If you’re craving a dish that bursts with bold flavors yet comes together in a snap, the Bang Bang Chicken Bowl Recipe is your new best friend in the kitchen. This vibrant bowl features tender chicken tossed in a creamy, spicy sauce that combines sweet chili, sriracha, and a hint of tangy vinegar, all served over a comforting bed of rice. It’s a perfect balance of creamy, spicy, and savory that makes every bite irresistible and keeps you coming back for more.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Bang Bang Chicken Bowl Recipe lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient is carefully chosen to contribute to the dish’s incredible taste, texture, and eye-catching color. From juicy chicken breast to the creamy and slightly spicy sauce, every element plays a crucial role in delivering that signature bold flavor.
- 1 lb chicken breast, cubed: Using cubed chicken allows for quick, even cooking and maximum sauce coverage.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Perfect for sautéing the chicken to a golden-brown finish without overpowering the flavors.
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise: Provides the creamy base for the sauce, bringing smoothness to every bite.
- 2 tablespoons sweet chili sauce: Adds a sweet and mild heat that’s signature to bang bang flavors.
- 1 tablespoon sriracha sauce: Boosts the heat level, giving the dish its kick while balancing the sweetness.
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar: Brings a subtle tanginess that brightens the sauce and balances richness.
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce: Delivers umami depth and a touch of saltiness to the sauce mix.
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder: Infuses a warm, savory note without the fuss of fresh garlic.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential for seasoning and enhancing all the other flavors.
- 1 cup cooked rice: Acts as the perfect neutral base to soak up all the delicious sauce.
- Fresh cilantro, for garnish: Adds a burst of color and a fresh herbal lift that brightens the entire 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. Once hot, add the cubed chicken pieces. Let them cook undisturbed for a few minutes to develop a golden crust, then stir occasionally for about 6 to 8 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked through and juicy inside. This step is key for that satisfying texture that pairs beautifully with the creamy sauce.
Step 2: Make the Sauce
While the chicken cooks, whip up the signature bang bang sauce. In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, rice vinegar, soy sauce, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. This quick combination creates a luscious sauce with just the right level of spice, sweetness, and tang that defines the dish.
Step 3: Coat the Chicken
Once your chicken is cooked to perfection, transfer it to a mixing bowl and pour the sauce over it. Toss everything together gently but thoroughly so that each piece of chicken is luxuriously coated in that irresistible bang bang sauce. This ensures every bite bursts with flavor.
Step 4: Serve the Bang Bang Chicken Bowl Recipe
To build your bowl, spoon out a bed of fluffy cooked rice onto your plate or bowl. Then, pile on the sauced chicken. Finally, sprinkle fresh cilantro over the top for a pop of bright green and fresh herbal aroma that contrasts beautifully with the richness of the sauce.
How to Serve Bang Bang Chicken Bowl Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh cilantro is the classic garnish here, but if you want to get creative, try adding thin slices of green onion or a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds. These touches not only elevate the look of your bowl but add subtle layers of crunch and flavor.
Side Dishes
This dish is hearty on its own, but pairing it with a crisp cucumber salad or steamed broccoli can add refreshing contrast and extra veggies to round out the meal. A side of pickled carrots or a light Asian slaw would also complement the flavors wonderfully.
Creative Ways to Present
Take your Bang Bang Chicken Bowl Recipe to the next level by serving it in a colorful bowl paired with chopsticks or a fun reusable bento box for on-the-go lunches. You can also layer the ingredients in a mason jar for a stunning visual that’s perfect for meal prep or picnics.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover bang bang chicken keeps beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Be sure to keep the chicken and rice together to allow the flavors to meld even further, making reheated portions tastier.
Freezing
You can freeze the chicken separately in a freezer-safe container for up to a month. However, rice doesn’t freeze as well, so it’s best to prepare fresh rice when reheating. Just thaw the chicken overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat your Bang Bang Chicken Bowl in the microwave or a skillet over low heat until warmed through. If the sauce has thickened, add a splash of water or a little extra rice vinegar to loosen it up and refresh the vibrant flavors.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs offer a juicier, more flavorful alternative, and they work wonderfully in this recipe. Just adjust the cooking time slightly until the chicken is fully cooked and tender.
Is this recipe very spicy?
The Bang Bang Chicken Bowl Recipe has a balanced heat level from the sriracha and sweet chili sauce, but it’s not overwhelmingly spicy. If you prefer less heat, you can reduce the sriracha or omit it entirely.
Can I make this recipe vegan or vegetarian?
For a vegan twist, substitute chicken with crispy tofu or roasted cauliflower, and swap mayonnaise for a vegan mayo alternative. The sauce can remain largely the same, delivering that familiar bang bang punch.
What type of rice works best?
Long grain white rice or jasmine rice are both excellent choices because they’re fluffy and mild, making them the ideal base to soak up the tasty sauce. Brown rice can be used for added fiber, though it has a nuttier flavor.
Can this sauce be used on other dishes?
Definitely! This sauce is incredibly versatile. It’s fantastic drizzled over shrimp, grilled vegetables, or even as a spicy dip for fresh spring rolls or crispy fries.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about the Bang Bang Chicken Bowl Recipe that brings together easy preparation and unforgettable flavors in one colorful dish. Whether you’re cooking for a quick weeknight dinner or impressing friends with a flavorful meal, this bowl never fails to deliver joy and satisfaction. Give it a try, and I promise it will become a favorite in your recipe rotation as well!
Print
Bang Bang Chicken Bowl Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Asian Fusion
Description
This Bang Bang Chicken Bowl offers a delightful combination of tender, pan-cooked chicken breast coated in a creamy, spicy-sweet sauce, served over a bed of fluffy cooked rice and garnished with fresh cilantro. Perfect for a quick and flavorful weeknight meal, this recipe balances heat from sriracha with the sweetness of chili sauce, creating a vibrant and satisfying dish.
Ingredients
Chicken and Rice
- 1 lb chicken breast, cubed
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 cup cooked rice
- Fresh cilantro, for garnish
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
Instructions
- Cook the Chicken: Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the cubed chicken breast and cook for 6-8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is golden brown and fully cooked through.
- Make the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the 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 cooked, transfer it to the bowl with the sauce. Toss thoroughly, ensuring each piece is evenly coated with the creamy and spicy sauce.
- Serve: Spoon the saucy chicken over a bed of cooked rice. Garnish with fresh cilantro leaves for a bright and fresh finish. Serve immediately for best flavor.
Notes
- Use chicken thighs instead of breasts for a juicier, more flavorful dish.
- Adjust the amount of sriracha sauce to your preferred spice level.
- For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari.
- Leftover sauce can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Try adding steamed or sautéed vegetables like bell peppers or broccoli for extra nutrition and color.
