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Bang Bang Chicken Bowl with Spicy Mayo Recipe

If you’re craving something that’s bursting with flavor but still easy to whip up on a weeknight, this Bang Bang Chicken Bowl with Spicy Mayo Recipe is going to be your new go-to. I absolutely love how this dish combines crispy, tender chicken with a creamy, spicy sauce and fresh veggies over fluffy jasmine rice. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll find yourself making it again and again!

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Crunchy & Creamy Combo: The crispy chicken paired with that silky spicy mayo is simply irresistible.
  • Customizable & Easy: You can swap out chicken for shrimp or tofu depending on your mood, and it all cooks up quickly.
  • Perfect Weeknight Meal: In under 30 minutes, you’ll have a restaurant-worthy bowl on your table.
  • Balanced & Fresh: The fresh veggies add a nice crunch and lighten up the dish.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of this Bang Bang Chicken Bowl comes from the simple, fresh ingredients that pack a punch together. Don’t worry if you don’t have everything on hand — I’ve got tips to help you shop and substitute with ease.

Flat lay of bite-sized pieces of raw boneless skinless chicken breasts, a small white bowl of fine cornstarch, a small white bowl of coarse salt, a small white bowl of ground black pepper, a small white bowl of garlic powder, a small white bowl of paprika, a small white bowl of vegetable oil, a mound of fluffy cooked jasmine rice, a small pile of shredded green lettuce, a small pile of diced fresh cucumber, a small pile of shredded orange carrots, a small pile of chopped green onions, a small white bowl of creamy mayonnaise, a small white bowl of bright red sweet chili sauce, a small white bowl of vivid red sriracha sauce, scattered light sesame seeds, all arranged symmetrically in simple white ceramic bowls and plates, placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997 - Bang Bang Chicken Bowl, spicy mayo recipe, crispy chicken bowl, quick Asian chicken dish, easy weeknight dinner
  • Boneless skinless chicken breasts: Cutting them into bite-sized pieces ensures they cook evenly and get delightfully crispy.
  • Cornstarch: This is what gives the chicken that satisfyingly crunchy coating without frying batter.
  • Salt & pepper: Basic seasoning that brings out the chicken’s flavor perfectly.
  • Garlic powder & paprika: My secret duo for adding depth and a subtle smoky note.
  • Vegetable oil: Use a neutral oil that can handle high heat for frying crispiness.
  • Jasmine rice: Fragrant and fluffy, it’s the perfect comfort base, though brown rice or quinoa work too.
  • Shredded lettuce, diced cucumber, shredded carrots, chopped green onions: These fresh toppings add crunch, color, and freshness.
  • Sesame seeds: A little sprinkle ups up the presentation and gives that mild nutty pop.
  • Mayonnaise: I usually use regular mayo, but plain Greek yogurt is a lighter swap that works great.
  • Sweet chili sauce: This adds just the right amount of sweetness and a little zing.
  • Sriracha: The star of the spicy mayo—adjust based on your heat preference.
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Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

I love playing around with this Bang Bang Chicken Bowl with Spicy Mayo Recipe to fit different tastes or what I have in the fridge. Feel free to make it your own—cooking should be fun, after all!

  • Shrimp or Tofu Swap: Once, I swapped the chicken for shrimp, and my family went crazy for the juicy, tender bites—it was quicker too!
  • Spice Level: If you like it really fiery, add extra sriracha or even a dash of cayenne powder in the sauce.
  • Grain Swap: Brown rice or quinoa add a hearty texture and boost nutrition if you want to keep it on the healthier side.
  • Veggie Mix-Up: Adding sliced bell peppers or edamame can add a fresh twist and color pop.

How to Make Bang Bang Chicken Bowl with Spicy Mayo Recipe

Step 1: Coat the Chicken to Crispy Perfection

Start by mixing the cornstarch with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika in a large bowl. This spice blend is key—it adds layers of flavor while the cornstarch creates that crisp shell. Toss your bite-sized chicken pieces in this mixture until they’re evenly coated. This little trick makes a big difference when frying!

Step 2: Fry Until Golden & Crispy

Heat your vegetable oil over medium-high heat—make sure it’s hot but not smoking. Adding the chicken in a single layer helps each piece crisp up nicely without steaming. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally so every side browns beautifully. You’ll know it’s done when the chicken is golden and no longer pink inside. I recommend using a meat thermometer if you want to be extra safe—165°F is perfect.

Step 3: Whip Up the Spicy Mayo Sauce

While the chicken is cooking, mix the mayo, sweet chili sauce, and sriracha in a small bowl until smooth. Taste and adjust the heat level—you’ll find that tweaking the sriracha really tailors the sauce to your liking. This sauce is creamy with just the right kick, making the whole bowl irresistible.

Step 4: Assemble Your Bowls

Place a generous scoop of fluffy jasmine rice at the bottom of your bowl. Layer on the crispy chicken, then add shredded lettuce, diced cucumber, shredded carrots, and green onions. Drizzle the spicy mayo all over and sprinkle sesame seeds for that final touch. The colors and textures alone make it a feast for your eyes and taste buds!

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Pro Tips for Making Bang Bang Chicken Bowl with Spicy Mayo Recipe

  • Hot Oil is Key: I learned that having your oil hot enough before frying really locks in the crunch without the chicken absorbing too much oil.
  • Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Fry the chicken in batches if needed so each piece can crisp up perfectly instead of steaming.
  • Sauce On The Side: Sometimes I serve the spicy mayo on the side so everyone can dunk or drizzle as they prefer—this also keeps the chicken extra crispy if you’re serving later.
  • Fresh Veggies Add Balance: I always make sure to chop veggies fresh right before assembling to keep their crunch and vibrant flavor.

How to Serve Bang Bang Chicken Bowl with Spicy Mayo Recipe

Bang Bang Chicken Bowl with Spicy Mayo Recipe - Serving

Garnishes

I love sprinkling toasted sesame seeds and a few extra chopped green onions over the top for that little burst of texture and flavor. Sometimes I add a squeeze of lime or a handful of fresh cilantro to brighten things up—it really wakes everything up!

Side Dishes

This Bang Bang Chicken Bowl stands strong on its own, but I like pairing it with crispy spring rolls or a light cucumber salad on the side for a refreshing contrast. A simple miso soup or edamame also balance the meal beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

For dinner parties, I’ve laid out all the ingredients buffet-style for a “build your own bowl” setup—it’s always a hit and sparks fun conversations. You can also serve it in cute glass jars layered with rice, chicken, veggies, and topped with sauce for a trendy, portable meal.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually store the cooked chicken and leftover sauce separately from the fresh veggies and rice in airtight containers. The chicken holds up well for up to 3 days in the fridge, but I recommend eating the veggies within a day or two to keep their crunch.

Freezing

While I haven’t frozen the assembled bowls themselves, the cooked chicken freezes beautifully on its own. Just flash freeze on a baking sheet then transfer to a freezer bag to avoid clumping. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

To keep that crispiness alive, I reheat the chicken in a hot skillet or oven instead of the microwave. The rice and veggies are best served fresh, but if you must reheat the rice, do it covered with a damp paper towel to keep it moist.

FAQs

  1. Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

    Absolutely! Chicken thighs are juicier and a bit more forgiving when frying. Just cut them into similar-sized pieces and adjust cooking time slightly since thighs may take a bit longer to cook through.

  2. How spicy is the Bang Bang Chicken Bowl with Spicy Mayo Recipe?

    The heat level mainly depends on how much sriracha you add to the mayo sauce. I usually start with a tablespoon and add more until it’s just right for my family’s taste—mildly spicy yet creamy and flavorful.

  3. Can I prepare this recipe gluten-free?

    Yes! Just swap the soy-based sweet chili sauce for a gluten-free version and ensure the mayonnaise doesn’t contain any gluten ingredients. Cornstarch is naturally gluten-free, so you’re good there.

  4. Is there a vegetarian version of this dish?

    Definitely! Tofu works great when coated and fried just like the chicken. Firm tofu gives a nice bite, and the spicy mayo adds tons of flavor to keep the dish satisfying.

  5. How do I prevent the chicken from getting soggy after frying?

    The key is to fry the chicken in batches to avoid overcrowding and to either serve immediately or keep them on a wire rack to drain excess oil so they stay crispy before assembling the bowl.

Final Thoughts

This Bang Bang Chicken Bowl with Spicy Mayo Recipe is truly one of those dishes I come back to when life gets busy but I still want a meal that feels special. It hits all the right notes—crispy chicken, creamy sauce, fresh veggies—and comes together faster than you’d expect. I hope you enjoy making it as much as I do, and that it becomes a family favorite in your home too. Go ahead, give it a try and watch everyone’s faces light up!

Print
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Bang Bang Chicken Bowl with Spicy Mayo Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.5 from 120 reviews
  • Author: Villerius
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Frying
  • Cuisine: Asian Fusion

Description

A flavorful and satisfying Bang Bang Chicken Bowl featuring crispy cornstarch-coated chicken tossed in a spicy mayo sauce, served over a bed of jasmine rice with fresh vegetables like shredded lettuce, cucumber, carrots, and green onions. This dish combines crispy fried chicken with a creamy, tangy, and spicy sauce, balanced by refreshing toppings, making it perfect for a quick weeknight meal or casual lunch bowl.


Ingredients

For the Chicken

  • 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces (can substitute with shrimp or tofu for variations)
  • 1/2 cup cornstarch
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon paprika
  • 1/4 cup vegetable oil for frying (ensure oil is hot enough before adding chicken)

For the Rice and Toppings

  • 2 cups cooked jasmine rice (can substitute jasmine rice for brown rice or quinoa)
  • 1 cup shredded lettuce
  • 1 cup diced cucumber
  • 1/2 cup shredded carrots
  • 1/4 cup chopped green onions
  • Sesame seeds to taste for garnish (optional)

For the Sauce

  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise (can use non-fat mayonnaise or plain Greek yogurt)
  • 2 tablespoons sweet chili sauce
  • 1 tablespoon sriracha (adjust to taste)


Instructions

  1. Prepare the Chicken Coating: In a large bowl, combine the cornstarch, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. Toss the chicken pieces thoroughly in this mixture until well coated to ensure a crispy texture when fried.
  2. Cook the Chicken: Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the coated chicken pieces in a single layer, frying for 5-7 minutes. Turn occasionally to cook evenly until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
  3. Make the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, and sriracha until smooth. Taste and adjust the amount of sriracha according to your preferred spice level.
  4. Assemble the Bang Bang Chicken Bowl: Begin with a base of cooked jasmine rice in each bowl. Top with the crispy cooked chicken, then layer shredded lettuce, diced cucumber, shredded carrots, and chopped green onions over the chicken.
  5. Add Sauce and Garnish: Drizzle the prepared spicy mayo sauce over the assembled bowl. Sprinkle sesame seeds on top for an optional garnish. Serve immediately for optimal freshness and texture.

Notes

  • Store uneaten components separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator.
  • Cooked chicken can be kept for up to 3 days.
  • Fresh vegetables are best consumed within 1-2 days to maintain crispness.
  • For a lower-fat version, substitute mayonnaise with plain Greek yogurt.
  • Adjust the sriracha amount in the sauce to match your preferred spice tolerance.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 bowl (approx. 1/4 recipe)
  • Calories: 550
  • Sugar: 6g
  • Sodium: 750mg
  • Fat: 28g
  • Saturated Fat: 4.5g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 21g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 45g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Protein: 35g
  • Cholesterol: 85mg

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