Bangin Bang Bang Chicken Bowls Crispy Creamy Goodness
Craving a Bang Bang Chicken Bowl ? Let's Get Real!
Ever find yourself scrolling through takeaway menus, sighing? Oh my gosh, me too! But what if you could whip up something even better at home? This Bang Bang Chicken Bowl recipe is seriously a game changer.
It's got all that creamy, spicy, crispy goodness you crave, but way fresher and healthier.
A Little Bit of History (and Flavour)
This Bang Bang Chicken Recipe takes inspo from a popular Westernized Chinese dish. It's not trying to be authentic, just incredibly tasty.
This recipe is at a medium difficulty level, think about an hour all in, and serves four hungry folks.
Why This Bang Bang Chicken Bowl?
This isn't just another Crispy Chicken Bowl . It's packed with protein. That's thanks to the chicken, it will actually keep you full for hours.
Plus, making it yourself means you control the ingredients and the spice level. Forget that guilt after a takeaway. Serve this for a casual Friday night dinner or a weekend get-together.
Easy Cheap Healthy Meals Start Here
Okay, so you're probably thinking, "Sounds good, but what do I need ?" Here's the lowdown:
- For the Chicken: Chicken thighs, egg, cornstarch, flour, salt, pepper, and oil.
- For that Amazing Sauce: Mayo, sweet chili sauce, rice vinegar, sriracha, soy sauce, honey, sesame oil, and garlic.
- For Assembling the Asian Chicken Bowl: Rice, cabbage, green onions, cilantro, and sesame seeds.
Let's get cooking.
Let's Talk Ingredients & Kit for Bang Bang Chicken Bowls
Right, so you want to whip up a Bang Bang Chicken Bowl , yeah? Ace choice! First, let's chat about what you'll need to raid from your kitchen.
Don't worry; we're aiming for easy cheap healthy meals here. Trust me, you won't be needing any fancy gadgets!
Main Ingredients - The A-Team!
Here's the lowdown on the core ingredients to make this Asian Chicken Bowl sing. Quality counts, especially with the chicken.
- Chicken Thighs: 1.5 lbs (680g) boneless, skinless, cut into 1 inch pieces. Listen, go for free range if you can. They taste better, honestly.
- Egg: Just 1 large one, lightly beaten.
- Cornstarch: 1/2 cup (60g) . This is key for that crispy chicken bowl texture.
- All-Purpose Flour: 1/4 cup (30g) .
- Salt: 1 teaspoon .
- Black Pepper: 1/2 teaspoon .
- Vegetable Oil: 1 cup (240ml) for frying.
- Mayonnaise: 1/2 cup (120ml) . Full fat is best for that creamy texture.
- Sweet Chili Sauce: 2 tablespoons .
- Rice Vinegar: 1 tablespoon .
- Sriracha: 1 tablespoon . Adjust to your spicy chicken bowl recipe desires. If you're feeling brave, add more!
- Soy Sauce: 1 teaspoon . Low sodium is the way to go.
- Honey: 1 teaspoon . Adds a touch of sweetness.
- Sesame Oil: 1/2 teaspoon . Don't skip this! It's crucial for flavour.
- Garlic: 1 clove , minced.
- Cooked Rice: 4 cups . Basmati, jasmine, whatever floats your boat.
- Shredded Cabbage: 1 cup .
- Sliced Green Onions: 1/2 cup .
- Chopped Cilantro: 1/4 cup .
- Sesame Seeds: For garnish.
Seasoning Notes - Spice It Up!
Alright, so the sauce is where the magic happens for this homemade Bang Bang Chicken . Sweet chili and sriracha are your power couple! Don't be afraid to play around and make it your own.
Soy sauce adds that umami punch.
If you're out of rice vinegar, a splash of white wine vinegar will do the trick.
Equipment Needed - Keep It Simple!
Okay, let's get real. You don't need a fancy kitchen to make this takeaway style chicken bowl .
- Large Bowl. For marinating that chicken.
- Medium Bowl. For the sauce.
- Whisk. To whip up that creamy chicken bowl sauce.
- Large Skillet or Wok. For frying the chicken like a pro.
- Slotted Spoon. To rescue the golden chicken.
- Paper Towels. To drain the chicken (we don't want soggy chicken).
- Serving Bowls. Because presentation matters, darling!
Honestly, you could even use a deep saucepan if you don't have a wok. The most important thing is healthy foods , you have fun and enjoy making this Bang Bang Chicken Recipe at home.
That’s it! Now, let's get cooking!
Bangin' Bang Bang Chicken Bowls: Your Takeaway Style Fix
Honestly, who doesn't love a good Bang Bang Chicken Bowl ? But those takeaway versions? Ugh . They're often swimming in oil, and you never know what's actually in the sauce, do you? That's why I started making my own.
Think crispy chicken , amazing homemade bang bang chicken slathered in a spicy, creamy sauce all piled high on fluffy rice.
Easy cheap healthy meals , right?
Prep Like a Pro: Get Your Mise en Place On
Before you even think about turning on the hob, get organized. Chop your chicken into roughly 1 inch cubes . Whisk your egg in one bowl.
Mix together the flour, cornstarch, salt and pepper in another bowl. For the sauce, just bung all the ingredients into one bowl: mayo, sweet chilli, rice vinegar, sriracha, soy sauce, honey and minced garlic.
Having everything ready means it all flows super smoothly.
- Time saver tip: Chop all your veggies whilst your chicken is marinating. Thank me later!
Let's Cook! Bang Bang Chicken Bowl step-by-step
- Marinate those chicken cubes. Coat them well in the egg and flour/cornstarch mixture. Let sit for at least 30 minutes .
- Whisk your bang bang sauce ingredients together. Taste and adjust the sriracha and honey until it's spicy chicken bowl recipe as your taste.
- Heat your vegetable oil in a large skillet. Get it nice and hot, but not smoking. Use medium high heat.
- Fry the chicken in batches. Don't overcrowd the pan! Fry until golden brown. We're talking about 3- 4 minutes per batch, making sure internal temperature reaches 165° F ( 74° C) .
- Drain the chicken on paper towels. We don't want no soggy bottoms, like they say on Bake Off!
- Assemble your bowls! Rice first, then cabbage, then chicken.
- Drizzle generously with that glorious creamy chicken bowl sauce.
- Top with green onions, cilantro and sesame seeds. Get stuck in!
Pro Tips for Your Bang Bang Chicken Bowl
Okay, so here's the thing: the key to this bang bang chicken recipe is the sauce. Don't be afraid to adjust the spice levels.
If you like it hot, hot, hot, add more sriracha.
Another tip? Make that asian chicken bowl sauce ahead of time! The flavours meld together and it's even better. Like a good curry, you know? Seriously, it's so good.
If you need to be healthy foods , go easy on the sauce and portion control the rice.
Honestly, making your own takeaway style chicken bowl is way easier and healthier than ordering in. Plus, you get to control the spice level, and that's a win in my book.
Get cooking. You deserve this crispy chicken bowl .
Recipe Notes for Your Bang Bang Chicken Bowl
Right then, let's talk shop about this Bang Bang Chicken Bowl . Think of these as extra tips to make your version absolutely stellar.
You know, the sort of secrets your mate would share over a pint down the pub. These tips will help you make easy cheap healthy meals at home, featuring healthy foods and flavors.
Serving Suggestions: Ace Presentation
Okay, so you've got this amazing Crispy Chicken Bowl . How do you make it look like it came straight out of a fancy restaurant? Honestly, presentation is key.
Heap the rice nicely. Fan the chicken over it, then drizzle generously with that creamy chicken bowl sauce. A sprinkle of green onions and sesame seeds just elevates everything.
For a bit of posh, try serving with some steamed edamame on the side. I find a chilled glass of Pinot Grigio works an absolute treat, or if you prefer something non-alcoholic, go for a sparkling elderflower pressé.
It's so refreshing with the Spicy Chicken Bowl Recipe .
Storage Tips: Keepin' It Fresh
Life gets hectic, right? If you've got leftovers of this Homemade Bang Bang Chicken , not to worry. Pop the chicken and rice in separate airtight containers in the fridge.
They'll be good for about 3 days . Trust me, don’t leave it longer. I tried it once, and it wasn't pretty.
When reheating, blast the chicken in the oven for a few minutes to keep it crispy. Microwaving turns it into a soggy disaster.
As for freezing, I wouldn't recommend it for the chicken. The sauce tends to separate, and the chicken loses its crispiness.
However, you can freeze the rice for up to a month .
Variations: Mix It Up, Mate!
Fancy a change? Swap out the chicken for tofu. Just make sure it's pressed well to get it nice and crispy.
Or, for a takeaway style chicken bowl with a pescatarian twist, try using prawns. They cook super quick. For a lower carb version, ditch the rice and load up on extra veggies like broccoli or cauliflower rice.
If you’re going for a Bang Bang Chicken Recipe in the autumn, try swapping the usual cabbage for shredded Brussels sprouts sounds mad, but it works .
Nutrition Basics: Fueling Your Body
Okay, so let's keep it real. It's not the lowest calorie meal ever, but it's packed with protein and flavour, which will keep you full and happy.
Did you know that chicken is a great source of lean protein, essential for muscle building and repair? Also, including a colourful array of veggies will boost your vitamin intake.
Just be mindful of the sauce amount. Too much mayo can add up the calories. But hey, a little indulgence never hurt anyone, right?
So, go on then! Give this Asian Chicken Bowl a whirl. It's easier than you think, and you'll be chuffed with the results.
Remember, cooking should be fun, not a chore. Enjoy it! You got this, mate.
Frequently Asked Questions
What exactly is a Bang Bang Chicken Bowl anyway? It sounds a bit mad!
Think of it as a super tasty, amped-up version of your favourite Chinese takeaway, but way fresher! A Bang Bang Chicken Bowl typically features crispy fried chicken tossed in a creamy, spicy sauce, served over rice with some crunchy veggies. It's a party in a bowl, mate!
My chicken isn't getting crispy enough! What am I doing wrong when making this Bang Bang Chicken Bowl recipe?
Ah, that's a classic. The key to crispy chicken is not overcrowding the pan! Fry in smaller batches to maintain the oil temperature. You can also try double frying: once at a slightly lower temperature to cook through, and again at a higher temp to crisp it up.
Make sure your oil is hot enough, about 350-375°F (175-190°C), but not smoking.
Can I make a vegetarian or vegan version of this Bang Bang Chicken Bowl?
Absolutely, you can! For a vegan version, swap out the mayonnaise with a good quality vegan mayo and use maple syrup or agave instead of honey. Tofu works a treat as a chicken substitute: press it well to remove excess water, cube it, and then follow the same breading and frying instructions.
You could even use paneer if you fancy!
This sauce is a bit too spicy for me. How can I tone down the heat in the Bang Bang sauce?
No worries, easy fix! Start by reducing the amount of sriracha you add. You can also add a touch more honey or sweet chili sauce to balance the spice with sweetness. A dollop of extra mayonnaise or a squeeze of lime juice can also help to cut through the heat. Taste as you go!
How long can I store leftover Bang Bang Chicken Bowl components?
Store the cooked chicken, sauce, and rice separately in airtight containers in the fridge. The chicken is best eaten within 2-3 days, as it will lose some crispness over time. The sauce will keep for up to 5 days, and the rice for 3-4 days. Reheat the chicken and rice thoroughly before assembling your bowl.
Just don't re-freeze.
Is this Bang Bang Chicken Bowl healthy? What are the nutritional considerations?
While this recipe is absolutely delicious, it’s best enjoyed as a treat! It contains a fair amount of fat and sugar from the mayonnaise and sweet chili sauce. To make it healthier, consider using a light mayonnaise, reducing the amount of sweet chili sauce, and opting for brown rice.
Load up on the veggies to get some extra nutrients in!
Bangin Bang Bang Chicken Bowls Crispy Creamy Goo
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts:
| Calories | 700 calories |
|---|---|
| Fat | 40g |
| Fiber | 3g |
