BANG BANG CHICKEN BOWL IRRESISTIBLE

I still remember the first time I tasted a proper Bang Bang Chicken Bowl – it was at this tiny food stall tucked away at a summer food festival, and the explosion of flavors was unlike anything I’d experienced before. The creamy, spicy sauce, the crispy chicken, the fresh veggies all harmonizing in one perfect bite! Now, you can recreate that magic in your own kitchen. I promise, with my guidance, you’ll have a Bang Bang Chicken Bowl that’s bursting with flavor and completely irresistible.

Unlocking the Secrets to the Perfect Bang Bang Chicken Bowl

Okay, friend, let’s talk Bang Bang Chicken Bowls. These aren’t just any bowls; they’re a symphony of textures and tastes. Crispy chicken, a creamy, spicy sauce that dances on your tongue, and a bed of fresh, vibrant veggies. Sound intimidating? Don’t worry! I’m going to break down each step, so you can create a restaurant-quality meal right at home. We’re going to focus on achieving that perfect balance of sweet, spicy, and savory that makes this bowl so addictive. I’ll also share some tips and tricks I’ve learned over the years to help you avoid common pitfalls and customize the recipe to your liking. Let’s dive in!

What Makes Bang Bang Chicken Bowls So Special?

Before we get our hands dirty, let’s understand what makes these bowls so irresistible. It’s not just the individual components, but how they all work together:

• The Chicken: Crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside. It’s the star of the show, providing that satisfying crunch and protein boost.
• The Sauce: This is where the magic happens! A creamy, slightly sweet, and undeniably spicy sauce that coats the chicken perfectly. It’s the flavor glue that holds everything together.
• The Base: Whether it’s rice, noodles, or a bed of greens, the base provides a foundation for all the other ingredients.
• The Veggies: Fresh, crunchy veggies add texture, nutrients, and a refreshing contrast to the richness of the chicken and sauce.

The Ultimate Bang Bang Chicken Bowl Recipe

Alright, let’s get to the good stuff! Here’s my go-to recipe for Bang Bang Chicken Bowls that will have everyone asking for seconds. Remember, cooking is all about experimentation, so feel free to adjust the ingredients and seasonings to your taste. This recipe will serve approximately 4 people.

Ingredients You’ll Need:

For the Chicken:

• 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup cornstarch
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• Vegetable oil, for frying

For the Bang Bang Sauce:

• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 1/4 cup sweet chili sauce
• 2 tablespoons sriracha (or more, to taste)
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 1 teaspoon rice vinegar
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

For the Bowls:

• 4 cups cooked rice (or your preferred base, like quinoa or noodles)
• 1 cup shredded carrots
• 1 cup shredded cabbage
• 1 cucumber, thinly sliced
• 1/2 cup chopped green onions
• Sesame seeds, for garnish

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Prepare the Chicken:

First, we need to get that chicken ready for its crispy transformation. Place the chicken cubes in a bowl and pour the buttermilk over them. Make sure each piece is nicely coated. Cover the bowl and let it marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, or up to a few hours. This will help the chicken become super tender and juicy. I find that this step is what makes it so much better than your average chicken!

2. Make the Breading:

While the chicken is marinating, let’s prepare the breading. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, cornstarch, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. The cornstarch is crucial for achieving that extra crispy texture, so don’t skip it!

3. Coat the Chicken:

Remove the chicken from the buttermilk and let any excess drip off. Then, dredge each piece of chicken in the flour mixture, making sure it’s completely coated. Press the breading onto the chicken to ensure it adheres well. Place the breaded chicken on a plate or baking sheet.

4. Fry the Chicken:

Now, for the crispy goodness! Pour about 2-3 inches of vegetable oil into a large pot or deep fryer. Heat the oil to 350°F (175°C). Carefully add the chicken to the hot oil in batches, making sure not to overcrowd the pot. Fry for about 4-5 minutes per batch, or until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through. Use a slotted spoon to remove the chicken from the oil and place it on a wire rack to drain any excess oil. This is key for keeping the chicken nice and crispy.

5. Prepare the Bang Bang Sauce:

While the chicken is frying, let’s whip up that amazing Bang Bang sauce. In a medium bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, honey, rice vinegar, and garlic powder. Taste and adjust the seasonings to your liking. If you like it spicier, add more sriracha. If you prefer it sweeter, add a touch more honey. The beauty of this sauce is that you can customize it to your perfect level of deliciousness.

6. Assemble the Bowls:

Time to bring everything together! Divide the cooked rice (or your chosen base) among four bowls. Top with the crispy fried chicken, shredded carrots, shredded cabbage, sliced cucumber, and chopped green onions. Drizzle generously with the Bang Bang sauce. Finally, sprinkle with sesame seeds for a touch of nutty flavor and visual appeal.

7. Serve and Enjoy!

Serve your Bang Bang Chicken Bowls immediately and enjoy the explosion of flavors and textures. Trust me; you’ll want to savor every bite!

Tips and Tricks for Bang Bang Chicken Bowl Perfection

Okay, my friend, let’s elevate your Bang Bang Chicken Bowl game to the next level! Here are a few of my favorite tips and tricks to ensure your bowls are nothing short of amazing. I’ve learned these through trial and error (and a lot of delicious bowls!), so you can skip the mistakes and go straight to success!

Achieving Maximum Chicken Crispiness:

• Double Dredge: For extra crispy chicken, try double dredging. Dip the chicken in the flour mixture, then back into the buttermilk, and then back into the flour mixture.
• Hot Oil is Key: Make sure your oil is at the correct temperature before adding the chicken. If the oil is too cool, the chicken will absorb too much oil and become soggy.
• Don’t Overcrowd the Pot: Frying the chicken in batches prevents the oil temperature from dropping too much, which can also lead to soggy chicken.
• Wire Rack is Your Friend: Placing the fried chicken on a wire rack allows excess oil to drip off, keeping the chicken crispy.

Mastering the Bang Bang Sauce:

• Adjust the Spice Level: The beauty of this sauce is its customizability. Start with a small amount of sriracha and add more until you reach your desired spice level.
• Use Good Quality Mayonnaise: Since mayonnaise is a key ingredient in the sauce, use a good quality brand for the best flavor.
• Add a Touch of Citrus: A squeeze of lime or lemon juice can brighten up the sauce and add a refreshing tang.
• Make it Ahead of Time: The Bang Bang sauce can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to a week. This allows the flavors to meld together and deepen.

Customizing Your Bowl:

• Experiment with Bases: While rice is the classic choice, feel free to experiment with other bases like quinoa, noodles, or even a bed of mixed greens for a lighter option. Consider trying Teriyaki Chicken Rice Bowl for a similar but distinct flavor profile.
• Add Different Veggies: Get creative with your veggies! Try adding bell peppers, broccoli, snap peas, or edamame.
• Garnish with Flair: Don’t underestimate the power of a good garnish! Besides sesame seeds, try adding chopped peanuts, cilantro, or a drizzle of sesame oil.
• Make it a Meal Prep Staple: These bowls are perfect for meal prepping. Just store the chicken, sauce, and veggies separately and assemble the bowls when you’re ready to eat.

Troubleshooting Common Issues:

• Chicken Isn’t Crispy Enough: Make sure the oil is hot enough and don’t overcrowd the pot. Also, ensure the chicken is well-coated in the breading.
• Sauce is Too Spicy: Add more mayonnaise or honey to balance out the spice.
• Sauce is Too Thick: Add a tablespoon of water or rice vinegar to thin it out.
• Bowl is Too Dry: Add more Bang Bang sauce! There’s no such thing as too much sauce (in my opinion, anyway!).

Spice it Up! Variations on the Bang Bang Chicken Bowl Theme

Alright, adventurous cook, feeling confident? Let’s riff on this recipe and explore some tasty variations! The beauty of the Bang Bang Chicken Bowl is that it’s a fantastic template for flavor experimentation. Here are a few ideas to get those creative juices flowing:

• Bang Bang Shrimp Bowl: Swap the chicken for shrimp! Toss the shrimp in the same breading and fry until pink and cooked through.
• Bang Bang Tofu Bowl: For a vegetarian option, use firm or extra-firm tofu, pressed to remove excess water. Cut the tofu into cubes, bread it, and fry or bake until crispy.
• Bang Bang Salmon Bowl: Pan-sear or bake salmon fillets and top with the Bang Bang sauce. The richness of the salmon pairs beautifully with the spicy-sweet sauce.
• Bang Bang Lettuce Wraps: Skip the rice and serve the Bang Bang chicken in lettuce cups for a light and refreshing meal.

While you’re experimenting with different proteins, have you ever considered a delicious Honey Garlic Chicken? The balance of sweet and savory is absolutely divine, and you might find it inspires some new twists on your Bang Bang bowl! Or, if you’re short on time, Sheet Pan Hawaiian Chicken is a fast and easy option that’s packed with flavor and could also be made into a bowl.

Other Bowl Recipes to Explore

If you’re loving the bowl concept, why stop at Bang Bang Chicken? The world of bowl recipes is vast and delicious! Here are a few other bowls that might pique your interest:

• For a fun twist on a Mexican classic, consider trying a Mexican Street Corn Chicken Bowl. The combination of grilled chicken, charred corn, and creamy sauce is divine.
• If you’re looking for a set-it-and-forget-it meal, check out Crockpot Teriyaki Chicken. It’s a super easy way to have a flavorful and satisfying dinner ready when you get home. And you can easily turn that into a bowl!
• For a spicy kick, you might also love Spicy Ginger Chicken Delight. The ginger and chili flavors will wake up your taste buds!

Final Thoughts

So there you have it, my friend! Everything you need to create the most amazing Bang Bang Chicken Bowls at home. Remember, cooking is a journey, not a destination. Don’t be afraid to experiment, have fun, and most importantly, enjoy the process. I’m confident that with a little practice, you’ll be whipping up these bowls like a pro in no time. And the best part? You’ll have a delicious, satisfying, and customizable meal that everyone will love. Happy cooking!

Bang Bang Chicken Bowl Irresistible

Recreate the popular Bang Bang Chicken Bowl at home with this recipe. Crispy chicken is coated in a creamy, spicy sauce and served over a bed of rice and fresh veggies for a flavorful and satisfying meal.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 30 minutes mins

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Total Time 50 minutes mins

Servings: 4

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: Asian-Inspired

Calories: 600

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup cornstarch
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• Vegetable oil, for frying
• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 1/4 cup sweet chili sauce
• 2 tablespoons sriracha
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 1 teaspoon rice vinegar
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 4 cups cooked rice
• 1 cup shredded carrots
• 1 cup shredded cabbage
• 1 cucumber, thinly sliced
• 1/2 cup chopped green onions
• Sesame seeds, for garnish

Equipment

• Mixing bowls
• Whisk
• Large pot or deep fryer
• Slotted spoon
• Wire rack
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Cutting board
• Knife
• Refrigerator

Method

 

1. Place the chicken cubes in a bowl and pour the buttermilk over them. Cover and marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, cornstarch, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
3. Remove the chicken from the buttermilk and dredge each piece in the flour mixture, ensuring it’s completely coated.
4. Pour about 2-3 inches of vegetable oil into a large pot or deep fryer. Heat the oil to 350°F (175°C).
5. Carefully add the chicken to the hot oil in batches, making sure not to overcrowd the pot. Fry for about 4-5 minutes per batch, or until golden brown and cooked through.
6. Use a slotted spoon to remove the chicken from the oil and place it on a wire rack to drain any excess oil.
7. In a medium bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, honey, rice vinegar, and garlic powder. Adjust seasonings to taste.
8. Divide the cooked rice among four bowls.
9. Top with the crispy fried chicken, shredded carrots, shredded cabbage, sliced cucumber, and chopped green onions.
10. Drizzle generously with the Bang Bang sauce.
11. Sprinkle with sesame seeds for garnish.
12. Serve immediately and enjoy.

Notes

For extra crispy chicken, try double dredging. The Bang Bang sauce can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to a week. Adjust the spice level of the sauce to your liking. Experiment with different bases like quinoa or noodles and various veggies like bell peppers or broccoli. Consider adding a squeeze of lime or lemon juice to brighten the sauce.