Bang Bang Chicken Bowl Recipe

The Bang Bang Chicken Bowl is the kind of meal that satisfies every craving—savory, creamy, spicy, and crunchy all in one explosion of flavor. Imagine juicy pieces of crispy chicken nestled over warm rice, showered in a silky, tangy sauce, then topped with a mountain of colorful veggies and a sprinkle of sesame seeds. You’ll fall in love with this dish from the very first bite, and before you know it, it’ll become your go-to for easy weeknight dinners or an impressive meal to share with friends.

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this Bang Bang Chicken Bowl lies in its simple but powerful ingredients. Each element plays a crucial role, coming together to deliver mouthwatering flavor, irresistible texture, and vibrant color—right in your own kitchen!

• Chicken breast: Tender, boneless, and easy to cube; these are your protein powerhouse for juicy, satisfying bites.
• Cornstarch: The secret to that shatteringly crisp chicken coating—don’t skip this for crunch factor!
• Egg: Acts as a binder for your breading, ensuring every piece is covered and ready to crisp up.
• Panko breadcrumbs: Extra crunchy and light, panko creates chicken pieces that really sing beneath the sauce.
• Oil for frying: Choose a neutral oil with a high smoke point, like canola or vegetable, to keep the focus on flavor.
• Cooked rice: Classic, fluffy white rice soaks up every drop of saucy goodness, but feel free to swap in brown for extra nuttiness.
• Mayonnaise: The creamy base of our bang bang sauce, giving it that irresistible silky texture.
• Sweet chili sauce: Adds tangy sweetness and subtle heat, balancing everything beautifully.
• Sriracha: For a slow-building, tingly kick—add more or less depending on your spice preference.
• Honey: Just a touch, this ties the sauce together with a gentle sweetness.
• Rice vinegar: Lifts the sauce, cutting through richness for that restaurant-worthy zing.
• Shredded carrots: Crisp and colorful, perfect for texture and a pop of natural sweetness.
• Sliced cucumber: Cool and refreshing—these rounds balance the heat and add serious crunch.
• Green onions: A scattering of oniony flavor and fresh green color on top.
• Sesame seeds: Nutty and toasty, these are your final flourish for visual appeal and flavor.

How to Make Bang Bang Chicken Bowl

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Begin by cutting the chicken breast into bite-sized cubes. Pat them dry with a paper towel—this helps the coating stick for maximum crispiness. In one shallow bowl, whisk the egg. In a second bowl, mix the panko and cornstarch. Dip the chicken pieces into the egg, then dredge them in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to adhere the coating. Set the prepared pieces aside for just a few moments while you heat up your frying oil.

Step 2: Fry to Golden Perfection

Pour about an inch of oil into a large skillet or pot and heat over medium-high. When the oil shimmers (or reaches 350°F), carefully add your coated chicken cubes in batches. Fry for about 4 minutes, turning for even color, until each piece is beautifully golden and cooked through. Remove with a slotted spoon and set on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.

Step 3: Whip Up the Bang Bang Sauce

In a small bowl, combine the mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, honey, and rice vinegar. Whisk until smooth and creamy. Taste and tweak—it’s easy to dial up the heat or sweetness as you like. This luscious sauce is what gives the Bang Bang Chicken Bowl its addictive flavor, so be generous!

Step 4: Prepare the Veggie Toppings

Slice your cucumbers thin and shred the carrots. Chop the green onions, and have your sesame seeds ready. These toppings provide crunch, color, and freshness, balancing the richness of the chicken and sauce. Arrange everything so you’re ready for a speedy assembly.

Step 5: Assemble Your Bowl

Add a warm, fluffy layer of cooked rice to your serving bowls. Top with the crispy chicken pieces, then pour the bang bang sauce over the top (don’t be shy—it’s what ties everything together). Scatter the carrots, cucumber, green onions, and sesame seeds over the bowl, letting all the colors and textures shine.

How to Serve Bang Bang Chicken Bowl

Garnishes

The finishing touches really elevate this dish, making each Bang Bang Chicken Bowl look as good as it tastes. Sprinkle a handful of toasted sesame seeds and a generous scattering of sliced green onion on top for a pop of flavor and an Instagram-worthy presentation. If you like things extra spicy, a drizzle of sriracha or a few slices of fresh red chili can add a fun kick.

Side Dishes

This dish is a satisfying meal on its own, but for a feast, consider pairing it with some cool edamame pods, a simple seaweed salad, or even crisp Asian slaw. If you’re having a crowd, offer some steamed dumplings or spring rolls for extra flair and plenty of dipping fun.

Creative Ways to Present

Take your Bang Bang Chicken Bowl to the next level by serving it in wide, shallow bowls for dramatic effect, or try plating it on a tray with garnishes arranged buffet-style so everyone can build their own masterpiece. Another playful idea: assemble the bowls in jars for a layered, portable lunch that’s just as pretty as it is tasty!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Got leftover Bang Bang Chicken Bowl? Store the chicken, veggies, rice, and sauce in separate airtight containers in the fridge. That way, nothing gets soggy and everything stays fresh for up to three days. When it’s time for round two, you’ll get almost the same crunch and flavor as the first go.

Freezing

The chicken alone freezes very well—cool it completely, then arrange on a baking sheet and freeze before transferring to a zip-top bag. The sauce can also be frozen in a separate container, though fresh is best for maximum flavor. Rice can be frozen, too, but skip freezing the veggies to maintain their crispness when you rebuild your next bowl.

Reheating

For best results, reheat the chicken in an oven or air fryer at 350°F until it’s sizzling and crisp again (about 8 minutes). Warm the rice in a microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of water. Defrost and warm the sauce gently if you’ve frozen it, then reassemble your Bang Bang Chicken Bowl just before eating so everything tastes as vibrant as the first time.

FAQs

Can I make a Bang Bang Chicken Bowl with grilled chicken instead of fried?

Absolutely! If you’re looking for something a little lighter, simply grill or bake your chicken pieces instead of breading and frying. The dish will have less crunch but still offers plenty of flavor thanks to the bang bang sauce and fresh veggies.

Is there a good gluten-free version of this recipe?

Yes, you can easily make the Bang Bang Chicken Bowl gluten-free by swapping traditional panko crumbs for gluten-free panko and ensuring your soy sauce and chili sauces are certified gluten-free. The delicious result is just as irresistible!

What’s the best way to make this dish spicier?

If you like your meals with extra heat, simply increase the sriracha in the bang bang sauce or add a pinch of red pepper flakes. You can even top the bowl with sliced fresh chili or an extra drizzle of chili oil for a seriously spicy kick.

Can I swap white rice for cauliflower rice?

Definitely! Cauliflower rice makes a lighter, lower-carb base while still soaking up the sauce. Just sauté it quickly in a bit of oil and season lightly before building your Bang Bang Chicken Bowl as usual.

How can I make this dish vegetarian?

You can substitute crispy fried tofu or roasted chickpeas for the chicken. Both options retain that crunchy bite and are wonderful when tossed in the bang bang sauce and surrounded by the bowl’s fresh toppings.

Final Thoughts

There’s just something magical about making a Bang Bang Chicken Bowl at home—the mix of flavors, the satisfying textures, and the beautiful presentation come together so effortlessly. I hope you have fun creating (and devouring) your own version, and don’t be surprised if it becomes a new favorite in your kitchen too!

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