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This bang bang chicken bowl is a flavor-packed recipe that comes together fast and checks every box for a satisfying dinner. Tender chicken gets tossed with crisp veggies and a creamy sweet yet spicy sauce for a restaurant-style bowl you can whip up on a busy weeknight. If you are new to cooking or just need something foolproof this makes anyone feel like a pro in the kitchen.
When I first tried this bowl it was all about getting dinner to the table quickly but now even my picky eaters ask for that crackly bang bang sauce every week.
Ingredients
- Boneless skinless chicken breast: brings lean protein and cooks quickly choose plump moist pieces
- Cooked rice: you can use white brown or cauliflower rice pick firmer grains so the bowl does not get mushy
- Mixed veggies: like broccoli bell peppers and carrots for color crunch and vitamins use bright deeply colored veggies for best flavor
- Olive oil: for sautéing choose a fresh bottle for best taste
- Salt and pepper: essential for seasoning the chicken do not skip this step for maximum flavor
- Mayonnaise: forms the creamy base of the sauce go for a thick rich brand
- Sriracha: adds heat and a little tang try to pick a bottle that is not more than a year old
- Honey: balances the spice with gentle sweetness raw or local honey brings extra depth
- Garlic powder: easy instant flavor without mincing go for a fresh aromatic jar
- Lime juice: brightens the sauce with acidity juice your own limes for freshest taste
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Cook the Rice:
- Cook your choice of rice according to package instructions then set aside. Use a rice cooker for fluffy results or keep a close eye so your rice does not overcook and get sticky.
- Prepare the Chicken:
- Cut chicken breast into bite-sized pieces for quick even cooking. Sprinkle generously with salt and pepper to bring out their flavor.
- Sauté the Chicken:
- Heat olive oil over medium-high in a wide skillet until shimmering. Add the chicken pieces spread out so they are not crowded. Let them cook undisturbed for a few minutes to form a golden edge then stir and continue cooking until cooked through. You want no pink remaining and the juices to run clear.
- Mix the Sauce:
- In a small bowl whisk together mayonnaise sriracha honey garlic powder and lime juice. Taste and tweak the balance of heat or sweetness to suit your family. The sauce should be smooth and easily drizzle off a spoon.
- Add the Vegetables:
- Once the chicken is cooked toss in the mixed veggies. Stir-fry just two or three minutes until bright and crisp-tender. You want the vegetables to still have a bit of bite for good contrast.
- Combine and Serve:
- Remove from the heat then pour the sauce over your chicken and veggies. Stir everything so it is evenly coated. Divide rice into bowls top with the saucy chicken mixture and garnish with a little extra sriracha or chopped green onion if you like.
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Sriracha always reminds me of family game night where everyone lines up to add an extra drizzle to their bowl. Homemade sauce brought my kids into the kitchen and we love to taste test each batch together in a happy mess.
Storage Tips
Leftover bang bang chicken bowl stores perfectly in the fridge for up to three days. Keep the rice separate from the chicken and veggies so nothing gets soggy. Reheat on the stove or in the microwave adding a splash of water if it seems dry. For freezing only store the chicken and veggies not the assembled bowl with rice.
Ingredient Substitutions
If you are out of chicken swap in shrimp tofu or even thin strips of beef. Bell peppers can be switched for snap peas or zucchini. If you do not do mayo use plain Greek yogurt for a lighter sauce. Brown rice or cooked farro also work nicely as the base.
Serving Suggestions
This bowl is a meal on its own but can also get a boost from a crisp green salad or sesame cucumber salad on the side. Scattering toasted sesame seeds or crushed peanuts over the top adds a nice crunch. For extra color sprinkle everything with fresh cilantro or microgreens.
Cultural and Historical Context
Bang bang style sauce draws on flavors popular in Americanized Asian takeout—creamy spicy and sweet in every bite. Its roots are a playful mix of American Sriracha culture with the craveable flavors of sesame-laced Chinese chicken dishes. The bowl format lets anyone build a meal that feels fun and interactive.
Recipe FAQs
- → How do I ensure the chicken stays tender?
Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces and cook just until golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F; avoid overcooking.
- → Can I substitute the rice?
Absolutely! Try brown rice, cauliflower rice, or even quinoa as the base to suit your dietary preference.
- → How can I adjust the spice level?
Add more or less sriracha to the sauce, or top with extra sriracha when serving for an extra kick.
- → Do the vegetables have to be cooked long?
No, sauté the mixed veggies only until just tender to keep their crisp texture and vibrant color.
- → What garnishes work well?
Chopped green onions, sesame seeds, or an extra drizzle of Bang Bang sauce all add flavor and visual appeal.
- → Can I make this meal ahead?
You can prep the chicken and mix the sauce in advance. Store separately and combine when reheating for freshness.