When it comes to elevating weeknight dinners from ordinary to extraordinary, this Crispy Bang Bang Chicken Bowl is your new best friend in the kitchen. Savor the crispy goodness of Bang Bang Chicken in a flavorful bowl that’s perfect for lunch or dinner! Every bite offers a delightful crunch, thanks to tender chicken breasts marinated in tangy buttermilk and coated in a golden, cornmeal-infused crust. Paired with a creamy, slightly spicy Bang Bang sauce, this bowl is bursting with sweet, savory, and zesty notes that dance on your taste buds. Picture a warm bed of fluffy rice crowned with crisp cabbage, crunchy carrots, and cool cucumber—each mouthful is a symphony of textures and colors. It’s the kind of recipe that makes you feel like you’re sitting at your favorite neighborhood eatery, orders flowing in, aroma filling the air, while you dish up your own masterpiece at home.
I love how this bowl satisfies on so many levels: it’s vibrant, hearty, and packed with fresh veggies that brighten every forkful. With a preparation time of just 30 minutes, cooking time of 20 minutes, and a brief 10-minute rest, it sits at an intermediate level—perfect for home cooks looking to expand their repertoire. Each serving comes in at around 600 calories, making it a balanced option for lunch or dinner. Whether you’re hosting a casual weeknight gathering or simply craving something beyond the usual chicken-and-rice routine, this recipe is designed to impress without overwhelming. Get ready to bring a burst of flavor, crunch, and color to your table—your taste buds are in for a treat!
KEY INGREDIENTS IN CRISPY BANG BANG CHICKEN BOWL
Let’s take a closer look at the star players that make this bowl unforgettable. Each ingredient has its role, contributing texture, flavor, or that irresistible golden crunch we all crave.
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Tender, lean meat that becomes impossibly juicy after a quick buttermilk soak, providing the perfect canvas for our crunchy coating.
- Buttermilk
Offers acidity that tenderizes the chicken while adding a slightly tangy flavor, helping the coating adhere for an extra-crispy finish.
- All-purpose flour
Creates the base of our golden coating, bonding with the cornmeal to produce a light yet sturdy crust around each chicken piece.
- Cornmeal
Adds a delightful gritty texture that elevates the crunch factor, giving the chicken its signature golden-brown exterior.
- Salt
Enhances all the flavors and seasons both the chicken and the coating, ensuring each bite is perfectly balanced.
- Black pepper
Adds a subtle heat and aromatic depth that pairs remarkably well with the sweet chili and honey in the sauce.
- Garlic powder
Imparts a savory, aromatic note that infuses the coating with a hint of garlicky goodness without overpowering the other flavors.
- Vegetable oil
Provides the high-heat medium needed for frying, ensuring the coating crisps up beautifully without burning.
- Mayonnaise
Forms the creamy base of the Bang Bang sauce, offering richness and a silky texture that clings to the chicken.
- Sweet chili sauce
Brings a gentle sweetness and a touch of tang, balancing the spice from the sriracha.
- Sriracha sauce
Delivers just the right kick of heat, infusing the sauce with a vibrant, spicy undertone.
- Honey
Adds natural sweetness that harmonizes with the tangy and spicy elements of the sauce.
- Lime juice
Introduces a bright, citrusy zing that cuts through the richness of the mayo and honey.
- Cooked rice
Acts as the hearty foundation of the bowl, absorbing all those flavorful sauces and juices.
- Shredded cabbage
Lends a crisp, refreshing crunch and a pop of color to contrast the warm chicken.
- Sliced cucumber
Contributes cool, watery crunch and lightness, balancing the richness of the chicken and sauce.
- Shredded carrots
Offer a sweet, earthy crunch and vibrant orange hue that brightens every spoonful.
- Chopped scallions
Add a mild onion flavor and a fresh, green garnish for visual appeal.
- Sesame seeds
Sprinkle on top for a nutty accent and an extra layer of texture.
- Lime wedges
Serve on the side for anyone who wants an extra burst of citrusy brightness.
HOW TO MAKE CRISPY BANG BANG CHICKEN BOWL
Before diving into the step-by-step instructions, let’s chat about the workflow: you’ll start by marinating the chicken, then prepare a crunchy coating, fry until golden, whip up a quick Bang Bang sauce, and finally assemble your colorful bowl. It’s a seamless process that yields a restaurant-worthy meal in under an hour.
1. In a large bowl, combine the chicken pieces with buttermilk. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to ensure the meat absorbs maximum moisture and flavor, resulting in ultra-tender chicken.
2. In another bowl, whisk together the flour, cornmeal, salt, pepper, and garlic powder until evenly mixed. Dredge each marinated chicken piece in this dry mixture, pressing gently so the coating clings completely.
3. Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once shimmering, fry the chicken pieces in batches, avoiding overcrowding. Cook for about 4–6 minutes on each side, turning only once, until each piece is uniformly golden brown and crispy. Drain the fried chicken on paper towels to remove excess oil.
4. In a small bowl, prepare the Bang Bang sauce by mixing together mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha sauce, honey, and lime juice. Stir until the mixture is smooth and creamy, then taste and adjust the spiciness or sweetness as desired.
5. Assemble the bowls by dividing cooked rice among serving bowls. Create a bed of rice that will soak up every drop of sauce.
6. Top the rice with shredded cabbage, sliced cucumber, shredded carrots, and the crispy chicken pieces, arranging them in colorful sections for visual appeal.
7. Drizzle the Bang Bang sauce generously over the chicken, then sprinkle chopped scallions and sesame seeds all over. Serve with lime wedges on the side so everyone can squeeze on some extra citrus zing. Enjoy your crispy Bang Bang Chicken Bowl!
SERVING SUGGESTIONS FOR CRISPY BANG BANG CHICKEN BOWL
When it comes to presenting this vibrant bowl, there are a few simple touches that can elevate your meal from delicious to utterly unforgettable. Whether you’re dishing up for yourself, impressing guests, or packing lunches, these serving ideas will ensure every bite is as delightful as the first.
- Family-Style Platter
Arrange the rice, veggies, and crispy chicken on a large wooden board or platter. Invite everyone to build their own bowls, encouraging a fun, interactive meal that’s perfect for casual gatherings.
- Bento Box Lunch
Portion out the rice and chicken into compartments in a bento box, adding the shredded cabbage and carrots in separate sections. This approach keeps textures crisp and is ideal for meal-prep or office lunches.
- Mini Lettuce Cups
Spoon the chicken and a drizzle of Bang Bang sauce into sturdy lettuce leaves instead of rice. Top with scallions and sesame seeds for a low-carb, bite-sized appetizer or party snack.
- Avocado Smash Twist
For an extra creamy element, spread mashed avocado on one side of the bowl before adding the rice. The rich avocado pairs beautifully with the tangy sauce and adds an indulgent layer to each spoonful.
HOW TO STORE CRISPY BANG BANG CHICKEN BOWL
Whether you’re meal-prepping for the week or saving leftovers from dinner, proper storage is key to maintaining that signature crunch and bright flavors. Here are a few tried-and-true methods to help your Crispy Bang Bang Chicken Bowl stay fresh and tasty for days.
- Separate Components
Store the fried chicken, sauce, and rice/veggies in individual airtight containers. This prevents the chicken from becoming soggy and ensures each element retains its ideal texture when reheated.
- Refrigeration
Keep all components in the fridge for up to three days. When you’re ready to enjoy, reheat the chicken on a wire rack in the oven at 350°F for 5–7 minutes to restore crispiness.
- Freezing
For longer storage, place cooled chicken pieces in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze. Once firm, transfer them to a freezer bag. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating as above. The sauce and fresh veggies are best made fresh.
- Meal-Prep Jars
Layer rice, cabbage, carrots, cucumber, and chicken in mason jars, keeping the Bang Bang sauce in small, separate containers. When you’re ready to eat, just shake the jar, drizzle sauce, and dig in.
CONCLUSION
From the very first bite of that irresistibly crunchy chicken to the final zesty squeeze of lime, the Crispy Bang Bang Chicken Bowl is a recipe you’ll find yourself making again and again. We’ve covered everything—from the must-have ingredients and clever marinating technique to the secret of the perfect Bang Bang sauce and tips for serving and storing your creation. This article is yours to print and save, whether you’re tucking it into your recipe binder or bookmarking it on your device for quick reference. And if you scroll just a bit further, you’ll even find a helpful FAQ section to address any burning questions without having to hunt online. Don’t hesitate to pin, photocopy, or save this guide so it’s always within reach whenever hunger strikes or weekend meal prep looms.
I’d love to hear how your Bang Bang Chicken Bowl turns out! Did you adjust the heat level? Swap in brown rice or add extra veggies? Please share your comments, questions, or any fun tweaks you made in the section below. Your feedback not only helps me improve future recipes but also inspires other home cooks to dive into this vibrant, crunchy adventure. Happy cooking and here’s to many more delicious bowl nights ahead!
Crispy Bang Bang Chicken Bowl
Description
Experience a delightful crunch with every bite of crispy chicken, perfectly paired with refreshing veggies and a creamy Bang Bang sauce. This bowl is both satisfying and vibrant, making it a meal you won't forget.
Ingredients
Instructions
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In a large bowl, combine the chicken pieces with buttermilk. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to marinate.
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In another bowl, whisk together the flour, cornmeal, salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Dredge the marinated chicken pieces in this dry mixture until fully coated.
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Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Fry the chicken pieces in batches for about 4-6 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and crispy. Drain on paper towels.
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In a small bowl, prepare the Bang Bang sauce by mixing together mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha sauce, honey, and lime juice until smooth and creamy.
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Assemble the bowls by dividing cooked rice among serving bowls. Top with shredded cabbage, sliced cucumber, shredded carrots, and crispy chicken.
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Drizzle Bang Bang sauce over the chicken, sprinkle with chopped scallions and sesame seeds.
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Serve with lime wedges on the side. Enjoy your crispy Bang Bang Chicken Bowl!
Note
- For extra flavor, marinate the chicken overnight.
- You can make this dish healthier by baking the chicken instead of frying.
- Adjust the spiciness of the Bang Bang sauce by varying the amount of sriracha.
- Substitute plain yogurt for mayonnaise if you prefer a lighter sauce option.
- This dish pairs well with a side of steamed edamame or broccoli.
