If you’re craving a dish that’s bursting with sweet, spicy, and creamy flavors all in one bowl, the Bang Bang Chicken Bowl Recipe is here to deliver big time. This vibrant and satisfying meal combines perfectly cooked chicken tossed in a luscious, tongue-tingling sauce served atop fluffy rice, making it an absolute crowd-pleaser. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity yet boldness—a perfect balance that hits the spot anytime you want something comforting but exciting.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering these simple ingredients will set you up for success in making the Bang Bang Chicken Bowl Recipe. Each ingredient plays a crucial role, whether it’s the tender chicken delivering protein and texture, the colorful sauces layering on flavor, or the fresh cilantro adding that perfect pop of green and freshness.
- 1 lb chicken breast, cubed: Use boneless, skinless chicken for quick cooking and easy eating.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Adds a light, healthy fat to help brown the chicken beautifully.
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise: Provides a creamy base that balances the heat in the sauce.
- 2 tablespoons sweet chili sauce: Brings sweetness and mild heat for that signature bang bang flavor.
- 1 tablespoon sriracha sauce: Gives a spicy kick that complements the sweet chili sauce perfectly.
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar: Adds acidity to brighten and balance the dish.
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce: Boosts umami flavor and adds a savory depth.
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder: Infuses a subtle garlicky warmth without overpowering.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential seasonings to enhance all the flavors.
- 1 cup cooked rice: The fluffy base that soaks up all that delicious sauce.
- Fresh cilantro, for garnish: Adds a bright, herbal freshness to finish the bowl beautifully.
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—this helps create a nice golden crust while keeping the inside tender. Add the cubed chicken to the pan and cook for about 6 to 8 minutes until every piece is cooked through and perfectly browned. This step is vital because a well-seared chicken gives you those juicy bites packed with flavor in your Bang Bang Chicken Bowl Recipe.
Step 2: Make the Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together the creamy mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, spicy sriracha, tangy rice vinegar, savory soy sauce, garlic powder, and a pinch of salt and pepper. The key here is to get the sauce silky and evenly mixed so it can beautifully coat the chicken, bringing an unforgettable bang of flavor in every bite.
Step 3: Coat the Chicken
Once the chicken is cooked, transfer it to the bowl with your homemade sauce. Toss gently but thoroughly until each piece is generously coated. This saucy step is what really transforms the chicken, marrying the heat, sweetness, and creaminess that the Bang Bang Chicken Bowl Recipe is known for.
Step 4: Serve
Now, it’s time for the golden moment—serve your sauce-coated chicken over a fluffy bed of freshly cooked rice. Sprinkle with fresh cilantro for a pop of color and an herbal burst that brightens every mouthful. This dish is ready to impress whether it’s a quick weeknight dinner or a special meal to share.
How to Serve Bang Bang Chicken Bowl Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh cilantro is the classic garnish, adding a lively, green brightness that cuts through the richness of the sauce. Feel free to add thinly sliced green onions or a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds for extra texture and flavor. These little touches elevate your bowl visually and taste-wise.
Side Dishes
Pair this bowl with crisp cucumber salad or steamed veggies like broccoli or snap peas for a refreshing contrast. A side of pickled carrots or daikon can add a tangy crunch that complements the creamy, spicy chicken perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve your Bang Bang Chicken Bowl Recipe in crunchy lettuce cups for a fresh, handheld option. Alternatively, layering it with stir-fried veggies or swapping out rice for quinoa or cauliflower rice can give it variety and cater to different dietary preferences without losing any of the original charm.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Any leftover Bang Bang Chicken Bowl Recipe can be stored in an airtight container and kept in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This makes it an excellent option for meal prep or a quick lunch the next day. Just keep the rice and sauced chicken together to let those flavors meld.
Freezing
If you want to save some for later, freeze the cooked chicken and sauce separately from the rice. Place the chicken in a freezer-safe container and the rice in a separate bag to avoid sogginess. Frozen chicken lasts up to 2 months for best flavor and freshness.
Reheating
To reheat, thaw frozen chicken overnight in the fridge, then warm gently in a skillet or microwave until heated through. Reheat the rice separately to keep it fluffy. Toss the chicken and rice together just before serving for the best taste and texture.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs are a great choice if you prefer a juicier, more flavorful bite. Just adjust cooking time slightly to ensure they are cooked through.
Is this dish very spicy?
It has a mild to moderate spice level thanks to the sriracha and sweet chili sauce. You can adjust the sriracha amount to make it milder or bolder to suit your taste.
What’s the best rice to use for this recipe?
Long-grain white rice or jasmine rice works best as they’re fluffy and fragrant, absorbing the saucy chicken beautifully. Brown rice is a nutritious alternative if you want extra fiber.
Can I make the sauce vegan?
Yes, swap mayonnaise with a vegan alternative or creamy avocado, and ensure your chili sauce and soy sauce are vegan-friendly. The sauce will still be deliciously creamy and flavorful.
Is this recipe keto-friendly?
The classic version uses rice, which isn’t keto-friendly. However, you can replace the rice with cauliflower rice to keep the flavors intact while making it compliant with keto diet.
Final Thoughts
I genuinely hope you give this Bang Bang Chicken Bowl Recipe a whirl because it’s such a satisfying, flavor-packed meal that comes together so easily. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or sharing with loved ones, the vibrant sauces and tender chicken will brighten your day. Sometimes the simplest dishes become your favorites, and this bowl just might be one of those delicious discoveries you keep coming back to.
Print
Bang Bang Chicken Bowl Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings 1x
Description
Bang Bang Chicken Bowl is a flavorful and quick dish featuring tender cubed chicken breast sautéed in olive oil and coated in a creamy, spicy bang bang sauce. Served over a bed of fluffy cooked rice and garnished with fresh cilantro, this recipe delivers a delicious blend of sweet, tangy, and spicy flavors perfect for a satisfying weeknight meal.
Ingredients
Chicken and Rice
- 1 lb chicken breast, cubed
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 cup cooked rice
Bang Bang 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 is 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 cooked, transfer it to the bowl with the sauce and toss thoroughly to evenly coat each piece with the bang bang sauce.
- Serve: Spoon the saucy chicken over a bed of cooked rice. Garnish with fresh cilantro leaves for a bright, herbaceous finish. Serve immediately while warm.
Notes
- You can substitute the chicken breast with chicken thighs for a juicier texture.
- Adjust the sriracha amount if you prefer the dish more or less spicy.
- Use brown rice or cauliflower rice for a healthier option.
- The sauce can be made in advance and refrigerated for up to 2 days.
- For extra crunch, top with chopped peanuts or sliced green onions.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Asian Fusion
