If you are searching for a lively and satisfying meal that bursts with flavor and texture, the Bang Bang Chicken Bowl Recipe is here to delight your taste buds. This dish combines tender, golden chicken pieces drenched in a creamy, spicy-sweet sauce resting on fluffy white rice, creating a harmony of flavors and colors that makes every bite unforgettable. Whether you’re serving it for a quick weeknight dinner or impressing guests with vibrant cuisine, this Bang Bang Chicken Bowl Recipe is as fun to make as it is to eat.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe keeps things straightforward with a handful of well-chosen ingredients that pack a punch. Each component plays a key role, from the tender chicken breast to the rich, zesty sauce, to the fresh herb garnish that brightens the bowl.
- Chicken breast: Cubed for quick and even cooking, chicken is our protein powerhouse and main star.
- Olive oil: Adds a touch of healthy fat and helps achieve that perfect golden sear on the chicken.
- Mayonnaise: Provides a creamy base that balances the heat and sweetness in the sauce.
- Sweet chili sauce: Brings just the right amount of sweetness and mild spice for complexity.
- Sriracha sauce: Gives the sauce an irresistible kick to keep things exciting.
- Rice vinegar: Adds a subtle tang that lifts all the other flavors beautifully.
- Soy sauce: Offers umami depth and a salty balance to the overall taste.
- Garlic powder: Enhances the dish with warm, savory notes without overpowering.
- Salt and pepper: Essential seasonings to ensure every bite bursts with flavor.
- Cooked rice: The comforting base that soaks up every bit of that delightful sauce.
- Fresh cilantro: Provides a bright, herbaceous garnish to finish the dish with freshness.
How to Make Bang Bang Chicken Bowl Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Chicken
Start by heating olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Adding cubed chicken breast ensures quick cooking, and as it sizzles, it develops a beautiful golden crust that locks in juiciness. Cook the chicken for about 6 to 8 minutes until it is no longer pink inside and has a deliciously crisp exterior.
Step 2: Make the Sauce
While the chicken is cooking, whisk together mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, rice vinegar, soy sauce, garlic powder, salt, and pepper in a small bowl. This blend is the heart of the Bang Bang Chicken Bowl Recipe, combining creamy, sweet, tangy, and spicy flavors into one luscious sauce.
Step 3: Coat the Chicken
Once your chicken is cooked to perfection, transfer it to the bowl with the sauce and gently toss to coat every cube completely. This step ensures every bite is bursting with savory, creamy deliciousness that defines the Bang Bang Chicken Bowl Recipe.
Step 4: Serve
Finally, spoon the saucy chicken over a bed of warm, fluffy rice. The rice acts as the perfect neutral base that absorbs the bold flavors. Sprinkle with fresh cilantro to add a vibrant pop of color and freshness, elevating the dish both visually and taste-wise.
How to Serve Bang Bang Chicken Bowl Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh cilantro is the classic finish, but don’t hesitate to add thinly sliced green onions or a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds for extra texture and aroma. These garnishes elevate the presentation and introduce new layers of flavor and crunch.
Side Dishes
A side of crisp cucumber salad or steamed fresh vegetables makes a lovely accompaniment, balancing the richness of the saucy chicken with refreshing, light bites. Pickled radishes or carrots also add a delightful tang and color contrast to the bowl.
Creative Ways to Present
For a twist, serve the Bang Bang Chicken Bowl Recipe in lettuce cups for a fun handheld version, or pile it onto quinoa or cauliflower rice to cater to your dietary preferences. Layering the chicken over cold rice noodles with shredded cabbage and carrots makes for a refreshing summer adaptation.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Simply transfer any leftover Bang Bang Chicken Bowl components to airtight containers and store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep the chicken in the sauce separate from the rice if possible to maintain texture.
Freezing
The saucy chicken freezes well without losing flavor. Place it in a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 2 months. It’s best to freeze the rice separately, as reheating rice from frozen can alter its texture.
Reheating
To reheat, warm the chicken gently in a skillet or microwave until heated through, taking care not to overcook. Reheat rice by sprinkling a little water on it and microwaving covered to restore fluffiness. Then, assemble your bowl fresh for the best experience.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs offer a juicier and slightly richer flavor. Just adjust the cooking time slightly as thighs might take a bit longer to cook through but will make your Bang Bang Chicken Bowl Recipe even more succulent.
Is this recipe spicy?
The Bang Bang Chicken Bowl Recipe has a mild to moderate heat level due to the sriracha. You can easily adjust the spiciness by adding more or less sriracha depending on your preference or opt for a milder chili sauce.
What can I substitute for mayonnaise in the sauce?
If you prefer a lighter or dairy-free option, Greek yogurt or a vegan mayo substitute work wonderfully. They maintain the creamy texture while keeping the sauce balanced and delicious.
Can I prepare this dish ahead of time for a picnic or packed lunch?
Yes, the Bang Bang Chicken Bowl Recipe travels well. Just keep the sauce-coated chicken and rice separated until you’re ready to eat for the freshest texture and flavor.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
To keep it gluten-free, make sure to use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari. All the other ingredients generally fit gluten-free diets, making this dish a great option for many.
Final Thoughts
This Bang Bang Chicken Bowl Recipe is truly a crowd-pleaser — it’s quick, packed with flavor, and offers a wonderful balance of creamy, spicy, and tangy notes that keep you coming back for more. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or sharing with someone special, this dish is bound to become a beloved favorite in your recipe repertoire. Dive in and enjoy every sumptuous forkful!
Print
Bang Bang Chicken Bowl Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Asian Fusion
Description
This Bang Bang Chicken Bowl is a quick and flavorful meal featuring tender, pan-cooked chicken tossed in a creamy, spicy sauce made from mayonnaise, sweet chili, and sriracha. Served over a bed of fluffy rice and garnished with fresh cilantro, it’s an easy and satisfying dish perfect for weeknight dinners.
Ingredients
Chicken and Rice
- 1 lb chicken breast, cubed
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 cup cooked rice
Sauce
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons sweet chili sauce
- 1 tablespoon sriracha sauce
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Garnish
- Fresh cilantro, for garnish
Instructions
- Cook the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the cubed chicken and cook for 6-8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through with an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Make the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha sauce, rice vinegar, soy sauce, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until smooth and well combined.
- Coat the Chicken: Once the chicken is cooked, transfer it to the bowl with the sauce and toss until every piece is evenly coated with the spicy, creamy mixture.
- Serve: Spoon the saucy chicken over a bed of cooked rice. Garnish with fresh cilantro leaves for a burst of freshness and serve immediately.
Notes
- You can adjust the amount of sriracha to suit your spice preference.
- Use brown rice instead of white rice for a healthier option.
- Leftover sauce can be refrigerated for up to 3 days.
- This recipe can be doubled to serve more people.
- Make sure not to overcook the chicken to keep it juicy and tender.
