Crispy Banza Chicken Bowls with Calabrian Chili Sauce
Crispy Banza Chicken Bowls with Calabrian Chili Sauce are the perfect healthier takeout alternative. After making this many times, I’ve discovered the trick to the crispiest chicken and the most flavorful sauce. Jump to the recipe card or keep reading for my best tips. If you love recipes like this, you’ll also enjoy Mango Cucumber Salad and Watermelon Skewers With Prosciutto.
Why This Crispy Banza Chicken Bowls with Calabrian Chili Sauce Is Pure Comfort
- Crispy chicken with a golden, seared crust
- Spicy, tangy Calabrian chili sauce
- Healthier than takeout, ready in 20 minutes
What You'll Need for Crispy Banza Chicken Bowls with Calabrian Chili Sauce
Choosing the right ingredients makes a big difference, but this recipe is forgiving enough to work with what you have.
- Banza chickpea pasta
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Calabrian chili paste
- Garlic
- Olive oil
- Salt
- Pepper
- Red pepper flakes
- Lemon juice
- Parsley
- Optional: Parmesan cheese
- Optional: Red onion
- Optional: Fresh parsley
📝 Ingredient Notes
- Banza pasta: Can be substituted with any pasta of choice.
🛒 Tools & Equipment I Recommend
- Cast iron skillet — Even heat distribution for perfect searing. → See on Amazon
- Calabrian chili paste — Adds a unique, spicy kick to the sauce. → See on Amazon
How to Make Crispy Banza Chicken Bowls with Calabrian Chili Sauce
- Cook Pasta: Cook Banza pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- Prepare Chicken: Season chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Heat olive oil in a cast iron skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook until golden and crispy, about 5-7 minutes per side.
- Make Sauce: In a small bowl, mix Calabrian chili paste, lemon juice, olive oil, and red pepper flakes. Set aside.
- Assemble Bowls: Divide cooked pasta and crispy chicken among bowls. Drizzle sauce over the top. Garnish with optional toppings and serve.
Cook's Tips for Perfect Crispy Banza Chicken Bowls with Calabrian Chili Sauce
- Common mistake and fix: Don't overcrowd the skillet when cooking chicken. Cook in batches if needed to maintain a good sear.
- Tip: For a milder sauce, adjust the amount of Calabrian chili paste to your preference.
- Tip: Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven to maintain crispiness.
Storing & Reheating Crispy Banza Chicken Bowls with Calabrian Chili Sauce
Short-Term Storage
Store in an airtight container in the fridge. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Make-ahead tip: Pasta can be cooked ahead of time and stored in the fridge.
Freezing Crispy Banza Chicken Bowls with Calabrian Chili Sauce
Not recommended for freezing.
How to Reheat Without Drying It Out
Oven: Reheat in a 350°F oven for 10-15 minutes. Microwave: Reheat in the microwave for 1-2 minutes.
Recipe Notes
- Chef tip: For extra crispy chicken, pat the chicken breasts dry before seasoning and cooking.
- Best substitution: Substitute chicken breasts with boneless, skinless chicken thighs for a more tender result.
- Make-ahead: Pasta can be cooked ahead of time and stored in the fridge.
- Scaling: This recipe can be easily doubled or tripled to serve more people.
- Troubleshooting: If the sauce is too thick, thin it out with a little water or chicken broth.
Want to level up this recipe?
Instant-read meat thermometer — Ensures perfectly cooked, juicy chicken every time. → Check price on Amazon
Crispy Banza Chicken Bowls with Calabrian Chili Sauce
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- Banza chickpea pasta
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Calabrian chili paste
Seasonings
- Garlic
- Olive oil
- Salt
- Pepper
- Red pepper flakes
- Lemon juice
- Parsley
Optional Toppings
- Parmesan cheese
- Red onion
- Fresh parsley
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Cook Banza pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- Prepare Chicken: Season chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Heat olive oil in a cast iron skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook until golden and crispy, about 5-7 minutes per side.
- Make Sauce: In a small bowl, mix Calabrian chili paste, lemon juice, olive oil, and red pepper flakes. Set aside.
- Assemble Bowls: Divide cooked pasta and crispy chicken among bowls. Drizzle sauce over the top. Garnish with optional toppings and serve.
Notes
- Chef tip: For extra crispy chicken, pat the chicken breasts dry before seasoning and cooking.
- Best substitution: Substitute chicken breasts with boneless, skinless chicken thighs for a more tender result.
- Make-ahead: Pasta can be cooked ahead of time and stored in the fridge.
- Scaling: This recipe can be easily doubled or tripled to serve more people.
- Troubleshooting: If the sauce is too thick, thin it out with a little water or chicken broth.
Storage
- Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezer: Not recommended for freezing.
- Oven reheat: Reheat in a 350°F oven for 10-15 minutes.
- Microwave reheat: Reheat in the microwave for 1-2 minutes.
- Make ahead: Pasta can be cooked ahead of time and stored in the fridge.
Nutrition Per Serving
- Calories: 450
- Protein: 35g
- Fat: 15g
- Carbs: 55g
- Fiber: 10g
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Cholesterol: 75mg
- Sat. Fat: 2.5g
Nutritional values are estimates only. Actual values may vary by brand and portion size.
Crispy Banza Chicken Bowls with Calabrian Chili Sauce FAQs
Yes, you can cook the pasta and chicken ahead of time. Store them separately in the fridge and assemble when ready to serve.
Overcooking is the most common reason for dry chicken. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
Yes, cook the chicken in the air fryer at 400°F for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Sriracha or hot sauce can be used as a substitute, but the flavor will be slightly different.
Yes, Banza pasta is made from chickpeas and is naturally gluten-free.
A Warm Final Note
I can’t wait for you to try Crispy Banza Chicken Bowls with Calabrian Chili Sauce and see how effortlessly it comes together. When you make it, pop back here and leave a rating or share how it turned out — I love hearing from you!
