Why make this recipe
Bang Bang Chicken Bowl is a delicious and colorful dish that brings a burst of flavor to your table. It combines tender chicken, fresh veggies, and a creamy, spicy sauce, making it perfect for beginners who want to explore cooking. This recipe is not only simple to follow but also allows you to use what you have on hand, which makes it quite versatile.
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 the Bang Bang Chicken Bowl warm over the cooked rice. You can add extra sriracha for a spicier touch or sprinkle some chopped green onions for added freshness. This dish is great as a main meal, perfect for lunch or dinner.
How to store Bang Bang Chicken Bowl
If you have leftovers, let the Bang Bang Chicken Bowl cool down to room temperature. Then, place it in an airtight container and store it in the fridge. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it in the microwave until hot.
Tips to make Bang Bang Chicken Bowl
- Be sure to taste your sauce as you mix it. This way, you can adjust it to your liking.
- If you like more crunch, consider adding nuts like peanuts or cashews on top before serving.
- Experiment with different veggies based on what you have available, such as snap peas or zucchini.
Variation
You can easily switch up this recipe by using shrimp or tofu instead of chicken. Both options cook similarly and will absorb the delicious bang bang sauce just as well.
FAQs
Q: Can I make this dish ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can prepare the chicken and veggies in advance and store them separately in the fridge. Just add the sauce and rice when you are ready to serve.
Q: Is the sauce very spicy?
A: The sauce can be adjusted to your taste. Start with the recommended amount of sriracha and add more if you prefer it spicier.
Q: What type of rice can I use?
A: You can use any type of rice, such as white rice, brown rice, or even cauliflower rice for a low-carb option. Just follow the cooking instructions for your choice of rice.
Bang Bang Chicken Bowl
Ingredients
Method
- Cook your rice according to the package instructions and set aside.
- Cut the chicken breast into bite-sized pieces and season with salt and pepper.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add chicken pieces and sauté until golden brown and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes.
- While the chicken is cooking, mix the sauce ingredients in a small bowl.
- Once the chicken is cooked, toss in your mixed veggies and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes.
- Remove from heat, pour the sauce over the chicken and veggies, and stir to coat everything evenly.
- Serve the chicken and veggies warm over the cooked rice, garnished with extra sriracha or chopped green onions if desired.