Bang Bang Chicken Crispy Rice Salad
A delightful and flavorful salad featuring crispy rice, tender chicken, and fresh veggies, topped with a creamy dressing.
Ingredients
Rice and Cooking Oil
- 1 cup uncooked rice (Jasmine rice works beautifully for its fragrant aroma.)
- 2 tbsp olive oil (Use extra virgin olive oil for a richer flavor.)
- 2 tbsp soy sauce (Low-sodium soy sauce can help balance salt levels if preferred.)
- 1 tbsp chili oil (Adjust the amount based on family spice preferences.)
Chicken
- 5 pieces chicken tenders (You can also use rotisserie chicken for a quicker option.)
Fresh Vegetables
- 3 pieces baby cucumbers (Use English cucumbers for fewer seeds and better crunch.)
- 1 medium carrot, julienned (A vegetable peeler can make julienning easier!)
- ½ piece red onion (Pickled or regular; pickled onions add an extra zing.)
- 1 piece avocado (Choose a ripe avocado for creaminess, but not overripe.)
- ¼ cup cilantro (Fresh cilantro adds a burst of flavor; it’s worth it to use fresh.)
Dressing
- ¼ cup mayo (Substitute with avocado mayo for a healthier twist.)
- ¼ cup Greek yogurt (Adds creaminess and is lower in calories.)
- ¼ cup sweet chili sauce (Look for a brand with no added preservatives for a cleaner option.)
- 1 tbsp sriracha (Skip if you’re spice-sensitive; adjust for family spice tolerance.)
- 1 piece lime, juiced (Fresh lime juice brightens the dish and balances flavors.)
Toppings
- sesame seeds (Toast your sesame seeds for extra flavor.)
Instructions
Preparing the Rice
- Begin by cooking your rice according to package instructions.
- Once the rice has cooled, spread it on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Drizzle with olive oil, soy sauce, and chili oil. Mix well and bake at 425°F for 30-45 minutes, flipping halfway until crispy.
Cooking Chicken
- Add the chicken tenders to another baking sheet and cook according to package instructions.
- For an extra kick, toss in sweet chili sauce after cooking and cut the chicken into small pieces.
Preparing Fresh Ingredients
- Slice the cucumbers, julienne the carrot, slice the onion, cube the avocado, and mince the cilantro.
- Add all of these fresh ingredients to a large salad bowl.
Making the Dressing
- In a separate bowl, mix mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, and lime juice. Taste and adjust as needed.
Combining the Salad
- Add the sliced chicken to the bowl along with the crispy rice.
- Pour in the dressing, toss until well combined, and finish with a sprinkle of sesame seeds.
Notes
Serving this dish family-style encourages conversation and connection. Add a side of lime wedges and extra sesame seeds.