Bang Bang Chicken Bowl
A comforting and flavorful bowl of Bang Bang Chicken, perfect for beginner cooks and families. Quick to prepare and customizable with various proteins and vegetables.
Ingredients
Chicken and Vegetables
- 1 pound Chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces Thighs stay juicier, breasts are leaner.
- to taste Salt and pepper Simple seasoning goes a long way.
- 2 tablespoons Cornstarch For a light, crisp coating; swap with arrowroot for a grain-free option.
- 2 tablespoons Neutral oil (such as avocado or vegetable oil) For searing.
- 3 cups Cooked rice or cauliflower rice Use brown rice or quinoa for a hearty, healthy option.
- 2 cups Shredded cabbage or mixed greens Adds crunch and brightness.
- 1 cup Carrot ribbons Fresh, crisp contrast.
- 1 cup Cucumber slices Fresh, crisp contrast.
- to taste Scallions and cilantro for garnish Herbs brighten the whole bowl.
- to taste Sesame seeds for sprinkling
Bang Bang Sauce
- 1/2 cup Mayonnaise Swap for Greek yogurt for tang and fewer calories.
- 1/4 cup Sweet chili sauce Use sriracha and honey if you prefer.
- 1 tablespoon Honey Balances the spice.
- 1 teaspoon Rice vinegar Lifts the sauce with acidity.
- 1 teaspoon Lime juice Optional, for extra brightness.
- to taste Garlic powder For warm depth.
- a pinch Smoked paprika For warm depth.
Instructions
Preparation
- Toss the chicken pieces with salt, pepper, and cornstarch until evenly coated.
- Warm 2 tablespoons oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Cooking
- When the oil shimmers, add the chicken in a single layer.
- Cook without moving for 3–4 minutes, then flip and cook another 3–4 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and golden brown.
- Whisk together mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, honey, rice vinegar, garlic powder, and a squeeze of lime in a bowl while the chicken cooks.
- Reduce the heat to low, add the sauce to the chicken, and stir until every piece is glossy and perfectly sauced.
Assembly
- Spoon warm rice into bowls, add a bed of greens, arrange the saucy chicken on top.
- Crown with carrot ribbons, cucumber, scallions, cilantro, and sesame seeds.
- Squeeze extra lime if desired and dig in.
Notes
Pro tip: Finish the chicken under a hot broiler for 1–2 minutes for extra crispiness. For a playful twist, adapt this flavor for wings in other recipes.