Bang Bang Chicken Bowl is a delightful dish that promises to please your family’s taste buds while being simple enough for a busy weeknight. Featuring tender, crispy chicken nestled on a bed of fragrant jasmine rice, this meal is topped off with fresh veggies and a creamy spicy mayo sauce that packs a punch. It’s the perfect way to bring a little excitement to your dinner table, whether you’re serving up a feast for the family or looking for a comforting meal on a lazy Sunday. Let’s dive into what makes this dish so special!
Why You’ll Love This Dish
This Bang Bang Chicken Bowl is truly a family favorite for several reasons. First off, it’s quick to whip up and can easily fit into any weeknight routine. With a moderate prep time and simple ingredients, you can have dinner on the table in no time. Plus, it’s budget-friendly! The ingredients are pantry staples, and you may even have most of them already—saving you a trip to the grocery store.
Just picture this: a comforting bowl filled with fluffy jasmine rice, succulent chicken coated in a crunchy cornstarch crust, and colorful veggies adding a fresh crunch. Your kids will be asking for seconds, and you might just find yourself with a new go-to recipe!
“Not only is this Bang Bang Chicken Bowl a hit with my kids, but it’s also become my favorite go-to recipe for last-minute dinners!” – A happy reader
Preparing Bang Bang Chicken Bowl
Making this delightful bowl combines crispy chicken, fresh vegetables, and a spicy mayo sauce that brings everything together beautifully. Here’s what you’ll need to gather for this scrumptious meal.
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What You’ll Need
- 2 cups cooked jasmine rice
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts (cut into bite-sized pieces)
- 1/2 cup cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil for frying
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons sweet chili sauce
- 1 tablespoon sriracha (adjust to taste)
- 1 cup shredded lettuce
- 1 cup diced cucumber
- 1/2 cup shredded carrots
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions
- Sesame seeds for garnish (optional)
If you’re looking for a substitute, try using any other cooked rice you have on hand, or swap the chicken for tofu for a vegetarian twist!
Directions to Follow
- In a large bowl, combine the cornstarch, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. Toss the chicken pieces in the mixture until well coated.
- Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the coated chicken pieces in a single layer. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from heat and set aside.
- In a small bowl, mix together the mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, and sriracha until smooth. Adjust the sriracha to your desired spice level.
- To assemble the bowls, start with a base of jasmine rice. Top with the cooked chicken, shredded lettuce, diced cucumber, shredded carrots, and green onions.
- Drizzle the spicy mayo sauce over the top and sprinkle with sesame seeds if desired. Serve immediately.
These straightforward steps will lead you to a hearty meal that’s both tasty and visually appealing!
Best Ways to Enjoy It
Let your creativity flow when it comes to serving your Bang Bang Chicken Bowl. Pair it with crispy spring rolls or a simple cucumber salad for a refreshing finish. You can even add a sprinkle of cilantro or some avocado slices for a unique twist. The possibilities are endless, and you’ll find yourself making this dish time and time again!
How to Store
If you’re fortunate enough to have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They can last about three days. When you’re ready to eat, just reheat in the microwave until thoroughly heated. If you want to save it for longer, this dish freezes beautifully—just keep in mind that the texture of the veggies may change once thawed.
Helpful Cooking Tips
- For the crispiest chicken, make sure the oil is hot before adding your chicken pieces.
- Try marinating the chicken in the mayo sauce for an extra layer of flavor before cooking.
- If you’d prefer a lighter meal, consider baking the chicken instead of frying it.
Recipe Variations
Feel free to get adventurous with your Bang Bang Chicken Bowl! Swap in different proteins like shrimp or pork, or add your favorite veggies like bell peppers or snap peas. Want to lighten things up? Use Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise for the sauce.
Common Questions
How long does it take to prepare this dish?
Prep time is around 15 minutes, and cooking time is about 10 minutes, making this a great option for a quick weeknight dinner.
Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes! Make sure to use gluten-free sauces and cornstarch in this recipe to keep it gluten-free.
How can I store leftovers?
Keep leftovers in the fridge for up to three days in an airtight container. Reheat thoroughly before enjoying again!
There you have it! A scrumptious Bang Bang Chicken Bowl that’s sure to become a family favorite. Enjoy every flavorful, comforting bite!
Print
Bang Bang Chicken Bowl
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: None
Description
A delightful dish featuring crispy chicken on a bed of jasmine rice, topped with fresh veggies and a creamy spicy mayo sauce.
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked jasmine rice
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts (cut into bite-sized pieces)
- 1/2 cup cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil for frying
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons sweet chili sauce
- 1 tablespoon sriracha (adjust to taste)
- 1 cup shredded lettuce
- 1 cup diced cucumber
- 1/2 cup shredded carrots
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions
- Sesame seeds for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine the cornstarch, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. Toss the chicken pieces in the mixture until well coated.
- Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the coated chicken pieces in a single layer. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from heat and set aside.
- In a small bowl, mix together the mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, and sriracha until smooth. Adjust the sriracha to your desired spice level.
- To assemble the bowls, start with a base of jasmine rice. Top with the cooked chicken, shredded lettuce, diced cucumber, shredded carrots, and green onions.
- Drizzle the spicy mayo sauce over the top and sprinkle with sesame seeds if desired. Serve immediately.
Notes
For the crispiest chicken, ensure the oil is hot before adding the chicken pieces. You can marinate the chicken in the mayo sauce for extra flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Asian