If you are on the lookout for a vibrant, flavor-packed meal that comes together quickly yet feels like a special treat, the Bang Bang Chicken Bowl with Creamy Sauce and Crispy Toppings Recipe is exactly what you need. This bowl perfectly balances tender, crispy chicken with fresh veggies, nestled on a bed of fluffy rice, all brought to life by a luscious, creamy sauce and crunchy toppings. Every bite is a joyous mix of spicy, sweet, and savory that’s guaranteed to brighten up any mealtime.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These simple yet essential ingredients come together beautifully to create the perfect harmony of taste, texture, and color in your bowl. Each element plays a role from the crispy chicken coating to the fresh, crunchy veggies and creamy sauce that ties everything together.
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Cut into bite-sized pieces for quick cooking and easy eating.
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs: Provides an extra crispy texture that makes chicken irresistible.
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour: Helps create a light coating for the chicken to hold the breadcrumbs perfectly.
- 1 egg, beaten: Binds the breadcrumbs to the chicken for that crunchy outer layer.
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise: Adds creaminess and richness to the sauce.
- 1/4 cup Greek yogurt: Balances the sauce with a tangy freshness and smooth texture.
- 2 tbsp sweet chili sauce: Offers a sweet, mild heat that awakens your palate.
- 1 tbsp sriracha sauce: Brings a punch of spicy heat to the creamy sauce.
- 2 cups cooked rice: The hearty base, either white or brown, soaking up all the flavors.
- 2 cups shredded cabbage or coleslaw mix: Adds crunch and a refreshing bite to the bowl.
- 1 carrot, julienned: Brings bright color and natural sweetness.
- 1/2 cup shelled edamame beans: Contributes protein and a delightful pop.
- 2 green onions, sliced: Fresh oniony zest that livens up the bowl.
- 1 tbsp soy sauce: Deepens the savory flavor of the vegetable mix.
- 1 tbsp sesame oil: Offers a subtle nutty aroma that complements the dish perfectly.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential for seasoning the chicken and veggies.
- Vegetable oil for frying: Needed for that perfectly crispy chicken exterior.
- Sesame seeds for garnish: A final touch of beauty and crunch.
How to Make Bang Bang Chicken Bowl with Creamy Sauce and Crispy Toppings Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Coating Stations
Start by setting up three shallow dishes for your dredging process. Mix the flour with salt and pepper in one, beat the egg in another, and place the panko breadcrumbs in the third. This assembly line approach ensures each piece of chicken gets evenly coated every step of the way for maximum crispiness.
Step 2: Coat the Chicken Pieces
Take your bite-sized chicken pieces and dredge them first through the flour mixture, making sure they are lightly but evenly covered. Then dip each one into the beaten egg, allowing excess to drip off, and finally press them gently into the panko breadcrumbs so they stick well. This triple coating guarantees a wonderfully crunchy crust once fried.
Step 3: Fry the Chicken to Golden Perfection
Heat vegetable oil in a skillet over medium heat until shimmering. Fry the chicken in batches so they don’t overcrowd and steam. Cook each piece about 4 to 5 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through. Once done, transfer them to paper towels to remove excess oil and keep them crisp.
Step 4: Whisk Together the Creamy Bang Bang Sauce
In a small bowl, combine the mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, sweet chili sauce, and sriracha. Whisk until smooth, and adjust the heat level depending on your spice preference. This creamy sauce is where all those flavors meld into one irresistible dressing for your bowl.
Step 5: Toss the Rice and Veggie Mixture
In a large bowl, mix the cooked rice with shredded cabbage (or coleslaw mix), julienned carrots, edamame, and sliced green onions. Drizzle with soy sauce and sesame oil, then toss everything thoroughly so each bite is packed with fresh, tasty goodness.
Step 6: Assemble Your Bang Bang Chicken Bowl with Creamy Sauce and Crispy Toppings Recipe
Divide the vibrant rice and vegetable mixture evenly into your serving bowls. Arrange the crisp chicken pieces on top, creating a beautiful contrast of colors and textures that’s just as pleasing to the eye as it is to the palate.
Step 7: Drizzle with the Creamy Bang Bang Sauce
Generously spoon the creamy Bang Bang sauce over the chicken and rice mixture. The sauce will bring everything together with a spicy, tangy kick and a creamy finish, elevating each mouthful to new heights of deliciousness.
Step 8: Add Crispy Toppings and Final Garnishes
Sprinkle sesame seeds over the top for an extra layer of nuttiness and crunch. If you have extra green onions, add a few more slices to brighten and freshen the bowl just before serving.
Step 9: Serve Immediately and Enjoy
This dish is best enjoyed fresh, while the chicken is still hot and crispy and the sauce is decadently creamy. Dive in and relish the amazing blend of textures and flavors you’ve created!
How to Serve Bang Bang Chicken Bowl with Creamy Sauce and Crispy Toppings Recipe
Garnishes
A few sesame seeds and chopped green onions go a long way to make your bowl look as magnificent as it tastes. Feel free to add a drizzle of extra sriracha or sprinkle crushed peanuts for additional texture and heat. Fresh cilantro or a wedge of lime can also bring an exciting brightness to balance the richness.
Side Dishes
This dish stands beautifully on its own, but if you want to round out your meal, consider serving it with a light cucumber salad or steamed bok choy for a refreshing contrast. A crisp Asian-style slaw or simple miso soup would also pair wonderfully alongside.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the components separately and let everyone build their own bowls—perfect for gatherings or meal prep days. Alternatively, you could serve the chicken on a bed of noodles instead of rice, or layer the ingredients in a mason jar for an attractive, portable lunch option.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
You can store leftover components separately in airtight containers for up to 3 days. Keep the chicken, sauce, and rice/veggie mix apart to preserve the crispiness of the chicken and freshness of the veggies.
Freezing
While the chicken pieces can be frozen before assembling the bowls, the rice and fresh vegetables don’t freeze well. Freeze the fries chicken in a single layer on a tray, then transfer to a sealed bag or container for up to 2 months. Defrost overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat the chicken in a hot oven or air fryer to restore its crunchiness. Warm the rice and vegetables gently in the microwave or on the stovetop. Avoid microwaving the chicken for too long as it may lose its crispiness. Drizzle with fresh Bang Bang sauce before serving to rescue the creaminess.
FAQs
Can I use other types of chicken for this recipe?
Absolutely! While boneless, skinless chicken breasts are recommended for their lean texture, you can also use chicken thighs for a juicier bite. Just adjust cooking times as needed to ensure they cook through completely.
Is this recipe spicy? Can I adjust the heat?
The Bang Bang sauce brings a pleasant kick, but you are in full control of the heat. Add more or less sriracha depending on your spice tolerance. The sweet chili sauce also balances the heat with sweetness, so feel free to tweak it to your liking.
What can I substitute for panko breadcrumbs?
If you don’t have panko, regular breadcrumbs will work, but they won’t be quite as light and crispy. Crushed cornflakes or crushed pretzels are creative alternatives that add unique crunch.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Just swap the all-purpose flour and panko breadcrumbs for gluten-free alternatives. Many stores carry gluten-free flour blends and panko-style crumbs, which will help maintain the crispy texture.
How long does it take to prepare this dish?
You can expect about 20 minutes of prep time and another 20 minutes for cooking, making it a fantastic option for a quick but impressive meal any day of the week.
Final Thoughts
There is just something so satisfying about a bowl packed with crispy chicken, vibrant veggies, and a creamy, spicy sauce—this Bang Bang Chicken Bowl with Creamy Sauce and Crispy Toppings Recipe nails it every time. Whether you’re cooking for yourself, your family, or friends, this recipe brings a burst of flavor and comfort that’s sure to make every mealtime feel special. Give it a try and watch it become one of your favorite go-to dishes!
Print
Bang Bang Chicken Bowl with Creamy Sauce and Crispy Toppings Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Asian Fusion
Description
This Bang Bang Chicken Bowl features crispy fried chicken pieces tossed in a creamy, spicy Bang Bang sauce, served over a bed of fluffy rice and fresh, crunchy vegetables. Garnished with sesame seeds and green onions, it’s a vibrant and flavorful dish perfect for a satisfying meal that’s both colorful and delicious.
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
Bang Bang Sauce
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup Greek yogurt
- 2 tbsp sweet chili sauce
- 1 tbsp sriracha sauce
Rice and Vegetables
- 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
Garnish
- Sesame seeds for garnish
- Additional green onions, optional
Instructions
- Prepare Coating Stations: In a shallow dish, mix the flour with salt and pepper. Place the beaten egg in a separate dish, and the panko breadcrumbs in another.
- Coat the Chicken: Dredge each chicken piece first in the flour mixture, then dip it in the beaten egg, and finally coat it thoroughly with the panko breadcrumbs, pressing gently to ensure the coating sticks well.
- Fry Chicken: Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Fry the chicken pieces in batches, cooking each side for about 4-5 minutes until golden brown and fully cooked. Remove and drain on paper towels to remove excess oil.
- Make Bang Bang Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, sweet chili sauce, and sriracha sauce until smooth. Adjust the spicy level according to your preference.
- Prepare Rice and Vegetables: In a large bowl, combine the cooked rice, shredded cabbage, julienned carrot, shelled edamame, and sliced green onions. Drizzle with soy sauce and sesame oil, then toss well to evenly combine all ingredients.
- Assemble Bowls: Divide the rice and vegetable mixture equally among serving bowls. Top each bowl with the crispy fried chicken pieces.
- Add Sauce: Generously drizzle the creamy Bang Bang sauce over the chicken and rice mixture for bold flavor.
- Garnish: Sprinkle sesame seeds over the top and add extra green onions if desired to enhance the flavor and presentation.
- Serve: Serve immediately while the chicken is crispy and enjoy the delightful combination of spicy, creamy, crispy, and fresh flavors and textures.
Notes
- Use chicken breasts for lean, tender meat, but chicken thighs can be substituted for juicier results.
- To keep the chicken crispy, avoid overcrowding the skillet when frying.
- Adjust the amount of sriracha in the sauce to control the heat level.
- Brown rice can be used instead of white rice for a nuttier flavor and more fiber.
- This recipe can be made gluten-free by using gluten-free flour and breadcrumbs.
- Leftover Bang Bang sauce can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and used as a dip or spread.
