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This Bang Bang Chicken Bowl transforms simple ingredients into a crave-worthy meal that balances spicy, sweet, and savory flavors in every bite. After discovering this recipe three years ago, it's become my go-to solution for weeknight dinners when I need something impressive without spending hours in the kitchen.
I first made this bowl during a particularly chaotic week when I needed something quick yet satisfying. My teenager who typically avoids anything with vegetables cleaned his plate and asked for seconds. Now it's in our regular rotation, requested at least twice a month.
Ingredients
- Boneless skinless chicken breast: Provides lean protein and takes on flavors beautifully. Look for organic if possible.
- White, brown, or cauliflower rice: Serves as the perfect base. Brown rice adds extra fiber and nutrients.
- Mixed vegetables: Broccoli, bell peppers, and carrots add color, nutrition, and texture. Fresh vegetables work best, but frozen will do in a pinch.
- Olive oil: For sautéing, helps create a golden exterior on the chicken. Use good quality extra virgin for best flavor.
- Mayonnaise: Creates the creamy base for the signature sauce. Full fat gives the richest result.
- Sriracha: Delivers the bang in bang bang sauce. Adjust according to your heat preference.
- Honey: Balances the heat with natural sweetness. Local honey adds subtle flavor complexity.
- Garlic powder: Infuses the sauce with aromatic flavor without the bite of fresh garlic.
- Lime juice: Brightens everything with a touch of acidity. Fresh squeezed makes a noticeable difference.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Cook the Rice:
- Begin by preparing your choice of rice according to package directions while you work on the other components. For white rice, I find a 1 to 2 ratio of rice to water yields perfect results. The rice provides the foundation for all those flavorful toppings, so make sure it's fluffy and properly seasoned.
- Prepare the Chicken:
- Cut your chicken breast into even 1-inch cubes for consistent cooking. Season generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper on all sides. I like to let the seasoned chicken rest for about 5 minutes to absorb the flavors before cooking.
- Sauté the Chicken:
- Heat your skillet until you can feel warmth hovering your hand above it, then add olive oil. When the oil shimmers, add chicken in a single layer without crowding the pan. Let it cook undisturbed for 3 minutes before flipping pieces to achieve that beautiful golden crust. Cook until no pink remains and internal temperature reaches 165°F.
- Mix the Sauce:
- While the chicken cooks, whisk together mayonnaise, sriracha, honey, garlic powder, and lime juice in a bowl until completely smooth. The magic of this sauce is in the balance between creamy mayonnaise, spicy sriracha, and sweet honey. I always taste and adjust, adding an extra drizzle of honey if the sauce is too spicy or more sriracha if I want more heat.
- Add the Vegetables:
- Once chicken is cooked, toss in your vegetables and stir frequently for 2 to 3 minutes. I prefer my vegetables to retain some crunch, which adds textural contrast to the dish. The residual heat from the pan will continue cooking them slightly.
- Combine and Serve:
- Remove from heat and pour your bang bang sauce over everything, tossing to coat each piece of chicken and vegetable thoroughly. Spoon this glorious mixture over your prepared rice, building your bowl from the bottom up. The warm chicken and vegetables will slightly heat the sauce, creating the perfect temperature contrast.
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The sriracha is truly the star ingredient here. I discovered its versatility after buying my first bottle for this recipe and now keep multiple bottles in my pantry. My most memorable experience with this dish was serving it at an impromptu gathering after my son's basketball game. His entire team devoured three batches and their coach asked for the recipe.
Spice Level Adjustments
The beauty of homemade Bang Bang sauce is complete control over the heat level. For a kid-friendly version, start with just 1 teaspoon of sriracha and gradually increase to find your family's perfect balance. You can also offer additional sriracha on the side for heat lovers to add more at the table. The honey and mayonnaise temper the heat, so even with a full 2 tablespoons, it remains enjoyable for most palates without overwhelming the other flavors.
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Make-Ahead and Storage Options
This dish shines as meal prep for busy weeks. The chicken and vegetable mixture keeps well refrigerated for up to four days in airtight containers. Store the sauce separately when possible and add it after reheating for the freshest flavor. For best results, reheat the chicken and vegetables in a skillet with a splash of water to restore moisture or microwave covered with a damp paper towel. The sauce will thicken slightly when refrigerated but returns to proper consistency with a quick stir.
Wholesome Variations
Transform this into a lower-carb meal by serving over cauliflower rice or fresh greens instead of traditional rice. For a nutrient boost, substitute Greek yogurt for half the mayonnaise in the sauce while maintaining the creamy texture. You can also make this dish gluten free by ensuring your sriracha is certified gluten free. For a vegetarian version, replace chicken with extra firm tofu cubes or chickpeas simmered in the same seasonings.
Serving Suggestions
Elevate your Bang Bang Chicken Bowl with thoughtful garnishes like sliced green onions, toasted sesame seeds, or crushed peanuts for added crunch. For a restaurant-quality presentation, arrange components in separate sections of the bowl with the sauce drizzled over the chicken rather than mixed in. Complete the meal with a simple cucumber salad dressed with rice vinegar for a refreshing contrast to the rich sauce.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → What type of chicken works best for this dish?
Boneless, skinless chicken breast is ideal for this dish as it cooks quickly and stays tender when cut into bite-sized pieces.
- → Can I substitute the rice in this recipe?
Yes, you can use white rice, brown rice, or cauliflower rice depending on your preference or dietary needs.
- → How do I adjust the heat level of the sauce?
To make the sauce spicier, add more sriracha. For less heat, reduce the sriracha or add additional honey to balance the flavors.
- → What vegetables work best for this dish?
Mixed vegetables like broccoli, bell peppers, and carrots work well, but you can customize with your favorites, such as snap peas or zucchini.
- → How do I ensure the chicken stays tender during cooking?
Cut the chicken into small, uniform pieces for even cooking, and cook it over medium-high heat until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
- → Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the chicken, rice, and sauce separately ahead of time. Combine them just before serving to maintain freshness.
- → What can I use for garnish?
Chopped green onions, additional sriracha, or sesame seeds make excellent garnishes for added flavor and visual appeal.