If you’re craving a dish that combines bold flavors, vibrant colors, and satisfying textures all in one bowl, you’re going to love this Bang Bang Chicken Bowl Recipe. It’s a family-friendly meal that brings together tender, golden chicken drenched in a creamy, spicy sauce, fresh veggies, and fluffy rice for the perfect balance of spicy, tangy, and comforting. This recipe is straightforward yet bursting with flavor, making it a winning choice for weeknight dinners or when you want to impress without spending hours in the kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this Bang Bang Chicken Bowl Recipe is simple but essential, contributing to the dish’s delicious layers of flavor and texture—from the juicy chicken to the crisp veggies and that irresistible spicy sauce.
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Use about 1 pound, cut into bite-sized pieces for quick and even cooking.
- Fresh garlic cloves: Three cloves minced add a punch of aromatic flavor you can’t skip.
- White or brown rice: One cup cooked rice forms the hearty base that balances the spice and creaminess.
- Assorted bell peppers: One cup sliced, choose red, yellow, and green for a colorful and sweet crunch.
- Medium cucumber: Thinly sliced, it brings a cool and refreshing bite to the bowl.
- Sriracha sauce: Three tablespoons (adjust to your heat preference) for that iconic Bang Bang spice kick.
- Mayonnaise: Half a cup to create the creamy texture that ties the sauce together perfectly.
- Lime juice: The juice of one lime adds brightness and balances the spice with citrusy tang.
- Green onions: A couple chopped, perfect for garnish and a subtle onion flavor finish.
- Salt and pepper: To season your chicken just right.
- Cooking oil: For sautéing the chicken and peppers to golden perfection.
How to Make Bang Bang Chicken Bowl Recipe
Step 1: Prepare and Season the Chicken
Begin by cutting your boneless, skinless chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces. Season them generously with salt and pepper to bring out their natural flavors. This simple seasoning is the base for the flavorful bang bang sauce to come.
Step 2: Cook Chicken to Golden Perfection
Heat some oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken pieces and cook until they turn a beautiful golden brown and are cooked through, which usually takes about 6 to 8 minutes. The caramelization here creates a savory depth that makes this Bang Bang Chicken Bowl Recipe truly stand out.
Step 3: Whisk Together the Bang Bang Sauce
While the chicken cooks, whisk mayonnaise, Sriracha, and fresh lime juice together in a bowl until smooth. Taste and adjust the Sriracha for your desired spice level—this sauce is creamy with a vibrant kick, a signature element of the dish.
Step 4: Sauté the Bell Peppers
Using the same skillet (no need to dirty another dish), sauté the sliced bell peppers until they are just tender, about 3 to 4 minutes. This quick cook keeps the peppers crisp with a slight sweetness and a pop of color that brightens the bowl.
Step 5: Combine Chicken and Sauce
Return the cooked chicken to the skillet with the peppers, pour in the Bang Bang sauce, and stir everything together. Let it heat through for about 2 minutes so the chicken is fully coated and juicy with the creamy, spicy sauce.
Step 6: Serve Over Rice and Garnish
Finally, pile the saucy chicken and peppers over a bed of fluffy cooked rice, then sprinkle chopped green onions on top for freshness and a bit of crunch. This makes for a gorgeous and mouthwatering presentation of your Bang Bang Chicken Bowl Recipe.
How to Serve Bang Bang Chicken Bowl Recipe
Garnishes
Chopped green onions are the classic finish, adding both color and a mild, fresh onion flavor that complements the richness of the sauce. You can also sprinkle some toasted sesame seeds or a squeeze of extra lime for brightness.
Side Dishes
This dish shines as a standalone meal thanks to its balanced elements, but if you want to add a side, consider a simple Asian-style slaw, steamed edamame, or even crispy spring rolls. These sides provide texture contrasts and extra veggies to round out the meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve your Bang Bang Chicken Bowl Recipe in individual mason jars for on-the-go lunches, or arrange it in colorful bowls for a vibrant tablescape. Adding a drizzle of extra sauce or some fresh cilantro on top makes it feel restaurant-worthy and special.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Bang Bang Chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Keep your rice and sauce separate if possible to maintain the best texture when reheating.
Freezing
This recipe freezes well if you want to prep in advance. Freeze cooked chicken with sauce and peppers in a freezer-safe container for up to two months. Defrost overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave, stirring occasionally to ensure even warmth. Add a splash of water or a little extra lime juice to brighten the flavors back up if needed.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs will give you a juicier, slightly richer flavor that works wonderfully with the Bang Bang sauce. Just adjust cooking time to ensure they’re cooked through.
Is this recipe very spicy?
The spice level is completely adjustable. The Sriracha provides the heat, so start with less if you’re sensitive and add more to taste in the sauce mixture.
Can I make this vegetarian or vegan?
Yes! Substitute the chicken for tofu or chickpeas, and swap mayonnaise for a vegan mayo alternative. The sauce and veggies will still deliver that delicious bang bang flair.
What kind of rice works best?
Both white and brown rice work well here. Brown rice adds a nuttier flavor and more fiber, while white rice is softer and quicker to cook. Choose based on your preference and time.
Can I prepare parts of this recipe in advance?
Definitely! You can cook the rice and chop the veggies ahead of time, even make the sauce up to a day ahead. Cooking the chicken just before serving ensures it stays juicy and fresh.
Final Thoughts
This Bang Bang Chicken Bowl Recipe is a fantastic way to enjoy a meal that’s vibrant, flavorful, and quick to put together. It’s a dish that feels special but is simple enough for any weeknight. Once you try it, you’ll understand why it’s such a favorite to return to time and again. Go ahead and give it a whirl—you won’t regret adding this one to your recipe rotation!
Print
Bang Bang Chicken Bowl Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Asian Fusion
Description
This vibrant Bang Bang Chicken Bowl combines tender, sautéed chicken tossed in a creamy, spicy Sriracha-lime sauce served over a bed of fluffy rice and fresh sautéed bell peppers. Garnished with crisp cucumber slices and green onions, this dish offers a perfect balance of heat, tang, and freshness in a quick 30-minute meal ideal for weekday dinners.
Ingredients
Protein
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 lb)
- 3 cloves fresh garlic, minced
Grains
- 1 cup white or brown rice
Vegetables
- 1 cup assorted bell peppers, sliced (red, yellow, green)
- 1 medium cucumber, thinly sliced
- 2 green onions, chopped (for garnish)
Sauce
- 3 tbsp Sriracha sauce (adjust for spice level)
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- Juice of 1 lime
Seasonings
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- 1 tbsp oil (for cooking)
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Cut the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces. Season them generously with salt and pepper to enhance the flavor.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken pieces and cook until they turn golden brown and the juices run clear, about 6-8 minutes. Stir occasionally to ensure even cooking.
- Make the Sauce: In a bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, Sriracha sauce, and lime juice until smooth. Taste and adjust seasoning to your preference, adding more Sriracha if desired for extra heat.
- Sauté the Bell Peppers: Using the same skillet, add the sliced bell peppers and cook until just tender, about 3-4 minutes. This step helps retain the peppers’ vibrant color and slight crunch.
- Combine Chicken and Sauce: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet with the bell peppers. Pour the prepared sauce over the chicken and vegetables, mixing well to ensure everything is evenly coated. Heat through for an additional 2 minutes to meld the flavors.
- Assemble the Bowl: Serve the saucy chicken and bell peppers over a bed of cooked white or brown rice. Top with thinly sliced cucumber and chopped green onions for a fresh, crunchy garnish.
Notes
- For a low-fat version, substitute mayonnaise with Greek yogurt.
- Use brown rice instead of white rice for added fiber and nutrients.
- Adjust the amount of Sriracha to control the spice level according to taste.
- Adding fresh cilantro or sesame seeds as garnish can enhance flavor and presentation.
- Ensure the chicken is cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for food safety.
