Imagine a dish that combines crispy, golden chicken with a creamy, spicy sauce, vibrant vegetables, and fluffy rice, all in one vibrant bowl.

The Bang Bang Chicken Bowl delivers exactly that—a perfect balance of textures and flavors that excites the palate. Originating from the popular Bang Bang Chicken, this bowl version transforms the classic into a wholesome, customizable meal.

Whether you crave a quick weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleasing dish for gatherings, this recipe offers versatility and bold taste. Let’s dive into crafting this delicious bowl, complete with precise measurements, step-by-step instructions, and tips to make it your own.

Ingredients

To create a Bang Bang Chicken Bowl that serves four, gather these ingredients with exact measurements for consistency and ease.

For the Chicken

1.5 lbs (680g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
1 cup (120g) all-purpose flour
1 cup (120g) cornstarch
1 tsp (5g) salt
1 tsp (5g) black pepper
1 tsp (5g) garlic powder
2 large eggs, beaten
1 cup (240ml) buttermilk
Vegetable oil, for frying (about 2 cups or 480ml, depending on pan size)

For the Bang Bang Sauce

½ cup (120g) mayonnaise
¼ cup (60ml) sweet chili sauce
2 tbsp (30ml) sriracha (adjust for spice preference)
1 tbsp (15ml) honey
1 tbsp (15ml) lime juice

For the Bowl

2 cups (400g) cooked jasmine rice (or brown rice)
1 cup (150g) shredded carrots
1 cup (150g) sliced cucumber
1 avocado, sliced
2 cups (100g) mixed greens (spinach, arugula, or lettuce)
2 tbsp (10g) chopped green onions
1 tbsp (8g) sesame seeds (optional, for garnish)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these detailed steps to create a Bang Bang Chicken Bowl that bursts with flavor and texture. Each step ensures a seamless cooking process.

Prepare the Chicken: Start by cutting the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces, about 1-inch cubes, for even cooking. Pat them dry with paper towels to help the coating stick.
Set Up the Breading Station: In a shallow bowl, mix the flour, cornstarch, salt, pepper, and garlic powder. In another bowl, whisk the eggs and buttermilk until smooth. This combination creates a crispy, golden crust.
Coat the Chicken: Dip each chicken piece into the buttermilk mixture, letting excess drip off. Then, dredge it in the flour mixture, pressing lightly to ensure an even coating. Place coated pieces on a plate and repeat until all chicken is breaded.
Heat the Oil: In a large skillet or deep fryer, pour vegetable oil to a depth of about 1 inch (2.5 cm). Heat over medium-high heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C). Use a thermometer for accuracy to avoid greasy or undercooked chicken.
Fry the Chicken: Carefully add chicken pieces to the hot oil in batches, avoiding overcrowding. Fry for 4–5 minutes per side, or until golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
Make the Bang Bang Sauce: While the chicken fries, whisk together mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, honey, and lime juice in a small bowl. Taste and adjust sriracha for desired heat level. Set aside.
Cook the Rice: If not already prepared, cook jasmine rice according to package instructions. For 2 cups of cooked rice, use about ¾ cup (150g) of uncooked rice and 1½ cups (360ml) of water. Fluff with a fork once done.
Assemble the Bowls: Divide the cooked rice among four bowls. Arrange mixed greens, shredded carrots, cucumber slices, and avocado slices in sections over the rice. Place a portion of fried chicken in the center of each bowl.
Add the Sauce: Drizzle the Bang Bang sauce generously over the chicken. For extra flair, reserve some sauce for dipping on the side.
Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle chopped green onions and sesame seeds over each bowl for a pop of color and crunch. Serve immediately to enjoy the contrast of warm chicken and cool vegetables.

Helpful Tips

To elevate your Bang Bang Chicken Bowl and ensure success, consider these practical tips.

Crispier Chicken: Double-coat the chicken by repeating the buttermilk and flour dredging process for an extra-crunchy texture. Ensure the oil stays at 350°F (175°C) to prevent soggy breading.
Spice Control: Adjust the sriracha in the sauce to suit your taste. For a milder version, reduce to 1 tablespoon or substitute with a pinch of chili flakes.
Time-Saving Hack: Use pre-cooked rotisserie chicken or air-fried chicken nuggets for a quicker preparation. Toss them in the sauce for similar flavor with less effort.
Fresh Ingredients: Opt for fresh, crisp vegetables to balance the richness of the fried chicken and creamy sauce. Rinse and pat dry greens to avoid wilting.
Oil Management: Reuse frying oil by straining it through a fine mesh sieve and storing it in an airtight container for future use. Discard if it darkens or smells off.

Conservation and Storage

Proper storage keeps your Bang Bang Chicken Bowl fresh and flavorful for later enjoyment.

Refrigeration: Store leftover chicken and sauce separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep vegetables and rice in separate containers to maintain freshness.
Freezing: Freeze cooked chicken pieces in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months. Reheat in an oven at 375°F (190°C) for 10–12 minutes to restore crispiness.
Sauce Storage: Store the Bang Bang sauce in a sealed container in the fridge for up to 1 week. Stir well before reusing, as separation may occur.
Reheating: Reheat rice and chicken in a microwave or oven, but serve vegetables cold to preserve their crunch. Avoid reheating the sauce to maintain its creamy texture.

Variations

The Bang Bang Chicken Bowl adapts easily to dietary preferences and creative twists. Explore these variations to suit your needs.

Grilled Chicken Version: Swap fried chicken for grilled chicken breasts to reduce fat content. Marinate the chicken in olive oil, garlic, and lime juice for 30 minutes before grilling.
Vegetarian Option: Replace chicken with crispy tofu or tempura vegetables. Coat tofu cubes in the same breading and fry or bake until golden.
Spicy Shrimp Bowl: Substitute chicken with breaded shrimp for a seafood twist. Fry shrimp for 2–3 minutes per side until pink and crispy.
Low-Carb Bowl: Use cauliflower rice instead of jasmine rice for a keto-friendly version. Add extra greens like kale or cabbage for volume.
Asian-Inspired Twist: Incorporate pickled ginger, edamame, or seaweed salad for a sushi-inspired bowl. Drizzle with a touch of soy sauce for umami.

Serving Suggestions

Present your Bang Bang Chicken Bowl in a way that enhances its appeal and complements its bold flavors.

Pair with Drinks: Serve with iced green tea, a light lager, or a mango lassi to balance the spice. For a non-alcoholic option, try a cucumber-mint infused water.
Side Dishes: Complement the bowl with a side of miso soup or a small Asian-inspired slaw with sesame dressing for added crunch.
Presentation: Use wide, shallow bowls to showcase the colorful ingredients. Arrange components in neat sections for an Instagram-worthy look.
Group Gatherings: Create a build-your-own bowl bar with separate bowls of rice, vegetables, chicken, and sauce. Guests can customize their portions and toppings.
Garnish Boost: Add crushed peanuts or cilantro leaves for extra texture and flavor. A lime wedge on the side invites a fresh squeeze of citrus.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make the sauce less spicy?
Yes, reduce the sriracha to 1 tablespoon or replace it with a milder hot sauce. Add more honey for sweetness to balance the heat.

Can I bake the chicken instead of frying?
Absolutely. Coat the chicken as directed, then bake at 400°F (200°C) on a parchment-lined baking sheet for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway, until crispy and cooked through.

How do I prevent the chicken from getting soggy?
Fry at the correct temperature (350°F/175°C) and avoid overcrowding the pan. Drain on paper towels and serve immediately to maintain crispiness.

Can I prepare this ahead of time?
Prepare components separately up to a day in advance. Store chicken, rice, and vegetables in the fridge, and assemble just before serving to keep textures intact.

What other grains work well?
Quinoa, farro, or barley make excellent substitutes for rice, adding nutty flavors and extra nutrition.

Conclusion

The Bang Bang Chicken Bowl brings together crispy chicken, zesty sauce, and fresh vegetables in a dish that’s as versatile as it is delicious.

Its bold flavors and customizable nature make it ideal for weeknight dinners, meal prep, or entertaining guests. With variations like grilled chicken or vegetarian tofu, and serving options from casual to elegant, this bowl adapts to any occasion.

Follow the detailed recipe, experiment with the suggested tips, and store leftovers properly to enjoy this vibrant meal again and again. Dive into the world of Bang Bang Chicken Bowls and savor a dish that’s sure to become a favorite.

Bang Bang Chicken Bowl: A Flavorful, Spicy Delight