INTRODUCTION
Bang Bang Chicken Bowl is a delicious and fun dish that combines crispy chicken with a creamy, spicy sauce, all served over fluffy rice. This dish is not only tasty but also colorful, making it a great option for family meals or gatherings. You can easily customize each bowl to suit your taste buds, and it is sure to be a hit with everyone. Making a Bang Bang Chicken Bowl is simple and quick, which makes it perfect for busy nights.
WHY YOU WILL LOVE THIS RECIPE
There are many reasons to love Bang Bang Chicken Bowl. First, it offers a great mix of textures. The crispy chicken has a nice crunch, while the vegetables provide a fresh and crisp contrast. The creamy sauce adds richness and a unique flavor that ties everything together. Second, this recipe is versatile. You can change the veggies or adjust the sauce according to your preferences. Whether you like it mild or spicy, you can easily control the heat levels. Third, it is a complete meal in a bowl, so you get protein, carbs, and veggies all in one dish. Lastly, it’s easy to prepare, making it a perfect dish for cooks of all skill levels.
HOW TO MAKE Bang Bang Chicken Bowl
Making your own Bang Bang Chicken Bowl at home is straightforward and fun. Let’s break down the steps and get you started on creating this tasty dish.
EQUIPMENT NEEDED
To make a Bang Bang Chicken Bowl, you will need the following equipment:
- Large bowl
- Large skillet
- Small bowl
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Spoon for mixing
- Serving bowls for assembly
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 cups cooked jasmine rice
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts (cut into bite-sized pieces)
- 1/2 cup cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil for frying
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons sweet chili sauce
- 1 tablespoon sriracha (adjust to taste)
- 1 cup shredded lettuce
- 1 cup diced cucumber
- 1/2 cup shredded carrots
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions
- Sesame seeds for garnish (optional)
STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS:
- In a large bowl, combine the cornstarch, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. This will be your coating mix.
- Toss the chicken pieces in the cornstarch mixture until they are well coated. This helps make the chicken crispy.
- Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Make sure the oil is hot before adding the chicken.
- Once the oil is hot, add the coated chicken pieces in a single layer. Cook for about 5-7 minutes. Turn them occasionally until they turn golden brown and are cooked through.
- After the chicken is cooked, remove it from the skillet and set it aside on a plate.
- In a small bowl, mix together the mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, and sriracha until the mixture is smooth. You can adjust the amount of sriracha according to your taste preference.
- Now, it’s time to assemble the bowls. Start with a base of jasmine rice in each serving bowl.
- Top the rice with the cooked chicken, shredded lettuce, diced cucumber, shredded carrots, and chopped green onions.
- Drizzle the spicy mayo sauce over the top of each bowl.
- If you want, sprinkle some sesame seeds on top for a little crunch and garnish.
- Serve immediately while everything is fresh and warm.
HOW TO SERVE Bang Bang Chicken Bowl
Serve your Bang Bang Chicken Bowl as a complete meal. Each bowl contains chicken, rice, fresh vegetables, and a special sauce. This dish is perfect for lunch or dinner. You can also prepare individual bowls for guests at a gathering or family dinner. To make it more fun, you could even set up a “build-your-own” station, allowing everyone to customize their bowls with their preferred veggies or extra sauce.
STORAGE & FREEZING : Bang Bang Chicken Bowl
If you have leftovers, you can store them safely in the fridge. Place any remaining chicken, rice, and vegetables in an airtight container. They will last in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. For longer storage, you can freeze the cooked chicken separately from the rice and salads. The chicken can be frozen for up to 2 months. To reheat, simply thaw in the fridge overnight and warm in a skillet or microwave until heated through.
SERVING SUGGESTIONS
Bang Bang Chicken Bowl pairs well with various side dishes. You can serve it with:
- A fresh side salad for added crunch
- Steamed broccoli or green beans
- Egg rolls or spring rolls for a fun appetizer
- A cold drink like iced tea or lemonade to balance the heat from the sriracha
VARIATIONS
You can easily customize Bang Bang Chicken Bowl to suit your taste. Here are some ideas for variations:
- Protein Options: Instead of chicken, try using shrimp, tofu, or even beef. Cook them in the same way for a delicious alternative.
- Different Vegetables: You can switch up the veggies. Use bell peppers, radishes, or even baby corn.
- Sauce Modifications: Make a tangier sauce by adding lime juice or replace mayonnaise with Greek yogurt for a lighter version.
- Add Spices: If you like your food spicier, add chili flakes or use a hotter chili sauce.
FAQs
1. Can I make Bang Bang Chicken Bowl ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the chicken and the sauce ahead of time. Just assemble it fresh before serving for the best taste.
2. Is this recipe gluten-free?
It is gluten-free as long as you check the labels on sweet chili sauce and sriracha, as some may contain gluten.
3. Can I use brown rice instead of jasmine rice?
Absolutely! Brown rice is a healthy option and will work great as a base for this bowl.
4. How spicy is the sauce?
The sauce’s spice level can be adjusted by adding more or less sriracha to your taste. It starts mild but can be made hotter according to your preference.
MAKE-AHEAD TIPS FOR Bang Bang Chicken Bowl
To make your cooking easier, you can follow these make-ahead tips:
- Cook the rice in advance and keep it in the fridge. Just reheat before serving.
- Prepare the chicken and store it in the fridge until ready to fry. This way, the flavors can meld together for extra taste.
- The sauce can also be mixed and kept in the fridge. It tastes even better after the flavors mix for a few hours or overnight.
- Chop the vegetables ahead of time and store them in separate containers in the fridge. This will save you time when you’re ready to assemble the bowls.
With these steps and tips, you can create a wonderful Bang Bang Chicken Bowl that everyone will enjoy. Gather your ingredients and equipment, and start cooking up some deliciousness!
Bang Bang Chicken Bowl
Ingredients
Method
- In a large bowl, combine the cornstarch, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and paprika to create the coating mix.
- Toss the chicken pieces in the cornstarch mixture until they are well coated.
- Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until hot.
- Add the coated chicken pieces in a single layer and cook for about 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally until golden brown and cooked through.
- Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside on a plate.
- In a small bowl, mix together the mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, and sriracha until smooth.
- In each serving bowl, start with a base of jasmine rice.
- Top the rice with cooked chicken, shredded lettuce, diced cucumber, shredded carrots, and chopped green onions.
- Drizzle the spicy mayo sauce over the top and sprinkle sesame seeds if desired.
- Serve immediately while fresh and warm.