Easy Bang Bang Chicken Bowl for a Flavorful Meal

Introduction

Get ready for a flavor explosion that’s perfect for even the most beginner of cooks! The Bang Bang Chicken Bowl is a popular dish known for its irresistible balance of sweet, creamy, and spicy notes.¹ Our take on this classic skips the deep fryer for an oven-baked method that’s both healthier and easier, while still delivering a satisfyingly crispy coating. Paired with a simple, vibrant vegetable slaw and a warm bed of rice, this bowl is more than just a meal; it’s a vibrant, satisfying, and quick dinner that will become a go-to favorite in your kitchen.

Equipment and Tools

This recipe requires minimal kitchen equipment, making it a great choice for a simple meal.

• Baking Sheet: For baking the chicken to crispy perfection. Using a wire rack placed on the baking sheet will ensure a crispier crust all around.
• Large Bowl or Plate: For arranging the finished bowl.
• Shallow Dish: For breading the chicken. A shallow plate or dish works best.
• Small Mixing Bowl: For whisking together the Bang Bang sauce.
• Whisk or Fork: To mix the sauce ingredients until smooth and well-combined.
• Sharp Knife and Cutting Board: For dicing the chicken and chopping the vegetables.

Serving Suggestions

This bowl is designed to be a complete meal, but you can customize it to your liking.

• Plating Recommendations: Assemble the bowl by creating a base of rice, followed by neat sections of the different vegetables and the crispy chicken. Drizzle the sauce over the chicken for an appealing presentation.
• Garnish Ideas: Don’t skip the garnishes! Sesame seeds and sliced green onions add a nice finishing touch. For extra flavor and texture, sprinkle with crushed peanuts or serve with a lime wedge to squeeze over the top.
• Complementary Dishes: This is a satisfying meal on its own, but it could be served with a side of simple steamed edamame or a light Asian-inspired cucumber salad.
• Beverage Pairings: A cold beer, an iced tea, or even a sparkling water with a squeeze of lime would all be a great match for the dish’s flavors.

Nutritional Information

This dish is a great source of lean protein from the chicken and carbohydrates from the rice.² The vegetables provide essential vitamins and fiber. The sauce, while delicious, is the main source of calories and fat due to the mayonnaise. For a lighter version, you can substitute some of the mayonnaise with plain Greek yogurt.

Storage and Reheating

This bowl is best enjoyed fresh, but leftovers can be stored.

• Refrigeration: Store any leftover chicken and vegetables in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. It’s best to store the sauce separately to keep the chicken from getting soggy.
• Reheating: To reheat the chicken and keep it crispy, place it on a baking sheet and heat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-10 minutes. Alternatively, use an air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 3-5 minutes. Reheating the rice in the microwave is a quick option.

Expert Tips and Variations

• Professional Chef Tips:
  • Crispy Chicken: For the crispiest chicken, place the panko-coated chicken pieces on a wire rack on top of your baking sheet. This allows air to circulate around all sides, ensuring an even, golden-brown crust.
  • Balanced Sauce: The key to the Bang Bang sauce is balancing the creamy, sweet, and spicy flavors. Taste as you go and adjust the honey or Sriracha to your preference.
• Creative Recipe Variations:
  • Protein Swap: This recipe works beautifully with other proteins like cubed firm tofu, shrimp, or salmon. For another great crispy chicken recipe, check out our Best Crispy Cajun Shrimp with Special Dipping Sauce.
  • Veggie Mix-up: You can use any vegetables you have on hand. Sliced bell peppers, edamame, shredded kale, or spiralized zucchini all work well.
  • Rice Alternatives: Serve the Bang Bang chicken over brown rice, quinoa, or even cauliflower rice for a low-carb option.³
  • For a quick and delicious weeknight dinner, you might also enjoy our Easy Spicy Chicken Rigatoni.

Ingredients

This simple list of ingredients comes together to create a satisfying and flavorful meal.

• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts: The lean protein base of the bowl.
• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs: Creates a light, crispy crust when baked.⁴
• 1 egg, beaten: Acts as a binder for the panko.
• 1 cup cooked rice: The foundation of the bowl.
• 1 cup shredded cabbage: Adds a fresh, crisp texture.
• 1/2 cup shredded carrots: Provides sweetness and color.
• 1/4 cup chopped green onions: Adds a mild onion flavor.
• Sesame seeds, for garnish: For a nutty flavor and presentation.
• Sliced green onions, for garnish: A finishing touch.

For the Bang Bang Sauce:

• 1/2 cup mayonnaise: The creamy, tangy base.
• 2 tbsp sweet chili sauce: Provides the sweet, slightly spicy flavor.
• 1 tbsp honey: For additional sweetness.
• 1 tsp Sriracha sauce: Adds the signature spicy kick.
• 1 tsp soy sauce: For a salty, umami depth.
• 1 clove garlic, minced: Adds a pungent aroma and flavor.

Directions

Follow these easy steps to build your perfect Bang Bang Chicken Bowl.

1. Preheat Oven & Prep Chicken: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).⁵ Cut the boneless, skinless chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces. Set up your breading station by placing the beaten egg in one shallow dish and the panko breadcrumbs in another.
2. Bread and Bake the Chicken: Dip each chicken piece in the beaten egg, allowing any excess to drip off. Then, coat the chicken with panko breadcrumbs, pressing gently to ensure a good crust. Place the coated chicken pieces on a baking sheet. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the coating is golden and crispy.
3. Make the Bang Bang Sauce: While the chicken bakes, whisk together the mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, honey, Sriracha, soy sauce, and minced garlic in a small bowl until the sauce is smooth and well-combined.
4. Assemble the Bowls: Divide the cooked rice, shredded cabbage, and shredded carrots evenly among your serving bowls. Arrange the baked chicken pieces on top of the vegetables and rice.
5. Drizzle and Garnish: Drizzle the Bang Bang sauce generously over the chicken and rice.
6. Serve: Finish with a sprinkle of sesame seeds and a few slices of green onion. Enjoy your delicious Bang Bang Chicken Bowl while it’s warm!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can I use different vegetables in the bowl?

A: Yes! This recipe is very versatile. You can add sliced bell peppers, shredded snow peas, or blanched broccoli.

Q: How can I make the sauce less spicy?

A: Simply reduce or omit the Sriracha sauce to your taste preference.

Q: Can I use an air fryer instead of the oven?

A: Yes. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Lightly spray the chicken pieces with cooking spray and cook for 8-12 minutes, flipping halfway through, or until golden and cooked through.

Q: Can I meal prep this recipe?

A: Absolutely. Cook the chicken and prepare the vegetables and rice. Store them separately in airtight containers. Store the sauce in a small jar. This will keep everything fresh for 2-3 days. For more on handling raw chicken, refer to FoodSafety.gov.