Bang Bang Chicken Bowl

Discover the perfect balance of heat and creaminess with this Bang Bang Chicken Bowl. This vibrant, beginner-friendly dish is packed with tender chicken and crunchy vegetables, making it an ideal choice for a quick weeknight dinner or a fresh addition to your meal prep routine.

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This Asian-inspired main dish yields four servings and is designed for ease. By combining pantry staples with fresh produce, you can create a wholesome meal that looks as impressive as it tastes, all within 45 minutes of total time.

Ingredients

• Chicken: 1 lb (450 g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs (cut into bite-sized pieces), 1 tbsp olive oil, ½ tsp salt, ¼ tsp black pepper.
• Bang Bang Sauce: ½ cup mayonnaise, 3 tbsp sweet chili sauce, 1–2 tsp sriracha (adjust to taste), 1 tsp honey (optional), 1 clove garlic (minced).
• Bowl & Toppings: 2 cups cooked white or brown rice, 1 cup shredded carrots, 1 cup cucumber (thinly sliced), 1 cup red cabbage (shredded), 2 green onions (sliced), 1 tbsp sesame seeds (optional garnish), ¼ cup fresh cilantro leaves (optional garnish).

Grill meats and vegetables indoors with beautiful sear marks and easy cleanup using minimal oil.

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Instructions

Step 1

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.

Step 2

Season chicken pieces with salt and pepper. Add to the skillet and cook, stirring occasionally, until golden and cooked through, about 6–8 minutes. Remove from heat.

Step 3

In a bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, honey (if using), and minced garlic to create the Bang Bang sauce.

Step 4

Drizzle half of the sauce over the cooked chicken and toss to coat evenly.

Step 5

Divide cooked rice among four bowls. Arrange chicken, shredded carrots, cucumber slices, red cabbage, and green onions on top.

Step 6

Drizzle remaining Bang Bang sauce over the assembled bowls.

Step 7

Garnish with sesame seeds and fresh cilantro if desired. Serve immediately.

Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung

To ensure the best results, use a high-quality non-stick skillet for the chicken. When preparing your vegetables, aim for thin, uniform slices to maximize the crunch and aesthetic appeal of the bowl. If you are using a rice cooker, start it before you begin prepping the other ingredients to ensure everything is ready at the same time.

Varianten und Anpassungen

For a lighter option, use Greek yogurt in place of mayonnaise. For a vegetarian version, substitute cauliflower or tofu for the chicken. To make this meal gluten-free, use tamari or gluten-free soy sauce in the sauce and ensure your chili sauce brand is certified gluten-free.

Serviervorschläge

This dish pairs exceptionally well with a crisp white wine, such as Sauvignon Blanc. For those tracking nutrition, each serving contains approximately 485 calories, 28g of protein, and 44g of carbohydrates. Be mindful that the dish contains garlic and eggs (via mayonnaise), and sesame if using the optional garnish.

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Whether you are serving this for a cozy family dinner or packing it for tomorrow's lunch, the Bang Bang Chicken Bowl offers a delicious, satisfying, and colorful meal that never fails to please. Enjoy the vibrant textures and bold flavors in every single bite!

Boil water quickly for tea, coffee, instant soups, and faster prep when cooking grains or noodles.

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Common Questions About Recipes

→ What does Bang Bang sauce taste like?

Bang Bang sauce delivers a creamy, spicy-sweet flavor profile. The mayonnaise provides rich smoothness, sweet chili sauce adds subtle sweetness, and sriracha brings gentle heat. A touch of honey and garlic enhances the depth, creating a balanced sauce that's neither overwhelmingly spicy nor too sweet.

→ Can I make this bowl ahead for meal prep?

Absolutely. This bowl meal preps beautifully. Store cooked chicken and sauce separately from the vegetables and rice to maintain optimal texture. Reheat chicken gently and assemble bowls fresh, adding crisp vegetables just before serving. The sauce actually develops more flavor after sitting in the refrigerator for a day or two.

→ How can I adjust the spice level?

Control the heat by varying the sriracha amount. Start with one teaspoon for mild spice, or increase to two teaspoons for medium heat. For extra kick, add additional sriracha or a pinch of red pepper flakes. If you prefer minimal spice, reduce sriracha and increase honey slightly to balance the flavors.

→ What protein alternatives work well?

Shrimp pairs beautifully with Bang Bang sauce and cooks even faster than chicken. Firm tofu cubes work for plant-based versions—press and pan-fry before coating with sauce. Salmon fillets or pork tenderloin slices also complement the spicy-sweet flavors. Adjust cooking times accordingly for your chosen protein.

→ Can I lighten this dish?

Yes. Substitute Greek yogurt for mayonnaise in the sauce to reduce fat while maintaining creaminess. Use cauliflower rice or a 50-50 blend of cauliflower and regular rice to lower carbohydrates. Increase the ratio of vegetables to chicken for more fiber and nutrients. These adjustments keep the satisfying flavors while making it lighter.

→ What vegetables can I use?

Beyond the suggested carrots, cucumber, and cabbage, try sliced bell peppers, snap peas, shredded broccoli slaw, or edamame. Avocado adds rich creaminess that complements the spicy sauce. Pickled vegetables like radishes or carrots provide tangy contrast. Use whatever fresh produce you have on hand for a custom bowl.