BANG BANG CHICKEN BOWLS!

Craving takeout but wanting something healthier, faster, and bursting with flavor? We’ve all been there! Forget dialing for delivery because this Easy Bang Bang Chicken Bowl recipe is about to become your new weeknight obsession. Get ready for juicy, perfectly cooked chicken coated in a creamy, sweet, and spicy sauce, all served over a bed of fluffy rice (or your favorite grain) and topped with fresh veggies. I promise, this is one bowl you’ll be making again and again!

Gathering Your Bang Bang Goodies

Here’s what you’ll need to create your Bang Bang Chicken masterpiece. Don’t worry, most of these are pantry staples!

For the Chicken:

• 1.5 lbs Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: Cut into 1-inch cubes.
• 1 tbsp Olive Oil: For searing the chicken.
• 1 tsp Garlic Powder: Adds a subtle, savory note.
• 1 tsp Onion Powder: Complements the garlic.
• 1/2 tsp Paprika: For color and a hint of smokiness.
• Salt and Pepper: To taste, of course!

For the Bang Bang Sauce:

• 1/2 cup Mayonnaise: The creamy base of our sauce.
• 1/4 cup Sweet Chili Sauce: This brings the sweet and spicy magic.
• 2 tbsp Sriracha: Adjust to your spice preference!
• 1 tbsp Honey: Adds a touch of sweetness and balances the heat.
• 1 tbsp Rice Vinegar: For a tangy kick.

For the Bowls:

• Cooked Rice: Jasmine, Basmati, or your favorite.
• Shredded Carrots: For crunch and color.
• Shredded Cabbage: Adds another layer of texture.
• Chopped Green Onions: For a fresh, vibrant garnish.
• Sesame Seeds: Optional, but adds a nutty flavor and visual appeal.

Step-by-Step to Bang Bang Chicken Bliss

Now for the fun part! Let’s transform these ingredients into a flavor explosion.

Preparing the Chicken:

1. In a large bowl, toss the cubed chicken with olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Make sure everything is evenly coated.
2. Heat a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken in a single layer (you may need to do this in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan).
3. Cook the chicken for 6-8 minutes, or until it’s cooked through and nicely browned on all sides. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C). Don’t overcook it, or it will be dry!
4. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.

Whipping Up the Bang Bang Sauce:

1. While the chicken is cooking, prepare the Bang Bang Sauce. In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, honey, and rice vinegar until smooth. Taste and adjust the spice level to your liking – add more sriracha if you’re feeling brave!

Assembling Your Awesome Bowl:

1. In the same skillet (no need to clean it!), add the cooked chicken back to the pan.
2. Pour the Bang Bang Sauce over the chicken and toss to coat evenly. Heat through for another minute or two, until the sauce is warmed and the chicken is beautifully glazed.
3. Assemble your bowls! Start with a base of cooked rice.
4. Top with the Bang Bang Chicken, shredded carrots, shredded cabbage, and chopped green onions.
5. Sprinkle with sesame seeds, if desired.
6. Serve immediately and enjoy every single bite!

The Secret Sauce to Bang Bang Success

Let’s be honest, the sauce is where the magic happens! Here are a few tips to make sure your Bang Bang Sauce is absolutely perfect:

• Spice it Your Way: Don’t be afraid to adjust the amount of sriracha to suit your personal preference. If you’re sensitive to spice, start with a smaller amount and add more to taste. You can also use a different type of hot sauce, like chili garlic sauce, for a slightly different flavor profile.
• Honey Harmony: The honey balances the heat and adds a lovely sweetness. You can substitute maple syrup if you prefer.
• Rice Vinegar Revival: Don’t skip the rice vinegar! It adds a crucial tang that cuts through the richness of the mayonnaise and ties all the flavors together. If you don’t have rice vinegar, you can use white vinegar or apple cider vinegar in a pinch.
• Whisk it Good: Make sure all the ingredients are thoroughly whisked together for a smooth and creamy sauce.

Bang Bang Variations for the Adventurous Cook

This recipe is fantastic as is, but feel free to get creative and put your own spin on it!

• Protein Power: Not a chicken fan? You can easily substitute shrimp, tofu, or even ground turkey in this recipe. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly.
• Veggie Variety: Add your favorite veggies to the bowl! Broccoli florets, bell peppers, edamame, or snap peas would all be delicious additions.
• Grain Game: Swap out the rice for quinoa, brown rice, or even cauliflower rice for a lower-carb option.
• Wrap it Up: Turn this into a wrap by using lettuce wraps or tortillas.

Prep Like a Pro: Time-Saving Tips

Want to get dinner on the table even faster? Here are a few prep-ahead tips:

• Sauce Ahead: Make the Bang Bang Sauce up to 3 days in advance and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
• Chop Chop: Chop the veggies ahead of time and store them in separate containers in the refrigerator.
• Rice Right: Cook the rice ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator. You can reheat it in the microwave or on the stovetop.

What to Serve Alongside Your Bowl of Deliciousness

While this Bang Bang Chicken Bowl is a complete meal on its own, you can always add a side dish or two to round things out.

• Edamame: Steamed or roasted edamame is a healthy and delicious side dish.
• Spring Rolls: Crispy spring rolls are always a crowd-pleaser.
• Seaweed Salad: A refreshing and light seaweed salad is a great way to balance the richness of the bowl.

Comparing Bang Bang to Other Bowl Sensations

If you’re a bowl enthusiast like me, you’re probably always on the lookout for new and exciting flavor combinations. While this Bang Bang Chicken Bowl is undoubtedly amazing, it’s always fun to explore other options too! Think of this as a cousin to dishes like COWBOY BUTTER CHICKEN, with its own unique spin on bold flavors. It’s also in the same family as the HOT HONEY BEEF BOWL, though much milder in heat. And if you love a good chicken and sweet potato combo, you should definitely check out the BBQ CHICKEN SWEET POTATO HEAVEN – totally different flavor profiles but equally satisfying! If you are craving some pasta, then HONEY GARLIC CHICKEN MAC will be a big hit! Don’t forget about the STREET CORN CHICKEN BOWL if you are looking for different flavors! And if you’re looking for another sticky-sauced chicken option, the STICKY CHICKEN BOWLS are another fantastic choice!

Troubleshooting Common Bang Bang Blunders

Even the best cooks can run into a few snags. Here are some common issues and how to fix them:

• Sauce Too Thick: If your sauce is too thick, add a tablespoon or two of water or rice vinegar to thin it out.
• Sauce Too Thin: If your sauce is too thin, whisk in a teaspoon of cornstarch mixed with a tablespoon of cold water. Heat the sauce gently until it thickens.
• Chicken Too Dry: Make sure you don’t overcook the chicken. Cook it until it’s just cooked through and still juicy.
• Not Enough Flavor: Don’t be afraid to adjust the seasonings to your liking! Add more garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, or sriracha for a bolder flavor.

Bang Bang Chicken Bowl: Your New Go-To Recipe

So there you have it! A ridiculously easy, incredibly flavorful, and totally customizable Easy Bang Bang Chicken Bowl recipe that’s sure to become a staple in your kitchen. Get ready to impress your family and friends with this restaurant-quality meal that you can whip up in minutes. Happy cooking (and eating)!

Bang Bang Chicken Bowls

Amelia Chen-Morrison

These Bang Bang Chicken Bowls are a quick and easy weeknight meal bursting with flavor. Featuring juicy chicken coated in a creamy, sweet, and spicy sauce, served over rice and topped with fresh veggies, this recipe is sure to become a new favorite.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Total Time 35 minutes mins

Course Main Course

Cuisine Asian Fusion

Servings 4

Calories 600 kcal

Equipment

• Large bowl
• Whisk
• Small bowl
• Large Skillet or Wok
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Cutting board
• Knife
• Serving bowls

Ingredients

  

• 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• ½ tsp paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste
• ½ cup mayonnaise
• ¼ cup sweet chili sauce
• 2 tbsp sriracha
• 1 tbsp honey
• 1 tbsp rice vinegar
• 4 cups cooked rice Jasmine, Basmati, or your favorite
• 1 cup shredded carrots
• 1 cup shredded cabbage
• ½ cup chopped green onions
• 1 tbsp sesame seeds optional

Instructions

 

• In a large bowl, toss the cubed chicken with olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Make sure everything is evenly coated.
• Heat a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken in a single layer (you may need to do this in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan).
• Cook the chicken for 6-8 minutes, or until it’s cooked through and nicely browned on all sides. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).
• Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
• While the chicken is cooking, prepare the Bang Bang Sauce. In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, honey, and rice vinegar until smooth. Taste and adjust the spice level to your liking.
• In the same skillet, add the cooked chicken back to the pan.
• Pour the Bang Bang Sauce over the chicken and toss to coat evenly. Heat through for another minute or two, until the sauce is warmed and the chicken is beautifully glazed.
• Assemble your bowls! Start with a base of cooked rice.
• Top with the Bang Bang Chicken, shredded carrots, shredded cabbage, and chopped green onions.
• Sprinkle with sesame seeds, if desired.
• Serve immediately and enjoy.

Notes

For a spicier sauce, add more sriracha or a pinch of cayenne pepper. If you don’t have rice vinegar, white vinegar or apple cider vinegar can be used as a substitute. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop. For a lower-carb option, substitute cauliflower rice for regular rice. To meal prep, make the sauce and chop the vegetables up to 3 days in advance.