Spicy Bang Bang Chicken Bowl with Creamy Sauce (Print Version)

Spicy Bang Bang Chicken Bowl recipe - tender chicken, crisp veggies, creamy chili sauce. Perfect for a quick, flavorful weeknight meal.

# Recipe Info:

Prep Time: 20 Minutes minutes
Cook Time: 15 Minutes minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Servings: 4 Servings
Difficulty: Beginner
Cuisine: Asian Fusion
Dietary: Contains Peanuts, Dairy, Soy

# Ingredients:

→ For the Crispy Chicken

01 - Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts or Thighs (1.5 lbs)
02 - Cornstarch (1/2 cup)
03 - Large Egg (1)
04 - Neutral Oil (1/2 cup, for frying)
05 - Salt & Black Pepper (to taste)

→ For the Creamy Bang Bang Sauce

06 - Mayonnaise (1/2 cup)
07 - Sweet Chili Sauce (1/4 cup)
08 - Sriracha (1-2 tbsp, or to taste)
09 - Creamy Peanut Butter (2 tbsp)
10 - Rice Vinegar (1 tbsp)
11 - Soy Sauce (1 tbsp)
12 - Sesame Oil (1 tsp)
13 - Fresh Garlic (2 cloves, minced)
14 - Fresh Ginger (1 tsp, grated)

→ For the Bowl Assembly & Garnishes

15 - Cooked Rice (4 cups)
16 - Cucumber (1, thinly sliced or julienned)
17 - Carrots (2, shredded or julienned)
18 - Scallions (2, thinly sliced)
19 - Fresh Cilantro (1/4 cup, chopped)
20 - Roasted Peanuts (1/4 cup, chopped)
21 - Lime Wedges (for serving)

# Instructions:

01 - Get that chicken ready, friends! I like to slice my chicken into bite-sized pieces, about an inch thick. This helps them cook up super fast and get nice and crispy. Toss them with a pinch of salt and pepper, then dredge them first in cornstarch, then in the beaten egg, and back into cornstarch. This triple coating is my secret for that extra crunch. Honestly, sometimes I get a little messy here, flour dust everywhere, but it's worth it for the texture! You'll feel the chicken pieces getting wonderfully coated, ready for their golden moment.
02 - Heat up your oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. You want it hot enough for a sizzle, but not smoking. Gently place the chicken pieces in a single layer, making sure not to overcrowd the pan – seriously, this is where I always mess up if I'm impatient! Cook for about 3-4 minutes per side, until they're golden brown and cooked through. I always sneak a piece to "test" for doneness – oops, can't help myself! This step really brings the "bang" to our Bang Bang Chicken Bowl.
03 - While the chicken cooks, let's make the star of the show! In a medium bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha (add more if you're brave like me!), creamy peanut butter, rice vinegar, soy sauce, and a drizzle of sesame oil. Grate in your fresh garlic and ginger – this makes all the difference, trust me. Whisk until it's smooth and creamy. Taste it! Adjust the spice or sweetness to your liking. I often add an extra squeeze of sriracha because, why not? The aroma of this sauce developing is just incredible.
04 - While everything else is happening, get your bowl components ready. I love thinly sliced cucumber and shredded carrots for that fresh crunch. Chop up some scallions and fresh cilantro, too. This is where the colors really start to pop! I've definitely chopped my scallions too thick before, and it just wasn't the same. Thin slices are key for integrating into the Bang Bang Chicken Bowl. You'll see the bowl begin to take shape with these fresh additions.
05 - Now for the fun part! Grab your favorite bowls. Start with a generous scoop of warm, cooked rice. Pile on that crispy chicken – oh, the anticipation! Drizzle, or honestly, *drench* it with that incredible Bang Bang sauce. Don't be shy! This is the moment where all those delicious flavors come together. I love seeing the creamy sauce coat every piece of chicken.
06 - Top your Bang Bang Chicken Bowl with those fresh cucumbers, carrots, scallions, and a sprinkle of chopped peanuts for extra crunch. A squeeze of fresh lime juice brightens everything up. Stand back and admire your handiwork! It smells heavenly right now, a mix of spicy, savory, and fresh. This is where all the efforts for our Bang Bang Chicken Bowl pay off. Dig in and enjoy!

# Notes:

01 - Don't skimp on the fresh ginger and garlic for the sauce; the powdered stuff just doesn't hit the same.
02 - Make sure your chicken pieces are similar in size for even cooking, or you'll end up with some overcooked and some still pink. (Learned that the hard way!)
03 - Taste the sauce and adjust! Everyone's spice tolerance is different, and that's okay. It's *your* Bang Bang Chicken Bowl.
04 - For an extra layer of flavor, toast your peanuts lightly before chopping them for garnish.

# Equipment Needed:

01 - Large skillet
02 - Whisk
03 - Medium bowl
04 - Cutting board
05 - Knife

# Nutrition (Per Serving):

Calories: 650-750
Total Fat: 40-50g
Total Carbohydrate: 50-60g
Protein: 35-45g

Back