Crispy Saucy Chicken Bowl

This crispy Bang Bang Chicken Bowl has revolutionized my weeknight dinner routine with its perfect balance of crunchy textures and bold, spicy-sweet flavors. The golden chicken pieces coated in that irresistible creamy sauce paired with fresh vegetables creates a restaurant-quality meal that comes together surprisingly quickly.

I first made this recipe when craving takeout but wanting something fresher and healthier. My family now requests these bowls at least weekly, and I love watching everyone customize their toppings.

Ingredients

• Boneless skinless chicken thighs provide juicier results than breast meat and stay tender even when reheated
• Cornstarch creates a lighter, crispier coating than flour but either works beautifully
• Sweet chili sauce forms the foundation of the signature sauce look for brands with visible chili flakes
• Sriracha adds customizable heat choose your favorite brand for the perfect kick
• Rice vinegar brightens the sauce with subtle acidity use fresh lime juice for a different twist
• Jasmine rice offers fragrant floral notes that complement the sauce perfectly
• Fresh vegetables add essential crunch and nutrition for a balanced bowl

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the chicken

Cut chicken thighs into uniform bite-sized pieces about 1-inch each. Pat very dry with paper towels to ensure the coating adheres properly. Season thoroughly with salt, pepper, and garlic powder, making sure each piece is evenly coated.

Create your breading station

Beat the egg in a shallow bowl until completely smooth. Place cornstarch or flour in a separate bowl and add a pinch of salt for extra flavor. This two-step process ensures the coating sticks perfectly to create that crispy exterior.

Bread the chicken

Working with a few pieces at a time, dip chicken first in the beaten egg, allowing excess to drip off, then thoroughly coat in the cornstarch or flour. Place on a plate without overcrowding while you finish the remaining pieces.

Cook to crispy perfection

For pan-frying, heat about 1/4 inch of neutral oil in a heavy skillet until shimmering. Cook chicken in small batches without overcrowding for 3-4 minutes per side until deeply golden and cooked through. For air frying, lightly spray pieces with oil and cook at 400°F for 10-12 minutes, shaking halfway.

Create the signature sauce

In a medium bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, and rice vinegar until completely smooth. Start with less sriracha and adjust to your heat preference. The sauce should be thick enough to coat the back of a spoon but still pourable.

Combine chicken and sauce

While the chicken is still warm but not scorching hot, gently toss it in about two-thirds of the Bang Bang sauce, reserving the remainder for drizzling. Each piece should be evenly coated but still maintain its crispiness.

Assemble your bowls

Start with a base of warm rice, arranging colorful vegetables around the edges. Place the sauced chicken in the center, drizzle with additional sauce, and finish with a generous sprinkle of green onions and sesame seeds for texture and visual appeal.

Bookmark

The sweet chili sauce is truly the heart of this recipe. I discovered it years ago while traveling through Thailand and have been incorporating it into my cooking ever since. The complex flavor it adds to this simple dish transforms it from ordinary to extraordinary.

Storage Solutions

These bowls are perfect for meal prepping and storing components separately maximizes freshness. Keep cooked chicken in an airtight container refrigerated for up to 3 days. The sauce stays fresh for about 5 days and actually improves in flavor overnight as ingredients meld. Store prepped vegetables separately and rice in its own container. When ready to eat, reheat chicken and rice separately before assembling your bowl.

Ingredient Swaps

This recipe welcomes customization based on what you have available. Chicken breast works in place of thighs but watch cooking time carefully to prevent drying out. For a vegetarian version, substitute extra-firm tofu or cauliflower florets using the same coating and cooking method. The vegetable components are endlessly adaptable use any crunchy vegetables you enjoy or have on hand like bell peppers, snow peas, or radishes.

Serving Suggestions

While these bowls are complete meals on their own, they pair beautifully with simple sides. A light miso soup makes an excellent starter, or serve with spring rolls for a more substantial spread. For entertaining, consider setting up a build-your-own bowl bar with all components separated so guests can customize their creations. A cold glass of lychee iced tea or a light lager beer complements the sweet-spicy flavors perfectly.

Recipe FAQs

→ Can I make Bang Bang Chicken in an air fryer?

Yes! Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) and cook the coated chicken pieces for 10-12 minutes until crispy and golden. Shake the basket halfway through cooking time for even browning.

→ What can I substitute for sriracha if I don't like spicy food?

You can reduce or omit the sriracha entirely, or substitute with a milder hot sauce. For a non-spicy alternative, try using a bit more sweet chili sauce mixed with a touch of honey for flavor without the heat.

→ Is there a gluten-free version of this dish?

Absolutely! Use cornstarch instead of flour for the chicken coating and ensure your sweet chili sauce and other condiments are certified gluten-free. Serve with brown rice or cauliflower rice for a completely gluten-free meal.

→ What vegetables work best in this bowl?

While the recipe calls for carrots, cucumber, and purple cabbage, you can customize with any vegetables you enjoy. Bell peppers, avocado, edamame, radishes, and snap peas all work beautifully in this dish.

→ Can I make Bang Bang Chicken ahead of time?

You can prepare the components separately and store them refrigerated for 2-3 days. For best results, keep the sauce separate and toss with the chicken just before serving. Reheat the chicken in an oven or air fryer to maintain crispiness.

→ What makes Bang Bang sauce different from other spicy sauces?

Bang Bang sauce has a distinctive creamy-sweet-spicy profile from the combination of mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, and sriracha. The creaminess balances the heat, while the sweet chili sauce adds complexity with its garlic and sweet notes.