Craving a restaurant-quality meal that’s ready in under 30 minutes? This bang bang chicken bowl combines crispy, golden chicken with fresh vegetables and an irresistibly creamy, spicy sauce that’ll have your taste buds dancing. Whether you’re looking for during the week dinner ideas or planning your meal prep for the week different meals, this versatile dish delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort.
What makes this bang bang chicken bowl truly special is its perfect balance of textures and flavors – tender chicken with a crispy coating, crunchy vegetables, fluffy rice, and that signature sweet-and-spicy bang bang sauce that ties everything together. It’s become my go-to solution for busy weeknights and has earned rave reviews from family and friends who can’t believe something this delicious can be made so quickly at home.
Recipe Information
- Difficulty: Easy
- Preparation time: 15 minutes
- Cooking time: 15 minutes
- Total time: 30 minutes
- Servings: 4 people
- Estimated cost: Affordable
Ingredients for Bang Bang Chicken Bowl
For the Chicken:
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- Vegetable oil for frying
For the Bang Bang Sauce:
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup sweet chili sauce
- 2 tablespoons sriracha sauce (adjust to taste)
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 teaspoon rice vinegar
- 1 clove garlic, minced
For the Bowl Assembly:
- 2 cups cooked jasmine rice
- 2 cups shredded cabbage
- 1 large carrot, julienned
- 1 cucumber, diced
- 1/4 cup green onions, sliced
- 1/4 cup cilantro, chopped
- 2 tablespoons sesame seeds
- Lime wedges for serving
Equipment/Utensils Required
- Large mixing bowls (2-3)
- Wire cooling rack
- Deep fryer or large heavy-bottomed pot
- Candy thermometer
- Tongs
- Paper towels
- Sharp knife
- Cutting board
- Whisk
- Measuring cups and spoons
Recipe Preparation: Detailed Steps
- Prepare the bang bang sauce: In a medium bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, honey, rice vinegar, and minced garlic until smooth. Set aside and let flavors meld while you prepare the chicken. This sauce can be made up to 3 days ahead for meal prep for the week different meals.
- Set up breading station: Create three separate bowls for the breading process. In the first bowl, combine flour, cornstarch, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Place beaten eggs in the second bowl, and panko breadcrumbs in the third bowl.
- Prep the chicken: Pat chicken cubes completely dry with paper towels – this is crucial for achieving that perfect crispy coating. Season the chicken lightly with salt and pepper before breading.
- Bread the chicken: Working with a few pieces at a time, dredge each chicken cube in the seasoned flour mixture, then dip in beaten eggs, and finally coat thoroughly with panko breadcrumbs. Press gently to ensure breadcrumbs adhere well.
- Heat the oil: In a large pot or deep fryer, heat vegetable oil to 350°F (175°C). Use enough oil so chicken pieces can float freely. A candy thermometer ensures perfect temperature control.
- Fry the chicken: Carefully add breaded chicken pieces to hot oil in small batches to avoid overcrowding. Fry for 3-4 minutes until golden brown and crispy, and internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Remove with tongs and drain on a wire rack.
- Prepare bowl components: While chicken cooks, prepare your fresh vegetables. Shred cabbage finely, julienne carrots into thin strips, and dice cucumber into small, uniform pieces. Fresh, crisp vegetables are essential for texture contrast.
- Toss chicken in sauce: Once all chicken is fried and slightly cooled, toss the crispy pieces in the prepared bang bang sauce until evenly coated. Reserve some sauce for drizzling.
- Assemble the bowls: Divide cooked rice among four bowls. Top each with bang bang chicken, shredded cabbage, julienned carrots, diced cucumber, green onions, and cilantro. Sprinkle with sesame seeds and serve with lime wedges and extra sauce on the side.
Chef’s Tips, Tricks & Variations
Pro Tips for Perfect Results:
- Double-coat for extra crunch: For an even crispier coating, dip the chicken back in the egg wash and breadcrumbs after the first coating.
- Oil temperature is key: Maintain oil temperature between 340-350°F. Too hot and the coating burns before chicken cooks through; too cool and you’ll get greasy, soggy chicken.
- Don’t skip the rest: Let breaded chicken rest for 5-10 minutes before frying to help the coating adhere better.
Delicious Variations:
- Bang Bang Salad: Skip the rice and serve over mixed greens with the same fresh vegetables for a lighter option perfect for summer dinner recipes.
- Grilled Version: For summer grilling recipes, grill the chicken instead of frying. Marinate cubes in the bang bang sauce for 30 minutes, then grill on skewers for summer chicken recipes.
- Crowd-Pleaser Style: Double or triple the recipe for chicken meals for a crowd – this scales beautifully for parties and gatherings.
- Make-Ahead Option: Prepare components separately for clean eats recipes meal prep. Store chicken, sauce, and vegetables separately in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Serving Suggestions: This bang bang chicken bowl pairs wonderfully with steamed edamame, miso soup, or Asian-style cucumber salad. For dinner ideas cold, serve the components chilled over lettuce for a refreshing summer meal.
Storage and Reheating:
- Leftover chicken stays crispy when stored uncovered in the refrigerator for up to 2 days
- Reheat in a 400°F oven for 5-7 minutes to restore crispiness
- Store sauce separately to prevent soggy coating
- Meals with cooked chicken like this freeze well for up to 1 month (sauce and vegetables separate)
Nutrition Information
Per Serving:
- Calories: 485
- Protein: 38g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fat: 18g
- Fiber: 4g
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 680mg
This bang bang chicken bowl provides a well-balanced meal with lean protein, healthy carbohydrates, and plenty of fresh vegetables. The homemade version contains significantly less sodium and preservatives compared to restaurant versions.
Why This Bang Bang Chicken Bowl Recipe Works
This recipe succeeds because it combines multiple cooking techniques and flavor profiles to create a truly satisfying meal. The contrast between crispy, hot chicken and cool, fresh vegetables creates textural interest, while the bang bang sauce provides that perfect sweet-heat balance that keeps you coming back for more.
The beauty of this dish lies in its versatility – it works equally well as a during the week dinner ideas solution when you need something quick and satisfying, or as part of your meal prep for the week different meals strategy. The components can be prepared separately and assembled when ready to eat, making it perfect for busy lifestyles.
What sets this homemade version apart from restaurant alternatives is the control you have over ingredients and spice levels. You can adjust the sriracha in the sauce to suit your heat preference, use organic vegetables, or swap in brown rice for added nutrition. This flexibility makes it suitable for various dietary needs while maintaining that distinctive bang bang flavor profile.
The recipe also scales beautifully, making it ideal for chicken meals for a crowd. Simply multiply ingredients proportionally, and you can easily feed a large group without spending hours in the kitchen. The visual appeal of these colorful bowls makes them perfect for entertaining or potluck gatherings.
For those following clean eats recipes principles, this dish checks all the boxes – minimal processed ingredients, plenty of fresh vegetables, lean protein, and a homemade sauce free from artificial preservatives. You know exactly what’s going into your meal, and you can feel good about serving it to your family.
Whether you’re looking for summer grilling recipes (try the grilled variation), summer chicken recipes for hot weather entertaining, or summer dinner recipes that won’t heat up your kitchen too much, this bang bang chicken bowl adapts to any season or occasion.
Ready to make this restaurant-quality dish at home? Gather your ingredients, heat up that oil, and prepare for a flavor explosion that’ll have everyone asking for the recipe. Don’t forget to snap a picture of your beautiful bang bang chicken bowl – it’s definitely Instagram-worthy!
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I make bang bang chicken bowl ahead for meal prep? A: Absolutely! This recipe is perfect for meal prep for the week different meals. Cook the chicken and store it separately from the sauce and fresh vegetables. Assemble individual portions in containers, keeping wet and dry ingredients separate until ready to eat. The components stay fresh for up to 4 days in the refrigerator.
Q: What are some good during the week dinner ideas using this recipe? A: This bang bang chicken bowl is one of the best during the week dinner ideas because it’s quick, satisfying, and uses simple ingredients. You can prep components on Sunday and have meals ready in minutes throughout the week. Try varying the vegetables or serving it over different grains like quinoa or cauliflower rice for variety.
Q: How can I adapt this for chicken meals for a crowd? A: For chicken meals for a crowd, triple the recipe and set up a DIY bowl bar. Prepare large batches of each component and let guests build their own bowls. This works great for parties, potlucks, or family gatherings. The recipe easily scales up without losing quality.
Q: Can I make a cold version for summer dinner recipes? A: Yes! This works wonderfully as one of your summer dinner recipes. Serve all components chilled over lettuce instead of rice for a refreshing bang bang salad. It’s perfect for hot days when you want dinner ideas cold that are still satisfying and flavorful.
Q: What makes this different from other meals with cooked chicken? A: Unlike other meals with cooked chicken, this recipe features a signature sweet-and-spicy sauce that sets it apart. The combination of crispy coating, fresh vegetables, and creamy bang bang sauce creates a unique flavor profile that’s both restaurant-quality and home-cook friendly. It’s also incredibly versatile for different dietary needs and preferences.
Love this bang bang chicken bowl recipe? Please leave a comment below and let me know how it turned out! I’d love to hear about any variations you tried or how you made it your own. Don’t forget to share photos of your beautiful bowls on social media – tag me so I can see your delicious creations!
Looking for more quick and delicious dinner ideas? Check out my other easy weeknight recipes that are perfect for busy schedules and hungry families. From one-pot meals to 30-minute dinners, I’ve got you covered for every night of the week!
