Bang Bang Chicken Bowl

This Bang Bang Chicken Bowl combines tender chicken pieces with crisp vegetables and a creamy sauce that balances spicy and sweet flavors. It is a quick and simple meal that works perfectly for busy weeknights or when you want something tasty without a lot of fuss.

I first made this during a hectic week and was amazed at how fast it came together while still tasting bursting with flavor. Now it’s a go-to when I want something satisfying but easy to prepare.

Gather Your Ingredients

• One pound boneless skinless chicken breast: provides lean protein for the dish—choose fresh or thawed quality chicken
• One cup cooked rice: offers a sturdy base—white, brown, or cauliflower rice all work depending on your preference
• One cup mixed vegetables: such as broccoli, bell peppers, and carrots for color, crunch, and nutrients—fresh or frozen will do but fresh usually tastes better
• Two tablespoons olive oil: to sauté the chicken and vegetables, adding a fruity richness—use extra virgin for best flavor
• Salt and pepper: for seasoning to enhance the natural taste of the chicken and vegetables
• Half cup mayonnaise: serves as the creamy base of the sauce—look for full fat for richness
• Two tablespoons sriracha: adds the spicy kick—adjust to taste but fresh sriracha bottles deliver sharper flavor
• One tablespoon honey: gently sweetens the sauce, balancing the heat—raw honey adds a nuanced flavor
• One teaspoon garlic powder: for savory depth to the sauce—use fresh garlic if you want extra pungency
• One teaspoon lime juice: brightens the sauce with citrus notes—fresh lime juice is best but bottled works in a pinch

How to Make It

Cook the Rice:

Start by cooking your rice according to the package directions. You can use a rice cooker for consistent results and to save time. When rice is done, keep it warm or set aside until ready to serve.

Prepare the Chicken:

Cut the chicken breast into bite-sized pieces so they cook quickly and evenly. Season the pieces generously with salt and pepper to bring out their natural flavors.

Sauté the Chicken:

Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add the chicken pieces in a single layer and cook, stirring occasionally, for 6 to 8 minutes until golden brown and cooked through. The chicken is ready when it reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit.

Mix the Sauce:

While the chicken cooks, combine the mayonnaise, sriracha, honey, garlic powder, and lime juice in a small bowl. Taste the sauce and adjust by adding more sriracha if you want it spicier or honey if you prefer it sweeter. The sauce should be creamy, spicy, and balanced.

Add the Vegetables:

Toss in the mixed vegetables with the chicken and cook an additional 2 to 3 minutes to warm them through but leave them slightly crisp. Avoid overcooking so they retain texture and nutrients.

Combine and Serve:

Remove the skillet from heat and pour the sauce over the chicken and vegetables. Stir well to coat everything evenly. Serve the Bang Bang Chicken over the warm rice and garnish with extra sriracha or chopped green onions if desired. Make sure the sauce covers all components for maximum flavor.

My favorite ingredient in this dish is the sauce It brings everything together beautifully with its creamy yet tangy profile. I recall the first time I served this to a group of friends and how quickly the bowl was emptied. Everyone was raving about the perfect balance between the heat of sriracha and the sweetness of honey.

Flavor Boosters

This bowl pairs well with a simple green salad or steamed edamame. Top with toasted sesame seeds or chopped peanuts for added crunch. Add cilantro or mint for a fresh herbal finish.

Serving Suggestions

Bang Bang sauce is inspired by Chinese-American cuisine where creamy spicy sauces are popular. This dish is a fusion bowl combining Western cooking techniques with Asian flavors. It represents easy weeknight cooking that brings restaurant-style flavor to the home kitchen.

Creative Twists

Use fresh summer veggies like zucchini or cherry tomatoes in warm months. In cooler seasons add root vegetables like diced sweet potatoes or parsnips. Adjust spice and honey levels to suit your mood and the weather.

This Bang Bang Chicken Bowl is a perfect balance of flavors and textures that suits busy nights perfectly. Enjoy this dish with confidence and creativity.

Common Questions About the Recipe

→ What type of chicken is best for this dish?

Boneless, skinless chicken breast works best as it cooks quickly and evenly when cut into bite-sized pieces.

→ Can I substitute the rice for a low-carb option?

Yes, cauliflower rice is a great low-carb alternative that pairs well with the flavors and textures.

→ How do I ensure the chicken is cooked properly?

Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F for safe and juicy chicken.

→ What vegetables work well in this bowl?

Broccoli, bell peppers, and carrots add color and crunch while retaining nutrients when cooked just until tender.

→ How spicy is the sauce and can it be adjusted?

The sauce has a balanced spicy-sweet flavor thanks to sriracha and honey. Adjust sriracha amounts to increase or decrease heat.

→ What’s the best way to cook the rice?

Cooking rice according to package instructions or using a rice cooker ensures fluffy, perfectly cooked grains.