Our Signature Bang Bang Chicken Bowl Recipe: A Symphony of Flavour

Are you on the hunt for a dish that genuinely awakens the senses? A meal that harmoniously blends crunchy textures with creamy, spicy, and sweet flavours, all served in one delightful bowl? If this sounds like what you’re craving, then your search ends here. We are delighted to share what we consider our signature Bang Bang Chicken Bowl Recipe, a creation designed to turn any ordinary weeknight dinner into an unforgettable feast.

This isn’t just another recipe; it’s a celebration of vibrant flavours drawn from Sichuan culinary traditions, thoughtfully adapted for your home kitchen. We will walk you through every step, from achieving unbelievably crisp, bite-sized chicken to whisking together that famously addictive Bang Bang sauce. Say goodbye to uninspired takeaways; with our guidance, you’ll craft a restaurant-worthy dish that will leave everyone wanting more.

Why You’ll Adore This Recipe

• A True Taste Sensation: The marriage of savoury, crunchy chicken with the rich, sweet, and spicy sauce is simply irresistible, ticking every box on the flavour chart.
• Quick and Effortless: Despite its gourmet appeal, this entire dish comes together in less than 40 minutes, making it an excellent choice for a busy evening.
• Endlessly Adaptable: You’re the chef here! Feel free to adjust the heat in the sauce, select your preferred base, and load your bowl with all your favourite fresh vegetables.
• Superior to Takeaway: By cooking at home, you have full control over the quality of your ingredients. The result is a fresher, healthier, and far more satisfying meal than ordering out.
• Wonderfully Versatile: Whether you’re preparing a speedy lunch for one, a dinner for the family, or serving the chicken pieces as party snacks, this recipe is a perfect fit for any occasion.

Ingredients

• 500g boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 120g cornflour
• 60g plain flour
• 1 large egg, beaten
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• Vegetable or sunflower oil, for frying
• 150g mayonnaise
• 4 tbsp sweet chilli sauce
• 2 tbsp sriracha
• 1 tbsp honey or maple syrup
• 1 tsp rice vinegar
• Cooked rice
• 1 large carrot
• 1/2 cucumber
• Spring onions
• Sesame seeds

To bring this incredible dish to life, we’ve organised the ingredients into three key groups: the chicken and its coating, the divine sauce, and the fresh elements for building your bowl.

• For the Crispy Chicken:
• 500g boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
• 120g cornflour
• 60g plain flour
• 1 large egg, beaten
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• Vegetable or sunflower oil, for frying
• For the Bang Bang Sauce:
• 150g mayonnaise (full-fat for the best flavour)
• 4 tbsp sweet chilli sauce
• 2 tbsp sriracha (or more, to taste)
• 1 tbsp honey or maple syrup
• 1 tsp rice vinegar
• For Assembling the Bowls:
• Cooked rice (basmati or jasmine work well)
• 1 large carrot, julienned or spiralised
• 1/2 cucumber, thinly sliced
• A handful of spring onions, finely sliced
• Fresh coriander, chopped (optional)
• Sesame seeds, for garnish

A Glimpse into the History of Bang Bang Chicken

Before we roll up our sleeves and begin, let’s explore the fascinating origins of this dish. The authentic “Bang Bang Chicken” (棒棒鸡, Bàng Bàng Jī) is a beloved Sichuan chicken classic. The name has a wonderfully direct origin, stemming from the “bang bang” sound of the wooden sticks or rolling pins that street vendors used to tenderise and shred cooked chicken. This technique allowed the meat to better soak up the distinctive spicy, nutty sauce it was served with. To dive deeper into the region’s rich culinary heritage, we recommend resources like Serious Eats’ guide to Sichuan cuisine.

Our contemporary, Western take on the dish reinterprets this idea in a bowl format. We substitute the traditional shredded chicken with crispy fried pieces and introduce a creamier, mayonnaise-based sauce. While it’s a departure from the original, it proudly carries the same spirit of bold, unforgettable flavours.

How to Make Our Bang Bang Chicken Bowl Recipe: Step-by-Step

Are you ready to create some kitchen magic? We have simplified the entire process into four easy-to-follow stages. Stick with us, and you’ll have a sensational meal ready in no time at all.

Step 1: Preparing the Crispy Chicken

1. Prepare Your Coating Station: In one shallow bowl, whisk the cornflour, plain flour, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until combined. In a second bowl, have your beaten egg ready.
2. Prepare the Chicken: Make sure your chicken breasts are cut into uniform 1-inch cubes for even cooking. Pat the pieces completely dry with a paper towel; this is crucial for a perfectly crisp coating.
3. Coat the Chicken Pieces: Working with a few pieces at a time, dip each one into the beaten egg, letting any excess run off. Next, dredge it generously in the flour mixture until it’s fully covered. Set the coated chicken aside on a wire rack or clean plate.

Step 2: Frying the Chicken to Golden Perfection

1. Heat the Frying Oil: In a wok or heavy-bottomed pan, pour in about 2-3 inches of vegetable oil. Heat it over a medium-high flame until it reaches approximately 180°C (350°F). If you’re without a thermometer, a simple test is to drop a tiny bit of batter into the oil; it should sizzle instantly and turn golden in about 30 seconds.
2. Fry in Batches: Gently lower the coated chicken into the hot oil, taking care not to overcrowd the pan. Frying in small batches is the key to keeping the oil hot and achieving that exceptional crunch. Fry for 4-5 minutes, turning the pieces periodically, until they are a deep golden brown and cooked all the way through.
3. Drain and Cool: Using a slotted spoon, lift the cooked chicken out of the oil and transfer it to a wire rack. This allows excess oil to drain away, preventing the chicken from becoming greasy. At this stage, the chicken is already a fantastic crispy chicken appetizer on its own.

Step 3: Whipping Up the Legendary Bang Bang Sauce

This sauce is truly the soul of the dish. While your chicken is draining, it’s the perfect time to mix it up.

1. Combine All Ingredients: In a medium-sized bowl, simply add the mayonnaise, sweet chilli sauce, sriracha, honey, and rice vinegar.
2. Whisk Until Perfectly Smooth: Stir everything together vigorously until the sauce is creamy, consistent in colour, and completely smooth. Give it a quick taste and adjust as you see fit. Crave more heat? A little more sriracha will do. Prefer it sweeter? Add a dash more honey. You’ve now created the perfect spicy sweet chicken sauce!

Step 4: Assembling Your Masterpiece

And now for the most rewarding part—building your beautiful bowl!

1. Start with a Base: Portion out the cooked rice evenly among your serving bowls.
2. Layer on the Vegetables: Neatly arrange the julienned carrots and sliced cucumber over the rice.
3. Sauce the Chicken: Place the crispy chicken pieces in a large bowl and pour over about half of your Bang Bang sauce. Gently toss until each piece is beautifully coated.
4. Bring It All Together: Spoon the saucy chicken into the centre of your bowls. Drizzle with a little extra sauce, then garnish with the sliced spring onions, fresh coriander, and a light scattering of sesame seeds. Serve immediately to enjoy the ultimate crunch!

Creating a Healthy Bang Bang Chicken Bowl

If you adore the taste but fancy a lighter meal, it’s incredibly easy to make a few adjustments. To create a Healthy Bang Bang Chicken bowl, we recommend some simple substitutions. Rather than frying, you can achieve great results by baking or air-frying the chicken. To bake, arrange the coated chicken on a baking sheet and cook at 200°C (400°F) for 15-20 minutes, turning halfway. For the sauce, try replacing half the mayonnaise with Greek yoghurt; this cuts down on fat and adds a welcome protein punch. Finally, pack your bowl with extra vegetables and use quinoa or brown rice as a base for more fibre. This method provides a delicious, nutrient-dense meal, similar in spirit to our Vietnamese Inspired Spring Roll Salad with Peanut Sauce.

Variations and Serving Suggestions

One of the finest qualities of this complete Asian chicken dish is its remarkable flexibility. Please don’t feel restricted by our list of ingredients! Here are some creative ideas to personalise your bowl:

• Rethink Your Base: If rice isn’t your thing, this bowl is just as delicious with a foundation of quinoa, egg noodles, or even a simple bed of fresh lettuce for a low-carb alternative.
• Boost Your Toppings: Go wild with extra additions like edamame beans, thinly sliced radishes, tangy pickled red onions, or a squeeze of fresh lime to brighten the flavours.
• Try Different Proteins: This recipe works wonderfully with crispy prawns or fried tofu for an excellent vegetarian option. Simply adjust your cooking times to suit.
• Discover Similar Flavours: If you’re a fan of chicken paired with a creamy, nutty sauce, we think you’ll also fall in love with our Crunchy Asian Chicken Salad with Peanut Dressing.

FAQ

Conclusion: Your New Favourite Chicken Dish

And there we have it—your complete guide to crafting a truly sensational Bang Bang Chicken Bowl from the comfort of your own home. We’ve shared our secrets for achieving perfectly crispy chicken, mixing a wonderfully creamy and flavour-packed sauce, and assembling a bowl that’s a feast for both the eyes and the palate. This recipe is proof that you can create an exceptionally special meal without spending all evening in the kitchen.

So, why not give it a go? Gather your ingredients and try our incredible Bang Bang Chicken Bowl Recipe this week. We’re quite certain it will earn a permanent spot in your dinner rotation. When you do make it, we would love for you to leave a comment below to let us know how you got on. Hearing about your culinary creations always makes our day!

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Prep: 10 mins
Cook: 20 mins
Serves: 4

Ingredients

• 500g boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
• 120g cornflour
• 60g plain flour
• 1 large egg, beaten
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• Vegetable or sunflower oil, for frying
• 150g mayonnaise
• 4 tbsp sweet chilli sauce
• 2 tbsp sriracha
• 1 tbsp honey or maple syrup
• 1 tsp rice vinegar
• Cooked rice, for serving
• 1 large carrot, julienned
• 1/2 cucumber, thinly sliced
• Spring onions, sliced for garnish
• Sesame seeds, for garnish

Instructions

1. Prep Chicken & Coating: In a shallow bowl, whisk together cornflour, plain flour, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. In a second bowl, beat the egg. Pat the chicken pieces dry, dip them in the egg, then dredge thoroughly in the flour mixture.
2. Make the Sauce: In a medium bowl, combine the mayonnaise, sweet chilli sauce, sriracha, honey, and rice vinegar. Whisk until smooth and creamy. Taste and adjust seasoning if desired.
3. Fry the Chicken: Heat 2-3 inches of oil in a wok or pan to 180°C (350°F). Carefully fry the chicken in batches for 4-5 minutes, until golden brown, crispy, and cooked through. Transfer to a wire rack to drain.
4. Assemble the Bowls: Place the crispy chicken in a large bowl and toss with about half of the Bang Bang sauce. Divide cooked rice among four bowls, top with julienned carrot and sliced cucumber. Add the sauced chicken, drizzle with extra sauce, and garnish with sliced spring onions and sesame seeds. Serve immediately.

Nutrition (per serving): Nutritional values vary based on ingredients used. See the “Creating a Healthy Bang Bang Chicken Bowl” section in the article for lighter alternatives.