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- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs - 1 cup buttermilk (or dairy-free alternative) - 1 cup all-purpose flour - ½ cup cornstarch - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon onion powder - ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste) - Salt and black pepper to taste - ½ cup mayonnaise - 2 tablespoon sweet chili sauce - 1 teaspoon Sriracha sauce (adjust for heat) - 1 teaspoon lime juice - 1 cup cooked jasmine or basmati rice - 1 cup shredded iceberg lettuce - ½ cup shredded carrots - ½ cup cherry tomatoes, halved - ¼ cup sliced green onions To make a Crispy Bang Bang Chicken Bowl, you need fresh and tasty ingredients. The chicken thighs provide great flavor. Soaking them in buttermilk makes them juicy. If you need a dairy-free version, choose a dairy-free milk like almond or oat. The coating is key for that crispy crunch. Flour and cornstarch blend together to create a perfect texture. The seasoning adds flavor. Garlic and onion powders bring depth. Cayenne gives a mild heat. Adjust it to your liking. The Bang Bang sauce adds a creamy and spicy touch. Mayonnaise is the base. Sweet chili sauce gives it sweetness. Sriracha adds heat, and lime juice gives brightness. Mix these to create the perfect sauce. Don’t forget the base and veggies! Cooked jasmine or basmati rice makes a great foundation. Shredded iceberg lettuce adds crunch. Shredded carrots and halved cherry tomatoes add color and nutrients. Green onions finish the bowl with a fresh kick. Gather these ingredients, and you'll be ready for a fun cooking adventure! {{ingredient_image_1}} - Marinate the Chicken: Start by soaking the chicken thighs in buttermilk. This is best done for at least 1 hour or overnight. The buttermilk makes the chicken tender and juicy. - Prepare the Coating: In a bowl, mix the flour, cornstarch, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper. This mix gives the chicken a nice crunch. - Heat the Oil: In a deep skillet, add about 1 inch of vegetable oil. Heat it over medium-high heat until it shimmers. This means it’s ready for frying. - Coat the Chicken: Take the marinated chicken out of the buttermilk. Let any extra buttermilk drip off. Now, dredge each piece in your flour mixture. Make sure each piece is fully coated and shake off the extra flour. - Fry the Chicken: Carefully place the coated chicken in the hot oil. Fry for 5-7 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through. Use batches if needed. Place the fried chicken on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil. - Make the Bang Bang Sauce: In a small bowl, mix the mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, Sriracha, and lime juice. Stir well until it’s smooth. This sauce adds a tasty kick to your dish. - Assemble the Bowl: In each serving bowl, start with a scoop of rice. Then, add the crispy chicken pieces. Next, layer on the shredded lettuce, carrots, halved cherry tomatoes, and green onions. - Drizzle Sauce: Finish your bowl by drizzling the Bang Bang sauce generously over the top. Enjoy your vibrant and tasty meal! Soak the chicken thighs in buttermilk for at least one hour. For more flavor, soak overnight. This makes the chicken tender and juicy. If you want a dairy-free option, use almond milk or coconut milk mixed with a bit of lemon juice. This gives a similar tangy taste. Check the oil temperature before frying. Heat it until it shimmers, about 350°F (175°C). Use a thermometer for accuracy. Fry the chicken in small batches. This helps them cook evenly and stay crispy. Avoid crowding the pan, as this lowers the oil temperature. For garnishing, use sliced green onions and sesame seeds. They add color and crunch. Serve each bowl with a lime wedge on the side. A fresh squeeze of lime brightens the flavors. Keep the bowls colorful and fresh by layering veggies neatly. Pro Tips Marination Matters: Allowing the chicken to marinate in buttermilk overnight enhances tenderness and flavor, making for a juicier bite. Perfect Oil Temperature: Ensure your oil is hot enough (around 350°F) before frying to achieve a crispy coating and avoid greasy chicken. Batch Frying: Fry the chicken in small batches to maintain the oil temperature, which ensures even cooking and crispiness. Customize the Sauce: Adjust the spiciness of the Bang Bang sauce by modifying the amount of Sriracha, or substitute with your favorite hot sauce for a unique twist. {{image_2}} You can enjoy a healthier version of the Crispy Bang Bang Chicken Bowl. One great option is to bake the chicken instead of frying it. This cuts down on oil and keeps the chicken juicy. For a baked version: - Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). - Place the coated chicken on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. - Bake for about 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and crispy. You can also offer gluten-free choices. Simply swap all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour or almond flour. This way, everyone can enjoy the meal without worry. You can customize the Bang Bang sauce to match your taste. If you like more heat, add extra Sriracha or chili sauce. For a sweeter sauce, increase the sweet chili sauce. Mixing in different veggies adds flair to your bowl. Try bell peppers, cucumbers, or snap peas for a crunch. You can also use herbs like cilantro or basil for fresh flavor. If you want a change from chicken, shrimp works well. Just adjust cooking time to avoid overcooking. For a plant-based option, use tofu. Firm tofu absorbs flavors nicely and adds a nice texture. You can also make a vegetarian bowl with all the veggies and rice. It’s a great way to enjoy the same flavors without meat. To keep your Crispy Bang Bang Chicken Bowl fresh, store leftovers properly. Place the chicken and rice in separate airtight containers. This helps keep the chicken crispy and the rice fluffy. Refrigerate them within two hours of cooking. For best results, use the fridge's colder sections. If you want to freeze leftovers, let them cool first. Wrap chicken pieces tightly in plastic wrap, then in foil. Store rice in a separate container. This keeps moisture out. Label containers with the date to track freshness. The best way to reheat crispy chicken is in an oven or air fryer. Preheat your oven to 375°F. Place the chicken on a baking sheet. Heat for about 10-15 minutes until crisp. If using an air fryer, set it to 375°F and heat for 5-8 minutes. Avoid using the microwave, as it can make the chicken soggy. To keep the rice moist, add a splash of water before reheating. Cover the dish with a damp paper towel and microwave for 1-2 minutes. When stored properly, the Crispy Bang Bang Chicken Bowl lasts 3-4 days in the fridge. If frozen, it can last up to 3 months. Always check for signs of spoilage. Look for off smells, changes in color, or a slimy texture. If you notice any of these, it's best to discard the dish. A Bang Bang Chicken Bowl is a tasty dish featuring crispy chicken, rice, and fresh veggies. It combines flavors from Asian cuisine, especially Thai and American. The name "Bang Bang" comes from the spicy sauce that adds a kick to the chicken. This dish is great for a quick meal that feels special. Yes, you can make the Bang Bang sauce ahead of time. Just mix mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, Sriracha, and lime juice in a bowl. Store it in the fridge for up to three days. This way, you save time when preparing your meal. Just remember to give the sauce a good stir before using it. For this recipe, jasmine or basmati rice works best. Both types are fluffy and have a nice aroma. You can cook the rice in water or broth for extra flavor. Follow the package instructions for the best results. If you want to save time, you can use pre-cooked rice. You can easily adjust the heat level of the sauce. To make it milder, reduce the amount of Sriracha. For more heat, add extra Sriracha or a pinch of cayenne pepper. Taste the sauce as you mix it to get the right balance for your preference. This blog post showed you how to make a tasty Bang Bang Chicken Bowl. We covered the ingredients, preparation steps, cooking methods, tips for success, and options for variations. With easy steps and fun ideas, you can enjoy this dish any way you like. Remember, cooking is about trying new things. So, grab your ingredients, have fun, and make a meal you’ll love! Enjoy the process and share your creations with others.

Crispy Bang Bang Chicken Bowl

A delicious bowl featuring crispy fried chicken, fresh vegetables, and a spicy Bang Bang sauce.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour 10 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 30 minutes
Servings 4

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs
  • 1 cup buttermilk (or dairy-free alternative)
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 2 cornstarch
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 2 cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
  • to taste Salt and black pepper
  • for frying Vegetable oil
  • 1 cup cooked jasmine or basmati rice
  • 1 cup shredded iceberg lettuce
  • 1 2 shredded carrots
  • 1 2 cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 4 sliced green onions
  • 1 2 mayonnaise
  • 2 tablespoon sweet chili sauce
  • 1 teaspoon Sriracha sauce (adjust for heat)
  • 1 teaspoon lime juice

Instructions
 

  • Marinate the Chicken: In a bowl, soak the chicken thighs in buttermilk for at least 1 hour (or overnight for more flavor). This helps to tenderize the chicken.
  • Prepare the Coating: In a separate bowl, mix the flour, cornstarch, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper.
  • Heat the Oil: In a deep skillet or frying pan, heat about 1 inch of vegetable oil over medium-high heat until shimmering.
  • Coat the Chicken: Remove the marinated chicken from the buttermilk, allowing excess to drip off. Dredge each piece in the flour mixture until fully coated. Shake off any excess flour.
  • Fry the Chicken: Carefully place the coated chicken in the hot oil, cooking in batches if necessary. Fry for about 5-7 minutes on each side or until golden brown and cooked through. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
  • Make the Bang Bang Sauce: In a small bowl, combine mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, Sriracha, and lime juice. Mix well until smooth.
  • Assemble the Bowl: In serving bowls, place a generous scoop of rice as the base. Top with crispy chicken pieces, then layer on shredded lettuce, shredded carrots, halved cherry tomatoes, and sliced green onions.
  • Drizzle Sauce: Finish by drizzling the Bang Bang sauce generously over the top.

Notes

Serve each bowl with a lime wedge on the side for a fresh squeeze right before eating. You can also garnish with extra green onions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds for added texture and flavor.
Keyword Bang Bang sauce, bowl, chicken, fried, spicy