Bang Bang Chicken Bowl: A Flavor Explosion

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Bang Bang Chicken Bowl is a quick and easy dish with a delightful mix of flavors. The crispy chicken, drizzled with a creamy and spicy sauce, creates a perfect balance of crunchy, savory, and tangy notes. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced cook, this recipe is simple to follow, doesn’t require special equipment, and delivers restaurant-quality results every time.

Perfect for meal prepping, it’s a versatile dish that can be enjoyed with rice, noodles, or vegetables. Plus, it’s customizable, so feel free to adjust the level of spice to suit your taste.

Ingredients

• 2 chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces

• 1 cup cornstarch

• 1 teaspoon garlic powder

• 1 teaspoon paprika

• ½ teaspoon salt

• ½ teaspoon black pepper

• 1 egg, beaten

• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs

• Vegetable oil, for frying

For the sauce:

• ¼ cup mayonnaise

• 2 tablespoons sweet chili sauce

• 1 tablespoon sriracha (adjust to desired spice level)

• 1 teaspoon rice vinegar

• ½ teaspoon sesame oil

(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Start by preparing the chicken. In a shallow bowl, mix the cornstarch, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.

2. In a separate bowl, beat the egg. In another shallow dish, place the panko breadcrumbs.

3. Dip each piece of chicken into the cornstarch mixture, ensuring it's well-coated. Then, dip it into the beaten egg, followed by the panko breadcrumbs. Make sure each piece is evenly coated.

4. Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, fry the chicken pieces in batches until golden and crispy, about 3-4 minutes per side. Transfer the cooked chicken to a paper towel-lined plate to drain.

5. While the chicken is frying, prepare the sauce. In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, rice vinegar, and sesame oil until smooth.

6. Once the chicken is ready, place it in a large bowl. Pour the sauce over the chicken and toss until evenly coated.

7. Serve the Bang Bang chicken over rice or noodles and garnish with green onions or sesame seeds if desired. Enjoy!

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 4

• Prep Time: 15 minutes

• Cook Time: 20 minutes

• Total Time: 35 minutes

Variations

• Vegetarian Version: Use tofu instead of chicken for a plant-based alternative. Follow the same breading and frying instructions.

• Spicy Adjustment: If you want the dish spicier, increase the amount of sriracha or add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the sauce.

• Sauce Customization: If you prefer a tangier sauce, add a little extra rice vinegar or substitute lime juice for a citrusy twist.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days.

• Reheating: Reheat the chicken in the oven at 350°F for 10-12 minutes to maintain its crispiness. Alternatively, you can reheat in a skillet over medium heat for a few minutes.

FAQs

1. Can I use boneless, skinless thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Yes, boneless, skinless chicken thighs would work great in this recipe. They tend to be more flavorful and juicy.

2. Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the chicken and sauce separately ahead of time. When you're ready to serve, just toss the chicken in the sauce and serve over your preferred base.

3. Can I bake the chicken instead of frying it?

Yes, you can bake the breaded chicken at 400°F for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through, for a healthier alternative to frying.

4. Can I use store-bought sauce instead of making my own?

Absolutely! You can buy ready-made Bang Bang sauce or use a mix of sweet chili sauce and mayonnaise as a shortcut.

5. How can I make this recipe gluten-free?

To make the recipe gluten-free, swap the panko breadcrumbs for gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers.

6. How spicy is this recipe?

The recipe has a moderate level of heat due to the sriracha. If you're sensitive to spice, reduce the amount of sriracha or omit it entirely.

7. Can I make this recipe without mayonnaise?

Yes, you can substitute mayonnaise with Greek yogurt for a lighter version or use vegan mayo for a plant-based alternative.

8. How do I make the sauce thicker?

If you prefer a thicker sauce, add a little extra mayonnaise or reduce the sauce in a small saucepan over low heat.

9. Can I use a different type of oil for frying?

Yes, you can use any neutral oil like canola, sunflower, or peanut oil for frying the chicken.

10. What can I serve this dish with?

This dish pairs well with steamed rice, sautéed vegetables, or a fresh cucumber salad for a complete meal.

Conclusion

The Bang Bang Chicken Bowl is a simple yet delicious dish that brings bold flavors to your dinner table. With its crispy chicken, creamy sauce, and customizable spice levels, this recipe is perfect for beginner cooks who want to impress with minimal effort. Enjoy this flavorful dish as a weeknight dinner or meal prep option!