Looking for a flavorful and easy meal? This Bang Bang Chicken Bowl recipe is perfect for lunch or dinner. Learn how to make this spicy, creamy, and crispy chicken bowl with homemade bang bang sauce in just a few simple steps.
Bang Bang Chicken Bowl Recipe – The Ultimate Comfort Meal
If you're craving something crunchy, spicy, creamy, and absolutely delicious — the Bang Bang Chicken Bowl is your answer. It’s a mix of crispy chicken bites, fluffy rice, fresh veggies, and a tangy-sweet homemade sauce that ties everything together. The best part? You can make this entire meal at home in under 40 minutes.
Whether you're making a quick lunch, meal prepping for the week, or whipping up something tasty for your family, this bowl is a guaranteed winner. Let’s walk through each step together.
Ingredients You'll Need:
For the Chicken:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cut into bite-size pieces)
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup cornstarch
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp paprika (optional for color)
- Vegetable oil (for frying)
For the Bang Bang Sauce:
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup sweet chili sauce
- 1 tbsp sriracha (adjust to taste)
- 1 tbsp honey or sugar (optional, for sweetness)
- 1 tbsp lime juice (for a tangy kick)
For the Bowl Base:
- 2 cups cooked white or jasmine rice
- 1 cup shredded purple cabbage or coleslaw mix
- 1 carrot (julienned or shredded)
- 1/2 cucumber (sliced thin)
- 1 tbsp sesame seeds (optional)
- Chopped green onions or cilantro for garnish
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
In a bowl, combine your chicken pieces with the buttermilk. Let it sit for at least 15 minutes (you can refrigerate for up to an hour if you have time). This step makes the chicken tender and helps the coating stick better.
Step 2: Make the Bang Bang Sauce
While the chicken marinates, whisk together mayo, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, honey, and lime juice in a small bowl. Taste and adjust the sweetness or heat to your liking. Set it aside — this creamy sauce is going to make your dish unforgettable.
Step 3: Coat and Fry the Chicken
In a separate bowl, mix flour, cornstarch, salt, pepper, and paprika. Remove the chicken from the buttermilk, shake off excess liquid, and dredge it in the flour mixture until fully coated.
Heat oil in a pan over medium-high heat (about 350°F or 175°C). Fry chicken in batches until golden brown and crispy, about 4-5 minutes per batch. Remove and place on a paper towel to drain excess oil.
Step 4: Assemble the Bowl
Scoop rice into a large bowl. Arrange cabbage, carrots, and cucumbers on top. Add your crispy chicken bites. Drizzle generously with the bang bang sauce. Sprinkle sesame seeds and chopped green onions or cilantro for extra flavor and crunch.
Tips and Variations:
- Want it healthier? Air fry the chicken at 400°F (200°C) for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through.
- Swap your base: Use cauliflower rice, quinoa, or noodles instead of white rice.
- Make it vegetarian: Replace chicken with tofu or crispy cauliflower bites.
- Add more crunch: Top with roasted peanuts or crispy wonton strips.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to make: Simple ingredients and steps anyone can follow.
- Customizable: Change up the toppings or spice level based on what you like.
- Meal-prep friendly: Make ahead and pack into containers for a flavorful lunch.
Final Thoughts
This Bang Bang Chicken Bowl is a quick and satisfying meal that brings restaurant-style flavor right into your kitchen. It’s perfect for busy weeknights or cozy weekend dinners. Try it once and it just might become your new favorite go-to recipe!