It’s no secret that food trends come and go, but when a recipe brings crunch, heat, and creamy goodness in every bite, it sticks around — and for good reason. The crispy Bang Bang chicken bowl with spicy creamy sauce is one of those internet-famous meals that actually lives up to the hype.
This dish combines crispy golden chicken with a spicy-sweet creamy sauce, nestled over fluffy rice and topped with fresh, vibrant veggies. It’s customizable, crave-worthy, and perfect for everything from family dinners to weekly meal prep.
In this in-depth guide, we’ll break down what makes this chicken bowl so dang irresistible, how to master every component, and the best ways to mix it up for your dietary needs or flavor cravings. Whether you’re a kitchen newbie or a seasoned home cook, you’re about to unlock a new weeknight favorite.
Crispy Bang Bang Chicken Bowl with Spicy Creamy Sauce Recipe
- Total Time: 40 mins
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Halal
Description
A crispy and flavorful chicken bowl topped with creamy sweet and spicy bang bang sauce, served over rice with fresh veggies for a satisfying meal.
Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 2 eggs, beaten
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 3 tbsp sweet chili sauce
- 1 tbsp sriracha (adjust to taste)
- 1 tbsp honey
- 2 cups cooked jasmine rice
- 1 cup shredded cabbage or coleslaw mix
- 1/2 cup sliced cucumber
- 1/2 cup shredded carrots
- 2 green onions, chopped
- Vegetable oil, for frying
Instructions
- Marinate chicken pieces in buttermilk for at least 30 minutes.
- In a shallow bowl, mix flour, panko breadcrumbs, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper.
- Dip chicken pieces into beaten eggs, then coat evenly in the breadcrumb mixture.
- Heat oil in a skillet over medium-high heat and fry chicken until golden brown and crispy, about 5–6 minutes per batch. Drain on paper towels.
- In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, and honey to make the bang bang sauce.
- Assemble bowls with rice, cabbage, cucumber, carrots, and crispy chicken.
- Drizzle bang bang sauce over the chicken and garnish with chopped green onions.
- Serve immediately and enjoy.
Notes
- You can air-fry the chicken instead of deep-frying for a lighter version.
- Adjust the sriracha amount based on your spice preference.
- Try swapping rice with quinoa or cauliflower rice for a healthier option.
- Prep Time: 20 mins
- Cook Time: 20 mins
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Asian Fusion
Key Ingredients in a Crispy Bang Bang Chicken Bowl with Spicy Creamy Sauce
The beauty of the Bang Bang chicken bowl lies in its simple yet flavorful ingredients. Each one plays a vital role in building layers of taste and texture that’ll keep you coming back for seconds—or thirds!
Crispy Chicken
At the heart of this dish is the crispy chicken. Boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs are tossed in a light seasoning blend—think paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper—then air-fried or pan-seared to golden perfection. The crisp exterior adds that irresistible crunch.
Bang Bang Sauce
This spicy creamy sauce is what makes the bowl unforgettable. It’s a blend of mayonnaise, Thai sweet chili sauce, a touch of honey, and fiery Sriracha. Want a healthier twist? Sub in Greek yogurt without missing a beat.
Pro tip: You can learn how to make your own homemade Thai sweet chili sauce to elevate the flavor naturally.
The Base and Toppings
Fluffy white rice is the go-to base, but brown rice or quinoa work great too. Fresh toppings like shredded cabbage, carrots, cucumber, avocado, and cilantro bring color, crunch, and a cooling contrast to the heat.
And don’t forget the sesame seeds—tiny, but mighty in flavor and texture!
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Crispy Bang Bang Chicken Bowl with Spicy Creamy Sauce
Cooking this crispy Bang Bang chicken bowl is easier than it looks—and totally worth it. Follow these simple steps to get that perfect balance of spicy, creamy, and crunchy in every bite.
1. Prep the Chicken
Start by cutting boneless chicken into bite-sized chunks. Toss them in a mix of paprika, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and a drizzle of oil. This gives each piece a flavorful crust.
2. Cook the Chicken
Pop those seasoned chunks into an air fryer at 400°F for about 11–12 minutes, flipping halfway. No air fryer? No worries! You can pan-sear or bake them until golden and cooked through (165°F inside).
Want extra crispy? Cook a minute longer!
3. Make the Bang Bang Sauce
In a bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, Thai sweet chili sauce, a dash of Sriracha, and a touch of honey. Adjust spice to taste. This creamy, spicy blend ties the whole dish together.
4. Build the Bowl
Layer your cooked rice, fresh veggies, and crispy chicken. Drizzle that dreamy Bang Bang sauce generously over the top. Garnish with avocado, cilantro, and sesame seeds.
Dinner? Done.
Creative Variations on the Bang Bang Chicken Bowl
One of the best things about the crispy Bang Bang chicken bowl with spicy creamy sauce? You can mix it up a hundred different ways! Whether you’re cutting carbs, going plant-based, or just feeling adventurous, there’s a variation for every lifestyle and craving.
Low Carb & Keto-Friendly Options
Trying to eat low carb? No problem. Just swap the rice for cauliflower rice or a shredded cabbage base. For the sauce, use avocado mayo or full-fat Greek yogurt to keep it keto without losing that creamy kick.
Need tips for building better bowls without the carbs? Check out this guide to building healthy bowls for inspiration.
Vegan or Vegetarian Twist
Ditch the chicken and go green! Crispy tofu, roasted cauliflower, or tempeh are all fantastic plant-based stand-ins. Pair them with a vegan mayo or tahini-based Bang Bang sauce and you’ve got a satisfying meatless meal that doesn’t skimp on flavor.
Gluten-Free Adaptation
The bowl is naturally gluten-free, but double-check your soy sauce, Sriracha, and chili sauce labels. Go for gluten-free certified versions or sub with tamari to play it safe.
From mild to wild, the possibilities are endless—and always delicious.
Essential Equipment for Making a Crispy Bang Bang Chicken Bowl
You don’t need a fancy kitchen setup to whip up a crispy Bang Bang chicken bowl with spicy creamy sauce—just a few basic tools that help bring the flavors and textures to life.
Air Fryer or Skillet
To get that crispy chicken texture without deep frying, an air fryer is your best friend. It delivers golden, crunchy chicken with way less oil. If you don’t have one, no worries—a non-stick skillet works perfectly. Just be sure to cook the chicken evenly on all sides.
Tip: If you’re new to air frying, this air fryer chicken guide is a goldmine for crispy results.
Mixing Bowls
You’ll want a couple of bowls—one for tossing the chicken in spices, another for mixing up the Bang Bang sauce. Go for medium to large sizes to avoid spills.
Sharp Knife and Cutting Board
To get those clean, even chunks of chicken and perfectly sliced veggies, a sharp knife is key. A wooden or plastic cutting board helps keep your workspace tidy and safe.
Measuring Spoons and Cups
Nailing the sweet-spicy balance in the sauce means accurate measurements. Don’t eyeball it—grab those measuring tools!
Serving Bowls
Last but not least, use medium-sized serving bowls to layer your rice, veggies, chicken, and sauce. Presentation matters—and trust us, these bowls are Instagram-worthy!
Frequently Asked Questions About Bang Bang Chicken Bowls
What is Bang Bang sauce made of?
The classic Bang Bang sauce is a creamy, spicy-sweet blend of mayonnaise, Thai sweet chili sauce, honey, and Sriracha. It’s rich, zesty, and adds serious flavor to crispy chicken. Some folks swap mayo with Greek yogurt or avocado mayo for a healthier version.
Can I make Bang Bang chicken without mayo?
You sure can! While mayo gives it that signature creaminess, alternatives like plain Greek yogurt, sour cream, or even blended avocado work great. They still provide that smooth texture while cutting down on fat or dairy, depending on your needs.
What goes well with Bang Bang chicken bowls?
These crispy chicken bowls shine with crunchy veggies like carrots, cabbage, and cucumber. But feel free to go wild—think steamed broccoli, pickled onions, or even mango for a sweet touch. A chilled side salad or sesame slaw also complements the heat and creaminess.
How spicy is Bang Bang sauce?
It depends on how much Sriracha you use. The standard recipe has a mild-to-medium kick, but you can easily turn up the heat by adding more chili sauce or a sprinkle of crushed red pepper. Want it mild? Just reduce the Sriracha.
Can I bake the chicken instead of air frying it?
Totally! If you don’t have an air fryer, bake the seasoned chicken at 425°F for about 20–25 minutes. Flip halfway through to get that golden crispiness. It might not be as crunchy as air-fried, but it’s still mouthwatering!
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