bang bang chicken's cooler, older cousin

🏆 plus it's gf, df, air fryer friendly, and super simplifiable

HAPPY SECOND DAY OF SPRING!!!!

So ya, spring is technically here… but it’s currently pouring rain in Vancouver, so I’m celebrating in spirit. Anyone else feel like winter was both way too long and weirdly short this year? We’re not through it yet, but the finish line is finally in sight.

With that in mind, I want to know what you’re craving this spring and summer! Are you looking for more grilling recipes? Simple summer hosting ideas? Beach snacks? No-oven meals? Let me know! It’ll take two minutes, and I’d love your input below.

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Now, onto this week’s recipe. It started with a craving after I saw a bang bang chicken recipe somewhere in TikTok land. Naturally, I wanted to simplify and elevate it. To start, the sauce. Less sweet, more depth—giving “cooler, older cousin” energy.

I originally served it over rice but landed on noodles, which I think are easier and work both warm and cold. And for the grand finale: crispy wontons, because crunch = essential.

While testing, I tried the wontons and the chicken in both oil frying (left side of the plate) and air frying (right side). Shockingly, I preferred the air-fried chicken. But the wontons? While the air fryer got them crispier, they missed that richness from frying, so the oil-fried version won. I’m sharing both methods below—so whether you’re team air fryer or team deep fry, I’ve got you covered.

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ICYMI, videos from this week

healthy-ish snicker’s bites video | recipe

the best pizza chili crisp I've ever tasted video | recipe
(we might break the internet with this one haha)

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this week’s dinner, sorted: bang bang chicken bowl’s cooler older cousin

TOTAL TIME: 30 minutes
SERVES: 2

Note these are all US links as most of you are there! If you’re looking for Canadian links check here.

Chef’s knife
Cutting board (not my exact one but very similar)
Large heat proof bowl
Small frying pan
Air fryer
Tongs