it hot enough to sizzle, but not smoking. Test a tiny piece of chicken; if it bubbles immediately, you’re good to go. Carefully add your cornstarch-coated chicken pieces to the hot oil in a single layer. Don’t overcrowd the pan, hon! I’ve made that mistake too many times, and it just steams the chicken instead of crisping it. Fry for 3-4 minutes per side, until they’re golden brown and beautifully crispy. Once cooked, transfer the crispy chicken to a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil. Look at those golden beauties!
- Whip Up the Bang Bang Sauce: While your chicken is doing its thing, let’s get that iconic Bang Bang sauce together. This sauce is seriously the star of the show. In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha (adjust to your heat preference!), rice vinegar, honey, and garlic powder until it’s completely smooth and wonderfully creamy. Give it a taste – does it need more zing? More sweetness? More heat? This is your moment to make it perfect for your taste buds. I always end up adding a little extra sriracha, because, well, I like things spicy!
- Assemble Your Bang Bang Chicken Bowl Base: Time to build our delicious Bang Bang Chicken Bowl! Grab your favorite serving bowls. Spoon a generous amount of warm, fluffy cooked rice into the bottom of each bowl. If you’re going for a lighter option, a bed of crisp lettuce works beautifully too. Then, arrange your fresh, crunchy cucumber and shredded carrots artfully around the rice. I just love how the vibrant colors start to come together at this stage; it makes me so happy!
- Add the Crispy Chicken & Sauce: Now for the main event! Nestle those glorious, crispy chicken pieces right on top of your rice and veggies. Don’t be shy! Once the chicken is in place, generously drizzle that creamy, spicy-sweet Bang Bang sauce all over everything. You can be as neat or as messy as you like here, honestly. Sometimes I just dollop it on, other times I try to create a pretty swirl. Either way, it’s going to taste incredible. The smell at this point is just heavenly, a mix of savory, sweet, and a little spicy!
- Garnish & Serve Your Bang Bang Chicken Bowl: Almost there! Finish off your Bang Bang Chicken Bowl with a sprinkle of freshly sliced green onions and a scattering of sesame seeds. This adds a lovely fresh element and a beautiful visual appeal. Serve immediately and get ready to dive in! The contrast of the warm, crispy chicken with the cool, fresh veggies and that addictive sauce is just pure magic. I often serve mine with an extra wedge of lime on the side, because a little squeeze of fresh citrus can really make the flavors pop. Enjoy your masterpiece, hon!