Crispy Bang Bang Chicken and Rice Bowls Recipe

If you’re craving a weeknight dinner that’s equal parts playful, satisfying, and totally delicious, these Crispy Bang Bang Chicken and Rice Bowls are about to become your new obsession! Tender chunks of chicken, fried to golden-crispy perfection, snuggled onto fluffy rice with fresh veggies and a creamy, spicy-sweet Bang Bang sauce—there’s just nothing better.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s talk ingredients! Each one was picked for its powerhouse contribution to flavor, texture, or color—no fillers, just the building blocks of a show-stopping bowl. You might already have most of these on hand, and every element plays a delicious part.

• Avocado oil mayonnaise or plain Greek yogurt: This forms the creamy base for the Bang Bang sauce and keeps it luxuriously smooth with a slight tang—use yogurt for a lighter, tangier sauce!
• Sweet chili sauce: The source of all that addictive sweet heat in every drizzle of sauce.
• Honey: Adds glossy sweetness that rounds out the spicy and tangy notes.
• Sriracha or gochujang: For spicy, umami depth—choose based on your heat preference or what’s in your fridge.
• Chicken thighs or breasts: Thighs are extra juicy, but breasts get deliciously tender too—your call!
• Egg & milk (or water): The “glue” for the breading—ensures your crispy coating sticks perfectly.
• Gluten-free flour or all-purpose flour: For the breading—use what suits your needs, both get beautifully crisp.
• Tapioca flour or potato starch: This is the secret to ultralight crunch and helps the breading get that shattering texture.
• Garlic powder, sea salt, black pepper, paprika: Simple spices that infuse the chicken with flavor before it even hits the oil.
• Avocado oil (for frying): Perfect for frying thanks to its neutral flavor and high smoke point.
• Steamed brown or white rice: The cozy, carby base that turns crispy chicken into a meal.
• Avocado, cherry tomatoes, cucumber: These fresh veggies bring color, coolness, crunch, and extra nutrition to every bite.

Variations

The beauty of Crispy Bang Bang Chicken and Rice Bowls is that they’re easily customizable for any mood or ingredient you have handy. Don’t be afraid to make the bowls your own—the options for swaps and add-ons are truly endless!

• Swap the Chicken: Use shrimp, tofu, or crispy cauliflower for a lighter or vegetarian twist—just follow the same breading and frying steps.
• Diversify the Veggies: Toss in shredded carrots, pickled red onions, snap peas, or even kimchi for extra crunch and flavor fireworks.
• Make it a Salad: Serve all the toppings over a bed of greens for a lighter (and picnic-friendly) version.
• Try Different Sauces: Switch up the Bang Bang with a peanut sauce, spicy mayo, or even a teriyaki drizzle to keep things fresh.

How to Make Crispy Bang Bang Chicken and Rice Bowls

Step 1: Whip Up the Bang Bang Sauce

Start by making the star of the show—the Bang Bang sauce. Simply combine the mayonnaise (or Greek yogurt), sweet chili sauce, honey, and sriracha (or gochujang) in a small bowl. Stir until smooth and harmonious, then pop it in the fridge so the flavors have time to meld while you prep everything else. This secret sauce is what sends Crispy Bang Bang Chicken and Rice Bowls over the top!

Step 2: Prep the Bowl Toppings

While your sauce chills, get all the fresh toppings ready to go. Steam your rice (brown or white, your call), slice the avocado, halve the cherry tomatoes, and thinly slice the cucumber. It’s these vibrant layers that make the bowls so satisfying and beautiful—the more toppings, the better!

Step 3: Coat the Chicken

Chop your chicken into bite-sized pieces and get two bowls ready—one with whisked egg and milk, and the other with your flour, tapioca (or potato) starch, and spices. Give each piece a dip in the egg mixture first, then roll in the seasoned flour blend until fully coated on all sides. This double dip locks in juiciness and ensures every nugget becomes crispy perfection.

Step 4: Fry the Chicken

Heat a generous layer of avocado oil in a wide skillet over high heat. Once sizzling (test with a flick of water), lay in the breaded chicken without crowding. Fry until golden brown—about 3–5 minutes per side—making sure to flip for even crispiness. Use a thermometer to check for doneness (165°F), or cut into a piece if you don’t have one. The result? Irresistibly crunchy chicken that stays juicy inside!

Step 5: Build and Finish Your Bowls

Now for the fun part! Scoop a portion of hot rice into a bowl, arrange with your beautiful veggies, and pile on the crispy chicken. Drizzle generously with Bang Bang sauce and a sprinkle of extra toppings as you like. Dive in while the chicken is still warm for the ultimate Crispy Bang Bang Chicken and Rice Bowl experience!

How to Serve Crispy Bang Bang Chicken and Rice Bowls

Garnishes

The best bowls are all about the finishing touches! Sprinkle on sliced scallions, toasted sesame seeds, or a handful of chopped cilantro for a pop of color and fresh flavor. For a little extra heat, a few more drops of sriracha on top never hurt anyone! These toppings make Crispy Bang Bang Chicken and Rice Bowls totally restaurant-worthy at home.

Side Dishes

These bowls stand proudly on their own, but if you want to build a feast, pair them with a crisp Asian cucumber salad, steamed edamame, or a refreshing miso soup. Some folks love serving with roasted seaweed sheets on the side for DIY rice-and-chicken bites!

Creative Ways to Present

Serve your Crispy Bang Bang Chicken and Rice Bowls family-style, letting everyone build their own masterpiece at the table. For lunchboxes or meal prep, layer everything in mason jars for a gorgeous, portable meal. Or try arranging toppings in rainbow rows for an extra photo-worthy presentation—fun for kids and adults alike!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover Crispy Bang Bang Chicken and Rice Bowls in airtight containers, keeping the sauce and vegetables separate from the chicken and rice if possible. This way, everything stays its best, and the chicken maintains as much crunch as possible.

Freezing

For best results, freeze just the cooked chicken. Once cooled completely, arrange on a baking sheet to freeze individually, then transfer to a bag or container. Thaw in the fridge before reheating. The sauce and fresh veggies won’t freeze well, so prep those fresh when you’re ready to eat.

Reheating

Reheat the chicken in the oven or air fryer at 375°F to bring back its irresistible crunch—just a few minutes is all it takes. Warm the rice in the microwave or on the stovetop, and assemble bowls fresh so each bite is as good as day one.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

I hope you’re as excited to dive into these Crispy Bang Bang Chicken and Rice Bowls as I am to share them! Whether it’s for a cozy dinner, a fun build-your-own party, or lunch on the go, there’s just something magical about every saucy, crunchy, flavor-packed bite. Give them a try—and don’t forget extra sauce!

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