The Ultimate Bang Bang Chicken Bowl You’ll Make Again & Again

Ingredients for Bang Bang Chicken Bowl

• Boneless, skinless chicken thighs: The star protein for this Bang Bang Chicken Bowl. Thighs stay juicy and cook up perfectly crispy. Pat them very dry for the best results.
• Cooked white rice: Forms the essential foundation for your delicious bowl. Any medium-grain rice works beautifully here. Cook it perfectly ahead for quick assembly.
• Cornstarch: Key for achieving that irresistible crispy coating on the chicken. It creates an incredible crunch. Don’t skip this for the ultimate texture.
• Large egg: Binds the cornstarch to the chicken, ensuring an even and durable coating. Whisk it well before dipping. This is crucial for adhesion.
• Vegetable oil: Essential for frying the chicken to golden perfection and crispiness. Choose a neutral oil with a high smoke point. Maintain consistent temperature.
• Cucumber: Adds a refreshing, cool crunch that perfectly balances the rich, spicy Bang Bang Chicken. Slice thinly or dice for optimal texture.
• Mayonnaise: The creamy base of our iconic Bang Bang sauce. Use a good quality, full-fat mayo for the best flavor and texture. It’s the foundation!
• Sweet chili sauce: Provides essential sweetness and a mild chili flavor to the sauce. It’s crucial for that classic Bang Bang taste. Adjust to your preference.
• Sriracha: Delivers the perfect spicy kick to elevate the sauce. Adjust the amount to control your desired heat level. A little goes a long way!
• Rice vinegar: Adds a vital touch of tang and brightness, balancing the richness of the sauce. Use unseasoned rice vinegar for best results.
• Honey: Sweetens the sauce naturally and adds a lovely glaze. Adjust to your taste, or use maple syrup as an alternative.
• Salt: An essential seasoning for both the chicken and the overall flavor balance. Always taste and adjust as you go.
• Black pepper: Adds a subtle warmth and enhances the chicken’s seasoning. Freshly ground is always best for maximum flavor.
• Green onions: A vibrant, fresh garnish that adds a mild oniony bite and beautiful color. Sprinkle generously over your Bang Bang Chicken Bowl.
• Sesame seeds: Provide a delightful nutty crunch and a classic Asian-inspired finish. Toast lightly for enhanced flavor.

How to Make Bang Bang Chicken Bowl

Prep Chicken:

Cut boneless, skinless chicken thighs into 1-inch pieces. Season with salt and pepper, then toss with egg and cornstarch until fully coated. This ensures maximum crispiness for your Bang Bang Chicken Bowl.

Make Sauce:

Whisk together mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, rice vinegar, and honey in a bowl. Whisk until perfectly smooth and emulsified; this creamy Bang Bang Sauce is key to the dish.

Fry Chicken:

Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C). Carefully add chicken in batches, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan for even cooking.

Cook Chicken:

Fry chicken for 3-4 minutes per batch, turning occasionally, until golden brown and crispy. Cooked chicken will be 165°F internally. Drain on a wire rack for extra crispness.

Prep Bowls:

While chicken cooks, divide cooked white rice among four bowls. Thinly slice or dice your cucumber and arrange it artfully alongside the rice in each bowl.

Assemble Bowls:

Add the crispy fried chicken pieces generously over the rice and cucumber in each bowl. Drizzle your creamy Bang Bang Sauce over the chicken. Your Bang Bang Chicken Bowl is almost ready!

Garnish & Serve:

Finish each Bang Bang Chicken Bowl with a sprinkle of thinly sliced green onions and sesame seeds. Serve immediately for the best crispy texture and enjoy your ultimate weeknight meal.

How to Store Bang Bang Chicken Bowl

To properly store your Bang Bang Chicken Bowl leftovers, place them in an airtight container and immediately refrigerate. It will stay fresh for 3-4 days. Don’t leave it out; I once ruined a batch! Beyond this, the chicken loses crispness, and the sauce can separate, indicating spoilage.

You can make the Bang Bang Sauce up to 3 days in advance and keep it refrigerated. Coat the uncooked chicken a day ahead. Assemble your bowls just before serving for the best crispy chicken.

For optimal texture, store sauce separately. Reheat chicken in an air fryer for crispness.

What to Serve with Bang Bang Chicken Bowl

Serve your Bang Bang Chicken Bowl immediately for perfect crispness. For special occasions, arrange the vibrant components artfully, perhaps adding fresh cilantro or a lime wedge. This dish is best enjoyed warm. Pair it with a light cucumber salad or a sparkling water infused with mint for a refreshing complement.

My favorite way to serve this is with extra fresh cucumber and a generous sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds. The cool cucumber perfectly balances the spicy sauce, while the sesame adds a delightful nutty crunch. It’s the best way to enjoy this dish.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ How do I prevent soggy chicken in my Bang Bang Chicken Bowl?

To prevent soggy chicken, always fry in small batches; overcrowding cools the oil, leading to steaming. Drain on a wire rack immediately after frying for maximum crispness, a lesson I learned the hard way.

→ Can I make this Bang Bang Chicken Bowl recipe gluten-free?

Yes, you can! Substitute cornstarch with gluten-free flour or tapioca starch for the coating. Ensure your sweet chili sauce and sriracha are certified gluten-free, as some brands contain hidden gluten.

→ Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs for this recipe?

Absolutely! Chicken breast works well, but it tends to dry out faster. Reduce frying time slightly to maintain tenderness. I prefer thighs for their juiciness, but breast makes a leaner alternative.

→ Can I prepare parts of the Bang Bang Chicken Bowl ahead of time?

Yes, the Bang Bang Sauce can be made up to 3 days in advance and stored in the fridge. You can also coat the uncooked chicken a day ahead. Assemble just before serving for the best texture.

→ How long do Bang Bang Chicken Bowl leftovers stay fresh in the fridge?

Leftovers, stored in an airtight container, are best enjoyed within 3-4 days. The chicken will lose some crispness, so I recommend reheating it in an air fryer for a better texture. Don’t let it sit out!