This Easy Bang Bang Chicken Bowl is a fun mix of crispy chicken, fresh veggies, and creamy sauce. It’s quick to make and packed with flavor, perfect for a busy day!
You’ll love how crunchy the chicken is, and the creamy sauce adds a nice kick. I always pile mine high with extra veggies because, let’s face it, they make everything better! 🌱
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: Use boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs. Thighs are juicier, and if you’re short on time, frozen chicken tenders are also a good option—just adjust the cooking time!
Panko Bread Crumbs: They give the chicken a super crispy texture. If you don’t have panko, regular bread crumbs work too, but the crunch won’t be the same. For a gluten-free option, try crushed corn flakes or gluten-free bread crumbs.
Rice: White rice is classic, but brown rice adds more fiber. Quinoa or cauliflower rice are great alternatives if you want something lighter or gluten-free.
Bang Bang Sauce: Mayonnaise is base for the sauce, but you can use Greek yogurt for a lighter option. Adjust sriracha for spice or leave it out entirely if you prefer no heat.
How Do I Get the Chicken Crispy Without Overcooking It?
To achieve that perfect crispy chicken, follow these steps to ensure it’s cooked right:
- Make sure oil is hot before adding chicken. This helps create a crispy crust!
- Don’t overcrowd the pan; give chicken space to crisp up evenly.
- Fry in batches if necessary, keeping cooked chicken warm in a low oven.
- After frying, draining on paper towels removes excess oil and keeps it crispy.
These tips will help ensure you get that delightful crunch without drying out the chicken! Enjoy your Bang Bang Chicken Bowl! 🌟
Easy Bang Bang Chicken Bowl
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs), cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup panko bread crumbs
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 tbsp olive oil or vegetable oil (for frying)
For the Bowl:
- 2 cups cooked white rice (or brown rice for a healthier option)
- 1 cup shredded lettuce or mixed greens
- 1/2 cup shredded carrots
- 1/2 cup sliced cucumber
- 2 green onions, sliced
For the Bang Bang Sauce:
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 2-3 tbsp sweet chili sauce
- 1 tsp sriracha (adjust more or less for spice preference)
- 1 tsp honey or sugar (optional, for extra sweetness)
- 1 tsp lime juice (optional, for brightness)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious recipe takes about 15 minutes of prep time and around 15-20 minutes of cooking time. In total, you’re looking at about 30-35 minutes to have this tasty dish ready!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Make the Bang Bang Sauce:
In a medium bowl, mix together the mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, honey, and lime juice until smooth. Taste and adjust the seasoning if you like. Set this aside while you prepare the rest of the dish.
2. Prepare the Chicken:
Season the chicken pieces with a little salt and pepper, giving them a good toss to ensure they’re evenly coated.
3. Bread the Chicken:
Set up your breading station with three bowls: one with flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with panko bread crumbs. Take each chicken piece, dip it in flour first, then the egg mixture, and finally coat it with panko. Make sure each piece is well-coated!
4. Fry the Chicken:
Heat the oil in a large pan over medium heat. Once hot, carefully add the breaded chicken pieces. Fry them for about 3-4 minutes on each side, or until they’re golden brown and cooked through. Once done, transfer them to a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.
5. Assemble Your Bowl:
To assemble, start with a base of cooked rice in a bowl. Top it with your shredded lettuce, carrots, cucumber, and sprinkle sliced green onions. Arrange the crispy chicken on top of the veggies.
6. Drizzle & Serve:
Generously drizzle your bang bang sauce over the chicken and the bowl. Serve immediately and enjoy this delicious, colorful meal!
FAQ for Easy Bang Bang Chicken Bowl
Can I Use Frozen Chicken for This Recipe?
Yes, you can! Just make sure to fully thaw the chicken in the refrigerator overnight or in a sealed bag submerged in cold water before cooking. Pat it dry to ensure the coating sticks well.
Can I Make the Sauce Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the bang bang sauce up to two days in advance. Just store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Give it a good stir before using, as it may thicken up slightly.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm the chicken in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave until heated through. Freshen up the bowl with a little extra sauce as needed!
Can I Add More Veggies?
Definitely! Feel free to get creative with your veggie choices. Bell peppers, avocado, or even steamed broccoli would be great additions. Just make sure to slice or prepare them in a way that they can be enjoyed raw or lightly cooked!
