Bang Bang Chicken Bowl Delight

This bang bang chicken bowl delivers everything you could want for an easy and crowd-pleasing meal with crispy chicken smothered in a creamy spicy sauce all on a bed of rice and crunchy veggies. It has just the right hit of sweetness and heat and is always a family-pleaser when I need something quick that feels special.

I made this one night when my fridge was almost empty. Now I keep the sauce ingredients on hand all the time for last minute dinners that still get everybody excited.

Ingredients

• Chicken breast: Bite-sized pieces cook quickly and stay juicy Look for firm fresh chicken without excess liquid
• All purpose flour: Helps create the crunchy crust Use unbleached for best results
• Eggs: Bind the coating to the chicken Choose fresh eggs with intact shells for best adhesion
• Panko breadcrumbs: Give the chicken its signature crunch Japanese style panko works best for an airy crisp coating
• Mayonnaise: This forms the creamy base of the sauce Use a good quality mayo for a silky texture
• Sweet chili sauce: Adds sweetness and tang Look for bottles with real chili and garlic for depth
• Sriracha sauce: Brings the heat Add more or less to adjust spiciness pick a sauce you enjoy on its own
• Cooked rice: The perfect neutral base Jasmine or basmati hold up well and add fragrance
• Shredded lettuce: Light and crisp Goes best with fresher heads look for sturdy leaves
• Sliced cucumbers: Brings fresh crunch Choose firm cucumbers with a vibrant green skin
• Shredded carrots: Add color and subtle sweetness Pre-shredded carrots save time but whole carrots are often more flavorful
• Salt and pepper: Essential for seasoning Always taste your chicken after cooking for the perfect level
• Oil for frying: Helps achieve that golden crust Use a neutral oil like canola or avocado for best results

Step-by-Step Instructions

Season the Chicken:

Pat chicken breast pieces dry with a paper towel then sprinkle them evenly with salt and pepper This gives every bite flavor from the inside out

Dredge and Coat the Chicken:

Dip each chicken piece in all purpose flour shaking off the excess Next dip into beaten egg making sure every side gets covered Finish by pressing into panko breadcrumbs so every piece is coated generously

Fry Until Golden:

Pour about one inch of oil into your frying pan and heat over medium until shimmering Gently lay the chicken pieces in using tongs In batches fry until golden brown and crispy on all sides This usually takes about four to five minutes per batch Transfer to a rack or paper towel to drain

Make the Bang Bang Sauce:

Combine mayonnaise sweet chili sauce and sriracha sauce in a small bowl Mix well until smooth Taste and add more sriracha if you want extra heat

Assemble the Bowls:

Add a base of hot cooked rice to each serving bowl Top with shredded lettuce slices of cucumber and shredded carrot Arrange the fried chicken pieces over the veggies

Sauce and Serve:

Drizzle the bang bang sauce over your crispy chicken Make sure to cover everything for maximum flavor Serve right away while the chicken is hot

Bookmark

I always use extra sauce in my bowl because the creamy kicky dressing is what won over my picky eaters the first time I made this My kids even started helping with the breading part which is now a favorite family kitchen memory

Storage Tips

Let any leftovers cool to room temperature before storing so the chicken stays crisp Place rice veggies and chicken in separate airtight containers The sauce goes in its own small container This way the chicken does not get soggy when reheating Refrigerate everything for up to three days When ready to eat reheat chicken in the oven or air fryer to revive the crunch Then assemble fresh bowls with cold or warm rice

Ingredient Substitutions

Swap chicken breast for chicken thighs if you prefer a richer texture For a vegetarian spin try crispy tofu Instead of panko you can use finely crushed cornflakes Sweet chili sauce can be replaced with a mix of honey and chili paste in a pinch Any leafy green works in place of lettuce

Serving Suggestions

Serve the bang bang chicken bowl as a complete meal or serve smaller portions as a fun appetizer with toothpicks You can pile everything into a wrap for lunch or use it as a taco filling It goes really well with a sprinkle of sesame seeds or a squeeze of lime on top

Bookmark

Cultural Context

Bang bang chicken originally comes from Sichuan cuisine where poached chicken is served with a spicy chili and sesame sauce This bowl is an American twist with crispy chicken and that creamy sweet heat inspired by the restaurant classic It is a fun mashup that works well for home cooks

Frequently Asked Questions

→ How do I make the chicken extra crispy?

Coat the chicken thoroughly in flour, egg, and panko, then fry in hot oil until deep golden. Serve immediately for best texture.

→ Can I make it less spicy?

Adjust the amount of sriracha in the sauce to suit your taste. Use less for mild heat or omit entirely for no spice.

→ Is there a healthier option than frying?

You can bake the breaded chicken at 425°F on a wire rack for about 20 minutes, flipping halfway through for even browning.

→ What vegetables work best in this bowl?

Shredded lettuce, cucumber, and carrots add crunch and freshness. You can also add bell pepper, avocado, or snap peas for variety.

→ Which rice is recommended for serving?

Use jasmine or long grain white rice for a fluffy base. Brown rice or cauliflower rice are great alternatives for different dietary needs.