Introduction
Are you looking for a tasty, quick, and fun dinner idea? The Bang Bang Chicken Bowl is just what you need! It’s packed with juicy chicken, crunchy veggies, fluffy rice, and a creamy, spicy-sweet sauce that makes every bite exciting. Best of all, you can make it in one pan and in under 30 minutes!
This dish is perfect for busy weeknights or even meal prep. It’s colorful, full of flavor, and much healthier than takeout. And don’t worry — it’s not too spicy! You can always adjust the heat to match your taste. Let’s jump right in and learn how to make this delicious bowl step by step.
Ingredients – Bang Bang Chicken Bowl
Here’s everything you’ll need to make this easy Bang Bang Chicken Bowl. These are common ingredients that you can find in any grocery store:
For the Chicken:
- 2 boneless chicken breasts (cut into small cubes)
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (or any cooking oil)
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
For the Sauce (Bang Bang Sauce):
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons sweet chili sauce
- 1 tablespoon sriracha (use less if you don’t like too much spice)
- 1 tablespoon honey (optional, for a sweeter taste)
- 1 teaspoon lime juice (for a little zing)
For the Bowl:
- 2 cups cooked white or brown rice
- 1 cup shredded lettuce or cabbage
- 1 small cucumber (sliced thin)
- 1 medium carrot (shredded or julienned)
- ¼ cup chopped green onions (optional)
- Sesame seeds (optional, for garnish)
Step by Step Process – Bang Bang Chicken Bowl
Let’s break down the process into simple steps:
Step 1: Cook the Chicken
- In a medium bowl, add the chicken pieces and sprinkle with cornstarch, salt, and pepper.
- Toss until the chicken is fully coated.
- Heat a large pan over medium heat and add oil.
- Cook the chicken for 6-8 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden brown and cooked through.
- Remove from heat and let it rest.
Step 2: Make the Bang Bang Sauce
- In a small bowl, mix mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, lime juice, and honey.
- Stir until smooth and creamy.
- Taste and adjust spice or sweetness as you like.
Step 3: Mix Chicken with Sauce
- Pour the Bang Bang sauce over the cooked chicken.
- Toss well until all the chicken pieces are evenly coated.
Step 4: Prepare the Bowl
- In a serving bowl, add a base layer of cooked rice.
- Add a handful of lettuce or cabbage on one side.
- Add sliced cucumbers and shredded carrots on the other side.
- Place the coated chicken in the center of the bowl.
- Top with green onions and sesame seeds if you like.
And you’re done! Your Bang Bang Chicken Bowl is ready to enjoy. Isn’t that super easy?
Nutritional Information
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 520 kcal |
| Protein | 30 g |
| Carbohydrates | 45 g |
| Sugars | 10 g |
| Fiber | 4 g |
| Total Fat | 26 g |
| Saturated Fat | 5 g |
| Sodium | 650 mg |
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes! You can cook the chicken and rice ahead of time and store them in the fridge. Just add the sauce and fresh veggies when you’re ready to eat.
Q2: What if I don’t eat spicy food?
No problem! Just reduce the amount of sriracha in the sauce or leave it out completely. You’ll still get a tasty flavor from the sweet chili sauce.
Q3: Can I use other meats instead of chicken?
Absolutely. Shrimp, tofu, or even crispy baked cauliflower can be used as a great alternative.
Q4: Is this dish gluten-free?
It can be! Just make sure the sweet chili sauce and other ingredients you use are labeled gluten-free.
Q5: How long does Bang Bang Chicken last in the fridge?
It will stay fresh for up to 3 days in an airtight container. Keep the veggies and sauce separate if you want them to stay crunchy.
Final Thoughts
The Bang Bang Chicken Bowl is one of those meals that’s hard not to love. It’s simple, fast, and full of color and flavor. Whether you’re making dinner for your family, packing a healthy lunch, or just craving something satisfying, this bowl will hit the spot.
You don’t need any fancy skills to make this dish, and you can easily change the ingredients based on what you have at home. Want to make it vegetarian? Swap the chicken for tofu. Want to go low-carb? Try using cauliflower rice instead of regular rice.
So next time you’re hungry and want something delicious without spending hours in the kitchen, give this recipe a try. You’ll be glad you did!
