This Easy Bang Bang Chicken Bowl is a tasty mix of crispy chicken, crunchy veggies, and a creamy sauce that gives a nice kick. It’s all about that sweet and spicy flavor!
I love how quick it is to make—perfect for busy nights! Just toss everything in a bowl, and dinner is ready. Bonus points for an easy clean-up! 🎉
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: Chicken breasts work well, but thighs can add more moisture and flavor. If you want a lighter option, consider using shrimp or even tofu for a vegetarian version.
Panko Breadcrumbs: These give the chicken a crunchy texture. If you don’t have panko, regular breadcrumbs can work too, but they may not be as crispy. For a gluten-free option, try crushed cornflakes.
Rice: White rice is traditional, but using brown rice can add more nutrients and a nuttier flavor. Quinoa is also a great alternative for a unique twist.
Bang Bang Sauce: If you’re looking to reduce calories, use Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise. For those who like sweetness, try adding a bit of lime juice or extra honey to the sauce!
How Do I Get My Chicken Perfectly Crispy?
To make the chicken crispy, follow these simple steps:
- Make sure to coat the chicken pieces thoroughly in flour, egg, and panko. This layering helps it become crunchy.
- Heat the oil to medium-high before adding the chicken. If the oil isn’t hot enough, the chicken will absorb too much oil and become soggy.
- Fry in batches! Overcrowding the pan can drop the oil temperature and inhibit crispiness.
Once cooked, drain the chicken on paper towels to remove excess oil—this will keep it crunchy until serving!
Easy Bang Bang Chicken Bowl
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken Bowl:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or chicken thighs)
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs
- 2 cups cooked white rice (or brown rice)
- 1 cup shredded carrots
- 1 cup chopped cucumber
- 1/2 cup sliced green onions
- 1/4 cup chopped cilantro (optional)
- Vegetable oil, for frying
For the Bang Bang Sauce:
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tbsp sweet chili sauce
- 1 tbsp sriracha sauce (adjust to taste)
- 1 tsp honey or sugar
- 1 tsp rice vinegar (optional, for tang)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 30 minutes to prepare and cook. It’s quick and perfect for a weeknight meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Chicken:
Start by cutting the chicken breasts (or thighs) into bite-sized pieces. Make sure they are all similar in size for even cooking.
2. Set Up Dredging Stations:
In three separate shallow bowls, place the flour in one, the beaten eggs in another, and the panko breadcrumbs in the final bowl. This will make it easy to coat the chicken.
3. Bread the Chicken:
Take each piece of chicken and first dip it into the flour, shaking off any excess. Then, coat it in the beaten egg before finally rolling it in the panko breadcrumbs until fully covered. Set the breaded chicken aside on a plate.
4. Cook the Chicken:
In a skillet, heat about half an inch of vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, carefully add the breaded chicken pieces in batches, frying until they are golden brown and cooked through—around 3-4 minutes per side. Remove the fried chicken and let it drain on paper towels.
5. Make the Bang Bang Sauce:
In a small bowl, combine the mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, honey, and rice vinegar. Whisk everything together until the sauce is smooth and creamy.
6. Assemble the Bowls:
Divide the cooked rice evenly into bowls. Top it with the crispy fried chicken pieces, shredded carrots, chopped cucumber, sliced green onions, and cilantro if you like.
7. Drizzle Sauce:
Generously drizzle the Bang Bang sauce over each bowl, making sure to get a good amount on the chicken and veggies!
8. Serve:
Dig in immediately while the chicken is still crispy and the veggies are fresh. Enjoy your delicious Bang Bang Chicken Bowl!
This dish is super flexible too—feel free to swap the chicken for shrimp or tofu, or add extra veggies like bell peppers or avocado. Have fun experimenting!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use Frozen Chicken for This Recipe?
Yes, you can! Just make sure to thaw the chicken completely before starting. The best method is to leave it in the fridge overnight or quickly thaw it in a sealed plastic bag submerged in cold water. Pat it dry before breading.
What If I Don’t Have Panko Breadcrumbs?
No worries! While panko gives a great crunch, you can use regular breadcrumbs instead. For a gluten-free option, try crushed cornflakes. Just keep in mind that the texture will be slightly different.
How to Store Leftover Bang Bang Chicken Bowls?
Store any leftovers in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently in the microwave or on the stovetop. For best results, adding a splash of water can help retain moisture.
Can I Make the Bang Bang Sauce Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the Bang Bang sauce in advance and store it in the fridge for up to a week. Just give it a stir before using, as the ingredients may settle.
