Ingredients for Bang Bang Chicken Bowl Easy 30-Minute

• 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces: The star protein for this easy Bang Bang Chicken Bowl. Cuts quickly and crisps beautifully, providing the perfect base.
• 1/2 cup cornstarch: Essential for achieving that irresistible crispy coating on the chicken. It creates a light, golden crust when fried.
• 1/4 cup vegetable oil: Crucial for shallow frying the chicken to golden perfection. Choose an oil with a high smoke point for best results.
• 2 cups uncooked jasmine rice: Forms the comforting foundation of your Bang Bang Chicken Bowl. Its fragrant aroma complements the spicy chicken.
• 1/2 cup mayonnaise: The creamy base for the iconic Bang Bang sauce. Use full-fat for the richest, most luxurious texture and flavor.
• 1/4 cup sweet chili sauce: Provides the sweet, tangy, and sticky element that defines the sauce. It’s a key flavor builder.
• 2-3 tablespoons Sriracha: Delivers the signature spicy kick to the Bang Bang sauce. Adjust the amount to tailor the heat level to your preference.
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar: Adds a bright, tangy acidity that balances the richness and sweetness of the sauce. It’s a flavor enhancer.
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce: Provides essential umami depth and saltiness to the sauce. Use low-sodium to better control the overall seasoning.
• 1 clove garlic, minced: An aromatic powerhouse, it infuses the sauce with a pungent, savory depth. Freshly minced garlic is always best.
• 1/2 teaspoon salt: An essential seasoning that enhances all the other flavors. Season the chicken and adjust the sauce to taste.
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Adds a subtle warmth and mild spice to the chicken and sauce. Freshly ground pepper offers superior flavor.
• 2 green onions, sliced: Provide a fresh, mild oniony bite and vibrant color as a garnish. Essential for finishing your bowl.
• 1 tablespoon sesame seeds: Offer a delightful nutty crunch and visual appeal. Toast them lightly for an enhanced aroma and flavor.
• 1/2 English cucumber, thinly sliced: Adds a refreshing, crisp counterpoint to the rich sauce and crispy chicken. A perfect cooling element.

How to Make Bang Bang Chicken Bowl Easy 30-Minute

Prep Rice:

Cook jasmine rice according to package directions. While it cooks, prepare your chicken and sauce. This forms the essential base for your Bang Bang Chicken Bowl. Set aside to keep warm.

Coat Chicken:

In a bowl, toss chicken pieces with cornstarch, salt, and pepper until fully coated. This dredging creates a perfect crispy crust for your Bang Bang Chicken.

Make Sauce:

Whisk together mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, Sriracha, rice vinegar, soy sauce, and minced garlic in a bowl. Stir until smooth and emulsified, tasting for the perfect balance.

Fry Chicken:

Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Fry the coated chicken in batches for 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown and crispy.

Combine & Toss:

Add the crispy chicken directly to your prepared Bang Bang sauce. Gently toss to ensure every piece is thoroughly coated. This step brings the Bang Bang Chicken Bowl Easy 30-Minute together.

Assemble Bowls:

Divide the warm rice among four bowls. Top with the sauced Bang Bang chicken, thinly sliced cucumber, fresh green onions, and a sprinkle of sesame seeds.

Enjoy Dinner:

Serve your delicious Bang Bang Chicken Bowl Easy 30-Minute immediately. This comforting meal is perfect for a quick and satisfying weeknight dinner.

How to Store Bang Bang Chicken Bowl Easy 30-Minute

To store leftover Bang Bang Chicken Bowl, transfer contents to an airtight container, ideally keeping chicken and rice separate. Refrigerate promptly and consume within 3-4 days for peak freshness. Leaving it out makes chicken soggy and risks spoilage—don’t do what I did! Watch for off-smells.

For make-ahead convenience, prepare the Bang Bang sauce and slice toppings up to 2 days prior. Cook the chicken and rice just before serving to preserve that desirable crispy texture.

When reheating, warm chicken separately for best crispness. Assemble bowls just before serving.

What to Serve with Bang Bang Chicken Bowl Easy 30-Minute

Serve your Bang Bang Chicken Bowl immediately, ensuring it’s warm and crispy. Garnish with extra green onions and sesame seeds for an appealing presentation. This vibrant bowl is perfect paired with a light, crisp lager or a refreshing side of steamed edamame. Enjoy warm for the ultimate comforting experience.

My favorite way to serve this is family-style. Presenting the warm rice, sauced chicken, and fresh toppings separately allows everyone to customize their perfect bowl. It makes dinner interactive and fun to enjoy, especially with a refreshing beverage.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I substitute chicken thighs for breasts in this Easy Bang Bang Chicken Bowl?

Yes, you can use boneless, skinless chicken thighs for the Easy Bang Bang Chicken Bowl. They stay moister, but the texture will be slightly different. Cut them into 1-inch pieces like breasts.

→ How do I prevent the chicken from becoming soggy when making this recipe?

To prevent soggy chicken, fry in batches to maintain oil temperature, as I learned the hard way. Also, avoid overcrowding the pan. Double dredging in cornstarch also helps achieve superior crispness.

→ Can I make this Ultimate Bang Bang Chicken Bowl gluten-free for dietary needs?

Yes, you can make this Ultimate Bang Bang Chicken Bowl gluten-free. Use tamari instead of soy sauce and ensure your sweet chili sauce and Sriracha are certified gluten-free. Always check labels!

→ How long can I store leftover Bang Bang Chicken Bowl for maximum freshness?

Store leftover Bang Bang Chicken Bowl in an airtight container, ideally separating chicken and rice. Refrigerate promptly and consume within 3-4 days. Leaving it out makes chicken soggy and risks spoilage.

→ Can I make components of this 30-minute Bang Bang Chicken Bowl ahead of time?

You can definitely prep the Bang Bang sauce and slice toppings like cucumber and green onions up to 2 days ahead. Cook the chicken and rice just before serving for the best crispy texture.