If you’re craving a meal that bursts with flavor, color, and comforting textures, the Bang Bang Chicken Bowl Recipe is an absolute must-try. This vibrant dish brings together perfectly seasoned, tender chicken in a creamy, spicy bang bang sauce, nestled on a bed of fluffy rice and fresh, crunchy veggies. Each bite is a delightful dance between spicy, sweet, and savory, making it a perfect weeknight dinner or meal prep favorite. Trust me, once you try this, it will quickly become one of your go-to recipes for any occasion.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Bang Bang Chicken Bowl Recipe lies in its simple yet essential ingredients. Each one has been chosen to add layers of flavor, texture, and freshness, making the bowl not only delicious but also beautifully balanced and colorful.
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Cut into bite-sized pieces for quick cooking and easy bites.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Adds richness and helps the chicken brown perfectly.
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder: Brings subtle warmth and savory depth.
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika: Offers a smoky nuance that enhances the chicken’s flavor.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential seasoning to make all ingredients shine.
- 1 cup cooked white rice (or brown rice): Acts as the cozy base that soaks up the sauce beautifully.
- 1 cup shredded red cabbage: Adds crunch and a splash of vibrant color.
- 1 cup shredded carrots: Sweetness and freshness with a satisfying texture.
- 1/2 cup chopped cucumber: Brings coolness and crispness to each bite.
- 1/4 cup sliced green onions: Offers a mild oniony bite and freshness as garnish.
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds: Adds subtle nutty flavor and a delightful crunch.
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro (optional): Brings a bright herbal note that’s refreshing.
- For the bang bang sauce: 1/3 cup mayonnaise, 2 tablespoons sweet chili sauce, 1 tablespoon sriracha, 1 teaspoon rice vinegar, 1 teaspoon honey – combined for a creamy, tangy, and spicy sauce that ties everything together.
How to Make Bang Bang Chicken Bowl Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Chicken
Start by heating the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Season the bite-sized chicken pieces with garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper to build that irresistible flavor foundation. Cook the chicken for about 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it turns golden brown and is cooked through. The aroma at this stage will have your kitchen smelling incredible!
Step 2: Whisk Together the Bang Bang Sauce
While the chicken is cooking, mix the mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, rice vinegar, and honey in a small bowl. This sauce is the heart and soul of the Bang Bang Chicken Bowl Recipe, delivering a creamy texture balanced with zesty and sweet notes and just the right kick of heat.
Step 3: Assemble the Bowl
Once the chicken is cooked, it’s time to build your bowl. Start by layering the cooked rice at the bottom, then pile on shredded cabbage, carrots, chopped cucumber, and finally the succulent chicken. Drizzle that luscious bang bang sauce generously over the top, then finish with green onions, sesame seeds, and cilantro if you’re feeling fancy. It’s as beautiful as it is delicious.
How to Serve Bang Bang Chicken Bowl Recipe
Garnishes
Green onions bring a mild onion flavor and freshness that complements the robust sauce, while sesame seeds offer a gentle crunch and subtle nuttiness that round out every bite. Fresh cilantro, though optional, adds a burst of herbaceous brightness that elevates the dish visually and taste-wise.
Side Dishes
This bowl packs so much variety that it can be a complete meal on its own, but if you want to add something on the side, think light and fresh. A crisp cucumber salad or steamed edamame pairs wonderfully without overwhelming the bowl’s flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
Thinking beyond a simple bowl? Serve your Bang Bang Chicken Bowl Recipe in a large lettuce leaf for a fun, handheld meal. Alternatively, try layering ingredients in a glass jar for an Instagram-worthy meal prep treat. Presentation boosts the experience and makes this tasty bowl even more exciting.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover bang bang chicken bowls keep well in the fridge for up to 3 days. Keep the sauce separate or drizzle it just before eating to keep your veggies crisp and rice fluffy. Store in airtight containers to maintain freshness.
Freezing
You can freeze the cooked chicken and cooked rice separately in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months. However, raw veggies and the bang bang sauce don’t freeze well, so add fresh vegetables and sauce after thawing for the best texture and flavor.
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm the chicken and rice in a skillet or microwave until heated through. Add fresh veggies and top with the bang bang sauce afterward to keep the flavors vibrant and veggies crisp. This way, every bowl tastes just as amazing as freshly made!
FAQs
Can I make the Bang Bang Chicken Bowl Recipe vegetarian?
Absolutely! Swap the chicken for tofu or crispy chickpeas, and you’ll still enjoy the creamy, spicy bang bang sauce with all the delicious veggies and rice. It’s a great way to enjoy the flavors while keeping it plant-based.
Is this recipe spicy? How can I adjust the heat?
The recipe has a gentle heat level thanks to the sriracha in the sauce. You can easily adjust it by adding more sriracha for extra spice or reducing it to suit your taste. The sweet chili sauce also tempers the heat nicely for a balanced flavor.
Can I use a different grain instead of rice?
Definitely! Brown rice, quinoa, or cauliflower rice work brilliantly and cater to your dietary needs or preferences. Each grain adds a unique texture, so feel free to experiment to find your favorite.
What is the best way to prep ingredients ahead of time?
Chop all the vegetables and cook the rice in advance. You can also pre-cook the chicken and prepare the sauce ahead. Store everything separately in the fridge and assemble the bowls just before eating for maximum freshness.
Is this dish suitable for gluten-free diets?
Yes! Just make sure to use gluten-free mayonnaise and sweet chili sauce. This entire Bang Bang Chicken Bowl Recipe can be gluten-free and still packed with flavor and texture.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly comforting and exciting about the Bang Bang Chicken Bowl Recipe that makes it a standout in any meal rotation. Its perfect combination of creamy, spicy sauce, tender chicken, fresh veggies, and fluffy rice is like a warm hug for your taste buds. I can’t wait for you to try it and see how quickly it becomes a favorite in your kitchen too!
Print
Bang Bang Chicken Bowl Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Bang Bang Chicken Bowl is a quick and flavorful Asian-inspired main course featuring tender, seasoned chicken cooked on the stovetop and served over a bed of rice with fresh vegetables and a spicy, creamy bang bang sauce. Perfect for a speedy dinner or meal prep, this gluten-free dish packs a punch with its balanced heat and vibrant textures.
Ingredients
Chicken and Rice
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup cooked white rice (or brown rice)
Vegetables and Garnishes
- 1 cup shredded red cabbage
- 1 cup shredded carrots
- 1/2 cup chopped cucumber
- 1/4 cup sliced green onions
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro (optional)
Bang Bang Sauce
- 1/3 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons sweet chili sauce
- 1 tablespoon sriracha
- 1 teaspoon rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon honey
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Season the chicken pieces with garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook the chicken for 5-7 minutes until golden brown and fully cooked through.
- Make the Bang Bang Sauce: While the chicken cooks, whisk together the mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, rice vinegar, and honey in a small bowl to create a smooth, spicy sauce.
- Assemble the Bowls: In serving bowls, layer the cooked rice first, then add shredded red cabbage, shredded carrots, chopped cucumber, and the cooked chicken pieces.
- Add the Sauce and Garnish: Drizzle the bang bang sauce generously over the top of the assembled ingredients. Finish by sprinkling sliced green onions, sesame seeds, and fresh cilantro if using.
- Serve: Serve the bowls immediately while the chicken is warm and the vegetables fresh for the best flavor and texture experience.
Notes
- You can use rotisserie chicken for a shortcut to save cooking time.
- Swap the rice for cauliflower rice to make a low-carb version.
- Adjust the amount of sriracha in the sauce to suit your preferred spice level.
