Introduction
Bang Bang Chicken Bowls are a delightful fusion of flavors that will brighten up your mealtime. This recipe comes together quickly and packs a serious punch with a creamy, spicy sauce that elevates simple chicken and rice to something spectacular. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or meal prep for busy days ahead, each bowl bursts with vibrant colors and textures, making it as enjoyable to eat as it is to prepare.
Why you’ll love this dish
There are countless reasons to whip up Bang Bang Chicken Bowls in your kitchen. First off, this dish is incredibly quick to prepare, taking less than 30 minutes from start to finish. It’s budget-friendly, utilizing straightforward ingredients that you can easily find at your local grocery store. Plus, the balance of protein from chicken, carbohydrates from rice, and nutrition from mixed veggies creates a well-rounded meal that even picky eaters will enjoy.
"This bowl is a game changer! The sauce is absolutely addictive, and my kids couldn’t get enough of it!" – Satisfied Home Cook
For those busy weeknights or casual family brunches, these bowls make for a hassle-free culinary experience that leaves everyone satisfied.
Step-by-step overview
Making Bang Bang Chicken Bowls is as simple as it is rewarding. The first step is to whip up a creamy Bang Bang sauce that brings together sweet, spicy, and savory notes in perfect harmony. Next, you will pan-sear the chicken until it’s tender and succulent. Once the chicken is done, add in the colorful mixed vegetables, letting them soften while retaining their crispness. Finally, layer everything over a bed of fluffy rice, drizzle with that irresistible sauce, and garnish with fresh green onions.
What you’ll need
To recreate these mouthwatering Bang Bang Chicken Bowls, gather the following ingredients:
- 1 lb chicken breast, diced
- 2 cups cooked rice (your choice: white, brown, or jasmine)
- 1 cup mixed vegetables (opt for bell peppers, broccoli, and carrots)
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons sriracha sauce
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Chopped green onions for garnish
Feel free to swap in any vegetables you have on hand or customize the heat level of the sauce by adjusting the sriracha.
Directions to follow
- In a bowl, combine the mayonnaise, sriracha, honey, soy sauce, and a pinch of salt and pepper to create the Bang Bang sauce.
- Preheat a skillet over medium heat and add the diced chicken. Cook for about 5-7 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked and no longer pink in the center.
- Toss the mixed vegetables into the skillet, stirring frequently until they’re vibrant and tender.
- In serving bowls, layer the cooked rice, followed by the chicken and vegetable mixture. Drizzle generously with the Bang Bang sauce.
- Top with chopped green onions for that fresh finishing touch. Serve warm and savor each delicious bite!
Best ways to enjoy it
To serve your Bang Bang Chicken Bowls like a pro, consider plating them in clear dishes to showcase the colorful layers. You can also add a sprinkle of sesame seeds for extra crunch or a side of crispy egg rolls for a fun appetizer. If you want to enhance the meal further, pair it with a light cucumber salad or a side of steamed dumplings for a complete feast.
Storage and reheating tips
These Bang Bang Chicken Bowls are perfect for meal prep! Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If you wish to extend their freshness even further, you can freeze the chicken and veggie mixture separately from the rice. Just reheat in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through, and add some fresh rice to enjoy a tasty meal.
Helpful cooking tips
For the best results, remember to dice your chicken into even pieces to ensure it cooks uniformly. If you’re short on time, use pre-cooked rotisserie chicken; just add it to the skillet with the vegetables for a quick mix. Taste your sauce and adjust the sweetness or heat to suit your preference – a teaspoon of lime juice can add a refreshing zing, too.
Creative twists
Feeling adventurous? You can switch up the proteins by using shrimp or tofu for a different flavor profile. Add some crushed peanuts or cashews on top for a crunchy twist, or try using spaghetti squash instead of rice for a lower-carb option. The sauce also works wonderfully with different proteins such as pork or beef, so feel free to experiment with variations.
Common questions
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the chicken and vegetables in advance and store them in the fridge. Just reheat when you’re ready to serve.What can I use if I don’t have sriracha?
If sriracha isn’t on hand, try using any hot sauce you enjoy or mix in some chili garlic sauce for a similar kick.How long can I store leftovers?
Leftovers will stay fresh in the fridge for up to 3 days and can be frozen for about 2 months. Just remember to separate the rice for best storage options!
With these easy steps, tips, and customizations, your Bang Bang Chicken Bowls will become a staple in your kitchen, sure to please everyone at your table!
PrintBang Bang Chicken Bowls
A delightful fusion of chicken, rice, and mixed vegetables, topped with a creamy, spicy Bang Bang sauce.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian Fusion
- Diet: None
Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken breast, diced
- 2 cups cooked rice (your choice: white, brown, or jasmine)
- 1 cup mixed vegetables (bell peppers, broccoli, and carrots)
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons sriracha sauce
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Chopped green onions for garnish
Instructions
- In a bowl, combine mayonnaise, sriracha, honey, soy sauce, and a pinch of salt and pepper to create the Bang Bang sauce.
- Preheat a skillet over medium heat and add the diced chicken. Cook for about 5-7 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked and no longer pink inside.
- Toss the mixed vegetables into the skillet, stirring frequently until vibrant and tender.
- In serving bowls, layer the cooked rice, followed by the chicken and vegetable mixture. Drizzle generously with the Bang Bang sauce.
- Top with chopped green onions for a fresh finishing touch. Serve warm and enjoy!
Notes
For best results, dice your chicken evenly for uniform cooking. You can substitute pre-cooked rotisserie chicken for quick preparation.