Bang Bang Chicken Bowl ; Easy, Quick & Ready in 20 Minutes!

Looking for a dinner that's both satisfying and simple? This Bang Bang Chicken Bowl delivers restaurant-quality flavors right in your kitchen without the hassle. The combination of crispy chicken, creamy spicy sauce, and fresh vegetables creates a meal that hits every craving ; sweet, spicy, and absolutely delicious.

What makes this Bang Bang Chicken Bowl recipe special is how it transforms ordinary ingredients into something extraordinary. With just 20 minutes of prep time, you'll have a complete meal that's perfect for busy weeknights, meal prep, or when you want to impress without the stress. This Bang Bang Chicken Bowl brings together the best of Asian-inspired flavors in one convenient, nutritious bowl that everyone will love.

Homemade Bang Bang Chicken Bowl with crispy chicken, rice, and fresh vegetables on a white kitchen counter.

Why This Bang Bang Chicken Bowl Recipe Stands Out

The magic of a great Bang Bang Chicken Bowl lies in achieving the perfect balance of textures and flavors. Unlike other chicken bowl recipes that can be bland or one-dimensional, this version focuses on creating layers of taste that complement each other beautifully. The crispy coating on the chicken provides a satisfying crunch, while the creamy bang bang sauce adds richness and a gentle kick of heat.

What truly sets this Bang Bang Chicken Bowl apart is its versatility and simplicity. You can easily customize it based on your dietary preferences or what you have in your pantry. Whether you're following a low-carb lifestyle, need a quick meal prep option, or want to introduce your family to new flavors, this recipe adapts beautifully. The ingredients are readily available at most grocery stores, and the cooking method ensures consistently delicious results every time you make this Bang Bang Chicken Bowl.

Jump to:

Ingredients
Instructions

Recipe Variations & Substitutions
Equipment Recommendations
Storage & Meal Prep Tips

The Secret to Restaurant-Quality Bang Bang Chicken Bowl
FAQ
More Delicious Bang Bang Recipes

Related
Pairing
Bang Bang Chicken Bowl

Ingredients

For the Crispy Chicken

Boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
All-purpose flour
Cornstarch

Garlic powder
Onion powder
Paprika

Salt and pepper
Eggs, beaten
Vegetable oil for frying

For the Bang Bang Sauce

Mayonnaise
Sweet chili sauce
Sriracha sauce

Rice vinegar
Garlic powder

For the Bowl Assembly

Cooked jasmine rice

Shredded cabbage
Cucumber, sliced
Carrot, julienned

Green onions, chopped
Sesame seeds
Fresh cilantro leaves

Overhead view of homemade Bang Bang Chicken Bowl ingredients laid out casually on a white kitchen counter.

See recipe card for quantities.

Instructions

Prepare the Bang Bang Sauce

In a medium bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, and sriracha until smooth.
Add rice vinegar and garlic powder, mixing until well combined.

Taste and adjust spiciness by adding more sriracha if desired.
Set aside in the refrigerator while preparing the chicken.

Coat and Fry the Chicken

In one bowl, mix flour, cornstarch, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.

Place beaten eggs in another bowl.
Dip each chicken piece in egg, then coat thoroughly in the flour mixture.
Heat oil to 350°F in a deep pan or fryer.

Fry chicken pieces for 3-4 minutes until golden brown and crispy.
Remove and drain on paper towels.

Toss Chicken in Bang Bang Sauce

Place the hot, crispy chicken in a large mixing bowl.

Add half of the bang bang sauce and toss gently to coat.
Reserve the remaining sauce for drizzling over the assembled bowls.

Assemble Your Bang Bang Chicken Bowl

Divide cooked rice between serving bowls.

Top with sauced chicken pieces.
Add fresh vegetables ; shredded cabbage, cucumber slices, and julienned carrots.
Drizzle with remaining bang bang sauce.

Garnish with chopped green onions, sesame seeds, and fresh cilantro.

Expert Cooking Tips

Getting the perfect Bang Bang Chicken Bowl requires attention to a few key details that make all the difference.

Chicken Preparation Tips:

Cut chicken into uniform pieces for even cooking

Pat chicken dry before coating to ensure better adhesion
Don't overcrowd the pan when frying ; cook in batches if necessary
Use a meat thermometer to ensure internal temperature reaches 165°F

Sauce Perfection:

Make the sauce ahead of time for better flavor development
Adjust spice level gradually ; you can always add more but can't take it away
For a thinner consistency, add a tablespoon of water or rice vinegar

Assembly Success:

Serve immediately after assembly to maintain chicken crispiness
Keep sauce on the side if meal prepping to prevent soggy chicken
Toast sesame seeds lightly for enhanced nutty flavor

Recipe Variations & Substitutions

This Bang Bang Chicken Bowl recipe is incredibly adaptable to different dietary needs and preferences.

Protein Alternatives:

Substitute chicken with firm tofu for a vegetarian version
Try shrimp or fish for a seafood twist

Ground turkey works well for a leaner option
Cauliflower florets make an excellent low-carb substitute

Sauce Modifications:

For dairy-free version, use vegan mayonnaise

Reduce sriracha and add honey for a milder, sweeter sauce
Greek yogurt can replace half the mayonnaise for added protein
Add lime juice for extra tang and freshness

Bowl Base Options:

Cauliflower rice for keto-friendly meals
Quinoa for added protein and nutrients
Brown rice for extra fiber

Zucchini noodles for a low-carb alternative

Vegetable Variations:

Bell peppers add crunch and color
Edamame provides extra protein

Broccoli slaw offers more nutrients
Avocado slices add healthy fats

Equipment Recommendations

Creating the perfect Bang Bang Chicken Bowl is easier with the right tools.

Essential Equipment:

Deep frying pan or Dutch oven for consistent oil temperature
Candy thermometer to monitor oil heat accurately
Wire cooling rack for draining fried chicken

Multiple mixing bowls for efficient prep work
Sharp knife for precise vegetable cutting

Budget-Friendly Alternatives:

Use a regular heavy-bottomed pan instead of specialized fryer

Paper towels can substitute for wire cooling racks
A fork works fine for whisking small amounts of sauce
Any medium-sized bowls work for serving

Storage & Meal Prep Tips

Proper storage extends the life of your Bang Bang Chicken Bowl components.

Refrigerator Storage:

Store cooked chicken and sauce separately for up to 3 days
Keep fresh vegetables in airtight containers

Cooked rice stays fresh for 4-5 days when properly stored
Assembled bowls should be consumed within 24 hours for best quality

Freezing Instructions:

Cooked chicken (without sauce) freezes well for up to 3 months

Freeze bang bang sauce in ice cube trays for portion control
Rice can be frozen in individual portions for quick assembly
Avoid freezing assembled bowls as vegetables become soggy

Meal Prep Strategy:

Cook chicken and rice in large batches on weekends
Pre-cut vegetables and store in separate containers
Make sauce in advance and store in squeeze bottles for easy dispensing

Assemble bowls just before eating to maintain freshness

The Secret to Restaurant-Quality Bang Bang Chicken Bowl

The key to achieving that perfect restaurant-style Bang Bang Chicken Bowl lies in two crucial techniques that most home cooks overlook. First, the double-coating method ensures maximum crispiness ; dip the chicken in egg, coat with flour mixture, dip again in egg, and coat once more. This creates an extra-thick, crunchy exterior that holds up beautifully under the creamy sauce.

Second, the temperature control makes all the difference in your Bang Bang Chicken Bowl success. Maintain oil temperature at exactly 350°F throughout cooking, and never skip the resting step after frying. Let the chicken rest on a wire rack for 2-3 minutes before tossing with sauce ; this allows excess oil to drain while keeping the coating crispy. These simple adjustments transform a good bowl into an extraordinary one.

FAQ

What does Bang Bang chicken have in it?

Bang Bang Chicken Bowl typically contains crispy fried chicken pieces coated in a creamy, spicy sauce made from mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, and sriracha. The dish is served over rice with fresh vegetables like cabbage, cucumber, and carrots.

What is bang bang sauce made of?

Bang bang sauce combines mayonnaise as the creamy base with sweet chili sauce for sweetness and sriracha for heat. Rice vinegar adds tang, while garlic powder provides depth. The proportions can be adjusted to suit your preferred spice level in your Bang Bang Chicken Bowl.

How do you make bang bang chicken simply cook?

The simplest method involves coating chicken pieces in seasoned flour, frying until crispy, then tossing with bang bang sauce. Serve over rice with fresh vegetables for a complete Bang Bang Chicken Bowl that's ready in under 30 minutes.

What are the ingredients in Bang Bang seasoning?

While there's no standard "Bang Bang seasoning," the flavor profile typically includes garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper for the chicken coating. The signature taste comes from the creamy, spicy bang bang sauce rather than dry seasonings.

More Delicious Bang Bang Recipes

Now that you've mastered this incredible Bang Bang Chicken Bowl, you're ready to explore more variations of this beloved flavor combination. Each recipe builds on the same principles while offering unique twists that keep your meal rotation exciting.

The beauty of bang bang flavors extends far beyond just bowls, and these additional recipes prove that this sauce combination works wonderfully in different formats. Whether you're planning a party, looking for appetizers, or want to try a different cooking method, these recipes maintain that perfect balance of creamy, sweet, and spicy that makes Bang Bang Chicken Bowl so irresistible. Try the Keto Bang Bang Chicken Recipe for a low-carb option, or fire up the grill for Bang Bang Chicken Skewers Recipe ; both deliver the same amazing flavors you love.

Cooking with love makes every meal special! 🍽️
Lauren Bennett

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Keto Chicken Parmesan Recipe

Pairing

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