Bang Bang Chicken Bowl: A Flavor-Packed, Healthy Meal You’ll Love

Introduction

If you’re looking for a meal that combines bold flavors, a variety of textures, and a healthy dose of nutrition, then Bang Bang Chicken Bowl is the dish for you. This vibrant, Asian-inspired bowl brings together tender, crispy chicken, a zesty and spicy sauce, and an array of fresh, crunchy vegetables, all served over a bed of rice or greens. It’s a one-bowl meal that’s both satisfying and packed with flavor.

The dish is named after its signature “Bang Bang” sauce—a creamy, tangy, and slightly spicy concoction that coats the chicken in a perfect balance of heat and sweetness. The addition of crisp vegetables, healthy grains like quinoa or rice, and fresh herbs makes this bowl a well-rounded, customizable meal that can be adjusted to suit different dietary preferences.

Whether you’re making it for a quick dinner, meal prep, or serving it for a family gathering, the Bang Bang Chicken Bowl is sure to become a favorite. In this article, we’ll explore why this dish is so popular, walk you through the ingredients and steps to make it at home, and share tips and variations to help you customize the recipe to your liking.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Packed with Flavor: The creamy and spicy Bang Bang sauce gives the chicken a unique, irresistible flavor that’s both tangy and sweet, with a hint of heat.
• Balanced Meal: With crispy chicken, crunchy vegetables, and a base of rice or quinoa, this bowl offers a satisfying balance of protein, fiber, and healthy fats.
• Customizable: From the choice of chicken to the type of grains or greens, this dish can be easily adapted to meet your personal tastes or dietary preferences.
• Healthy and Wholesome: The fresh vegetables, lean chicken, and whole grains make this dish both delicious and nutritious, perfect for those seeking a wholesome meal.
• Easy to Make: Despite its impressive flavor profile, this dish is straightforward to prepare, making it a great choice for both beginners and experienced cooks alike.

Preparation Time and Servings

• Total Time: 45 minutes (20 minutes for prep, 25 minutes for cooking)
• Servings: This recipe makes about 4 servings, depending on portion size.
• Nutrition Facts (per serving): Calories: 480, Protein: 40g, Carbs: 35g, Fat: 20g.

Ingredients

For Bang Bang Chicken:

• 1 lb chicken breast or thighs: Boneless, skinless chicken is ideal for this recipe. Chicken breast will yield a leaner result, while thighs are juicier and more flavorful.
• 1/2 cup cornstarch: This helps to coat the chicken and gives it that crispy texture when fried.
• 1/2 teaspoon salt: For seasoning the chicken.
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: To taste.
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder: For a mild, aromatic flavor.
• 1/4 teaspoon paprika: Adds color and a slight smokiness to the chicken.
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil: For frying the chicken, or you can use a healthier oil like avocado oil.

Bang Bang Sauce:

• 1/4 cup mayonnaise: The creamy base for the sauce. Use regular mayonnaise or a lighter version, depending on your preference.
• 2 tablespoons sweet chili sauce: This brings the sweetness and mild heat to the sauce.
• 1 tablespoon sriracha: Adds a spicy kick to balance the sweetness of the chili sauce.
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar: For acidity to balance out the creamy mayonnaise.
• 1 teaspoon honey: To add a touch of sweetness to complement the spicy and tangy flavors.

For the Bowl Base:

• 2 cups cooked rice (white, brown, or jasmine): The rice serves as the base for the bowl. You can also use quinoa, cauliflower rice, or a salad base if you prefer.
• 2 cups mixed greens (e.g., spinach, arugula, or lettuce): For extra freshness and crunch, and to add some greens to the dish.
• 1 cucumber: Sliced thinly. The cucumber adds a refreshing crunch to the bowl.
• 1 carrot: Julienne or thinly sliced. Carrots provide color, sweetness, and a bit of crunch.
• 1/2 red bell pepper: Thinly sliced. The bell pepper adds color and a mild sweetness.
• 1/4 cup green onions: Chopped, for a fresh, aromatic flavor.
• 1 tablespoon sesame seeds: For garnish and a little added crunch.
• Fresh cilantro: Optional, for garnish and a burst of herbal flavor.

First Step: PREPARE THE CHICKEN

1. Season the Chicken: Begin by cutting the chicken into bite-sized pieces. Season the chicken pieces with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and paprika, ensuring all sides are evenly coated.
2. Coat with Cornstarch: In a shallow bowl, add the cornstarch. Dredge each piece of seasoned chicken in the cornstarch, making sure each piece is fully coated. This will create the crispy exterior once fried.
3. Fry the Chicken: Heat the vegetable oil in a large pan over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the chicken pieces in a single layer. Cook the chicken for about 3-4 minutes per side, or until golden brown and crispy. You may need to cook the chicken in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan. Once cooked, transfer the chicken to a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.

Second Step: MAKE THE BANG BANG SAUCE

1. Combine Ingredients: In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, rice vinegar, and honey until smooth. Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed by adding more sriracha for heat or more honey for sweetness.
2. Toss the Chicken: Once the chicken has cooled slightly, transfer it to a large mixing bowl. Pour the Bang Bang sauce over the chicken and toss gently to coat each piece evenly. Be careful not to break the crispy coating on the chicken.

Third Step: PREPARE THE BOWL BASE

1. Cook the Rice: If you haven’t already prepared the rice, cook it according to package instructions. You can use white rice, brown rice, or jasmine rice, depending on your preference. For a low-carb option, use cauliflower rice or quinoa.
2. Prepare the Vegetables: While the chicken is cooking, prepare the vegetables. Slice the cucumber, julienne the carrot, and thinly slice the bell pepper. Chop the green onions and cilantro, and set all of these aside.
3. Assemble the Bowl: To assemble the bowls, start by placing a portion of rice or quinoa at the bottom of each bowl. Add a handful of mixed greens on top of the rice.

Fourth Step: ASSEMBLE AND SERVE

1. Add the Chicken: Spoon the Bang Bang chicken on top of the rice and greens, making sure to distribute it evenly.
2. Top with Vegetables: Arrange the sliced cucumber, carrot, red bell pepper, and green onions on top of the chicken in each bowl. This creates a colorful and visually appealing dish.
3. Garnish: Sprinkle sesame seeds and fresh cilantro on top for extra flavor and garnish. If you like extra heat, you can drizzle more sriracha on top or add a dash of chili flakes.
4. Serve: Serve the Bang Bang Chicken Bowls immediately while the chicken is warm. Enjoy the crispy, spicy, and creamy contrast with the fresh vegetables and tender rice.

How to Serve Bang Bang Chicken Bowl

The Bang Bang Chicken Bowl is a versatile dish that can be served in a variety of ways, and it’s easy to adapt depending on your preferences. Here are some great serving ideas:

1. Meal Prep

These bowls are perfect for meal prep. Make a big batch of the Bang Bang chicken and the rice, and store them in individual containers. Assemble the bowls with fresh vegetables each day to keep the dish vibrant and fresh. The Bang Bang sauce can also be made in advance and stored in the fridge for several days.

2. Serve as a Main Dish

The Bang Bang Chicken Bowl is hearty enough to be served as a main dish for lunch or dinner. Its balance of protein, healthy fats, and carbs makes it a filling, well-rounded meal.

3. Add Extra Protein

For those looking for an extra protein boost, you can add a hard-boiled egg or even tofu to the bowl for added texture and flavor.

4. Serve with a Side of Dumplings or Spring Rolls

If you’re serving the Bang Bang Chicken Bowl as part of a larger meal, pair it with some Asian-inspired sides like dumplings or spring rolls. The crispy, savory side dishes complement the flavors of the chicken and sauce.

Recipe Variations

While the Bang Bang Chicken Bowl is delicious as written, there are plenty of ways to customize it to suit your tastes or dietary needs:

1. Use Different Proteins

If you prefer, you can substitute the chicken with shrimp, tofu, or even grilled beef. These alternatives will provide different textures and flavors while still pairing well with the Bang Bang sauce.

2. Make it Gluten-Free

To make this dish gluten-free, ensure that your cornstarch is gluten-free and choose gluten-free rice or quinoa. You can also make your own gluten-free sweet chili sauce if needed.

3. Add More Vegetables

Feel free to load up your bowl with even more vegetables such as edamame, cabbage, or avocado. The additional greens and veggies will enhance the flavor and nutritional value of the dish.

4. Spice it Up

If you like more heat, increase the amount of sriracha in the sauce or sprinkle chili flakes on top. You can also serve the dish with extra hot sauce on the side for those who enjoy a spicier kick.

Tips for Perfect Bang Bang Chicken Bowls

1. Don’t Skip the Cornstarch: Coating the chicken in cornstarch before frying is key to achieving that crispy, crunchy exterior. Don’t be afraid to give the chicken a nice, even coating.
2. Balance the Sauce: Taste the Bang Bang sauce as you make it. If it’s too sweet, add a bit more sriracha or vinegar; if it’s too spicy, add more mayonnaise or honey to tone it down.
3. Use Fresh Vegetables: Fresh, crunchy vegetables are essential to balance the crispy chicken and creamy sauce. The crunch adds texture and freshness to the dish, so don’t skimp on the veggies.
4. Keep the Chicken Crispy: If you’re making the chicken ahead of time, you can store the crispy chicken separately and assemble the bowls just before serving. This keeps the chicken crispy rather than soggy.

Print

Conclusion

Bang Bang Chicken Bowl is a flavor-packed, satisfying dish that brings together crispy chicken, creamy, spicy sauce, and fresh vegetables in one delicious bowl. It’s perfect for meal prep, quick dinners, or when you want to treat yourself to something special. Whether you stick with the classic chicken or experiment with other proteins, this dish is a winner every time. Try it today, and enjoy the irresistible combination of creamy, crunchy, and spicy in every bite!