Bang Bang Chicken Bowl

Delicious Bang Bang Chicken Bowl garnished with fresh herbs and colorful vegetables

Table of Contents

Bang Bang Chicken Bowl is a delightful meal that combines tender chicken with a creamy and spicy sauce, served over a bed of fluffy rice and crunchy vegetables. This dish is not only vibrant and flavorful but also easy to prepare, making it perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion. Its balance of textures and tastes—from the crunchy cucumbers to the rich mayo sauce—will surely leave your taste buds craving more!

Recipe Information

  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 16 minutes
  • Total Time: 31 minutes
  • Servings: 4
  • Difficulty Level: Easy

Nutrition Information

  • Calories per serving: 450
  • Protein: 30 grams
  • Carbohydrates: 45 grams
  • Fat: 20 grams
  • Fiber: 3 grams
  • Sugar: 5 grams
  • Sodium: 600 mg

Why Make This Bang Bang Chicken Bowl

The Bang Bang Chicken Bowl is a quick and satisfying dish that brings a little bit of excitement to your dinner table. The creamy, sweet, and spicy flavor profile of the bang bang sauce elevates the simple chicken and rice to something truly special. Plus, it’s perfect for customizing based on what you have on hand. It also packs a nutritious punch with protein, fiber, and fresh vegetables.

How to Make Bang Bang Chicken Bowl

Creating this delicious Bang Bang Chicken Bowl is straightforward and quick. Follow these simple steps to ensure a perfect meal every time.

Ingredients:

  • 1 1/2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise
  • 1/4 cup sweet chili sauce
  • 2 tablespoons sriracha sauce
  • 3 cups cooked rice (white, brown, or jasmine)
  • 1 cup shredded carrots
  • 1 cup cucumber, thinly sliced
  • 1/2 cup edamame, shelled and cooked
  • 1/4 cup chopped green onions
  • 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
  • 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
  • Lime wedges, for garnish

Directions:

  • Step 1: Seasoning

    Season the chicken with salt and pepper.

  • Step 2: Cooking

    Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken to the skillet and cook for 6-8 minutes on each side, until fully cooked and golden brown. Remove from the skillet and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing it into strips.

  • Step 3: Mixing the Sauce

    In a separate bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, and sriracha sauce until smooth. This will be your bang bang sauce.

  • Step 4: Assembling the Bowls

    Divide the cooked rice evenly among four bowls. Top each bowl with the sliced chicken. Add shredded carrots, cucumbers, edamame, and chopped green onions to each bowl. Drizzle the bang bang sauce over the top of each bowl, making sure everything is generously coated. Garnish each bowl with chopped cilantro, sesame seeds, and a lime wedge. Serve immediately and enjoy your vibrant Bang Bang Chicken Bowl!

How to Serve Bang Bang Chicken Bowl

Serve your Bang Bang Chicken Bowl warm, garnished with lime wedges on the side. This bowl works beautifully as a standalone meal or can be paired with a light salad for a complete dinner spread. For a fun twist, consider serving it in a wrap using tortillas, or in lettuce cups for a fresh, crunchy alternative.

How to Store Bang Bang Chicken Bowl

If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply microwave for 1-2 minutes until heated through. You can also freeze the cooked chicken and sauce separately for up to 2 months. Just ensure that you thaw them overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Expert Tips for Perfect Bang Bang Chicken Bowl

  1. Choose Your Chicken Wisely: Chicken thighs tend to be juicier than breasts, but either will work well for this recipe.
  2. Don’t Rush the Sauce: For a deeper flavor, let your bang bang sauce sit for a few minutes after mixing to allow the ingredients to meld together.
  3. Add Crunch: Feel free to incorporate other crunchy veggies like bell peppers or snap peas for added texture.
  4. Experiment with Grains: While rice is traditional, you can also try quinoa or cauliflower rice for a different twist.
  5. Control the Heat: Adjust the amount of sriracha in the sauce based on your spice tolerance.

Delicious Variations

  1. Vegetarian Version: Swap the chicken for crispy tofu or roasted chickpeas.
  2. Seafood Delight: Use shrimp instead of chicken for a seafood take on this dish.
  3. Spicy Alternative: Add diced jalapeños or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes to the sauce for extra heat.
  4. Herb Infusion: Incorporate fresh herbs like mint or basil for an aromatic twist.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Can I make the sauce ahead of time?
    Yes! You can prepare the bang bang sauce ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to a week.

  • What can I use instead of mayonnaise?
    If you’re looking for a lighter or dairy-free option, consider using Greek yogurt or a vegan mayo substitute.

  • What kind of rice is best for this recipe?
    Any cooked rice will work! Jasmine rice adds a lovely fragrance while brown rice brings extra fiber.

  • How do I know when the chicken is cooked?
    Chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). You can check this with a meat thermometer.

  • Can I grill the chicken instead?
    Absolutely! Grilling adds a smoky flavor that pairs wonderfully with the bang bang sauce.

Conclusion

The Bang Bang Chicken Bowl is the perfect meal for anyone looking to combine convenience with flavor. Its colorful ingredients and creamy sauce make it exciting and inviting, while its simple preparation makes it accessible for all home cooks. Whether you’re making this for yourself or serving friends, this dish is sure to impress. So grab your ingredients and give this tasty recipe a try! You won’t regret it!

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Bang Bang Chicken Bowl


  • Author: lydia
  • Total Time: 31 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Diet: Non-Vegetarian

Description

A delightful meal that combines tender chicken with a creamy and spicy sauce, served over rice and crunchy vegetables.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 1/2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise
  • 1/4 cup sweet chili sauce
  • 2 tablespoons sriracha sauce
  • 3 cups cooked rice (white, brown, or jasmine)
  • 1 cup shredded carrots
  • 1 cup cucumber, thinly sliced
  • 1/2 cup edamame, shelled and cooked
  • 1/4 cup chopped green onions
  • 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
  • 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
  • Lime wedges, for garnish

Instructions

  1. Season the chicken with salt and pepper.
  2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook for 6-8 minutes on each side until fully cooked and golden brown. Remove from the skillet and let rest before slicing into strips.
  3. In a separate bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, and sriracha until smooth to create the bang bang sauce.
  4. Divide cooked rice among four bowls. Top each with sliced chicken, shredded carrots, cucumber, edamame, and green onions. Drizzle with bang bang sauce and garnish with cilantro, sesame seeds, and lime wedges. Serve immediately.

Notes

This dish can be made with tofu for a vegetarian version, and leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 16 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Skillet Cooking
  • Cuisine: Asian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 450
  • Sugar: 5g
  • Sodium: 600mg
  • Fat: 20g
  • Saturated Fat: 3g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 12g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 45g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Protein: 30g
  • Cholesterol: 75mg

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Pro Chef & Blogger

Hi, I’m Lydia, the passionate culinary creator behind Ninja Machine Recipes! I firmly believe that amazing food doesn’t have to be complicated or time-consuming. Here at Ninja Machine Recipes, I share my favorite recipes that bring loved ones together around the dinner table – from quick weeknight solutions to special celebration treats.

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