Why Make This Recipe
Bang Bang Chicken Bowl is an exciting dish that combines tender chicken, colorful veggies, and a creamy spicy sauce. It’s perfect for beginner cooks who want to try something new without too much hassle. This recipe is not only delicious but also visually appealing, making it a great choice for family dinners or casual gatherings. It’s a great way to get more veggies into your diet, too!
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 your Bang Bang Chicken Bowl hot over a generous portion of rice. You can add some chopped green onions or extra sriracha on top for that extra kick and garnish. This dish is great for a quick lunch or a cozy dinner.
How to Store Bang Bang Chicken Bowl
Any leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, make sure to warm it gently so the chicken stays tender and juicy. You can add a splash of water or more sauce while reheating to retain moisture.
Tips to Make Bang Bang Chicken Bowl
- Feel free to use any veggies you love; asparagus or snap peas work well too.
- If you like it spicier, add more sriracha to the sauce.
- For a healthier version, try using cauliflower rice instead of regular rice.
Variation
You can easily make this recipe vegetarian by substituting chicken with tofu or tempeh. Just prepare the protein in the same way as the chicken and follow the rest of the recipe as directed.
FAQs
1. Can I use frozen vegetables for this recipe?
Yes, frozen vegetables are a convenient option and can be used without any issue. Just ensure they are heated through before serving.
2. Is there a way to make the sauce dairy-free?
Absolutely! You can use a dairy-free mayonnaise alternative if you want a dairy-free sauce.
3. How can I make this dish spicier?
Simply add more sriracha to the sauce. You can also sprinkle some crushed red pepper flakes on top when serving for an extra kick.
Bang Bang Chicken Bowl
Ingredients
Method
- Cook rice according to package instructions and set aside.
- Cut chicken 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 for 6-8 minutes until golden brown and cooked through.
- In a small bowl, mix mayonnaise, sriracha, honey, garlic powder, and lime juice.
- Adjust the spice and sweetness according to your taste.
- Once the chicken is cooked, add mixed veggies and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes.
- Remove skillet from heat and pour sauce over chicken and veggies, stirring to coat.
- Serve Bang Bang Chicken over rice, garnished with extra sriracha or chopped green onions if desired.