The Bang Bang Chicken Bowl with Creamy Sauce and Crispy Toppings Recipe is an absolute game changer when you want a meal that’s bursting with flavor, texture, and color. Picture perfectly crispy, golden chicken sitting atop a bed of vibrant veggies and rice, all drizzled with a luscious, zesty creamy sauce that has just the right amount of kick. This dish strikes the ideal balance between indulgent and fresh, making it perfect for any dinner that calls for something a little special yet totally approachable. Once you try this recipe, it will quickly become one you come back to again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this recipe plays a crucial role in bringing out the irresistible taste and texture combinations. From crunchy panko breadcrumbs to fresh veggies and that unforgettable creamy sauce, each element adds its own magic to the dish.
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Choose fresh chicken breasts for tender, juicy pieces that soak up all the flavors.
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs: These give you that extra crispy, airy crunch that takes the chicken topping to the next level.
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour: Essential for helping the breading stick and creating a light coating on the chicken.
- 1 egg, beaten: Acts as the adhesive between the flour and panko for perfect breading.
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise: Adds richness and creaminess to the sauce without overpowering the flavors.
- 1/4 cup Greek yogurt: Brings a tangy freshness that brightens up the creamy Bang Bang sauce.
- 2 tbsp sweet chili sauce: Infuses the sauce with sweet heat and vibrant flavor.
- 1 tbsp sriracha sauce: Adds spicy depth; adjust to your preferred heat level.
- 2 cups cooked rice (white or brown): The base of the bowl, offering a warm, comforting foundation.
- 2 cups shredded cabbage or coleslaw mix: Provides a refreshing crunch and a pop of green color.
- 1 carrot, julienned: Adds sweetness and brightness with its delicate texture.
- 1/2 cup edamame beans, shelled: A protein-rich, buttery addition that complements the other veggies.
- 2 green onions, sliced: Sharp, fresh flavor to cut through the richness and add color.
- 1 tbsp soy sauce: Gives the rice and veggies a savory, umami boost.
- 1 tbsp sesame oil: Imparts a toasty, nutty aroma that’s simply irresistible.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential seasonings to enhance every ingredient’s flavor.
- Vegetable oil for frying: Use a neutral oil that won’t overpower the taste but crisps the chicken perfectly.
- Sesame seeds for garnish: Adds a final touch of texture and subtle nuttiness.
How to Make Bang Bang Chicken Bowl with Creamy Sauce and Crispy Toppings Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Coatings
Start by organizing your breading station to make the process smooth: in one shallow dish, mix the flour with salt and pepper; in another, beat the egg; and in a third dish, pour in your panko breadcrumbs. This setup will help you dredge each chicken piece evenly and quickly, ensuring every bite is perfectly crispy.
Step 2: Bread the Chicken Pieces
Take your bite-sized chicken pieces and first dust them lightly in the seasoned flour. Then dip each piece into the beaten egg, letting any excess drip off. Finally, press gently into the panko breadcrumbs so they cling lovingly to the chicken, creating that signature crispy crust that’s so essential for this recipe.
Step 3: Fry Until Golden and Delicious
Heat vegetable oil in a skillet over medium heat—enough to cover the chicken pieces halfway. Fry them in batches to avoid overcrowding, cooking each piece about 4 to 5 minutes per side. Look for a gorgeous golden-brown color and make sure the chicken is cooked through before removing and draining on paper towels. Crispy perfection starts here!
Step 4: Whisk Up the Creamy Bang Bang Sauce
While your chicken is cooking, combine mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, sweet chili sauce, and sriracha sauce in a small bowl. Whisk everything together until smooth, tasting as you go so you can dial up the heat or sweetness to exactly how you like it. This sauce is what makes the Bang Bang Chicken Bowl with Creamy Sauce and Crispy Toppings Recipe truly unforgettable.
Step 5: Toss Together the Rice and Veggie Base
In a large bowl, mix cooked rice with shredded cabbage or coleslaw mix, julienned carrot, shelled edamame, and sliced green onions. Drizzle with soy sauce and sesame oil, then toss everything gently to combine. This medley adds fresh crunch, color, and that wonderful savory balance beneath your crispy chicken.
Step 6: Assemble Your Bang Bang Chicken Bowl with Creamy Sauce and Crispy Toppings Recipe
Divide the vibrant rice and veggie mixture into serving bowls, then top each bowl generously with the crispy fried chicken pieces. Finally, drizzle the creamy Bang Bang sauce all over, making sure every bite gets a little bit of that zesty, luscious goodness.
Step 7: Garnish and Serve
Sprinkle sesame seeds and any extra sliced green onions on top for added crunch and color. Serve your Bang Bang Chicken Bowl immediately so you can enjoy the contrast of warm rice, crispy chicken, and cool creamy sauce all together in every mouthful.
How to Serve Bang Bang Chicken Bowl with Creamy Sauce and Crispy Toppings Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh garnishes take this dish from fantastic to fabulous. Sesame seeds add a subtle nutty crunch, while extra green onions bring a fresh, bright flavor that complements the rich sauce and crispy chicken. You can also experiment with chopped cilantro or a squeeze of lime for an extra flavor lift.
Side Dishes
Since the Bang Bang Chicken Bowl already packs veggies and protein in one bowl, consider pairing it with light, refreshing sides. A simple cucumber salad or steamed broccoli works beautifully to keep the meal balanced and satisfying without overwhelming your palate.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving this Bang Bang Chicken Bowl in colorful ceramic bowls or rustic wooden bowls for a beautiful presentation that invites your guests to dig in. You can even turn this into a family-style meal by plating the components separately and letting everyone build their own bowls—the fun and flavor will be unforgettable!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store leftover chicken and rice mixture in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keeping the chicken and creamy sauce separate from the rice and veggies helps maintain the crispy texture and freshness.
Freezing
While you can freeze leftover chicken (preferably without sauce), the veggies and rice don’t always freeze well due to their texture. Freeze the chicken in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 1 month.
Reheating
Reheat the chicken in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes to help it regain its crispiness. Use the microwave to warm the rice and veggies separately. Reapply the creamy Bang Bang sauce fresh before serving for the best taste and texture.
FAQs
Can I use other types of chicken for this recipe?
Absolutely! While boneless, skinless chicken breasts are recommended for tenderness and ease of cutting, chicken thighs can also work well if you prefer a richer flavor and juicier texture.
Is this recipe spicy?
The spicy kick mainly comes from the sriracha in the creamy sauce, which you can adjust to your taste. Feel free to add more or less depending on how much heat you want to enjoy.
Can I bake the chicken instead of frying?
Yes, baking is a great alternative for a lighter version. Coat the chicken pieces as usual and bake at 425°F on a parchment-lined baking sheet for about 20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until crispy and cooked through.
What can I substitute for Greek yogurt in the sauce?
If you don’t have Greek yogurt on hand, sour cream or even extra mayonnaise can work as a substitute to keep the creamy texture, though the tang will be slightly different.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Definitely! Just keep the chicken and sauce stored separately from the rice and veggies until you’re ready to eat. This will keep everything tasting fresh and delicious throughout the week.
Final Thoughts
This Bang Bang Chicken Bowl with Creamy Sauce and Crispy Toppings Recipe is a total crowd-pleaser that’s as fun to make as it is to eat. Its blend of crunchy, creamy, spicy, and fresh elements celebrates everything great about comfort food with a healthy twist. I can’t wait for you to make it your own and share it with those you love.
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Bang Bang Chicken Bowl with Creamy Sauce and Crispy Toppings Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Asian Fusion
Description
This Bang Bang Chicken Bowl combines crispy fried chicken bites coated in crunchy panko breadcrumbs with a creamy, spicy Bang Bang sauce. Served over a bed of rice and fresh vegetables like shredded cabbage, carrot, and edamame, it’s a vibrant and flavorful meal perfect for a satisfying lunch or dinner.
Ingredients
Chicken and Coating
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 egg, beaten
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Vegetable oil for frying
Sauce
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup Greek yogurt
- 2 tbsp sweet chili sauce
- 1 tbsp sriracha sauce
Bowl Base and Toppings
- 2 cups cooked rice (white or brown)
- 2 cups shredded cabbage or coleslaw mix
- 1 carrot, julienned
- 1/2 cup edamame beans, shelled
- 2 green onions, sliced
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- Sesame seeds for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the Coating: In a shallow dish, combine the flour with salt and pepper. Prepare a second dish with the beaten egg, and a third dish with panko breadcrumbs. This setup will allow you to bread the chicken efficiently.
- Bread the Chicken: Dredge each piece of chicken first in the flour mixture, then dip into the beaten egg, and finally coat with panko breadcrumbs, pressing gently to ensure the coating sticks well.
- Fry the Chicken: Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Fry the chicken pieces in batches, cooking for about 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Once done, remove the chicken and drain on paper towels to remove excess oil.
- Make the Bang Bang Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, sweet chili sauce, and sriracha until smooth. Taste and adjust the spice level to your preference.
- Prepare the Bowl Base: In a large bowl, combine cooked rice, shredded cabbage, julienned carrot, shelled edamame, and sliced green onions. Drizzle with soy sauce and sesame oil, then toss well to evenly mix the flavors.
- Assemble the Bowls: Divide the rice and vegetable mixture evenly into serving bowls. Top each bowl with the crispy fried chicken pieces.
- Add the Sauce: Generously drizzle the creamy Bang Bang sauce over the top of the chicken and rice mixture for a flavorful finishing touch.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle sesame seeds and additional green onions over the bowls for extra crunch and flavor. Serve immediately.
- Enjoy: Savor the delightful combination of crispy chicken, creamy spicy sauce, and fresh vegetable medley in each bite.
Notes
- You can substitute the chicken with tofu or shrimp for different protein options.
- Adjust the sriracha quantity in the sauce to make it milder or spicier according to preference.
- Use brown rice for a healthier, higher-fiber option.
- If you prefer baking over frying, the breaded chicken can be baked at 400°F for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through.
- Ensure the oil is hot enough before frying to get a crispy coating without the chicken absorbing too much oil.
