Bang Bang Chicken Bowl Delight

The Bang Bang Chicken Bowl is a lively and satisfying meal that transforms simple ingredients into a bold layered dish. Crispy pieces of chicken are served over a bed of rice with crisp fresh veggies and finished with a creamy spicy drizzle. It has become my go-to dinner when I want something quick but impressive that everyone at the table enjoys.

When I first whipped this up to use up leftovers the whole family raved and now it is our favorite Friday night tradition

Ingredients

• Chicken breast: brings lean protein and absorbs the flavorful sauce well Look for fresh plump meat for juiciest results
• All-purpose flour: helps set the crispy coating Make sure it is fresh and lump free
• Eggs: bind the breading to the chicken Use large eggs for best coverage
• Panko breadcrumbs: create extra crunch Japanese panko gives lighter crispier results than regular breadcrumbs
• Mayonnaise: forms a creamy base for the sauce Full-fat mayo tastes richest
• Sweet chili sauce: adds sweet heat Choose one with visible chili flakes for best flavor
• Sriracha sauce: brings clean spicy kick Start with less if you are sensitive to heat
• Cooked rice: makes a hearty base Use jasmine or basmati for fragrant texture
• Shredded lettuce, sliced cucumbers, shredded carrots: deliver crunch and fresh contrast Check for crisp ripe vegetables
• Salt and pepper: essential for seasoning Adjust to taste
• Oil for frying: neutral oils like canola or vegetable work well Use fresh oil for highest crunch

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prep the Chicken:

Pat the chicken pieces dry with paper towels then season evenly with salt and pepper to ensure every bite is tasty

Coat the Chicken:

Create a breading station with three bowls one with flour one with beaten eggs and one with panko Roll each chicken piece in flour shake off excess dip in egg and fully coat in panko pressing gently so crumbs stick

Fry the Chicken:

Pour enough oil to cover the bottom of a large skillet and heat over medium When a breadcrumb sizzles gently add breaded chicken pieces in a single layer Fry for about four minutes per side until deep golden and cooked through Drain on a plate lined with paper towels

Make the Bang Bang Sauce:

Combine mayonnaise sweet chili sauce and sriracha in a bowl Whisk until silky and well blended Taste it and adjust for heat or sweetness

Assemble the Bowls:

Spoon warm cooked rice into each bowl Arrange chopped lettuce cucumbers and carrots on top Gently lay crispy chicken pieces over the veggies

Drizzle and Serve:

Generously spoon bang bang sauce over the hot chicken Serve right away so the crunch remains perfect

Save This

My favorite part is the bang bang sauce because it turns simple crispy chicken into something totally craveworthy Every time I make this with my daughter we compete over who can drizzle the best saucy design on top and it always gets everyone smiling

Storage Tips

Store each component separately in airtight containers in the fridge The fried chicken is best reheated in a toaster oven or air fryer so it stays crisp The sauce keeps for a few days and is great as a dip for veggies too

Ingredient Substitutions

Try boneless thighs for juicier chicken or swap panko with gluten-free breadcrumbs if needed Greek yogurt can replace half the mayo for a tangier lighter sauce For vegetarian bowls use crispy tofu

Serving Suggestions

I love this bowl on its own but you can add sliced avocado chopped peanuts or a handful of cilantro for extra layers of flavor Serve with lime wedges for a fresh pop

Kitchen Story

Bang Bang Chicken has roots in Chinese street food often served with a fiery sesame sauce This bowl style is my weeknight spin for busy families using supermarket staples but never sacrificing on flavor or crunch

Common Queries

→ How do you achieve extra-crispy chicken pieces?

Use panko breadcrumbs for coating and fry the chicken at medium heat to ensure a crunch without burning. Drain fried pieces on paper towels to remove excess oil for the best texture.

→ Can the chicken be baked instead of fried?

Yes, for a lighter version, coat the chicken as described, then bake on a wire rack at 425°F (220°C) until golden and cooked through.

→ What vegetables work best with this bowl?

Lettuce, cucumbers, and carrots provide freshness and crunch, but you can add bell peppers, avocado, or even snap peas for added variety and flavor.

→ How spicy is the sauce, and can I adjust it?

The bang bang sauce has a mild to moderate heat from sriracha. Adjust the spice by adding more or less sriracha to taste. Sweet chili sauce also adds tangy sweetness to balance the heat.

→ What is the best way to serve these bowls?

Layer rice on the bottom, then add fresh veggies and crispy chicken on top. Drizzle with sauce just before serving to keep the chicken’s crunch and flavor vibrant.

→ Is this dish suitable for meal prep?

You can prepare the components ahead, but keep the chicken and sauce separate until serving to maintain texture and freshness.