Table of Contents

Why Make This Recipe

Bang Bang Chicken Bowl is not just a meal; it’s an experience packed with flavor that even beginner cooks can master. This dish combines tender chicken, colorful veggies, and a delightful sauce that adds a spicy kick. It’s a simple yet satisfying way to enjoy a healthy dinner or lunch, making it an excellent choice for anyone looking to impress or simply satisfy their taste buds without the stress of complicated cooking techniques.

How to Make Bang Bang Chicken Bowl

Ingredients:

1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast
1 cup cooked rice (white, brown, or cauliflower)
1 cup mixed veggies (broccoli, bell peppers, carrots)
2 tablespoons olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste

For the sauce:

1/2 cup mayonnaise
2 tablespoons sriracha
1 tablespoon honey
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon lime juice

Directions:

Start by cooking your rice according to the package instructions. Set it aside once ready. Using a rice cooker can simplify this step and ensure perfectly cooked rice. Beginner Note: Follow package instructions for perfect rice. Use a rice cooker for convenience and consistent results.
While the rice is cooking, let’s prepare the chicken. Cut the chicken breast into bite-sized pieces. Season with salt and pepper. Cutting the chicken into smaller pieces allows it to cook quickly and evenly. Seasoning the chicken before cooking enhances its natural flavors. Beginner Note: Bite-sized pieces cook quickly and evenly. Season generously with salt and pepper.
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces and sauté until they are golden brown and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. Ensure that the skillet is hot before adding the chicken to prevent sticking. Chicken is cooked through when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. Beginner Note: Ensure the skillet is hot before adding the chicken to prevent sticking and ensure even browning. Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the chicken.
While the chicken is cooking, mix together the sauce ingredients in a small bowl: mayonnaise, sriracha, honey, garlic powder, and lime juice. Taste it, and adjust the sriracha if you want it spicier or add more honey for sweetness. The sauce should be well-balanced with a creamy, spicy, and sweet flavor profile. Beginner Note: Adjust the sauce to your taste preferences. Start with the recommended amounts and add more or less of each ingredient as needed.
Once the chicken is cooked, toss in your mixed veggies and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until they’re just tender. Don’t overcook the vegetables; they should remain slightly crisp to retain their texture and nutritional value. Beginner Note: Don’t overcook the vegetables; they should remain slightly crisp to provide a pleasant texture and retain their nutrients.
Remove the skillet from heat, pour the sauce over the chicken and veggies, stirring to coat everything evenly. Serve your bang bang chicken over a mound of rice and garnish with extra sriracha or chopped green onions if desired. Ensure that everything is well coated with the sauce for maximum flavor. Beginner Note: Ensure everything is well coated with the sauce for a flavorful and cohesive dish. Garnish with your favorite toppings for added flavor and visual appeal.

How to Serve Bang Bang Chicken Bowl

Serve your Bang Bang Chicken Bowl hot, placing a generous amount of the chicken and veggie mix over a bed of rice. You can add additional elements like chopped green onions or extra sriracha on top for added flavor and garnish.

How to Store Bang Bang Chicken Bowl

You can store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm in the microwave until heated through.

Tips to Make Bang Bang Chicken Bowl

Feel free to add more veggies like snap peas or zucchini for extra color and nutrition.
If you want a crunchier texture, consider adding chopped nuts like peanuts or cashews on top before serving.
This recipe can be easily doubled if you’re cooking for a family or have leftovers for lunch!

Variation

For a vegetarian twist, substitute the chicken with tofu or chickpeas. Follow the same steps to cook and season them, adding the same sauce for a delightful vegetarian Bang Bang Bowl.

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen veggies?
Yes, frozen mixed veggies work well too. Just remember to thaw and drain them before adding them to your dish.

2. What can I serve with this dish?
You could pair it with a side salad, spring rolls, or even steamed dumplings for a complete meal.

3. Can I make the sauce ahead of time?
Absolutely! The sauce can be made a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator in an airtight container. This makes meal prep even easier!