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

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  • Author: Julie
  • Total Time: 45 minutes

Description

Crispy, golden-brown chicken tossed in a creamy, spicy sauce that’s both tangy and sweet—this Bang Bang Chicken Bowl is a true crowd-pleaser! Paired with fresh vegetables, rice, and a drizzle of extra sauce, this dish offers an irresistible combination of textures and flavors. It’s a quick and satisfying meal with a kick of heat and a hint of sweetness.

Ingredients

Scale

For the 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.

For the 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.

Instructions

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.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes

Nutrition

  • Calories: 480 kcal
  • Fat: 20g
  • Carbohydrates: 35g
  • Protein: 40g

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Find it online: https://foodmacronutrient.com/bang-bang-chicken-bowl-a-flavor-packed-healthy-meal-youll-love/