Bang Bang Chicken Bowl

It’s funny isn’t it how food brings back memories and one weekend we decided to go on a little family trip so we packed up the car and headed to the countryside and while we were driving my kids kept asking when we would eat and honestly I was a bit stressed because I had promised them something special and when we finally stopped I realized I had forgotten one ingredient in the recipe which was frustrating but also funny and we all laughed about it

Have you ever tried making something new while on holiday and the first try doesn’t go as planned well that was me with this recipe because the first time I tried it I burnt it typical me and I thought maybe we would just eat sandwiches but then I tried again and surprisingly it turned out amazing and my kids couldn’t stop asking for more and I felt proud even though it wasn’t perfect?

It’s super important to remember that cooking isn’t about perfection and sometimes mistakes make the experience more fun and memorable so as we were sitting there under the trees eating our meal I realized that the imperfections actually made it taste better and we talked about little funny moments like who spilled the sauce first and who forgot to wash their hands and it made the whole trip feel warmer and more connected

Have you ever had a recipe that surprised you in a good way, or maybe a family trip where food became the highlight? Well, this is exactly that moment for me, and if you try it too,o you might have your own funny or unexpected stories to share

What Is It, Bang Bang Chicken Bowl?

The Bang Bang Chicken Bowl is a colorful, flavorful, and fun meal that combines crispy chicken, fresh vegetables, and a creamy, slightly spicy sauce all in one bowl. This dish is inspired by the popular Bang Bang Chicken recipe, which is famous for its sweet, tangy, and spicy sauce that everyone loves. The chicken is usually coated and baked or air-fried until golden and crispy, then drizzled with a creamy Bang Bang sauce that makes every bite irresistible. It’s a versatile dish that can be served for lunch, dinner, or even as a hearty snack.

What to Eat with Bang Bang Chicken Bowl?

The Bang Bang Chicken Bowl is delicious on its own, but you can pair it with some side dishes to make it a full meal. Serve it with a side of steamed rice, quinoa, or even noodles for a more filling bowl. Fresh vegetables like cucumber slices, shredded carrots, or avocado make the bowl even more colorful and nutritious. You can also add a simple green salad with a light vinaigrette to balance out the spicy sauce. For a fun twist, serve it with tortilla chips or crispy wonton strips for extra crunch.

Ingredients For Bang Bang Chicken Bowl:

For the Chicken:

• 2 chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 2 eggs, beaten
• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs

For the Bang Bang Sauce:

• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 1/4 cup sweet chili sauce
• 1 tablespoon sriracha sauce (adjust to taste)
• 1 teaspoon honey or sugar

For the Bowl:

• 2 cups cooked rice (white, brown, or jasmine)
• 1 cup shredded lettuce or cabbage
• 1/2 cup shredded carrots
• 1/2 cup cucumber slices
• 1/4 cup chopped green onions
• Sesame seeds for garnish

Kitchen Equipment Needed

• Cutting board
• Sharp knife
• Mixing bowls
• Whisk or fork
• Baking sheet or air fryer basket
• Parchment paper (optional)
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Spoon for drizzling sauce
• Tongs or fork

How To Make Bang Bang Chicken Bowl?

1. Prepare the chicken: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) or set your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Cut the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces, in one bowl, mix flour, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. In another bowl, beat the eggs. Place panko breadcrumbs in a third bowl.
2. Coat the chicken: Dip each chicken piece into the flour mixture first, then into the beaten eggs, and finally coat it with panko breadcrumbs. Make sure each piece is fully covered so it becomes crispy when cooked.
3. Cook the chicken: Place the coated chicken pieces on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or directly in the air fryer basket. Bake for 15–20 minutes or air fry for 12–15 minutes until golden and fully cooked, flipping halfway through for even crispiness.
4. Make the Bang Bang sauce: In a small bowl, combine mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, and honey. Mix until smooth. Taste and adjust the spice level according to your preference.
5. Assemble the bowl: Place a layer of cooked rice at the bottom of each serving bowl. Add shredded lettuce or cabbage on top of the rice, followed by carrots and cucumber slices. Place the crispy chicken pieces over the vegetables. Drizzle generously with Bang Bang sauce and sprinkle sesame seeds and green onions for garnish.
6. Serve immediately: Serve your Bang Bang Chicken Bowl warm. You can also squeeze a little lime juice over the top for extra freshness.

How to Store Leftovers?

If you have leftover Bang Bang Chicken Bowl, store the chicken separately from the rice and vegetables in airtight containers. Keep the sauce in a small container in the fridge. The chicken will stay crispy for up to 2 days, and the sauce can last up to a week. Reheat the chicken in the oven or air fryer to maintain crispiness before serving.

FAQ

What is the best chicken to use for this recipe?

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts work best, but you can also use chicken thighs for a juicier texture.

Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Yes! Replace the chicken with tofu or cauliflower for a vegetarian version.

How spicy is the Bang Bang sauce?

The sauce has a mild to medium heat. You can adjust it by adding more or less sriracha depending on your taste.

Can I bake the chicken instead of air frying?

Absolutely! Baking at 400°F (200°C) for 15–20 minutes gives a crispy result similar to air frying.

Can I freeze the cooked chicken?

Yes, cooked chicken can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw and reheat before adding to the bowl.

What can I use instead of rice?

Quinoa, noodles, or cauliflower rice are great alternatives.

Can I make the sauce ahead of time?

Yes, the Bang Bang sauce can be made a day in advance and stored in the fridge in an airtight container.

How do I make the chicken extra crispy?

Double-coat the chicken by repeating the egg and breadcrumb step. Baking or air frying without overcrowding the pan also helps maintain crispiness.

Conclusion.

The Bang Bang Chicken Bowl is a fun, colorful, and tasty meal that kids and adults alike will enjoy. It’s easy to make, versatile, and full of flavor. You can serve it with rice, vegetables, or even noodles to create a complete meal. Don’t forget to save any leftovers properly so you can enjoy them the next day. If you loved this recipe, share it with your friends and family, and make sure to subscribe to our blog for more delicious recipes and cooking tips.