Flavor Explosion for Beginners

This hearty Bang Bang Chicken Bowl has become my weeknight dinner savior when I need something quick yet impressive. The creamy, spicy-sweet sauce transforms simple ingredients into a restaurant-worthy meal that even beginner cooks can master with ease.

I first made this recipe when my sister dropped by unexpectedly for dinner. With just what I had in my pantry, I whipped this up and she asked for the recipe before even finishing her bowl!

Ingredients

• Boneless skinless chicken breast perfect for quick cooking and lean protein
• Cooked rice creates a satisfying base that soaks up all the delicious sauce
• Mixed vegetables add color, texture, and nutrition
• Mayonnaise forms the creamy base of our signature sauce
• Sriracha brings the heat that gives this dish its signature kick
• Honey balances the spice with just the right touch of sweetness
• Garlic powder adds depth without the fuss of fresh garlic
• Lime juice brightens all the flavors with necessary acidity

Step-by-Step Instructions

Cook the Rice

Begin by preparing your rice according to package instructions. This component can be made ahead and reheated. For best results, fluff the rice with a fork before serving to prevent clumping. The type of rice you choose will affect the final texture and flavor of your bowl.

Prepare the Chicken

Cut your chicken breast into uniform bite sized pieces about 1 inch in size. Season generously with salt and pepper on all sides. Taking time to cut pieces evenly ensures they cook at the same rate and prevents some pieces from drying out while waiting for others to finish cooking.

Sauté the Chicken

Heat your olive oil in a large skillet until it shimmers but doesn't smoke. Add the chicken pieces in a single layer without overcrowding the pan. Allow them to cook undisturbed for 3 minutes before stirring to develop a golden crust. Continue cooking for another 3 5 minutes until no pink remains in the center.

Mix the Sauce

Combine mayonnaise, sriracha, honey, garlic powder, and lime juice in a bowl, whisking until completely smooth. The sauce should have a beautiful pale orange color. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed. Remember the sauce will slightly mellow when mixed with other ingredients.

Add the Vegetables

Toss your vegetables into the hot pan with the cooked chicken. The residual heat will help them cook quickly while maintaining their vibrant color and slight crunch. Stir constantly during this phase to ensure even cooking. The vegetables should remain bright and just tender.

Combine and Serve

Remove the pan from heat before adding your sauce. The hot ingredients will warm the sauce perfectly without breaking it. Gently fold everything together until evenly coated. Spoon this flavorful mixture over your prepared rice, creating a beautiful, colorful bowl.

Bookmark

The first time I made this recipe, I accidentally added double the sriracha. My husband who usually avoids spicy food couldn't stop eating it even as his face turned red! Now we joke that tears are the secret ingredient in our family version.

Perfect Rice Every Time

Rinsing your rice before cooking removes excess starch and prevents gumminess. For this recipe, fluffy rice with distinct grains works best as it provides the perfect base to soak up the flavorful sauce without becoming mushy. If using a rice cooker, add a tablespoon of butter and a pinch of salt to elevate the flavor. For a healthier twist, cauliflower rice makes an excellent low carb alternative that still carries the sauce beautifully.

Make It Your Own

This recipe welcomes endless variations. Swap chicken for shrimp, tofu, or thinly sliced beef. The cooking time will vary slightly depending on your protein choice. For vegetables, anything works from sugar snap peas to zucchini or mushrooms. The sauce can be adapted too add grated ginger for warmth, a splash of fish sauce for umami, or peanut butter for a nutty twist. Make this recipe reflect your personal taste preferences.

Storage and Meal Prep

This Bang Bang Chicken Bowl stores beautifully in the refrigerator for up to three days. For best results, store the components separately the rice, the chicken and vegetable mixture, and the sauce. This prevents the rice from absorbing too much moisture and becoming soggy. When ready to eat, reheat the rice and chicken vegetable mixture separately before combining and adding fresh sauce. The sauce itself will keep for up to a week in a sealed container.

Recipe Q&A

→ Can I make Bang Bang Chicken Bowl ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the components separately and store them in the refrigerator for 2-3 days. Cook the rice and chicken, prepare the sauce, and store them in separate containers. When ready to serve, reheat the chicken and rice, then add the sauce. For best results, add fresh vegetables when reheating rather than storing pre-cooked vegetables.

→ How spicy is Bang Bang sauce?

The spice level is customizable based on how much sriracha you add. The standard recipe provides a moderate heat that's balanced by the sweetness of honey and creaminess of mayonnaise. If you prefer milder flavors, start with 1 tablespoon of sriracha instead of 2. For extra heat, add more sriracha or a pinch of red pepper flakes.

→ What can I substitute for mayonnaise in Bang Bang sauce?

Greek yogurt makes an excellent substitute for a lighter version with added protein. You can also use sour cream or a plant-based mayonnaise for a dairy-free or vegan option. The texture might be slightly different, but the flavor profile will remain similar, especially with the sriracha and honey balancing the creaminess.

→ What vegetables work best in this chicken bowl?

While the recipe suggests broccoli, bell peppers, and carrots, you can customize based on preference or what's in your refrigerator. Snow peas, sugar snap peas, zucchini, mushrooms, and spinach all work well. For best results, cut harder vegetables into smaller pieces so they cook in the same timeframe as more tender options.

→ Can I make Bang Bang Chicken Bowl with other proteins?

Absolutely! This versatile dish works well with shrimp, tofu, pork, or beef. For shrimp, reduce cooking time to 2-3 minutes per side. For tofu, press it first to remove excess moisture, then cut into cubes and cook until golden. Thinly sliced beef or pork will cook in about 4-5 minutes. The Bang Bang sauce complements all these proteins beautifully.

→ How can I make this dish healthier?

Several easy modifications can make this dish lighter: substitute cauliflower rice for regular rice, use Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise in the sauce, increase the vegetable-to-chicken ratio, and use a cooking spray instead of olive oil. These changes reduce calories and carbohydrates while maintaining the delicious flavor profile of the original dish.