Step into your kitchen and prepare to be amazed by the culinary magic of air fried bang bang chicken bowls. This delightful meal not only tantalizes the taste buds but also showcases the versatile prowess of the air fryer, a kitchen gadget that continues to impress. Perfectly paired with jasmine rice, tangy pickled vegetables, and creamy avocado, these bowls offer a harmonious blend of flavors and textures. Whether you’re a meal prep maestro or a cooking novice, this recipe invites you to customize and savor every bite, all while keeping an eye on your health goals. So, gather your ingredients, and let’s embark on a gastronomic journey that promises satisfaction with every delicious forkful.
Pickling the Vegetables
To kick things off, let’s create a quick pickling brine. Heat a saucepan on your stovetop, then pour in half a cup of white vinegar and 60 mL of water. Spices and sugar are optional additions, but in this recipe, we’re steering clear of extra sugar to keep the calories down. Bring this mixture to a boil, then switch off the heat and set it aside.
Now, let’s prepare the pickles. Start with a Lebanese cucumber. Trim both ends and shave a thin slice from one side, allowing it to sit flat. Using a mandolin, slice the cucumber into thin strips. If you don’t have a mandolin, a sharp knife will do. Stack and cut these strips lengthwise. Repeat the same process with a carrot, aiming for those matchstick-like julienne pieces. Once chopped, place your veggies into a sterilized jar or container and pour the pickling brine over them. Ensure everything is submerged, cap the jar, and refrigerate.
Preparing the Chicken and Garnishes
Next up, the chicken skewers. Soak your skewers in water to prevent burning. Take 1 kilo (or 2.2 pounds) of chicken, slice it in half lengthwise and then into equal-sized portions to ensure even cooking. For garnishes, prepare an avocado by halving it, removing the seed, and slicing the flesh into thin strips. Each bowl will feature a quarter-avocado fan. Also, cut a lime into wedges and roughly chop a small amount (2 grams) of coriander or cilantro for sprinkling. These garnishes add fresh and zesty notes to the dish.
Cooking the Rice
For the rice, combine 300 grams of washed jasmine rice with 500 mL of cold water in a saucepan. Add a pinch of salt, let it come to a boil, then reduce the heat and cover with a lid. Cook for 12 minutes without disturbing. Once done, let it rest for an additional four minutes with the lid on, then fluff with a fork.
Making the Bang Bang Sauce
The key flavor component is the bang bang sauce. Mix 2/3 cup of low-fat mayonnaise, half a cup of sweet chili sauce, and 1/4 cup of Sriracha in a bowl. For an extra citrusy punch, zest one lime and squeeze in its juice. Mix everything well, and taste for seasoning. You’ll use half of this sauce for the chicken and save the rest to drizzle over the final dish.
Seasoning and Cooking the Chicken
To season the chicken, place it in a large bowl. Add a teaspoon each of onion powder, garlic powder, and smoked paprika, 1/4 teaspoon of chili powder, a tablespoon of olive oil, and a generous pinch of salt and pepper. Pour 1/4 cup of the bang bang sauce over the chicken and mix thoroughly.
Thread the chicken chunks onto the soaked skewers. Load them into your air fryer basket, ensuring they fit comfortably. Set the air fryer to 200°C (390°F) for eight minutes. After the initial cycle, baste the chicken with more bang bang sauce, flip the skewers, and apply sauce to the other side. Cook for an additional eight minutes.
Assembling the Bowls
Upon completion, the chicken emerges beautifully cooked, exuding irresistible aromas. Now, it’s time to assemble the bowls. Start by spreading a layer of jasmine rice across the container base. Lay the chicken skewers on top, followed by your pickled vegetables, and garnish with avocado, lime wedges, and coriander. Drizzle with the remaining bang bang sauce for an added kick.
Store these bowls in airtight containers, preferable ones with a vacuum seal like the ones by Llli, extending freshness by a few days. Refrigerate them for up to four days or freeze for up to four months. When ready to eat, defrost overnight and heat in a microwave, keeping the garnishes separate until serving.
Enjoy Your Meal
These bang bang chicken bowls not only promise flavor but also a harmonious nutritional balance. With perfectly tender chicken, crunchy veggies, and aromatic rice, they make for an exceptional meal prepped dish. Whether you enjoy them for lunch or dinner, these bowls deliver a satisfying blend of heat, zest, and freshness that’ll keep you coming back for more. If you try this recipe, the culinary delight is sure to win you over!
