Bang Bang Chicken Bowl with Spicy Mayo Recipe

If you love bold flavors combined with fresh, crunchy textures, you’re going to absolutely adore this Bang Bang Chicken Bowl with Spicy Mayo Recipe. It’s one of those dishes I keep coming back to because it checks all the boxes: crispy chicken, creamy spicy sauce, and a bed of fluffy jasmine rice that pulls everything together. Whether you’re cooking for a quick weeknight dinner or impressing friends at a casual lunch, this bowl delivers big on flavor and is surprisingly easy to whip up. Stick with me—I’ll share all my insider tips so you can nail it perfectly every time.

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

All the ingredients come together in harmony to create a bowl that’s bursting with flavor and texture. I recommend using good-quality mayonnaise and real sweet chili sauce for that authentic spicy-sweet kick. Plus, jasmine rice adds a wonderful fragrant base that just elevates the whole dish.

• Boneless skinless chicken breasts: Cut into bite-sized pieces; you can swap these easily for shrimp or tofu if you want a different protein or a vegetarian version.
• Cornstarch: This is the secret to getting the chicken perfectly crispy without deep frying.
• Salt, black pepper, garlic powder, paprika: Simple seasonings that give the chicken a little extra oomph without overpowering the dish.
• Vegetable oil: Make sure it’s hot before frying for a crisp coating that locks in juiciness.
• Cooked jasmine rice: Fragrant and fluffy, but brown rice or quinoa works great if you want a healthier twist.
• Shredded lettuce, diced cucumber, shredded carrots: Fresh veggies add crunch and balance the richness of the sauce.
• Chopped green onions: They bring a subtle sharpness and a pop of color.
• Sesame seeds (optional): A cute finishing touch that adds nuttiness and texture.
• Mayonnaise: For creamy richness; you can lighten it up with non-fat mayo or Greek yogurt if you prefer.
• Sweet chili sauce: Brings sweetness and tang, essential for that bang bang flavor.
• Sriracha: Adjust quantity to your spice tolerance; I love a good kick, but you can tone it down for kids.

Variations

I like to keep things flexible with this recipe because sometimes you want crunchy tofu instead of chicken, or maybe some extra veggies thrown in. The beauty is, this dish is your canvas—feel free to make it your own!

• Protein Swap: When I switched to shrimp one time, my family went crazy—it cooks fast and soaks up the sauce beautifully.
• Veggie Boost: Adding sliced bell peppers or snap peas gives a sweet crunch that’s just fantastic.
• Spice Level: For less heat, I often reduce the sriracha and add a touch more sweet chili sauce; for heat lovers, double it!
• Grain Options: I’ve also tried quinoa instead of rice for a nuttier flavor and extra protein.

How to Make Bang Bang Chicken Bowl with Spicy Mayo Recipe

Step 1: Coat the Chicken for Maximum Crispiness

First, combine the cornstarch with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and paprika in a large bowl. Toss your bite-sized chicken pieces in this mixture until they’re thoroughly coated. This step is crucial because the cornstarch creates that irresistible crispy crust when fried. I used to think flour was fine, but switching to cornstarch elevated the crunch big time.

Step 2: Fry the Chicken to Golden Perfection

Heat the vegetable oil in a skillet over medium-high heat — you want it hot enough that the chicken sizzles immediately. Add the coated chicken in a single layer and let it cook for about 5 to 7 minutes, turning occasionally so every side browns evenly. I like to keep a close eye so nothing burns, and remove the chicken once it’s golden and cooked through. Trust me, drippy oil isn’t your friend here; patience pays off with crisp, juicy bites!

Step 3: Whip Up the Spicy Mayo Sauce

While the chicken cooks, mix mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, and sriracha in a small bowl until smooth. Adjust how much sriracha you add based on how spicy you like it — when I first made this, I went too heavy on the sriracha, so I recommend starting small and tasting. This sauce is what really gives the bowl its zing and creaminess, balancing heat with just a touch of sweetness.

Step 4: Assemble Your Bang Bang Chicken Bowl

Start with a bed of fluffy jasmine rice in each bowl. Layer on your crispy chicken, then add shredded lettuce, diced cucumber, shredded carrots, and green onions. Drizzle generously with the spicy mayo sauce and sprinkle sesame seeds over the top if you like. The first time I layered the veggies on last, the crunch was fresh and the flavors popped—that’s a simple trick to keep your bowl vibrant!

How to Serve Bang Bang Chicken Bowl with Spicy Mayo Recipe

Garnishes

I love topping mine with a generous sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds—they add a subtle nuttiness that complements the spicy sauce perfectly. Sometimes, I also add a few cilantro leaves or a squeeze of fresh lime for brightness. It’s those little touches that make the bowl feel special and fresh every time.

Side Dishes

This bowl stands well on its own, but if you want to serve sides, a crisp Asian slaw or a simple cucumber salad with rice vinegar is fantastic. My family often pairs it with steamed edamame or quick pickled radishes for extra texture and flavor contrast.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I like to serve these bowls in small glass jars or mason jars—makes it feel like a fun, trendy party snack. You can also lay chicken skewers across the top of the bowls for an eye-catching presentation that’s perfect for sharing.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I always store leftover chicken separately from the rice and veggies in airtight containers in the fridge. This helps keep the chicken crispy-ish and the veggies fresh. Chicken lasts well for about 3 days, but the veggies are best eaten within 1-2 days to avoid sogginess.

Freezing

Freezing the chicken pieces works fine—I just flash freeze them on a tray first then transfer to a freezer bag. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge and re-crisp in a hot skillet. However, I wouldn’t freeze the veggies or the sauce as they don’t reheat well.

Reheating

To bring leftovers back to life, I reheat the chicken in a skillet over medium heat for a few minutes to restore that crunch, while the rice gets a quick zap in the microwave. Add fresh veggies when ready to serve so they stay crisp.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Bang Bang Chicken Bowl with Spicy Mayo Recipe has become a staple in my kitchen because it hits all the right notes—crispy, spicy, creamy, and fresh all at once. I hope you enjoy it as much as my family does, and that it becomes one of your go-to recipes when you want something satisfying but uncomplicated. Give it a try, tweak it to your taste, and don’t forget to share your own favorite variations. Happy cooking!

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