If you’re craving something bold, flavorful, and satisfying without spending hours in the kitchen, this Bang Bang Chicken Bowl is your answer. Packed with crispy chicken bites, crunchy veggies, fluffy rice, and a signature creamy, spicy-sweet bang bang sauce, this dish is a perfect harmony of textures and flavors. It’s ideal for meal prep, family dinners, or even an indulgent solo lunch.
Why You’ll Love It
This recipe is not just easy to make but also customizable. Want to make it healthier? Bake or air-fry the chicken. Need it low-carb? Swap out the rice for cauliflower rice. Craving extra spice? Add a little sriracha to the sauce. However you tweak it, it always hits the spot.
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 2 chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized cubes
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- ½ cup flour
- Salt & pepper to taste
- Cooking oil (for frying or spraying if air frying)
For the Bang Bang Sauce:
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons sweet chili sauce
- 1 tablespoon sriracha (adjust to taste)
- 1 tablespoon honey or sugar (optional, for balance)
For the Bowl Base:
- 2 cups cooked white or jasmine rice
- 1 cup shredded carrots
- 1 cup sliced cucumber
- 1 avocado, sliced
- Green onions & sesame seeds for garnish
Instructions
- Prep the Chicken: Soak the chicken in buttermilk for at least 30 minutes. Mix panko, flour, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Remove chicken from buttermilk, coat in the breading mixture, and set aside.
- Cook the Chicken:
- Fried: Heat oil in a pan and fry until golden brown and cooked through (about 5–6 minutes).
- Air-fried: Spray coated chicken with oil and air fry at 400°F (200°C) for 12–15 minutes, shaking halfway.
- Make the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together mayo, chili sauce, sriracha, and honey until smooth. Taste and adjust spice/sweetness as needed.
- Assemble the Bowl: In a large bowl, layer rice, carrots, cucumbers, and avocado. Top with crispy chicken, drizzle generously with bang bang sauce, and garnish with green onions and sesame seeds.
This Bang Bang Chicken Bowl is comfort food with a kick, bursting with flavor and Instagram-worthy colors. Serve it fresh, or prep it in containers for a delicious grab-and-go lunch.