Name: Bang Bang Chicken Bowl Recipe: A Flavorful Delight
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 40 min
Ingredients: 1 lb boneless (skinless chicken breasts); 1 cup cornstarch; 1 teaspoon salt; 1 teaspoon black pepper; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 teaspoon paprika; 2 large eggs; 1 cup panko breadcrumbs; for frying vegetable oil; 1 cup cooked jasmine rice; 1 cup shredded red cabbage; 1 cup sliced cucumbers; ½ cup sliced green onions; ¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro; ½ cup Bang Bang sauce; 1 tablespoon sesame seeds

Introduction

Explore the vibrant and delicious world of the Bang Bang Chicken Bowl, a dish that brings together crispy fried chicken, fresh vegetables, and a delectable sauce for a satisfying meal. This delightful recipe features tender pieces of chicken coated in a crispy crust, harmoniously paired with refreshing, crunchy vegetables over a bed of fluffy jasmine rice. Whether you’re preparing for lunch or dinner, this colorful bowl is sure to impress with its combination of textures and flavors that will leave your taste buds dancing.

The Bang Bang Chicken Bowl is not just about taste; it’s also about aesthetics. Its bright colors from the fresh vegetables create an appealing presentation, making it perfect for entertaining or simply enjoying a special weeknight meal at home. Furthermore, it’s quick to prepare, allowing you to enjoy a hearty meal without spending hours in the kitchen.

Recipe Overview

– Total Time: 40 minutes

– Prep Time: 20 minutes

– Yield/Servings: Serves 4

– Difficulty: Not specified in the recipe

Ingredients

Gather the following ingredients to create your own flavorful Bang Bang Chicken Bowl:

– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts

– 1 cup cornstarch

– 1 teaspoon salt

– 1 teaspoon black pepper

– 1 teaspoon garlic powder

– 1 teaspoon paprika

– 2 large eggs

– 1 cup panko breadcrumbs

– Vegetable oil (for frying)

– 1 cup cooked jasmine rice

– 1 cup shredded red cabbage

– 1 cup sliced cucumbers

– 1/2 cup sliced green onions

– 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro

– 1/2 cup Bang Bang sauce (store-bought or homemade)

– 1 tablespoon sesame seeds (for garnish)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Chicken: Begin by cutting the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces. In a mixing bowl, combine the cornstarch, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. Toss each piece of chicken in the cornstarch mixture, ensuring they are evenly coated for a crispy texture.

2. Bread the Chicken: In a separate bowl, whisk the eggs until well-beaten. Take the coated chicken pieces and dip them into the egg mixture, allowing any excess to drip off. Then, roll each piece in the panko breadcrumbs, ensuring a thorough and even coating.

3. Fry the Chicken: Heat a generous amount of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is shimmering, carefully add the breaded chicken pieces in batches. Fry them for about 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally, until they are golden brown and cooked through. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the fried chicken to a plate lined with paper towels to absorb excess oil.

4. Assemble the Bowl: In individual serving bowls, start by adding a base layer of fluffy cooked jasmine rice. Arrange the crispy fried chicken pieces on top of the rice. Next, add a colorful layer of shredded red cabbage, followed by fresh sliced cucumbers, and a sprinkle of sliced green onions for added crunch.

5. Drizzle with Bang Bang Sauce: Generously drizzle the Bang Bang sauce over the assembled bowls, allowing the sauce to cascade over the chicken and vegetables.

6. Garnish and Serve: To finish, sprinkle sesame seeds and chopped fresh cilantro over each bowl for a burst of flavor and visual appeal. Serve immediately and enjoy your delicious Bang Bang Chicken Bowl!

Preparing the Chicken

Cutting the Chicken

Begin by cutting the chicken breasts into evenly sized bite-sized pieces to ensure even cooking. A sharp knife will help make this process easier and safer. When cutting, try to keep the pieces uniform in size to promote even cooking during frying, avoiding the risk of some pieces being undercooked or overdone.

Mixing the Coating

In a mixing bowl, combine cornstarch, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. This flavorful mixture will create a crispy and seasoned coating for the chicken. The cornstarch is key for achieving that coveted crunch, while the seasonings enhance the chicken’s flavor. It’s important to note that the seasoning mix can be adjusted based on your preferences, adding more or less of each spice to suit your taste.

Coating the Chicken

Toss each piece of chicken in the cornstarch mixture until thoroughly coated. This initial coating is crucial for achieving that desirable crunch when frying. Make sure that every piece of chicken is well-covered; you may need to gently press the mixture onto the chicken to ensure adherence. This will not only improve the texture but also infuse flavor into the chicken as it cooks.

Breading the Chicken

Preparing the Egg Mixture

In a separate bowl, whisk together two large eggs until well-beaten. This step provides a sticky base for the panko breadcrumbs to adhere to. The eggs act as a binder, and ensuring they are well-beaten will maximize the surface area for the breadcrumbs to attach, resulting in a more satisfactory coating. After this, the next step is crucial for that perfect crunch, as the breadcrumbs will significantly contribute to the texture of the finished dish.

As you embark on this recipe, focus on the textures and flavors you’ll create. Each step, from cutting the chicken to frying it to a golden crisp, adds depth to the final dish. Enjoy the process, and get ready to savor a delicious Bang Bang Chicken Bowl!

with a light side salad or some crispy spring rolls for additional crunch and flavor.

Dipping in Egg

Dipping the coated chicken pieces in the egg mixture is a crucial step in achieving the perfect texture. It is essential to ensure that every side of the chicken is thoroughly covered, as this will help the panko adhere to the chicken better during frying. The egg acts as a glue, creating a moist layer that guarantees a crunchy exterior once fried. After dipping, gently shake off any excess egg to prevent the coating from becoming overly soggy.

Rolling in Panko Breadcrumbs

Once dipped in the egg, rolling each piece of chicken in panko breadcrumbs is vital for creating that signature crunch. Panko, or Japanese-style breadcrumbs, are coarser and airier than regular breadcrumbs, providing a lighter texture that absorbs less oil during frying. After rolling the chicken in panko, it’s crucial to press lightly to ensure a good bond, ensuring an even coating that will hold up during cooking. This extra step elevates the dish and contributes to its overall satisfaction by adding a delightful crunch.

Frying the Chicken

Heating the Oil

A successful frying process begins with properly heating the vegetable oil. Use a deep or wide skillet to allow sufficient space for the chicken pieces to cook evenly. The oil should shimmer but not smoke, indicating it’s at the right temperature, typically around 350°F (175°C). A good tip is to drop in a small piece of bread into the oil; if it sizzles and bubbles immediately, the oil is ready. Properly heated oil will ensure that the chicken fries quickly and crisply without absorbing excessive grease.

Frying in Batches

Overcrowding the skillet can lead to uneven cooking and a less crispy texture, so it’s best to fry the chicken in batches. Depending on the size of your skillet, cook about 4-5 pieces at a time, turning them occasionally to promote even browning. This method guarantees that each piece becomes beautifully golden and retains its crunch throughout. After approximately 5-7 minutes, the chicken is ready when it appears golden brown and is cooked through, internally reaching a temperature of 165°F (75°C).

Draining the Chicken

After frying, draining the excess oil is essential for maintaining the crispiness of the chicken. Using a slotted spoon, transfer the fried pieces to a plate lined with paper towels. This step absorbs excess oil, preventing them from becoming soggy. Leaving the chicken to sit for a minute also allows for steam to escape, preserving its crispy texture.

Assembling the Bowl

Creating the Rice Base

When it comes to assembling your Bang Bang Chicken Bowl, start by laying down a generous layer of fluffy cooked jasmine rice. This provides a soft and slightly sticky base that balances out the crispy chicken and fresh vegetables. Jasmine rice has that beautiful aromatic flavor which pairs wonderfully with the spices in the chicken, making it a fantastic complement. Be sure to fluff it before serving for an appealing presentation.

Adding the Chicken

Once the rice is set, arrange the crispy fried chicken pieces atop the rice with care. This layering not only presents a visually stunning dish but also facilitates the mixing of flavors when you’re ready to dig in. The crispiness of the fried chicken juxtaposed with the tender rice creates a satisfying mouthfeel that enhances every bite.

Layering Fresh Vegetables

Incorporating fresh vegetables into your bowl is vital for color, flavor, and nutrition. Start with a portion of shredded red cabbage, which adds a nice crunch and a pop of color. Then, layer fresh sliced cucumbers next, contributing a refreshing quality that cuts through the richness of the fried chicken. Lastly, sprinkle sliced green onions over the top for an added hint of spice and crunch. This combination not only contributes to the dish’s aesthetic but also provides a healthy balance.

Drizzling with Bang Bang Sauce

Applying the Sauce

Bang Bang sauce is the star of this dish, adding a creamy and spicy dimension to the bowl. Generously drizzle the sauce over the chicken and vegetables, allowing it to cascade down and coat all elements of the dish. The heat from the sauce complements the crunch of the chicken beautifully, creating a burst of flavors in every bite.

Alternative Sauce Options

While store-bought Bang Bang sauce eases preparation, consider making a homemade version for a fresh take. Homemade versions typically consist of mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, and a hint of sriracha, which can be adjusted to taste. Making the sauce ahead of time allows the flavors to fuse, giving your bowls an enhanced taste experience.

Garnishing the Bowls

Adding Fresh Herbs

To crown your Bang Bang Chicken Bowls, add a sprinkle of sesame seeds and freshly chopped cilantro. Sesame seeds add a nutty crunch that contrasts beautifully with the other textures in the bowl, while cilantro provides a fresh, fragrant note that ties all flavors together. Both garnish ingredients enhance the visual appeal, making the dish look even more delectable.

Presentation Tips

When serving, consider presenting your bowls on a colorful platter to elevate the dining experience. Additionally, adding lime wedges on the side not only looks appealing but offers a zesty kick that can brighten the overall flavor when squeezed over the dish right before enjoying.

Pairing Suggestions

Beverage Suggestions

Enhance your Bang Bang Chicken Bowl experience with refreshing beverages that complement its spicy nature. Iced tea, particularly unsweetened green tea, provides a subtle flavor that pairs well with the dish. Alternatively, a light beer can help to cut through the richness, refreshing your palate with each sip.

Side Dish Suggestions

Though the Bang Bang Chicken Bowl is hearty on its own, pairing it with a light side dish can round out the meal. A simple side salad featuring mixed greens and a light vinaigrette can offer a refreshing contrast. Alternatively, crispy spring rolls can provide additional crunch and flavor, ensuring a well-rounded meal.

The Bang Bang Chicken Bowl is a delightful combination of textures and flavors, with crispy fried chicken sitting atop fluffy jasmine rice and fresh vegetables, all drizzled in a spicy sauce. Overall, this dish brings together elements that satisfy various tastes and textures, offering a fulfilling dining experience. Preparing everything takes about 40 minutes, making it an excellent choice for a satisfying weeknight meal or for entertaining guests.