This Bang Bang Chicken Bowl is the perfect blend of spicy, sweet, and savory, making it an exciting dish for both beginner cooks and seasoned foodies alike. Whether you’re cooking on a busy weeknight or preparing a delicious lunch, this flavorful bowl is sure to impress. It combines tender chicken, crunchy vegetables, and a creamy, tangy sauce that will make every bite a delightful experience.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

The Bang Bang Chicken Bowl is a beginner-friendly recipe that delivers big flavors with minimal effort. You’ll love it because:

Quick and Easy: The recipe is perfect for busy nights, taking just 25 minutes from start to finish.
Customizable: You can easily adjust the ingredients to fit your preferences, whether it’s the spice level or choice of veggies.
Full of Flavor: The combination of sriracha, honey, and garlic powder creates a savory sauce that ties everything together.
Healthy: With options like cauliflower rice and fresh veggies, this dish can easily fit into a variety of dietary preferences.

Bang Bang Chicken Bowl

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast
1 cup cooked rice (white, brown, or cauliflower rice)
1 cup mixed veggies (broccoli, bell peppers, carrots)
2 tablespoons olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste

For the sauce:

1/2 cup mayonnaise
2 tablespoons sriracha
1 tablespoon honey
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon lime juice

Directions

Cook the Rice: Start by cooking your rice according to the package instructions. Once done, set it aside. If you’re using a rice cooker, it can simplify the process for perfectly cooked rice.
Prepare the Chicken: While the rice is cooking, cut the chicken breast into bite-sized pieces. Season generously with salt and pepper.
Sauté the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces and sauté until golden brown and cooked through (about 6-8 minutes). Ensure the skillet is hot before adding the chicken to avoid sticking.
Mix the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sriracha, honey, garlic powder, and lime juice. Taste and adjust the sriracha or honey as needed to balance the flavor.
Add the Vegetables: Once the chicken is cooked, toss in your mixed veggies and sauté for an additional 2-3 minutes until they are tender but still crisp.
Combine and Serve: Remove the skillet from the heat and pour the sauce over the chicken and veggies, stirring to coat everything evenly. Serve the Bang Bang Chicken over your cooked rice and garnish with extra sriracha or chopped green onions if desired.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 4
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 15 minutes
Total time: 25 minutes

Variations

Spicy Level: Adjust the sriracha in the sauce to suit your preferred spice level, or substitute with a milder chili sauce.
Rice Options: Swap out the rice for cauliflower rice for a low-carb version, or use quinoa for an added protein boost.
Vegetables: Customize your veggie mix based on what’s in season or what you have on hand. Add snap peas, zucchini, or spinach for extra nutrition.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating: Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop. The sauce may thicken slightly upon cooling, but it will still taste delicious. Make sure the chicken is heated thoroughly before consuming.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Yes, chicken thighs work perfectly for this dish. They add extra juiciness and flavor, but they will require a bit longer to cook through compared to chicken breasts.

How can I make this recipe spicier?

Simply add more sriracha to the sauce, or top the finished dish with extra sriracha for an added kick.

Can I use frozen vegetables instead of fresh?

Yes, frozen mixed veggies will work just fine for this recipe. Just make sure to thaw and drain them before cooking to avoid excess moisture.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the chicken, veggies, and rice in advance, then just heat everything and mix in the sauce when ready to serve.

How can I make this dish gluten-free?

This recipe is already gluten-free as long as you ensure that your soy sauce (if you choose to add it) is gluten-free. You can also substitute the rice for cauliflower rice for a low-carb version.

How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?

The chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) to ensure it’s safe to eat. You can check with a meat thermometer.

What other sauces can I use for this dish?

You can substitute the Bang Bang sauce with a peanut sauce, teriyaki sauce, or a simple garlic butter sauce depending on your preferences.

How do I prevent the chicken from sticking to the pan?

Ensure that your skillet is hot before adding the chicken, and avoid overcrowding the pan. If needed, cook the chicken in batches to ensure it browns evenly.

Can I serve this with other grains besides rice?

Yes, you can serve the chicken and veggies over quinoa, couscous, or even noodles if you prefer something other than rice.

How long does the sauce last in the fridge?

The sauce can last for up to 1 week in the refrigerator if stored in an airtight container.

Conclusion

The Bang Bang Chicken Bowl is a flavorful, easy-to-make dish that will quickly become a favorite in your cooking repertoire. Whether you’re new to the kitchen or an experienced cook looking for a quick, satisfying meal, this bowl offers a great way to explore new flavors and techniques. Enjoy it as a quick weeknight dinner or a meal prep favorite—this recipe proves that cooking can be simple, fun, and full of flavor. Try it today and watch how quickly it becomes a go-to meal for your busy schedule!