This Bang Bang Chicken Bowl is a delightful fusion of flavors that brings together spicy and creamy notes in a vibrant, colorful dish. Perfect for weeknight dinners or meal prep, this bowl combines tender chicken with fresh, crunchy vegetables over a bed of warm rice. The unique Bang Bang sauce adds an irresistible kick, making it a favorite for any occasion.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick and Easy: This recipe can be prepared in just 40 minutes, making it ideal for busy nights.
Flavor Packed: The creamy Bang Bang sauce offers a perfect balance of sweet and spicy that tantalizes the taste buds.
Customizable: Feel free to swap out ingredients based on your preferences or what you have on hand.
Healthy Ingredients: Packed with fresh vegetables and lean protein, this bowl is both nutritious and satisfying.
Great for Meal Prep: Make several bowls at once to enjoy throughout the week!

Tools and Preparation

To whip up this delicious Bang Bang Chicken Bowl, you’ll need some essential kitchen tools. Having the right equipment makes the cooking process smoother and more enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

Cutting board
Sharp knife
Large mixing bowl
Non-stick skillet
Measuring cups and spoons

Importance of Each Tool

Cutting board: Provides a safe and stable surface for chopping vegetables and chicken.
Sharp knife: Ensures precision when cutting the chicken into uniform cubes, which helps them cook evenly.

Ingredients

For the Sauce

1 ¼ cups (290 g) mayonnaise
⅔ cup (177 g) Thai sweet chili sauce
2 tablespoons honey
2 teaspoons Sriracha, (or more to taste)

For the Chicken

2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, (cut into 1-inch cubes)
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
1 teaspoon paprika
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon kosher salt
½ teaspoon black pepper

For the Bowls

4 cups (744 g) prepared white rice, (warmed, divided)
2 cups (140 g) red cabbage, (thinly sliced, divided)
1 large carrot, (julienned, divided)
1 medium cucumber, (halved, sliced, divided)
1 large avocado, (thinly sliced, divided)
fresh cilantro, (chopped for garnish)
sesame seeds, (for garnish)

How to Make Bang Bang Chicken Bowl

Step 1: Prepare the Sauce

In a large mixing bowl, combine the mayonnaise, Thai sweet chili sauce, honey, and Sriracha. Whisk until smooth. Adjust Sriracha to your spice preference.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken

In a non-stick skillet over medium-high heat:
1. Add vegetable oil.
2. Season chicken cubes with paprika, garlic powder, kosher salt, and black pepper.
3. Cook chicken in batches until golden brown and cooked through (about 6–8 minutes).

Step 3: Assemble the Bowls

In each bowl:
1. Add 1 cup of warm rice as a base.
2. Top with cooked chicken.
3. Layer red cabbage, julienned carrot, cucumber slices, and avocado on top.
4. Drizzle with Bang Bang sauce.
5. Garnish with chopped cilantro and sesame seeds.

Enjoy your flavorful Bang Bang Chicken Bowl, perfect for any meal!

How to Serve Bang Bang Chicken Bowl

Serving a Bang Bang Chicken Bowl is all about creating a colorful and flavorful experience. You can customize each bowl to suit individual tastes, making it a perfect dish for gatherings or family dinners.

Personalize with Extra Toppings

Chopped nuts: Add some crunch with crushed peanuts or cashews.
Spicy elements: Drizzle extra Sriracha for those who enjoy heat.
Pickled vegetables: Bring in tanginess with pickled carrots or radishes.

Pair with Fresh Ingredients

Lime wedges: Provide a zesty kick that complements the creamy sauce.
Fresh herbs: Include extra cilantro or mint for aromatic flavors.
Additional veggies: Offer sliced bell peppers or snap peas for added crunch.

Create a Rice Variety

Brown rice: Swap white rice for brown rice for a healthier option.
Cauliflower rice: For a low-carb choice, serve the chicken over cauliflower rice.

Build Your Own Bowl

Customizable bases: Let guests choose between noodles, quinoa, or rice as their base.
Protein options: Offer tofu or shrimp alongside chicken for different protein choices.

How to Perfect Bang Bang Chicken Bowl

Making the perfect Bang Bang Chicken Bowl requires attention to detail. Here are some tips to elevate your dish:

Use fresh ingredients: Always select the freshest vegetables and herbs to enhance flavors.
Adjust spice levels: Modify the amount of Sriracha in the sauce to match your heat preference.
Cook chicken evenly: Ensure all chicken pieces are cut uniformly for even cooking.
Warm your rice: Serve the rice warm to create a comforting experience when combined with the sauce.

Best Side Dishes for Bang Bang Chicken Bowl

To complete your meal, consider these delightful side dishes that pair well with a Bang Bang Chicken Bowl. Each option adds unique flavors and textures.

Steamed broccoli: Lightly steamed broccoli adds bright color and nutrients.
Sesame green beans: Tossed in sesame oil and seeds, these beans provide crunch and flavor.
Asian slaw: A refreshing mix of cabbage and carrots dressed in a tangy vinaigrette complements the main dish.
Edamame pods: Lightly salted edamame makes for a nutritious and fun finger food.
Miso soup: A warm bowl of miso soup offers umami depth to your dinner spread.
Cucumber salad: A cool cucumber salad with rice vinegar dressing balances out the richness of the chicken bowl.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making a Bang Bang Chicken Bowl, it’s easy to overlook details. Here are common mistakes and how to steer clear of them.

Skipping the marination: Not allowing the chicken to marinate in the spices can result in bland flavor. Take time to let it soak for at least 15 minutes.
Overcooking the chicken: Cooking the chicken too long can lead to dryness. Aim for just 10 minutes on medium heat until fully cooked.
Using cold rice: Serving cold rice can affect the overall warmth of your dish. Ensure your rice is freshly warmed before assembling your bowls.
Ignoring vegetable prep: Failing to slice vegetables finely may make them difficult to eat. Take care to julienne and slice them thinly for better texture.
Neglecting garnishes: Missing out on cilantro or sesame seeds can minimize flavor and presentation. Always finish with fresh garnishes for added brightness.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container.
Keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Freezing Bang Bang Chicken Bowl

Use freezer-safe containers or bags.
Freeze for up to 2 months for best quality.

Reheating Bang Bang Chicken Bowl

Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake for about 15-20 minutes until heated through.
Microwave: Place in a microwave-safe bowl, cover, and heat on high for 2-3 minutes or until warm.
Stovetop: Heat in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some frequently asked questions about making a Bang Bang Chicken Bowl.

What is a Bang Bang Chicken Bowl?

A Bang Bang Chicken Bowl features cubes of chicken coated in a creamy, spicy sauce served over rice with fresh vegetables and toppings.

Can I make the sauce ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the Bang Bang sauce in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to one week.

Is this recipe customizable?

Absolutely! Feel free to swap out vegetables or adjust spice levels according to your taste preferences while making your Bang Bang Chicken Bowl.

How do I ensure my chicken is tender?

Marinating the chicken and cooking it just right will help keep it juicy and tender in your bowl.

Can I use other proteins instead of chicken?

Yes, shrimp or tofu are great alternatives that work well with the same flavors in a Bang Bang Chicken Bowl.

Final Thoughts

This Bang Bang Chicken Bowl is not only delicious but also versatile. You can easily customize it by adding different veggies or adjusting spice levels. It’s perfect for busy weeknights or meal prepping. Give it a try, and enjoy this flavorful dish!

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Bang Bang Chicken Bowl

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Author: Amanda
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x

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Description

Bang Bang Chicken Bowl is a delightful and colorful meal that perfectly balances creamy and spicy flavors. This dish features tender chicken tossed in a homemade Bang Bang sauce made from mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, and Sriracha, served over warm rice with an array of fresh vegetables. Ideal for quick weeknight dinners or meal prepping, this customizable bowl allows you to swap ingredients based on your preferences. With its vibrant colors and satisfying textures, the Bang Bang Chicken Bowl is sure to become a favorite at your dining table.

Ingredients

Scale

2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 ¼ cups mayonnaise
⅔ cup Thai sweet chili sauce
2 tablespoons honey
4 cups cooked white rice
Fresh vegetables: red cabbage, carrot, cucumber, avocado
Sriracha for added spice

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Instructions

In a mixing bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, honey, and Sriracha; set aside.
In a non-stick skillet, heat vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Season chicken cubes with paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
Cook the chicken in batches until golden brown and cooked through (6–8 minutes).
Assemble bowls by placing warm rice at the base and topping with cooked chicken and vegetables.
Drizzle with Bang Bang sauce and garnish with cilantro and sesame seeds.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Category: Main
Method: Frying
Cuisine: Asian