If you’re craving a dish that bursts with bold flavors and satisfying textures, this Bang Bang Chicken Bowl Recipe is sure to become an instant favorite. It’s a vibrant, easy-to-make bowl packed with tender, saucy chicken and a perfect balance of spicy, sweet, and tangy notes all layered over fluffy rice. Whether you’re whipping it up for a weeknight dinner or feeding friends for a casual gathering, this recipe delivers big on taste without demanding too much time or fancy ingredients. Let me take you through the delicious journey of creating this Bang Bang Chicken Bowl Recipe that will impress your taste buds every time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple yet vital ingredients is the first step to nailing this dish. Each component plays a unique role in bringing together the classic flavors and textures that make this Bang Bang Chicken Bowl Recipe so irresistible. From juicy chicken to the creamy, spicy sauce and aromatic cilantro, here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 lb chicken breast, cubed: The star protein that absorbs all the delicious sauce
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: For perfectly searing the chicken to golden perfection
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise: Creates a creamy base for the signature bang bang sauce
- 2 tablespoons sweet chili sauce: Adds a sweet and mildly spicy kick that’s essential to the flavor profile
- 1 tablespoon sriracha sauce: For that hit of heat that wakes up the palate
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar: Brings brightness and a subtle tang to balance the creaminess
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce: Adds umami depth and a touch of saltiness
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder: Offers mild aromatic warmth without overpowering the dish
- Salt and pepper to taste: Simple seasoning that enhances every flavor
- 1 cup cooked rice: The comforting, fluffy base that completes the bowl
- Fresh cilantro, for garnish: Provides a fresh herbal note and beautiful color contrast
How to Make Bang Bang Chicken Bowl Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Chicken
Start by heating olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Once the oil shimmers, add your cubed chicken pieces. Let them cook undisturbed for several minutes to develop a nice golden sear, then stir and continue cooking until the chicken is fully cooked through. The golden brown edges seal in the juiciness, making every bite tender and flavorful.
Step 2: Make the Sauce
While the chicken cooks, whisk together mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, rice vinegar, soy sauce, garlic powder, and a pinch of salt and pepper in a small bowl. This creamy, spicy, and tangy sauce is the heart of the Bang Bang Chicken Bowl Recipe, providing that signature bang of flavor that’s both comforting and exciting.
Step 3: Coat the Chicken
Once the chicken is cooked, transfer it to the bowl with the sauce and toss gently to coat every piece evenly. The warm chicken melds perfectly with the luscious sauce, ensuring every bite is packed with bold flavor. This step is where the magic happens that truly defines the dish.
Step 4: Serve
To build your bowl, start with a cozy bed of freshly cooked rice. Spoon the saucy chicken generously over the top. Finally, sprinkle on some fresh cilantro to add a pop of color and bright herbal notes. Now your Bang Bang Chicken Bowl Recipe is ready to enjoy!
How to Serve Bang Bang Chicken Bowl Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh cilantro is a classic choice, adding vibrant color and a refreshing bite that balances the creamy sauce. You can also consider thinly sliced green onions, toasted sesame seeds, or a squeeze of lime to add extra layers of flavor and texture to your bowl.
Side Dishes
This dish is fantastic on its own but pairs wonderfully with crunchy cucumber salad, steamed broccoli, or a light Asian slaw to introduce fresh crispness. These sides complement the rich sauce and keep your meal balanced and exciting.
Creative Ways to Present
Feeling a bit fancy? Serve the Bang Bang Chicken Bowl Recipe in large mason jars for a portable lunch or layer the ingredients in a glass bowl to show off all those beautiful colors. You might also add a fried egg on top for richness or swap the rice for quinoa or cauliflower rice to change things up while keeping the same delicious sauce.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover chicken and sauce separately from the rice in airtight containers in the refrigerator. This helps maintain the texture of the chicken and prevents the rice from becoming mushy. Leftovers will stay fresh for up to 3 days.
Freezing
If you’d like to freeze portions, it’s best to freeze the chicken and sauce mixture alone. Rice tends to lose texture when frozen and thawed. Wrap the chicken tightly in a freezer-safe container or bag, and they will keep well for up to 2 months.
Reheating
When you’re ready to enjoy your leftovers, gently reheat the chicken mixture in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through. Heat the rice separately in the microwave or on the stove with a splash of water to refresh its fluffiness. Then reassemble your bowl for a quick meal as satisfying as fresh.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breast?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs tend to stay juicier and have more flavor, which can add an extra dimension to your Bang Bang Chicken Bowl Recipe. Just adjust the cooking time slightly to ensure they’re fully cooked.
Is this recipe spicy?
The recipe has a mild to moderate level of spiciness thanks to the sriracha and sweet chili sauce. If you prefer it less spicy, reduce the sriracha or leave it out entirely; you can always add more if you want extra heat.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes! Substitute the chicken with crispy tofu or crunchy cauliflower bites and follow the same steps to coat them in the delicious bang bang sauce. It’s a fantastic meatless alternative that still packs plenty of flavor.
What can I use instead of mayonnaise?
You can swap mayonnaise for Greek yogurt or a plant-based mayo if you’re looking for a lighter or vegan option. Just keep in mind that this might change the creaminess and texture slightly, but it will still be tasty.
How long does this dish take to prepare?
This Bang Bang Chicken Bowl Recipe is perfect for busy days, requiring about 10 minutes of prep and 15 minutes of cooking time. It really delivers big flavor in a short amount of time, making it a favorite quick dinner choice.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend this Bang Bang Chicken Bowl Recipe enough to anyone looking for a flavorful, easy, and satisfying meal. It’s one of those dishes that feels special but comes together in a snap, making weeknight dinners something to look forward to. Give it a try, and I promise this bowl will become a beloved staple in your recipe collection!
Print
Bang Bang Chicken Bowl Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Asian Fusion
Description
This Bang Bang Chicken Bowl is a flavorful and easy-to-make dish featuring tender, pan-cooked chicken tossed in a creamy, spicy, and tangy Bang Bang sauce. Served over a bed of fluffy rice and garnished with fresh cilantro, it’s a quick meal perfect for lunch or dinner with balanced spicy and sweet notes.
Ingredients
Chicken and Rice
- 1 lb chicken breast, cubed
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 cup cooked rice
Bang Bang 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, reaching 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 fully combined and smooth.
- Coat the Chicken: Once the chicken is cooked, transfer it to the sauce bowl and toss until every piece is evenly coated with the creamy Bang Bang sauce.
- Serve: Spoon the cooked rice into bowls, top with the saucy chicken, and garnish with fresh cilantro for a bright, herbaceous finish. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Notes
- Adjust the amount of sriracha sauce to control the spiciness of the dish.
- For a lower-fat option, use light mayonnaise or substitute with Greek yogurt.
- Cook rice ahead of time or use leftover rice for convenience.
- Fresh cilantro adds a fresh herbal flavor; parsley can be used as a substitute.
- This recipe easily doubles for larger servings.
