Spicy Bang Bang Chicken Bowl: Quick Weeknight Flavor (Print Version)

Experience the vibrant, creamy, and spicy Bang Bang Chicken Bowl. A quick weeknight favorite packed with flavor and easy to make.

# Recipe Info:

Prep Time: 15 Minutes minutes
Cook Time: 20 Minutes minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Servings: 4 Servings
Difficulty: Intermediate
Cuisine: Asian Fusion
Dietary: Dairy-free option (use dairy-free mayo), Gluten-free option (use tamari in sauce if needed, ensure cornstarch is GF)

# Ingredients:

→ Chicken & Base

01 - 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
02 - 1/4 cup cornstarch
03 - Vegetable oil for frying
04 - 3-4 cups cooked rice (white or brown)

→ Bang Bang Sauce Essentials

05 - 1/2 cup full-fat mayonnaise
06 - 1/4 cup sweet chili sauce
07 - 2-3 tablespoons sriracha (to taste)
08 - 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
09 - 1 tablespoon honey

→ Bowl Fixings & Garnish

10 - 1/2 cup thinly sliced or julienned cucumber
11 - 1/2 cup shredded carrots
12 - 2 tablespoons sliced green onions
13 - 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds

→ Pantry Staples

14 - Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

# Instructions:

01 - First things first, let's get that chicken ready. Cut your chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces, about 1-inch chunks. Pat them super dry with paper towels – this is key for crispiness, trust me! In a medium bowl, toss the chicken with the cornstarch until each piece is lightly coated. Honestly, I always manage to get a bit of cornstarch dust everywhere, a classic kitchen chaos moment for me, but it's worth it for that golden crust!
02 - Heat about 1 inch of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Once it's shimmering (you can test with a tiny piece of chicken; it should sizzle immediately), carefully add the chicken in a single layer, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. This is where I've made mistakes – too much chicken at once drops the oil temperature, and you get soggy chicken, not crispy! Cook for 3-4 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through. Transfer to a plate lined with paper towels to drain.
03 - While your chicken is frying, let's make the star of the show! In a medium bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha (start with 2 tablespoons and taste!), rice vinegar, and honey. Give it a good whisk until it's smooth and creamy. This is where the magic happens, that creamy, dreamy Bang Bang sauce! Taste it and adjust the sriracha or honey to your liking. I always go for a little extra kick, but that's just me!
04 - While the chicken is cooking and the sauce is coming together, get your rice ready. I usually have some pre-cooked, but if not, cook it according to package directions. This is where I *always* forget to salt the water, oops! Fluff it with a fork when done. Also, quickly prep your veggies: thinly slice your cucumber and shred your carrots. The vibrant colors make me so happy here, it’s like building a rainbow in your kitchen!
05 - Once your crispy chicken is drained, add it directly into the bowl with your prepared Bang Bang sauce. Don't be shy, get all that chicken coated! Toss gently until every piece is glistening with that incredible, creamy, spicy sauce. This step is so satisfying, watching the chicken transform. I sometimes sneak a piece here, it’s just too tempting!
06 - Now for the grand finale! Divide the cooked rice among your serving bowls. Top each with a generous portion of the saucy Bang Bang Chicken. Arrange the fresh cucumber slices and shredded carrots around the chicken. Finish with a sprinkle of sliced green onions and a dash of toasted sesame seeds. The moment of truth! Look at that beautiful Bang Bang Chicken Bowl! It looks as good as it tastes, I promise. Get ready for a flavor explosion!

# Notes:

01 - Don't overcrowd the pan when frying the chicken; it's the number one mistake I used to make for non-crispy results.
02 - Always taste the Bang Bang sauce before adding all the sriracha; it's easier to add heat than to take it away, trust me on this!
03 - Use good quality, full-fat mayonnaise for the best creamy texture; it truly makes a difference in the sauce's richness.
04 - Serving this Bang Bang Chicken Bowl with a crisp lager or a sparkling limeade makes it an extra special meal.

# Equipment Needed:

01 - Large skillet or wok
02 - medium mixing bowls
03 - whisk
04 - cutting board
05 - sharp knife
06 - measuring cups and spoons.

# Nutrition (Per Serving):

Calories: 550
Total Fat: 30g
Total Carbohydrate: 45g
Protein: 30g

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