This Easy Bang Bang Chicken Bowl is a quick meal filled with tasty chicken drizzled in a creamy, spicy sauce. It’s perfect for busy days when you want something yummy!
The best part? You can customize this bowl with your favorite veggies or rice! I love piling mine high with crunchy veggies and a sprinkle of sesame seeds. So good! 😋
Making this dish is a breeze! Just cook the chicken, mix the sauce, and combine everything in a bowl. Dinner is ready in no time, and you’ll definitely want seconds!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: I like using boneless chicken thighs for their added moisture, but breasts work just as well. If you’re vegetarian, try using tofu or chickpeas instead! Both will absorb the flavors nicely.
Rice: White rice gives a classic taste, but brown rice adds more fiber. Quinoa or cauliflower rice can be a great gluten-free substitute if you’re looking to mix it up.
Veggies: I love the crunch from shredded carrots and cucumbers. Try adding bell peppers, broccoli, or even avocado to change things up! Fresh herbs like cilantro can also brighten the flavors.
Bang Bang Sauce: The sauce is creamy and spicy! If you’re not a mayo fan, substitute it with Greek yogurt. For a vegan option, use dairy-free mayo or nut milk yogurt.
What’s the Best Way to Cook the Chicken?
Getting your chicken perfectly cooked is key to this dish. Here’s how to do it:
- Heat your skillet over medium-high heat and add oil. It’ll help achieve a nice sear.
- Add the chicken in a single layer; this helps it cook evenly.
- Cook for about 6-8 minutes, flipping occasionally, until it’s golden brown and has no pink inside.
Feel free to check the internal temp; 165°F (75°C) is ideal! Letting it cook properly prevents it from becoming dry—trust me, it’s worth it!
Easy Bang Bang Chicken Bowl
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- For the Bowl:
- 1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup cooked white or brown rice
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1 cup shredded carrots
- 1 cup sliced cucumber or snap peas
- 2 green onions, sliced
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds (optional)
- For the Bang Bang Sauce:
- 1/3 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons Thai sweet chili sauce
- 1-2 teaspoons sriracha sauce (adjust for heat preference)
- 1 teaspoon honey or sugar (optional for extra sweetness)
- 1 teaspoon lime juice (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prep and around 10-15 minutes to cook, making it ready in about 25-30 minutes total. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner that’s flavorful and satisfying!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Rice:
Start by preparing the rice according to the package instructions. Once it’s done, keep it warm while you make the rest of the meal!
2. Cook the Chicken:
In a large skillet, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Add the bite-sized pieces of chicken and cook, stirring occasionally, until they are golden brown and no longer pink in the center. This should take about 6-8 minutes.
3. Make the Bang Bang Sauce:
While the chicken is cooking, mix together the mayonnaise, Thai sweet chili sauce, sriracha, honey, and lime juice in a small bowl. This creamy sauce is what gives the dish its delicious flavor!
4. Combine Chicken and Sauce:
Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the heat. Toss the chicken pieces with most of the bang bang sauce you just made, saving a little for drizzling later. This will coat the chicken in that yummy sauce!
5. Assemble the Bowls:
To serve, place a scoop of the warm rice in each bowl. Top with the bang bang chicken, and add the shredded carrots, cucumber or snap peas, and sliced green onions on top.
6. Finishing Touches:
Drizzle the reserved bang bang sauce over everything for an extra kick. If you like, sprinkle some sesame seeds on top for added crunch!
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Your Easy Bang Bang Chicken Bowl is all set! Serve immediately while it’s warm, and enjoy this flavorful, colorful meal!
FAQ for Easy Bang Bang Chicken Bowl
Can I Use Frozen Chicken for This Recipe?
Absolutely! Just be sure to thaw the frozen chicken completely before cooking. The safest way is to leave it in the fridge overnight or use the cold water method—place it in a sealed plastic bag and submerge it in cold water until thawed. Pat it dry before cooking to ensure it gets nice and crispy!
Can I Make the Bang Bang Sauce Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the bang bang sauce up to 2 days in advance! Store it in an airtight container in the fridge. Just give it a good stir before using, as the ingredients may separate while sitting.
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to eat, gently reheat it in a skillet over low heat to maintain the chicken’s moisture and crispness. You can also microwave it, but stirring occasionally is key to even heating!
What Other Veggies Can I Use?
The great thing about this bowl is its versatility! Feel free to swap in any of your favorite veggies like bell peppers, avocados, or even steamed broccoli. Just make sure to cut everything into bite-sized pieces for easy eating!
