Bang Bang Chicken Bowl Recipe

I made my version of the Bang Bang Chicken Bowl and was surprised by its vibrant flavors. Using chicken breast, cornstarch, and a blend of sweet chili sauce, sriracha, and honey, the chicken is perfectly coated. Paired with jasmine rice, shredded cabbage, and red bell pepper, each bite offers a delightful crunch.

I’m excited to share this Bang Bang Chicken Bowl recipe with you. I’ve been experimenting with different flavors lately and wanted something that brought a serious explosion of taste with little fuss.

This dish is all about contrast – I start with crispy chicken breast pieces, lightly dusted in cornstarch, salt, and black pepper before frying them in vegetable oil until they get that irresistible crunch. Then I whip up a tangy-sweet sauce using a mix of mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha and a touch of honey.

While the sauce cooks up, I’ve got rice, shredded cabbage, carrots, and thinly sliced red bell pepper prepped to add some freshness and crunch. Sometimes I throw in a bit of edamame, green onions and chopped cilantro, just to keep things interesting.

It reminds me of some better-known dishes with a twist, and it’s pretty perfect for anyone who’s looking for a yummy dinner idea on a busy day. Enjoy cooking and savor every bite!

Why I Like this Recipe

I love this recipe because the chicken always comes out super crispy and it gives me such a great crunch that really makes the sauce pop.

I like how the sauce is both tangy and sweet, and it just ties everything together. I know it sounds weird but mixing mayo, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, and honey creates this flavor explosion thats just awesome.

Another reason I love it is because all the veggies add a fresh burst of color and crunch, and they make it feel like a complete meal even though it only takes a few steps.

Finally, it’s a super easy recipe that doesnt require fancy ingredients or too many tricks, which is perfect when im in a rush or just dont feel like spending too much time in the kitchen.

Ingredients

Bang Bang Chicken Bowl is a tasty and balanced meal that mixes protein, crunch and bright flavors.

Here are a few key ingredients that make it so special:

• Chicken breast provides lean protein and helps build muscle while keeping the dish light.
• Cornstarch creates a crispy exterior without overwhelming the natural chicken flavors.
• Sweet Chili Sauce offers tangy sweetness with mild heat and a pop of vibrant color.
• Cabbage adds crunch, fiber and vitamins for a nutritious and satisfying bite.
• Edamame supplies plant protein and extra nutrients while lending a fun burst of color.
• Red bell pepper enhances the dish with vitamin C and a boldly fresh taste.

Ingredient Quantities

• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast (cut into bite-size pieces)
• 1/2 cup cornstarch
• Salt, to taste
• Black pepper, to taste
• Oil for frying (vegetable or canola)
• 1/3 cup mayonnaise
• 1/4 cup sweet chili sauce
• 2 tbsp sriracha
• 1 tbsp honey
• 2 cups cooked rice (jasmine or brown)
• 2 cups shredded cabbage
• 1 cup shredded carrots
• 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
• 1/2 cup edamame, shelled (optional)
• 1/2 cup sliced green onions
• 2 tbsp chopped cilantro (optional)

How to Make this

1. First, season the bite-size chicken pieces with salt and pepper, then dredge them in cornstarch until they are well coated.

2. Heat oil in a large frying pan over medium-high heat and fry the chicken until golden, crispy, and cooked through. Remove and set on paper towels to drain excess oil.

3. In a small bowl, mix together the mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, and honey until smooth and well combined.

4. Once the chicken is cool enough, toss it in the sauce so that every piece is evenly coated.

5. Prepare your serving bowl by placing warm, cooked rice at the bottom.

6. On top of the rice, add the shredded cabbage and shredded carrots evenly.

7. Next, arrange the thinly sliced red bell pepper and edamame (if you’re using it) over the veggies.

8. Spoon the sauced chicken over your veggie bed.

9. Drizzle any leftover sauce over the top for an extra kick of flavor.

10. Finally, garnish with sliced green onions and chopped cilantro, then serve immediately and enjoy your flavor explosion!

Equipment Needed

1. Cutting board and chef’s knife – for slicing the chicken and veggies
2. Mixing bowls – one for dredging the chicken and another for mixing the sauce
3. Measuring cups and spoons – to accurately measure the cornstarch, sauces, and honey
4. Large frying pan – essential for frying the chicken to a crispy golden brown
5. Tongs or a slotted spoon – helps to remove the chicken from the pan safely
6. Paper towels – needed for draining the excess oil from the fried chicken
7. Pot or rice cooker – to prepare the rice if it’s not pre-cooked
8. Serving bowl – to assemble the dish with the rice, veggies, and chicken on top

FAQ

Bang Bang Chicken Bowl Recipe Substitutions and Variations

• Instead of cornstarch, you could use potato starch or even a bit of all-purpose flour. It might change the texture a little but it works.
• If ya dont have or like the taste of mayonnaise, greek yogurt is a great substitute. Its a bit tangier but gives the sauce a creamy kick.
• Ran out of red bell pepper? You can easily swap it with yellow or orange bell peppers for a sweeter, milder flavor.
• If edamame is hard to find, try using steamed green peas or snap peas. They add a similar crunch and color to the bowl.

Pro Tips

1. If you want extra crispy chicken, try double coating the pieces. Dip them in a little egg wash before dredging in the cornstarch, it helps the coating stick better.
2. Make sure your oil is really hot before you start frying. If it’s too cool, the chicken will just absorb more oil and become greasy instead of getting that perfect crispy texture.
3. When you mix the sauce, give it a good whisk so that all the flavors combine well. Sometimes the honey can clump up if you dont stir enough.
4. Instead of dumping all your sauce on the chicken at once, toss it in smaller batches. This way, every piece gets a nice even coating without getting soggy.