Bang Bang Chicken Bowl is a fresh and flavorful meal that brings together crispy chicken, crunchy veggies, and a creamy, spicy sauce all in one bowl. The star here is the bang bang sauce—a mix of sweet, spicy, and tangy flavors that gets everyone excited at the dinner table. Add some rice or greens, and you’ve got a meal that’s both satisfying and bright.
I love making this dish when I want something that feels like a treat but still comes together pretty quickly. The chicken has just the right amount of crispiness to it, and the sauce ties everything together with a little kick that’s never too much. I usually make extra sauce because I just can’t resist drizzling it on everything!
One of my favorite ways to serve this bowl is with a handful of crunchy carrots and cucumbers on top for some extra freshness. It’s great for lunch or dinner and always makes me feel like I’ve got something special without spending all day in the kitchen. Plus, it’s a big hit with friends and family who love a bit of spice but want something easy to eat in one bowl.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: Chicken thighs are my favorite for this bowl because they stay juicy and tender. Breast works too if you want leaner meat. Just watch cooking time as breasts cook a bit faster.
Flour or Cornstarch: I often use cornstarch for coating because it makes the chicken extra crispy. If you don’t have cornstarch, all-purpose flour is a great stand-in.
Bang Bang Sauce: The combo of mayo, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, honey, and vinegar creates that creamy, spicy flavor. You can swap mayo for vegan mayo or Greek yogurt for a lighter sauce.
Veggies: Cabbage, carrots, and cucumber add fresh crunch. If you want, swap any of these with snap peas, bell peppers, or avocado to vary texture and flavor.
How Do I Get the Chicken Really Crispy and Juicy?
Making sure the chicken is crispy on the outside and juicy inside is key. Here’s how I do it:
- Slice chicken into even pieces so they cook at the same rate.
- Double coat the pieces: flour/cornstarch, egg, then flour/cornstarch again. This creates that crunchy crust.
- Use medium-high heat in a skillet with enough oil to cover the bottom. Don’t overcrowd the pan — fry in batches if needed.
- Cook chicken for about 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Avoid flipping too often.
- Drain on paper towels to remove excess oil and keep crispiness.
Following these tips helped me get that perfect crunch every time while keeping the meat juicy and tender.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Large skillet or frying pan – I use this to get the chicken crispy and cooked evenly.
- Knife and cutting board – for slicing chicken and veggies easily.
- Bowls – small ones for beat eggs and coating ingredients, plus a larger one for mixing the sauce.
- Paper towels – to drain the fried chicken so it stays crispy.
- Measuring spoons and cups – for ingredients like sriracha, honey, and rice vinegar.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Use chicken breasts instead of thighs for a leaner option. Just watch for less juiciness.
- Add sliced bell peppers or snap peas for extra crunch and color.
- Swap mayo for Greek yogurt or vegan mayo in the sauce for a lighter version.
- Mix in chopped fresh herbs like cilantro or basil for a fresh, bright flavor.
Bang Bang Chicken Bowl
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken:
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
- 1 cup all-purpose flour or cornstarch
- 2 large eggs
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil (for frying)
For the Bowl:
- 2 cups cooked white rice (short grain sushi rice preferred)
- 1 cup shredded red cabbage
- 1 cup shredded green cabbage or lettuce
- 1 cup shredded carrots
- 1 cucumber, thinly sliced
- 3 green onions, chopped (for garnish)
For the Bang Bang Sauce:
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 2-3 tbsp sweet chili sauce
- 1-2 tsp sriracha (adjust to heat preference)
- 1 tsp honey or sugar
- 1 tsp rice vinegar or lime juice
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 20 minutes to prepare and cook. You’ll spend about 10 minutes slicing and coating the chicken, 8-10 minutes frying it, then just a few minutes putting together the bowls and sauce. It’s a quick and satisfying meal that’s perfect for weeknights!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Chicken:
Slice the chicken into bite-sized pieces. Sprinkle lightly with salt and pepper to season.
2. Coat the Chicken:
Set up two bowls—one with flour or cornstarch, and one with beaten eggs. Dip each piece of chicken first into the flour or cornstarch to coat, then into the egg, and then back into the flour or cornstarch again for a nice crispy coating.
3. Cook the Chicken:
Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Carefully fry the chicken pieces for about 3-4 minutes on each side, or until they turn golden brown and are cooked through. Transfer the chicken to paper towels to drain any excess oil.
4. Make the Bang Bang Sauce:
In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, honey, and rice vinegar until smooth. Taste and add more sriracha if you want extra heat.
5. Assemble the Bowl:
Start with a base of cooked white rice in your serving bowls. Arrange shredded green cabbage, shredded carrots, shredded red cabbage, and cucumber slices around the edges.
6. Add the Chicken:
Place the crispy fried chicken pieces in the center of each bowl over the rice.
7. Drizzle the Sauce:
Generously drizzle the bang bang sauce over the chicken and veggies.
8. Garnish and Serve:
Sprinkle chopped green onions on top for a fresh pop of color and flavor. Serve your Bang Bang Chicken Bowl right away and enjoy this crispy, creamy, and slightly spicy dish!
Can I Use Frozen Chicken for This Recipe?
Yes! Just be sure to fully thaw the chicken in the fridge overnight and pat it dry before slicing and coating. This helps achieve a crispy coating and even cooking.
Can I Make the Bang Bang Sauce Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! The sauce can be prepared up to 2 days in advance and stored in an airtight container in the fridge. Give it a quick stir before drizzling over your bowl.
How Should I Store Leftover Bang Bang Chicken Bowls?
Store leftovers in separate airtight containers for best texture—the chicken, rice, and veggies. Keep the sauce aside and drizzle fresh before reheating. Reheat chicken gently in the oven or skillet to maintain crispiness.
Can I Substitute the Rice for Something Else?
Definitely! Cauliflower rice, quinoa, or mixed greens are great low-carb or gluten-free alternatives that work well as a base for this bowl.
