If you’re craving a dish that perfectly balances crispy, spicy, and creamy flavors all in one bowl, you’re going to love this Crispy Bang Bang Chicken Bowl Recipe. It’s a vibrant and satisfying meal that brings together tender, golden-fried chicken tossed in a luscious homemade Bang Bang sauce, nestled on a bed of fluffy rice with fresh, crunchy vegetables. Every bite delivers a delightful contrast of textures and tastes, making this recipe an instant favorite for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Crispy Bang Bang Chicken Bowl Recipe uses simple yet essential ingredients, each chosen to build layers of flavor and texture—from the perfectly crisp chicken coating to the tangy, spicy sauce and fresh vegetable toppings. Every element plays a vital role in creating the ultimate comfort bowl that looks as good as it tastes.
- 1 pound boneless chicken thighs: Rich and juicy, they stay tender after frying.
- 1/2 cup cornstarch: Key for that irresistible, crispy coating on the chicken.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the natural flavors in the dish.
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper: Adds a subtle heat and earthiness to the chicken.
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder: Infuses a savory depth of flavor.
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika: Gives a subtle smoky sweetness and a nice color.
- 2 cups vegetable oil: Perfect for deep frying to get that crispy texture.
- 2 cups cooked jasmine or basmati rice: Light and fragrant base to soak up all the flavors.
- 1 cup shredded carrots: Adds delightful crunch and vibrant color.
- 1 cup thinly sliced cucumber: Brings a refreshing crisp bite.
- 1/4 cup chopped scallions: Offers a mild oniony sharpness as a topping.
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds (optional): For a nutty finish and extra texture.
- Bang Bang Sauce: A creamy, sweet, spicy, and tangy blend made from mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, honey, and lime juice that ties everything together.
How to Make Crispy Bang Bang Chicken Bowl Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Coating Mixture
Start by combining the cornstarch, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and paprika in a medium bowl. This mixture is your secret weapon for infusing your chicken pieces with fantastic flavor and giving them that crisp, golden crust we all love.
Step 2: Coat the Chicken
Take your bite-sized chicken thighs and lightly coat them with the seasoned cornstarch mixture. Don’t forget to press the flour onto each piece to ensure it sticks really well. Any extra powder can be gently shaken off to avoid clumps or sogginess.
Step 3: Heat the Oil
Pour the vegetable oil into a frying pan and heat it over medium-high until it reaches about 350°F (175°C). This precise temperature is essential for cooking the chicken thoroughly while making it wonderfully crispy on the outside.
Step 4: Fry the Chicken
Carefully add the coated chicken pieces to the hot oil in batches. Crowding the pan will lower the oil temperature and result in soggy chicken, so take your time. Fry each batch for 5 to 6 minutes until they turn golden brown and reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C), ensuring they are safe and juicy.
Step 5: Drain the Chicken
Once fried, transfer the chicken pieces to a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil. This step keeps your chicken crispy and perfect for assembling the bowl.
Step 6: Prepare the Bang Bang Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, honey, and lime juice until smooth and creamy. This sauce is the star of the dish, providing that signature balance of creamy, spicy, sweet, and tangy flavors that the Crispy Bang Bang Chicken Bowl Recipe is known for.
Step 7: Assemble the Bowl
Start by placing a layer of the cooked rice at the bottom of a large serving bowl. Then, artfully arrange the crispy chicken pieces on top, followed by neat piles of shredded carrots, cucumber slices, and chopped scallions. The fresh veggies add a refreshing crunch and gorgeous color contrast that brings the whole bowl to life.
Step 8: Drizzle the Sauce and Finish
Generously drizzle the Bang Bang sauce over the top of your assembled bowl. If you like, sprinkle a tablespoon of sesame seeds for an extra touch of nuttiness and texture. Serve immediately for the best experience of textures and flavors mingling in every bite!
How to Serve Crispy Bang Bang Chicken Bowl Recipe
Garnishes
Elevate your Crispy Bang Bang Chicken Bowl Recipe with garnishes like freshly chopped cilantro, extra scallions, or toasted sesame seeds. These small touches add bright color and an extra burst of flavor that make the meal feel special and thoughtfully prepared.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs beautifully with simple steamed vegetables or a crunchy Asian slaw on the side. Light and crisp sides balance the richness of the fried chicken and sauce, keeping the meal refreshing and well-rounded.
Creative Ways to Present
Feel free to serve your bowl in rustic ceramic dishes or even in colorful bamboo bowls for a more playful presentation. You could also set up a build-your-own bowl station with all components laid out, letting guests customize their own perfect combination of crispy chicken, rice, veggies, and sauce.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers from your Crispy Bang Bang Chicken Bowl Recipe, store the chicken, sauce, and veggies separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. This keeps everything fresher and prevents the chicken from getting soggy.
Freezing
The crispy chicken can be frozen after frying but before adding the sauce or fresh veggies. Wrap it tightly in foil or plastic wrap with a layer of parchment paper between pieces. To maintain the best texture, thaw and reheat in the oven rather than the microwave.
Reheating
To reheat, place the chicken on a baking sheet and warm in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 10 minutes. This helps restore the crispiness. Avoid microwaving directly as it tends to make the coating soggy. Reheat the rice and veggies separately and drizzle the Bang Bang sauce fresh before serving.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Absolutely! Chicken breasts work fine, but thighs tend to stay more tender and juicy, especially when fried. If you use breasts, be mindful not to overcook to keep them from drying out.
Is the Bang Bang sauce very spicy?
Not at all! The sauce strikes a lovely balance of sweet, creamy, tangy, and mild heat. If you prefer more or less spice, you can easily adjust the sriracha amount to suit your taste.
Can I bake instead of frying the chicken?
You can, but frying really achieves that iconic ultra-crispy texture key to this recipe. Baking will be healthier but might not deliver quite the same crunch. An air fryer can be a great alternative if you want less oil.
What type of rice works best?
Jasmine or basmati rice is preferred because of their fragrant aromas and fluffy texture. They soak up the sauce nicely without becoming mushy, which complements the crisp chicken perfectly.
How long does this recipe take from start to finish?
You can expect about 35 minutes, including prep and cooking. It’s a pretty quick dish considering the multiple components, and totally worth every minute for that delicious payoff!
Final Thoughts
Treat yourself to this Crispy Bang Bang Chicken Bowl Recipe the next time you want a meal that’s bursting with flavor and texture. It’s the kind of dish you’ll find yourself craving again and again, whether for an easy weeknight dinner or to impress friends. Dive in, savor every bite, and enjoy the joyful explosion of tastes you can create right at home!
Print
Crispy Bang Bang Chicken Bowl Recipe
- Prep Time: 0h 20m
- Cook Time: 0h 15m
- Total Time: 0h 35m
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Asian Fusion
Description
This Crispy Bang Bang Chicken Bowl features tender, bite-sized chicken thighs coated in a flavorful cornstarch blend and fried to golden perfection. Served over fragrant jasmine or basmati rice, the bowl is topped with fresh shredded carrots, crisp cucumber slices, and scallions, all brought together with a creamy, spicy, and tangy Bang Bang sauce. A delightful combination of textures and vibrant flavors, perfect for a satisfying weeknight meal.
Ingredients
Chicken and Coating
- 1 pound boneless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1/2 cup cornstarch
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 2 cups vegetable oil for frying
Bowl Components
- 2 cups cooked rice (jasmine or basmati preferred)
- 1 cup shredded carrots
- 1 cup thinly sliced cucumber
- 1/4 cup chopped scallions
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds (optional)
Bang Bang Sauce
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup sweet chili sauce
- 2 tablespoons sriracha sauce
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
Instructions
- Prepare the coating. In a medium bowl, combine cornstarch, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. Mix these ingredients well to create a flavorful, even coating for the chicken.
- Coat the chicken. Lightly coat the bite-sized chicken pieces with the cornstarch mixture, pressing gently to ensure the coating adheres well. Shake off any excess cornstarch to avoid clumps during frying.
- Heat the oil. Pour the vegetable oil into a frying pan and heat it to 350°F (175°C) over medium-high heat. Maintaining this temperature will ensure a crispy and evenly cooked chicken.
- Fry the chicken. Carefully add the coated chicken pieces to the hot oil, frying in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding. Fry until the chicken turns golden brown and crispy, about 5-6 minutes per batch, and fully cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Drain the chicken. Remove the fried chicken from the oil using a slotted spoon and place it onto a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil and keep it crisp.
- Make the Bang Bang sauce. In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, honey, and lime juice until smooth and well combined. This sauce delivers the signature creamy, spicy, and tangy flavor.
- Assemble the bowl. In a large serving bowl, spread the cooked rice evenly as the base layer.
- Add the chicken. Arrange the crispy fried chicken pieces over the rice for a hearty main layer.
- Add fresh toppings. Top the chicken and rice with shredded carrots, thinly sliced cucumber, and chopped scallions to add color, crunch, and freshness.
- Drizzle the sauce. Generously pour the prepared Bang Bang sauce over the assembled bowl to tie all the flavors together.
- Garnish and serve. Sprinkle sesame seeds on top if desired, then serve the Crispy Bang Bang Chicken Bowl immediately to enjoy the best flavors and textures.
Notes
- Use boneless chicken thighs for juicier, more flavorful meat that stays tender after frying.
- Maintain the oil temperature around 350°F to ensure crispiness without absorbing excess oil.
- Frying in batches prevents overcrowding which can cause steaming instead of crisping.
- Adjust the spiciness of the Bang Bang sauce by modifying the amount of sriracha according to your heat preference.
- This dish is best enjoyed fresh to keep the chicken crispy, but leftovers can be reheated in a hot oven or air fryer to regain crispiness.
