Bang Bang Chicken Bowl: A Flavor Explosion for Beginner Cooks

Why Make This Recipe

Bang Bang Chicken Bowl is a fun and easy meal that packs a punch of flavor. It’s perfect for those who are new to cooking but want to impress their family or friends. With crispy chicken, colorful veggies, and a creamy, spicy sauce, this dish is sure to excite your taste buds. Plus, it’s quick to make, making it a great weeknight dinner option.

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:


  1. 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.



  2. 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.



  3. 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.



  4. 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.



  5. 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.



  6. 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 this dish hot over a bed of rice. You can add some extra sriracha on top for added heat or sprinkle with green onions for freshness. It makes a fabulous dinner or even a great meal prep option for the week.

How to Store Bang Bang Chicken Bowl

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. It should last for about 3-4 days. When you’re ready to eat, simply reheat in the microwave until warmed through.

Tips to Make Bang Bang Chicken Bowl

  • Make sure the skillet is hot before cooking the chicken for the best texture.
  • Taste the sauce before pouring it over the chicken and veggies to adjust the flavor to your liking.
  • For easier cleaning, line your baking dish or pot with parchment paper.

Variation

You can substitute the chicken with shrimp or tofu for a different protein option. You can also add other vegetables like snap peas or zucchini according to your preference.

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen chicken?
Yes, but make sure to thaw it completely before cooking for even cooking.

2. Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, just ensure your mayonnaise and sriracha are gluten-free.

3. Can I make the sauce ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the sauce ahead of time and store it in the fridge until you’re ready to use it.

Bang Bang Chicken Bowl

A fun and quickly prepared meal featuring crispy chicken, colorful veggies, and a creamy, spicy sauce.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American, Asian
Calories: 550

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast Cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 1 cup cooked rice Can use white, brown, or cauliflower rice
  • 1 cup mixed veggies Includes broccoli, bell peppers, and carrots
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil For sautéing
  • Salt and pepper To taste
For the Sauce
  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise
  • 2 tablespoons sriracha Adjust for spice level
  • 1 tablespoon honey
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon lime juice

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Cook rice according to package instructions and set aside.
  2. Cut chicken breast into bite-sized pieces and season with salt and pepper.
Cooking
  1. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add chicken pieces and sauté for 6-8 minutes until golden brown and cooked through.
  2. Mix the sauce ingredients together in a small bowl: mayonnaise, sriracha, honey, garlic powder, and lime juice. Adjust seasoning as desired.
  3. Once chicken is cooked, add mixed veggies and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until just tender.
  4. Remove from heat, pour sauce over the chicken and veggies, and stir to coat evenly.
  5. Serve Bang Bang Chicken over cooked rice and garnish with extra sriracha or chopped green onions if desired.

Notes

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days. Reheat in microwave when ready to eat. Substitute chicken with shrimp or tofu if desired.