Name: Bang Bang Chicken Bowl: Your New Favorite Quick Meal Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Asian
Ingredients: 2 cups Cooked Jasmine Rice; 1 pound Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces; 1/2 cup Cornstarch; 1 teaspoon Salt; 1/2 teaspoon Black Pepper; 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder; 1 teaspoon Paprika; 1/2 cup Vegetable Oil; 1/2 cup Mayonnaise; 1/4 cup Sweet Chili Sauce; 1 tablespoon Sriracha; 2 cups Shredded Lettuce; 1 cup Diced Cucumber; 1 cup Shredded Carrots; 1/2 cup Chopped Green Onions; 2 tablespoons Sesame Seeds

Jump to Recipe· 4.9 from 26 reviews

If you’re on the lookout for something bold, fresh, and lightning-fast, the Bang Bang Chicken Bowl: Your New Favorite Quick Meal is destined to win you over. Imagine tender, golden chicken, a dreamy sweet-and-spicy sauce, and a crispy, colorful parade of veggies, all heaped on a bed of fluffy jasmine rice. With just 30 minutes and everyday ingredients, this dish transforms the humble weeknight dinner into a celebration of flavor and texture. Whether you’re meal prepping or scrambling for dinner inspiration, this bowl has you covered.

Bang Bang Chicken Bowl: Your New Favorite Quick Meal Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The best part of the Bang Bang Chicken Bowl: Your New Favorite Quick Meal is how brilliantly simple the ingredient list is. Each item plays a crucial role in building layers of flavor, crunch, and eye-catching color. Gather these basics, and you’re only minutes from weeknight perfection!

Jasmine Rice: Offers a fluffy, fragrant base that soaks up all the delicious sauce and ties the whole bowl together.
Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts: Lean and easy to cook, perfect for bite-size crispy chicken pieces.
Cornstarch: Essential for that irresistibly crisp chicken coating.
Salt: Lifts and enhances every savory element.
Black Pepper: Adds a subtle warmth that balances the sweet and spicy flavors.
Garlic Powder: Brings depth and aromatic zing to the chicken.
Paprika: Introduces gentle smokiness and beautiful color.
Vegetable Oil: Needed for frying the chicken to golden perfection.
Mayonnaise: The creamy backbone of the iconic Bang Bang sauce—swap with Greek yogurt for a lighter touch.
Sweet Chili Sauce: Infuses sweetness and a subtle tang into the sauce.
Sriracha: Brings the heat—add as much or as little as you love!
Shredded Lettuce: Adds crunch and refreshing contrast.
Diced Cucumber: Offers juicy, cooling bites to balance the spice.
Shredded Carrots: Bring vibrant color and crispness.
Chopped Green Onions: Add a zesty pop of flavor and fresh green color.
Sesame Seeds: Optional, but they bring nutty crunch and that “wow” finish.

How to Make Bang Bang Chicken Bowl: Your New Favorite Quick Meal

Step 1: Prep the Chicken Coating

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the cornstarch, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. This quick, dry dredge makes all the difference—every bite of chicken gets a light, flavorful crunch that’s absolutely addictive.

Step 2: Coat the Chicken

Chop your chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces, then toss them right into the bowl with the cornstarch mixture. Make sure each piece is coated evenly; this is your ticket to crispy, golden nuggets of joy.

Step 3: Fry to Perfection

Pour about half an inch of vegetable oil into your skillet and heat over medium-high. Once shimmering hot, add the chicken pieces in a single layer, giving them 5 to 7 minutes to sizzle into perfectly golden bites. Work in batches if needed—crowding the pan means less crispiness!

Step 4: Mix the Creamy Bang Bang Sauce

Grab a small bowl and stir together the mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, and sriracha until smooth. Want it milder or spicier? Simply taste and tweak the sriracha to your preference. This sauce will knock your socks off!

Step 5: Assemble the Bang Bang Chicken Bowl: Your New Favorite Quick Meal

Pile up bowls with steaming jasmine rice, top generously with your crispy chicken, and shower the whole thing with shredded lettuce, cucumber, carrots, and green onions. Drizzle on that addictive sauce and finish with a sprinkle of sesame seeds for a final flourish.

How to Serve Bang Bang Chicken Bowl: Your New Favorite Quick Meal

Garnishes

A final handful of sesame seeds, extra green onions, or even a wedge of lime really takes your bowl from weeknight quick fix to something restaurant-worthy. These little finishing touches add bursts of color, crunch, and zing, making every bite pop.

Side Dishes

While the Bang Bang Chicken Bowl: Your New Favorite Quick Meal is honestly complete as is, it pairs beautifully with a crisp Asian slaw, fresh fruit, or a side of steamed edamame. Even a bowl of miso soup would complement the meal and make it extra special.

Creative Ways to Present

Go beyond the traditional bowl! Try serving the chicken and toppings as lettuce wraps, or line up all the fresh veggies and fried chicken on a platter for a customizable, build-your-own bowl night. Younger eaters love the deconstructed approach, and it’s perfect for parties too.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftovers in separate containers—rice in one, chicken in another, and veggies in a third—for the best texture. The sauce stays happy in a little jar in your fridge. Everything lasts up to three days, making it perfect for meal prep or next-day lunchbox winners.

Freezing

The fried chicken pieces freeze beautifully! After cooling, lay them on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, then transfer to a zip-top bag. Skip freezing the veggies and sauce, though—they’re best made fresh for optimal crunch and flavor.

Reheating

To recapture that irresistible crisp, reheat chicken in a 375°F oven or air fryer for 8 to 10 minutes. The rice just needs a minute in the microwave with a splash of water to fluff up again. Any leftover sauce can be used straight from the fridge or gently warmed.

FAQs

Can I use a different protein in my Bang Bang Chicken Bowl: Your New Favorite Quick Meal?

Absolutely! Shrimp, tofu, or even crispy cauliflower all work beautifully and soak up that bang bang sauce. Just adjust cooking times as needed.

Is there a healthier alternative to frying the chicken?

You can bake or air fry the coated chicken pieces for a lighter spin. You’ll still get a wonderful crunch, especially when air fried until golden.

What’s the best substitute for sweet chili sauce?

If you’re out of sweet chili sauce, try mixing a bit of honey with a splash of rice vinegar and your favorite hot sauce. It’s not a perfect match, but it hits all the right notes.

Can I make this dish gluten-free?

Definitely—just be sure to use a certified gluten-free cornstarch, double-check that your sauces are gluten-free, and you’re set for a safe and delicious meal.

How do I meal prep the Bang Bang Chicken Bowl: Your New Favorite Quick Meal?

Cook the rice and chicken ahead of time, chop your veggies, and store the sauce separately. Assemble just before eating for maximum crunch and freshness—perfect for grab-and-go lunches!

Final Thoughts

Once you try the Bang Bang Chicken Bowl: Your New Favorite Quick Meal, you may never look at boring weeknights the same way. It’s fast, fun, and completely customizable—so grab those ingredients and treat yourself to a bowlful of pure joy tonight!