Name: Bang Bang Chicken Bowl: Easy & Delicious Dinner
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 1 h 5 min
Cuisine: Sichuan
Ingredients: 1 pound Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breast; 2 tablespoons Cornstarch; 1 teaspoon Salt; 0.5 teaspoon Black Pepper; 3 tablespoons Vegetable Oil; 0.5 cup Mayonnaise; 0.25 cup Sweet Chili Sauce; 2 tablespoons Sriracha Hot Sauce (adjust to taste); 1 tablespoon Honey or Maple Syrup; 1 tablespoon Rice Vinegar; 1 teaspoon Sesame Oil; 0.5 teaspoon Garlic Powder; 2 cups Rice (Jasmine or Basmati); 3.5 cups Water; 0.5 teaspoon Salt (for rice); 2 cups Mixed Vegetables (e.g., sliced cucumber, grated carrot, shelled edamame); 2 Green Onions, thinly sliced; 0.25 cup Fresh Cilantro, roughly chopped; 1 tablespoon Toasted Sesame Seeds

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Bang Bang Chicken Bowl is a culinary delight that brings the vibrant flavors of Sichuan to your dinner table. Imagine tender, succulent chicken pieces coated in a creamy, spicy, and slightly sweet sauce, nestled amongst crisp vegetables and fluffy rice. This easy-to-make dish is sure to impress your family and friends while satisfying those cravings for something delicious. Let’s dive into the details of this incredible meal!

Why You’ll Love This Bang Bang Chicken Bowl

This Bang Bang Chicken Bowl is perfect for busy weeknights and is a real crowd-pleaser. Here are some reasons to love it:

It’s quick to prepare, taking less than an hour from start to finish.
The creamy, spicy sauce elevates the dish, making it a standout dinner option.
Packed with nutritious ingredients, it’s a healthy choice for the whole family.
Customizable with different veggies, allowing for personal preferences.
This dish can be made gluten-free, catering to various dietary needs.
Perfect for meal prep, allowing you to enjoy leftovers throughout the week.
It’s a delicious way to introduce Sichuan cuisine to your kitchen.
Easy to find Bang Bang Chicken ingredients at your local grocery store.

Ingredients for Bang Bang Chicken Bowl

Gather these items:

1 pound Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breast
2 tablespoons Cornstarch
1 teaspoon Salt
0.5 teaspoon Black Pepper
3 tablespoons Vegetable Oil
0.5 cup Mayonnaise
0.25 cup Sweet Chili Sauce
2 tablespoons Sriracha Hot Sauce (adjust to taste)
1 tablespoon Honey or Maple Syrup
1 tablespoon Rice Vinegar
1 teaspoon Sesame Oil
0.5 teaspoon Garlic Powder
2 cups Rice (Jasmine or Basmati)
3.5 cups Water
0.5 teaspoon Salt (for rice)
2 cups Mixed Vegetables (e.g., sliced cucumber, grated carrot, shelled edamame)
2 Green Onions, thinly sliced
0.25 cup Fresh Cilantro, roughly chopped
1 tablespoon Toasted Sesame Seeds

How to Make Bang Bang Chicken Bowl Step-by-Step

Step 1: Pat 1 pound chicken breast dry and slice into 1-1.5 inch pieces. In a bowl, toss chicken with 1 tsp salt, 0.5 tsp black pepper, and 2 tbsp cornstarch until evenly coated. Heat 3 tbsp vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Pan-fry chicken in a single layer for 4-6 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature 165°F/74°C). Drain on paper towels.
Step 2: In a medium bowl, whisk together 0.5 cup mayonnaise, 0.25 cup sweet chili sauce, 2 tbsp sriracha (adjust to preference), 1 tbsp honey or maple syrup, 1 tbsp rice vinegar, 1 tsp sesame oil, and 0.5 tsp garlic powder until smooth. Taste and adjust seasonings. Refrigerate to chill.
Step 3: Rinse 2 cups rice under cold running water until clear. In a medium saucepan, combine rinsed rice, 3.5 cups water, and 0.5 tsp salt. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover tightly, and simmer for 15-18 minutes. Remove from heat, let rest (lid on) for 5-10 minutes, then fluff with a fork.
Step 4: Prepare 2 cups mixed vegetables (e.g., slice cucumber, grate carrot, shell and cook edamame). Thinly slice 2 green onions and roughly chop 0.25 cup fresh cilantro. Gather 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds.
Step 5: Spoon fluffy rice into serving bowls. Top with crispy chicken pieces. Generously drizzle with Bang Bang Sauce. Artfully arrange prepared mixed vegetables around the chicken. Garnish with sliced green onions, fresh cilantro, and toasted sesame seeds. Serve immediately, encouraging guests to mix well before eating.

Pro Tips for the Perfect Bang Bang Chicken Bowl

Keep these in mind:

Use chicken thighs for a juicier alternative to chicken breasts.
Marinate the chicken in the sauce for extra flavor before cooking.
Experiment with different vegetables like bell peppers or snap peas.
For extra crunch, consider adding roasted nuts or seeds as a topping.
Ensure your oil is hot enough to achieve a crispy texture when frying.

Best Ways to Serve Bang Bang Chicken Bowl

This Bang Bang Chicken Bowl is versatile and can be served in various ways. Consider these options:

Pair it with a light salad for a refreshing side.
Serve with a side of spring rolls for an Asian-inspired feast.
Top with extra sriracha if you love a spicy kick!

How to Store and Reheat Bang Bang Chicken Bowl

To store leftovers, place the Bang Bang Chicken Bowl in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. To reheat, use a microwave or heat in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through. This dish is great for meal prep, making it easy to enjoy throughout the week!

Frequently Asked Questions About Bang Bang Chicken Bowl

What’s the secret to perfect Bang Bang Chicken Bowl?

The secret lies in coating the chicken evenly with cornstarch before frying, which helps achieve that crispy texture. Pairing it with the right balance of sauce ingredients, like sweet chili and sriracha, also enhances the flavor.

Can I make Bang Bang Chicken Bowl ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the chicken and sauce ahead of time. Store them separately in the fridge and assemble your Bang Bang Chicken Bowl when ready to serve for the best flavor and texture.

How do I avoid common mistakes with Bang Bang Chicken Bowl?

To avoid common mistakes, ensure the oil is hot enough before frying the chicken, and don’t overcrowd the pan. This ensures even cooking and helps the chicken stay crispy.

Variations of Bang Bang Chicken Bowl You Can Try

Here are some fun twists on the classic Bang Bang Chicken Bowl:

Substitute chicken with shrimp or tofu for a different protein option.
Add a variety of colorful vegetables like bell peppers and snap peas for added nutrition.
Try using quinoa instead of rice for a healthy, gluten-free option.
Experiment with different sauces or spice levels to create your perfect flavor profile.

Bang Bang Chicken Bowl: Easy & Delicious Dinner - Bang Bang Chicken Bowl - additional detail

For more delicious recipes, check out our latest recipes or try making Sweet Chili Chicken for a similar flavor profile. If you’re looking for a refreshing side, consider our Cucumber Caprese Salad.

Bang Bang Chicken Bowl: Easy & Delicious Dinner

Author: Jannet Lisa
Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Gluten Free

Print Recipe

Description

Bang Bang Chicken Bowl: Easy & Delicious Dinner!

Instructions

Pat 1 pound chicken breast dry and slice into 1-1.5 inch pieces. In a bowl, toss chicken with 1 tsp salt, 0.5 tsp black pepper, and 2 tbsp cornstarch until evenly coated. Heat 3 tbsp vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Pan-fry chicken in a single layer for 4-6 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature 165°F/74°C). Drain on paper towels.
In a medium bowl, whisk together 0.5 cup mayonnaise, 0.25 cup sweet chili sauce, 2 tbsp sriracha (adjust to preference), 1 tbsp honey or maple syrup, 1 tbsp rice vinegar, 1 tsp sesame oil, and 0.5 tsp garlic powder until smooth. Taste and adjust seasonings. Refrigerate to chill.
Rinse 2 cups rice under cold running water until clear. In a medium saucepan, combine rinsed rice, 3.5 cups water, and 0.5 tsp salt. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover tightly, and simmer for 15-18 minutes. Remove from heat, let rest (lid on) for 5-10 minutes, then fluff with a fork.
Prepare 2 cups mixed vegetables (e.g., slice cucumber, grate carrot, shell and cook edamame). Thinly slice 2 green onions and roughly chop 0.25 cup fresh cilantro. Gather 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds.
Spoon fluffy rice into serving bowls. Top with crispy chicken pieces. Generously drizzle with Bang Bang Sauce. Artfully arrange prepared mixed vegetables around the chicken. Garnish with sliced green onions, fresh cilantro, and toasted sesame seeds. Serve immediately, encouraging guests to mix well before eating.