Get ready to fall in love with an explosion of flavors in every bite with this Bang Bang Chicken Bowl Recipe. It’s a vibrant, easy-to-make dish that combines tender, golden-brown chicken coated in a creamy, spicy-sweet sauce all nestled on a fluffy bed of rice. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or impressing friends at your next gathering, this recipe brings warmth, zest, and a satisfying comfort that’s hard to beat.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this Bang Bang Chicken Bowl Recipe has been chosen for its role in building a harmony of taste, texture, and visual appeal. These simple yet essential components make assembling the dish a breeze and deliver a perfect balance from spicy to creamy with bright, fresh accents.
- 1 lb chicken breast, cubed: The star protein, tender and quick to cook, forms the base of your bowl.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Helps sear the chicken to golden perfection while adding a subtle fruity undertone.
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise: Creates a rich and creamy texture that helps bind the sauce ingredients beautifully.
- 2 tablespoons sweet chili sauce: Adds the perfect sweet and mildly spicy kick that sets this dish apart.
- 1 tablespoon sriracha sauce: Gives a more intense heat, balancing out the sweetness with that classic tangy fire.
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar: Brings a bright bite and slight tang that lifts the entire sauce.
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce: Adds a salty, umami depth enriching every morsel.
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder: Infuses a subtle savory note without overpowering the sauce.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential seasonings that enhance all flavors perfectly.
- 1 cup cooked rice: A comforting, neutral foundation that soaks up all the tasty sauce.
- Fresh cilantro, for garnish: Offers a fresh herbal burst, adding color and a hint of brightness to your bowl.
How to Make Bang Bang Chicken Bowl Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Chicken
Start by heating the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat until shimmering. Toss in your cubed chicken and let it cook undisturbed for a few minutes to develop that golden crust. Then stir occasionally for 6 to 8 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and wonderfully browned on all sides. The seared chicken builds the perfect hearty and juicy component for the dish.
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 sauce is where all the magic happens — creamy, spicy, sweet, and tangy with just the right amount of garlic. It’s the flavor powerhouse that will coat your chicken beautifully.
Step 3: Coat the Chicken
Once your chicken is ready, pour the sauce over it directly in the skillet or transfer the chicken to a bowl. Gently toss the chicken in the sauce until every bite is well coated in that luscious Bang Bang sauce. The heat from the chicken helps meld the flavors, making each piece irresistibly flavorful.
Step 4: Serve
To assemble your Bang Bang Chicken Bowl Recipe, scoop some warm cooked rice into bowls and top it generously with the saucy chicken. The rice acts like a cushion, soaking up all the sauce leftover for extra delicious bites. Finally, sprinkle fresh cilantro over the top for a vibrant and aromatic touch that instantly brightens the dish.
How to Serve Bang Bang Chicken Bowl Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh cilantro is the classic garnish here, adding a fresh herbal note that cuts through the richness. If you want to jazz it up, consider adding thinly sliced green onions, toasted sesame seeds, or a wedge of lime to squeeze over the bowl for a zesty finish.
Side Dishes
This recipe holds its own but pairs beautifully with simple sides like steamed edamame, a crisp cucumber salad, or even some roasted sweet potatoes. These sides add a contrasting texture and lightness that complement the richness of the chicken bowl.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving your Bang Bang Chicken Bowl Recipe in colorful bowls or even lettuce wraps for a fresh twist. Layer it in a mason jar for a portable lunch option, or turn it into a vibrant rice paper roll filling to switch things up while keeping the bold flavors front and center.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, store the chicken and rice separately in airtight containers to preserve texture and flavor. The sauced chicken will keep well in the fridge for up to 3 days, letting you enjoy this tasty bowl any time you want a quick, satisfying meal.
Freezing
This Bang Bang Chicken Bowl Recipe freezes best when components are separated. Freeze the cooked chicken in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Rice can also be frozen but may lose some texture, so it’s best to freeze only if necessary.
Reheating
Reheat the chicken gently in a skillet over low to medium heat to prevent drying out, stirring occasionally until warm. Microwaving is fine too but cover to keep moisture in. Warm the rice separately and assemble the bowl just before eating to maintain the freshest, most delicious textures.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs add a bit more richness and stay juicy, even if slightly longer cooking is needed. Just adjust cooking time accordingly until cooked through.
Is there a vegetarian version of the Bang Bang Chicken Bowl Recipe?
Definitely! Swap the chicken for crispy tofu or chickpeas for a hearty vegetarian bowl that still delivers on the bold flavors and satisfying texture.
How spicy is this recipe?
The spice level is moderate thanks to the sweet chili sauce and sriracha. You can adjust the heat by adding more or less sriracha according to your taste preferences.
Can I make the sauce ahead of time?
Yes! The sauce can be prepared a day ahead and stored in the fridge. Just give it a good whisk before tossing with the chicken to keep it smooth and creamy.
What kind of rice works best?
Plain steamed jasmine or basmati rice works beautifully since they’re fluffy and absorb the sauce well. Brown rice is also a nutritious option but might require a longer cooking time.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about making the Bang Bang Chicken Bowl Recipe and sharing it with loved ones. Its vibrant flavors, easy preparation, and comforting satisfaction come together so effortlessly. Give it a try and watch it become a delightful staple in your kitchen rotation — you won’t regret it!
Print
Bang Bang Chicken Bowl Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 2 to 2 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American Asian Fusion
Description
A flavorful and easy Bang Bang Chicken Bowl combining tender, skillet-cooked chicken tossed in a creamy, spicy sauce, served over a bed of warm rice and garnished with fresh cilantro. Perfect for a quick and satisfying weeknight meal with a balance of sweet, spicy, and tangy flavors.
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 pieces are golden brown and fully cooked through.
- 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 fully cooked, transfer it to a mixing bowl and toss with the prepared sauce until the chicken is evenly coated in the creamy, spicy mixture.
- Serve: Spoon the saucy chicken over a bed of warm cooked rice. Garnish generously with fresh cilantro leaves for a bright, herbal finish. Serve immediately.
Notes
- Adjust the spiciness by adding more or less sriracha according to your taste.
- Use brown rice or quinoa for a healthier grain option.
- For extra flavor, marinate chicken in a bit of garlic powder and soy sauce before cooking.
- This recipe can be doubled easily for meal prep or family dinners.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in a skillet or microwave.
