Easy Bang Bang Chicken Bowl

Introduction

If you’re looking for a delicious, colorful, and satisfying meal that can be ready in under 30 minutes, this Bang Bang Chicken Bowl is your go-to recipe. Packed with tender chicken, fresh vegetables, and a perfectly balanced sauce, it’s a wholesome dish that satisfies cravings without compromising on health. Whether you’re cooking for yourself, your family, or meal prepping for the week, this bowl delivers flavor, nutrition, and ease in every bite.

My recipe story

This Bang Bang Chicken Bowl has been a staple in my kitchen ever since I experimented with combining spicy, sweet, and creamy flavors in one meal. I wanted a dish that was fast enough for weeknights but still felt indulgent and restaurant-quality. After multiple test runs with different vegetables, sauces, and cooking methods, I finally landed on this perfect combination. The beauty of this recipe is that it’s flexible, wholesome, and full of flavor without requiring hours in the kitchen. It quickly became a favorite for my family, friends, and meal prep clients alike.

Ingredient breakdown

The foundation of this Bang Bang Chicken Bowl is simple yet versatile. The main ingredient, boneless skinless chicken breast, is lean and protein-packed. When cooked correctly, it remains tender and juicy, absorbing the flavors of the sauce perfectly. For those who prefer dark meat, chicken thighs can be used as a flavorful alternative.

Rice serves as the comforting base for this bowl. White, brown, or even cauliflower rice can be used depending on your nutritional goals. Brown rice adds a nuttier flavor and higher fiber content, while cauliflower rice keeps the dish low-carb without compromising texture.

Vegetables bring both color and nutrition. I typically use a mix of broccoli, bell peppers, and carrots for their crunch, sweetness, and vibrant appearance. However, you can easily substitute with snap peas, zucchini, or baby corn for variety. The combination of veggies ensures you’re getting a range of vitamins and minerals with every serving.

The star of the dish is the Bang Bang sauce—a creamy, slightly spicy, and tangy blend that ties the chicken and veggies together. It’s the component that elevates this simple bowl into a restaurant-quality meal while keeping it approachable and homemade.

Equipment you’ll need

• Cutting board and sharp knife
• Mixing bowls
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Large skillet or wok
• Spatula or tongs
• Small saucepan (for sauce)
• Rice cooker or pot for rice

Step-by-step directions

Step 1: Begin by prepping your chicken. Pat the chicken breasts dry with a paper towel and cut them into bite-sized cubes. This ensures even cooking and allows the sauce to coat each piece thoroughly.

Step 2: Cook your rice according to package instructions. If using white or brown rice, set it aside once done and keep it warm. For cauliflower rice, lightly sauté in a skillet with a bit of oil for 3–5 minutes until tender but not mushy.

Step 3: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add a tablespoon of oil. Once hot, add the chicken cubes and season with salt and pepper. Cook for about 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through and lightly browned on all sides.

Step 4: While the chicken cooks, prepare the vegetables. Chop the broccoli, bell peppers, and carrots into bite-sized pieces. You can steam them lightly or sauté them in a separate skillet with a splash of oil for about 4–5 minutes until tender-crisp.

Step 5: Make the Bang Bang sauce in a small saucepan or mixing bowl by combining mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, and a splash of lime juice. Adjust the heat by adding more or less sriracha based on your preference. Stir until smooth and well-combined.

Step 6: Once the chicken is cooked, reduce the heat to low and pour the Bang Bang sauce over the chicken. Stir well to ensure every piece is evenly coated. Let it simmer for 1–2 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.

Step 7: Assemble your bowls by placing a generous scoop of rice as the base. Add a layer of cooked vegetables, then top with the Bang Bang chicken. Drizzle any remaining sauce over the top and garnish with sliced green onions or sesame seeds if desired.

Variations & substitutions

This recipe is incredibly adaptable. For a lower-carb version, swap rice for cauliflower rice or quinoa. Vegetarians can replace chicken with tofu or tempeh, and even shrimp makes a fantastic alternative. You can switch up the vegetables depending on seasonal availability or personal preference. For a milder version, reduce the sriracha or replace it with a sweet paprika seasoning.

Storage, freezing & make-ahead

This Bang Bang Chicken Bowl stores beautifully in airtight containers for up to 3–4 days in the refrigerator, making it ideal for meal prep. If freezing, separate the chicken and rice/vegetables to maintain texture and freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave, adding a splash of water or broth to revive moisture. For make-ahead meals, prepare the chicken and sauce ahead of time, then quickly steam veggies and assemble bowls when ready to serve.

Serving ideas & pairings

This dish pairs wonderfully with a light Asian-inspired side salad or a crunchy cucumber slaw. A sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds or crushed peanuts adds extra texture and flavor. For a more filling meal, serve alongside egg rolls or steamed dumplings. A crisp white wine or a lightly chilled iced tea complements the creamy, slightly spicy sauce perfectly.

FAQ

Q1: Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
A1: Absolutely! Chicken thighs are juicier and more flavorful. Cook slightly longer to ensure they are fully done.

Q2: Is there a vegan alternative for this recipe?
A2: Yes! Substitute chicken with firm tofu or tempeh, and use vegan mayonnaise for the Bang Bang sauce.

Q3: How spicy is this Bang Bang Chicken?
A3: The spice level is moderate, but it can be adjusted by increasing or decreasing the sriracha in the sauce.

Q4: Can I prep this recipe in advance?
A4: Yes, you can cook the chicken and make the sauce ahead of time. Store separately and assemble when ready to eat.

Q5: What other vegetables can I use?
A5: Snap peas, zucchini, baby corn, or even mushrooms work well. Feel free to mix and match based on preference and seasonality.

Final thoughts

This Bang Bang Chicken Bowl is a perfect combination of convenience, flavor, and nutrition. Its versatility makes it suitable for weeknight dinners, meal prep, or even a casual dinner party. By balancing tender chicken, fresh vegetables, and a creamy, flavorful sauce, you get a meal that’s satisfying and wholesome. The recipe is easy to tweak according to your dietary preferences and spice tolerance, ensuring it becomes a staple in your kitchen for years to come. Try it once, and this Bang Bang Chicken Bowl will quickly become a go-to favorite for yourself and anyone you share it with.

Bang Bang Chicken Bowl

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• Author: Sarah White
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 2–3 servings 1x
• Diet: Gluten Free

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Description

A flavorful and easy Bang Bang Chicken Bowl with tender chicken, crisp veggies, and rice—perfect for a healthy weeknight meal.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces

• 1 cup cooked rice (white, brown, or cauliflower)

• 1 cup mixed vegetables (broccoli, bell peppers, carrots)

• 2 tbsp mayonnaise

• 2 tbsp sweet chili sauce

• 1 tsp sriracha (adjust to taste)

• 1 tsp lime juice

• 1 tbsp vegetable oil

• Salt and pepper, to taste

• Optional garnish: sliced green onions or sesame seeds

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Instructions

1. Pat chicken dry and cut into bite-sized cubes for even cooking.

2. Cook rice according to package instructions and set aside.

3. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat and cook chicken until browned and cooked through, about 5–7 minutes.

4. Chop and steam or sauté vegetables until tender-crisp, about 4–5 minutes.

5. In a small bowl, mix mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, and lime juice to make the Bang Bang sauce.

6. Reduce heat, add sauce to the chicken, and stir to coat evenly. Simmer 1–2 minutes.

7. Assemble bowls with rice as the base, vegetables on top, then Bang Bang chicken, and garnish if desired.

Notes

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Adjust sriracha for preferred spice level. Can substitute tofu or shrimp for chicken.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American-Asian Fusion