Bang Bang Chicken Bowls are a delightful dish that brings together friends and family over a delicious meal. This recipe is perfect for those looking to avoid the oven-baking mess, with minimal prep time and easy clean-up. The star of this dish is the crispy chicken, coated in a flavorful glaze made from a blend of pantry staples like mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, and a touch of sriracha for some heat. It's a dinner favorite that I find myself making every few weeks because of its simplicity and amazing flavor. This bowl is inspired by the popular Bang Bang Chicken Skewers, offering a new way to enjoy this classic dish.

For a quick and nutritious dinner, consider trying Air Fryer Bang Bowls. These bowls are not only packed with flavor but also provide essential nutrition. They are perfect for busy moms looking to serve up something tasty in under 40 minutes. The combination of crispy Air Fryer Frozen French Fries with crispy chicken and a flavorful sauce makes for a satisfying meal that will have you coming back for more.

Why l Love This Recipe

This Bang Bang Chicken Bowls recipe is incredibly quick and easy to throw together. It's packed with flavor, offering a perfect balance of sweet, savory, and spicy notes. Each bowl provides over 34 grams of protein, making it a satisfying and nutritious meal. Plus, it's easily modifiable – you can swap out the chicken for shrimp or add extra veggies to suit your taste. This dish is perfect for meal prep and will surely become a favorite in your weekly rotation.

Can I Make Recipe Ahead Of Time?

Yes, there are several ways to get a head start on these bowls. The bang bang sauce can be made in advance and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

Ingredients:

• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 large eggs, beaten
• 2 cups panko breadcrumbs
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 1/4 cup sweet chili sauce
• 2 tablespoons sriracha sauce (adjust to taste)
• 4 cups cooked white rice
• 2 cups shredded lettuce
• 1 cup shredded carrots
• 1 cup thinly sliced cucumbers
• 1/4 cup chopped green onions
• 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
• 2 tablespoons sesame seeds (optional)
• Cooking oil for frying

Method:

Prepare the Chicken:

• In a shallow bowl, combine the flour, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
• In another shallow bowl, place the beaten eggs.
• In a third shallow bowl, place the panko breadcrumbs.
• Dredge the chicken pieces in the flour mixture, then dip them in the beaten eggs, and coat them with panko breadcrumbs. Set aside.

Fry the Chicken:

• Heat about 1/2 inch of cooking oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
• Once the oil is hot, add the chicken pieces in batches, frying until golden brown and cooked through, about 3-4 minutes per side.

• Remove the chicken from the skillet and place on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.

Prepare the Bang Bang Sauce:

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

Assemble the Bowls:

• Divide the cooked rice among four bowls.
• Top each bowl with shredded lettuce, shredded carrots, and sliced cucumbers.
• Add the fried chicken pieces on top.
• Drizzle the bang bang sauce over the chicken.
• Garnish with chopped green onions, cilantro, and sesame seeds if desired.

Additional Info About Bang Bang Chicken Bowl.

Here is some additional information that you may have to know about Bang Chicken Bowl.

Health Benefits:

• High in protein from chicken, promoting muscle growth and repair.
• Vegetables provide essential vitamins and fiber, aiding in digestion and overall health.
• The dish can be made with reduced-fat mayonnaise to lower calorie intake.

Notes:

• For a healthier option, you can bake the chicken instead of frying.
• Adjust the sriracha sauce according to your spice preference.
• Use brown rice or quinoa for a more nutritious base.

Nutrition (per serving):

• Calories: ~450
• Protein: 25g
• Carbohydrates: 50g
• Fat: 15g
• Fiber: 3g
• Sugars: 8g

Equipment:

• Shallow bowls for dredging
• Large skillet
• Mixing bowls
• Cooking utensils

Serving Suggestions

At the beginning of the week, I prepare a whole heap of vegetables for quick lunches and dinners. Cabbage, kale, and various lettuce types are great choices to prep ahead as they stay robust for a couple of days. Keep them in an airtight container, completely dry with a paper towel at the bottom and top to absorb moisture and extend the life of your produce.

This Bang Bang Chicken recipe goes well with rice, mixed salads, or other serving ideas. For added variety, try serving it with starters like grilled egg white, Cajun Crab Dip Recipe, or egg drop soup. Pair it with white or brown rice, cauliflower rice, fried rice, chow mein, lo mein, or plain noodles.

Storing

For the best results with leftovers, it's a good idea to store each part of the Bang Bang Chicken Bowls separately. While I've stored mine altogether before and they turned out fine when heated, keeping the components apart ensures they stay fresh. When you're ready to eat, simply heat up each part that needs warming and then put them together for a tasty meal.

Reheating And Freezing

These bowls can be reheated easily, either in the microwave for a few minutes or in the oven for a warmer experience. For freezing, simply let the Bang Bang Chicken Bakes cool, then cover them with a lid and store them in the freezer for up to a month. When you're ready to enjoy them, ensure they're partially defrosted before reheating to avoid any cracking issues.

You can also prepare the rice ahead of time and simply warm it up when you're ready to assemble the bowls. Additionally, you can cook the bang bang chicken and keep it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. This makes meal prep super easy and convenient!

Can I use chicken breast instead of chicken thigh?

Absolutely. Just make sure you follow step 3 and pound the chicken to an even thickness. You will also have to modify the cooking time to 18–20 minutes, or until the chicken is golden and cooked through. Grill (broil) on high heat for 2–3 minutes if required to caramelize.

Can I make bang bang chicken in the air fryer?

Yes, you can air fry the chicken for Bang Bang Chicken Bowls. Lightly spray the air fryer basket with enough neutral oil. Place the coated chicken in a single layer with enough space around each piece, making sure not to overcrowd the basket to achieve crispy chicken.

Spray more oil over the chicken pieces, then air fry at 400 F for 11-14 minutes until they turn golden brown. Be sure to check every minute as times may vary between different air fryer brands. There's no need to flip the chicken halfway.

Vegetables Options

These meal prep bowls are highly customizable! You can add veggies before or after baking. I love topping mine with half an avocado before eating each day. Here are some other vegetable ideas for your Bang Bang Chicken Bowls: try adding bell peppers, carrots, or cucumbers for extra crunch and flavor.

What is Bang Bang chicken made of?

When I first made bang bang chicken bowls, I was amazed by their simplicity and deliciousness. The chicken is marinated with pantry ingredients and brushed with a drool-worthy bang bang sauce (mayonnaise and sweet chilli sauce). The oven-baked method keeps the chicken juicy and tender. This recipe changed my view on using mayonnaise in a marinade, and it's something you'll want to make forever.

What is Bang Bang made of?

The Bang Bang sauce is the key to Bang Bang Chicken Bowls, offering a spicy and sweet flavor. This mayonnaise-based sauce blends mayo, sriracha (or a mild hot sauce for halal), sweet chili sauce, and vinegar. Making this sauce at home allows for flavor adjustments, making it perfect for drizzling over crispy chicken and fresh veggies, creating a satisfying meal.

What Does Bang Bang Mean in Cooking?

Bang Bang Chicken Bowls have a creamy base with a sweet and spicy flavor profile, using mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, garlic, and hot sauce

Is Bang good for health?

Many love energy drinks, but not all are good. Bang may appeal to children, but it's unsafe due to high caffeine and sugar, causing restlessness, nausea, headaches, and anxiety. This is especially true for young, growing bodies. Try water or natural fruit juice for a healthier boost.