Spicy Bang Bang Chicken Bowl
Prepare to embark on a flavor journey with the captivating Bang Bang Chicken Bowl! This dish has become a beloved sensation, blending the vibrant tastes of Asian cuisine with a delightful spicy-creamy sauce that will tantalize your taste buds. Whether you’re a seasoned home cook or just starting to explore the culinary world, this recipe is sure to impress and delight.
The combination of juicy, tender chicken, crunchy vegetables, and a mouthwatering sauce makes this dish a true standout. It’s the perfect fusion of flavors that’s been taking the food world by storm, and now you have the chance to recreate it in your own kitchen.
Get ready to savor the perfect balance of heat, sweetness, and umami in every bite.
❤️ Why You’ll Love This Recipe ❓
What sets the Bang Bang Chicken Bowl apart is its irresistible blend of textures and flavors. The crisp, lightly fried chicken is a delightful contrast to the creamy, spicy sauce that coats it. The crunch of fresh vegetables, like shredded cabbage and carrots, adds a delightful freshness that balances the richness of the dish.
But the real star of the show is the signature Bang Bang sauce. This creamy, slightly sweet, and intensely flavorful sauce is the secret to the dish’s addictive qualities. It’s made with a combination of pantry staples, including mayonnaise, sriracha, honey, and rice vinegar, creating a flavor profile that’s both familiar and exciting.
What’s more, this recipe is incredibly versatile and easy to prepare. You can make it ahead of time, enjoy it for a quick weeknight dinner, or even serve it as a show-stopping appetizer at your next gathering. The possibilities are endless, and your taste buds are sure to thank you.
🛒 What You Need to Prepare Bang Bang Chicken Bowl ❓
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 eggs, beaten
• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 cup shredded cabbage
• 1 cup shredded carrots
• 2 green onions, sliced
• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 2 tablespoons Sriracha sauce
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
• Salt and pepper to taste
The beauty of this Bang Bang Chicken Bowl is that most ingredients are pantry or freezer staples. The combination of juicy chicken, crunchy vegetables, and the creamy, spicy sauce creates the Thai-inspired flavor profile that has made these types of recipes perennially popular.
📝 How to Make Bang Bang Chicken Bowl Step-by-Step ❓
• Step 2: Dredge the chicken cubes in the flour, dip them in the beaten eggs, and then coat them in the panko breadcrumbs, pressing gently to adhere.
• Step 3: In a large skillet, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Fry the breaded chicken in batches for 2-3 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through. Drain on a paper towel-lined plate.
• Step 4: In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, Sriracha, honey, and rice vinegar to make the Bang Bang sauce. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
• Step 5: In a large bowl, combine the shredded cabbage, carrots, and sliced green onions.
• Step 6: Add the fried chicken to the vegetable mixture and drizzle the Bang Bang sauce over the top. Toss gently to coat the chicken and vegetables evenly.
• Step 7: Serve the Bang Bang Chicken Bowl immediately, garnished with additional green onions or sesame seeds if desired.
⏱️ Timing Overview
• Cooking time: 15 minutes
• Total time: 30 minutes
Compared to traditional Thai-inspired dishes that can take up to an hour to prepare, this Bang Bang Chicken Bowl saves you 50% of your cooking time while delivering similar flavors.
👩🏻⚕️ Nutritional Information
Per serving (based on 4 servings):
• Protein: 27g
• Carbohydrates: 28g
• Fat: 24g
• Fiber: 3g
• Sodium: 847mg
These Bang Bang Chicken Bowls provide approximately 54% of your daily protein requirements and 12% of your daily carbohydrate needs, making them not just delicious but nutritionally valuable as well.
🔄 Healthier Alternatives for the Recipe
• Lower-carb version: Substitute cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles for the traditional rice or noodles to lower the carbohydrate count.
• Dairy-free adaptation: Replace the mayonnaise in the sauce with a dairy-free alternative, such as cashew cream or vegan mayonnaise.
• Added protein: Increase the protein content by adding grilled or sautéed shrimp or tofu to the bowl.
• Boost vegetables: Incorporate additional vegetables, such as bell peppers, snow peas, or bean sprouts, to increase the nutrient density of the dish.
These modifications can reduce calories by up to 25% or adapt the recipe for specific dietary needs without compromising the fundamental flavor profile of the Bang Bang Chicken Bowl.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
• Pair the dish with a refreshing cucumber salad or a crisp Asian slaw for a complete meal.
• Complement the Bang Bang Chicken with a light, aromatic soup, such as miso or hot and sour soup, for a satisfying dinner.
• For a family-style gathering, serve the Bang Bang Chicken Bowl as part of a larger spread with other Asian-inspired dishes, such as potstickers or spring rolls.
• Create a colorful and impressive platter by arranging the Bang Bang Chicken Bowl with additional toppings, such as chopped peanuts, sesame seeds, and fresh cilantro.
❌ Common Mistakes to Avoid
• Undercooking the chicken: Make sure to cook the chicken cubes thoroughly, as undercooked chicken can pose a food safety risk. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
• Skipping the breading process: The breading step is essential for achieving the signature crispy texture of the fried chicken. Skipping this step will result in a soggy, unappealing texture.
• Overusing the sauce: The Bang Bang sauce is meant to be a flavorful coating, not a drowning pool. Be mindful of the amount of sauce you use to maintain the perfect balance of flavors and textures.
• Not allowing the chicken to rest: After frying, it’s important to let the chicken rest on a paper towel-lined plate to allow the excess oil to drain off. This helps prevent the chicken from becoming greasy.
🧊 Storing Tips for the Recipe
These Bang Bang Chicken Bowls retain their quality remarkably well:
• Freezing unbaked: Prepare the breaded chicken as directed, but do not fry. Instead, place the breaded chicken pieces on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container and store for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before frying.
• Freezing baked: Fry the chicken as directed, let it cool completely, and then transfer to a baking sheet. Freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. Store for up to 2 months. Reheat in a 350°F oven until heated through and crispy, about 15-20 minutes.
• Reheating: For best results, reheat the chicken and vegetables separately in the microwave or a skillet over medium heat, then toss with the Bang Bang sauce just before serving to restore the perfect texture and flavor.
❓ FAQs
Can I make the Bang Bang Chicken Bowl ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the components of the dish in advance. The fried chicken can be frozen uncooked or cooked, and the vegetables can be chopped and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When ready to serve, simply reheat the chicken, toss with the vegetables, and drizzle the Bang Bang sauce over the top.
Can I substitute the chicken with another protein?
Absolutely! The Bang Bang Chicken Bowl is incredibly versatile. You can swap the chicken for shrimp, tofu, or even tempeh. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly. The key is to maintain the crispy texture and pair it with the creamy, spicy sauce.
Is there a way to make this recipe more diet-friendly?
Yes, there are several ways to adapt this recipe to suit various dietary needs. You can use low-fat or nonfat mayonnaise in the sauce, bake the chicken instead of frying, and swap the traditional rice or noodles for cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles to reduce the carbohydrate content. You can also add extra vegetables or protein to boost the nutrient profile.
What if the chicken doesn’t get crispy enough?
If you find that the fried chicken isn’t as crispy as you’d like, there are a few troubleshooting steps you can take. Make sure to pat the chicken dry before breading to remove excess moisture, and be sure to fry the chicken in batches to prevent overcrowding the pan. Additionally, you can try double-dipping the chicken in the egg and breadcrumbs for an extra-crispy coating.
Can I add any additional toppings or variations to the Bang Bang Chicken Bowl?
Absolutely! The beauty of this recipe is its versatility. You can add thinly sliced cucumber, radishes, or scallions for extra crunch and freshness. Crushed peanuts or toasted sesame seeds make a great crunchy topping. For an extra flavor boost, you can also drizzle the bowls with a bit of toasted sesame oil or sprinkle them with fresh cilantro.
Conclusion
These Bang Bang Chicken Bowls represent the perfect balance of convenience, flavor, and presentation. Whether you’re serving them as a quick weeknight dinner or as a showstopping appetizer, they’re sure to impress with their crispy texture, creamy sauce, and vibrant colors. The versatility of this recipe allows for countless variations to suit your taste preferences and dietary needs.
With simple ingredients and straightforward preparation, these Bang Bang Chicken Bowls demonstrate that sophisticated flavors don’t require complicated techniques – just quality ingredients and a little bit of care in the frying and assembly process.
So go ahead, indulge in the irresistible flavors of this fusion delight and experience the joy of a truly satisfying, restaurant-quality meal in the comfort of your own home.
Print
Spicy Bang Bang Chicken Bowl
- Total Time: 30 minutes
Ingredients
• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 eggs, beaten
• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 cup shredded cabbage
• 1 cup shredded carrots
• 2 green onions, sliced
• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 2 tablespoons Sriracha sauce
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
• Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
• Step 1: Prepare the chicken by cutting the breasts into 1-inch cubes. Set up a breading station with the flour, beaten eggs, and panko breadcrumbs in separate bowls.
• Step 2: Dredge the chicken cubes in the flour, dip them in the beaten eggs, and then coat them in the panko breadcrumbs, pressing gently to adhere.
• Step 3: In a large skillet, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Fry the breaded chicken in batches for 2-3 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through. Drain on a paper towel-lined plate.
• Step 4: In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, Sriracha, honey, and rice vinegar to make the Bang Bang sauce. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
• Step 5: In a large bowl, combine the shredded cabbage, carrots, and sliced green onions.
• Step 6: Add the fried chicken to the vegetable mixture and drizzle the Bang Bang sauce over the top. Toss gently to coat the chicken and vegetables evenly.
• Step 7: Serve the Bang Bang Chicken Bowl immediately, garnished with additional green onions or sesame seeds if desired.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Lunch
- Cuisine: Americans
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4 servings
- Calories: 421
- Sodium: 847mg
- Fat: 24g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 27g
Keywords: Spicy Bang Bang Chicken Bowl
