Bang Bang Chicken Bowl Flavorful and Easy Recipe

If you're looking for a quick and tasty meal, the Bang Bang Chicken Bowl is perfect for you! This flavorful dish combines crispy chicken with a spicy sauce, all piled on a wholesome bed of rice and fresh veggies. In this article, I'll share an easy recipe to create your own Bang Bang Chicken Bowl. Plus, I'll give you tips to make it even better! Let's get cooking!

Ingredients

Chicken and Coating

- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

- 1 cup corn starch

- 1 teaspoon garlic powder

- 1 teaspoon onion powder

- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika

- Salt and pepper to taste

For the chicken and coating, I use boneless, skinless chicken breasts. These are easy to cut and cook. You will mix corn starch, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. This mix gives the chicken a nice flavor and a crispy coat.

Sauce Ingredients

- 1/4 cup mayonnaise

- 2 tablespoons sweet chili sauce

- 1 tablespoon sriracha (adjust to taste)

For the sauce, I combine mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, and sriracha. This mix is creamy and spicy. You can adjust the sriracha to make it hotter if you like. This sauce makes the dish special and tasty.

Bowl Components

- 1 cup cooked brown rice

- 1 cup steamed broccoli florets

- 1/2 cup shredded carrots

- 1/4 cup green onions, sliced

- Sesame seeds for garnish

The bowl starts with cooked brown rice. I love using brown rice for its nutty flavor and health benefits. Next, add steamed broccoli florets and shredded carrots for color and crunch. Slice green onions for freshness. Finally, sprinkle sesame seeds on top for some extra texture. Each part of this bowl adds flavor and nutrition.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preparing the Chicken

First, cut the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces. This makes it easy to eat and cook evenly. Next, prepare the corn starch mixture. In a bowl, mix 1 cup of corn starch, 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, 1 teaspoon of onion powder, and 1/2 teaspoon of smoked paprika. Add salt and pepper to taste. This mixture gives the chicken a nice flavor and crunch.

Cooking the Chicken

Now it’s time to coat the chicken. Dredge each piece in the corn starch mixture until fully covered. Shake off any extra corn starch. This step is key for that crispy texture. Heat about 1/4 cup of vegetable oil in a large pan over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the coated chicken pieces in batches. Fry them until they turn golden brown, which takes about 5-7 minutes per batch. When done, remove the chicken and place it on a paper towel-lined plate. This helps drain any excess oil.

Making the Bang Bang Sauce

In a small bowl, whisk together the sauce ingredients. Combine 1/4 cup of mayonnaise, 2 tablespoons of sweet chili sauce, and 1 tablespoon of sriracha. Mix until smooth. You can adjust the sriracha to control the spice level. This sauce adds a creamy, spicy kick to the dish.

Assembling the Bang Bang Chicken Bowl

Now it’s time to build your bowl. Start by dividing cooked brown rice evenly among serving bowls. Next, top the rice with the crispy chicken, steamed broccoli florets, and shredded carrots. Drizzle the Bang Bang sauce over everything. For a finishing touch, sprinkle sliced green onions and sesame seeds on top. This adds extra flavor and a nice crunch to your meal. Enjoy your delicious Bang Bang Chicken Bowl!

Tips & Tricks

Cooking Tips

To get crispy chicken, use corn starch. It creates a crunchy layer. Coat the chicken pieces well. Shake off extra corn starch before frying. Fry the chicken in hot oil. The ideal frying temperature is around 350°F. This temperature helps the chicken cook evenly and get crispy.

Flavor Enhancement

You can adjust the Bang Bang sauce for spice. Add more sriracha for heat if you like. For more flavor, try adding lime juice or honey. These will enhance the sauce and balance the spice. You can also sprinkle some cayenne pepper for an extra kick.

Meal Prep Advice

Pre-cook your brown rice ahead of time. This saves you effort when you make the bowl. Store the cooked rice in the fridge. You can keep it fresh for about four days. For the chicken, cook it, then store it in an airtight container. Reheat the chicken in a pan or microwave. This keeps it warm and tasty.

Variations

Protein Substitutions

You can switch up the protein in your Bang Bang Chicken Bowl. Shrimp is a great choice. It cooks quickly and adds a nice flavor. Just sauté it until it turns pink. Tofu is another option. Use firm tofu for the best texture. Press it first to remove extra water. Then cut it into cubes and fry until golden.

If you want to stick with chicken, consider using thighs. They are juicier than breasts. You can also use chicken tenders for bite-sized pieces. They cook fast and are very tender.

Vegetarian and Vegan Options

If you're looking for plant-based choices, replace the chicken with chickpeas. They add protein and flavor. You can also use mushrooms for a hearty texture. Portobello mushrooms are a great pick.

For the mayo, use a vegan substitute like cashew cream or avocado. These keep the creaminess while being plant-based. You can mix in a bit of lemon juice for tang.

For veggies, think outside the box. Try sweet bell peppers, snap peas, or even roasted zucchini. Each adds a unique taste and color to your bowl.

Flavor Variations

Experimenting with sauces can change the whole dish. Instead of Bang Bang sauce, try a peanut sauce or teriyaki. These options can bring new flavors to your bowl.

You can also add more vegetables. Try adding sliced radishes for crunch or pickled onions for a zing. Tossing in fresh herbs like cilantro or basil will brighten up the dish. Each small change can make your bowl feel new and fresh.

Storage Info

Refrigeration Guidelines

To store leftovers, place the Bang Bang Chicken Bowl in an airtight container. This keeps it fresh. Let the meal cool down first. Cover it tightly before storing it in the fridge. You can enjoy leftovers for lunch or dinner.

For best freshness, eat the bowl within three days. If you notice any strange smells or colors, toss it out. Always check your food before you eat it.

Freezing Tips

Yes, you can freeze Bang Bang Chicken bowls! This is a great way to save extra meals. To freeze, place the bowl in a freezer-safe container. Make sure to leave some space for expansion.

When you want to reheat it, thaw it in the fridge overnight. After that, you can heat it in the microwave. Make sure it is hot all the way through before eating.

Shelf Life

In the fridge, your Bang Bang Chicken Bowl lasts about three days. In the freezer, it can last for up to three months. For the best taste, try to eat it sooner rather than later. Enjoy your tasty meal even after a few days!

FAQs

What is a Bang Bang Chicken Bowl?

A Bang Bang Chicken Bowl is a tasty dish that many people love. It features crispy chicken pieces served over rice and topped with fresh veggies. The chicken gets its name from the flavorful sauce that makes it special. The sauce has a nice mix of sweetness and heat, making this dish popular in many homes and restaurants.

How can I make it healthier?

You can make this dish healthier with a few easy swaps. Try using baked chicken instead of fried. This cuts down on fat and calories. You can also use Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise in the sauce. It adds creaminess without as many calories. Adding more veggies, like bell peppers or snap peas, boosts nutrition and keeps it colorful.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare this dish ahead of time! Cook the chicken and rice, and store them separately in airtight containers. You can steam the broccoli and shred the carrots ahead too. When you're ready to eat, just heat everything and assemble your bowl. This makes meal prep easy and quick.

What to serve with Bang Bang Chicken Bowl?

You can serve Bang Bang Chicken Bowls with various sides. A simple cucumber salad adds a refreshing crunch. You might also enjoy spring rolls or a light soup. For drinks, iced tea or sparkling water pairs well with this dish. These options balance the flavors and make your meal more fun!

You learned how to make a tasty Bang Bang Chicken Bowl from scratch. We covered the key ingredients, how to prepare and cook the chicken, and how to make the sauce. You now know tips for crispy chicken and meal prep. Plus, I shared fun variations and storage advice.

Enjoy crafting this dish with your favorite twists. It’s easy, delicious, and a crowd-pleaser. Happy cooking!