Bang Bang Chicken Bowl

A vibrant, beginner-friendly bowl packed with tender chicken, crunchy vegetables, and a creamy, spicy Bang Bang sauce—perfect for quick weeknight dinners or meal prep. This Asian-inspired dish balances the richness of the sauce with the freshness of raw vegetables for a complete, satisfying meal.

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This recipe is designed for ease and flavor, using simple pantry staples like mayonnaise and sweet chili sauce to create a professional-tasting sauce that elevates humble chicken and rice into something special.

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, 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), ¼ cup fresh cilantro leaves (optional).

Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Chicken

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. 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 2: Prepare the Sauce

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

Step 3: Coat the Chicken

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

Step 4: Assemble the Bowls

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

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Drizzle remaining Bang Bang sauce over the assembled bowls. Garnish with sesame seeds and fresh cilantro if desired. Serve immediately.

Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung

For the best results, ensure your skillet is hot before adding the chicken to get a nice golden sear. If you are meal prepping, store the sauce and fresh vegetables separately from the rice and chicken to maintain the best texture until you are ready to eat.

Varianten und Anpassungen

For a lighter option, use Greek yogurt in place of mayonnaise. You can also substitute cauliflower or tofu for the chicken for a vegetarian version. To make the dish gluten-free, use tamari or gluten-free soy sauce and verify the labels on your chili sauce and mayonnaise brands.

Serviervorschläge

This Bang Bang Chicken Bowl is a complete meal on its own, but it pairs wonderfully with a crisp white wine such as Sauvignon Blanc. For extra heat, add extra slices of fresh jalapeño or an additional drizzle of sriracha.

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With its vibrant colors and bold flavors, this Bang Bang Chicken Bowl is sure to become a staple in your recipe rotation. Enjoy the combination of warm chicken and cool, crisp vegetables in every bite.

Recipe FAQ

→ What makes Bang Bang sauce special?

The signature sauce combines mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, and sriracha with a hint of garlic and optional honey. This creates a perfect balance of creamy, sweet, and spicy flavors that coat the chicken beautifully.

→ Can I make this bowl gluten-free?

Yes, simply use tamari instead of regular soy sauce and verify that your sweet chili sauce and mayonnaise brands are certified gluten-free. Most Asian-style chili sauces are naturally gluten-free, but always check labels.

→ What protein alternatives work well?

Firm tofu cubes or cauliflower florets make excellent vegetarian substitutes. Both absorb the spicy sauce beautifully and maintain great texture when cooked until golden in the skillet.

→ How spicy is this dish?

The heat level is easily adjustable by varying the sriracha amount. One teaspoon delivers mild warmth, while two teaspoons creates medium spice. The sweet chili sauce helps balance the heat for approachable flavor.

→ Can I prepare components ahead?

Absolutely. Cook the rice and vegetables up to two days in advance. Store the sauce separately and toss with chicken just before serving to maintain optimal texture and freshness.

→ What other vegetables work in this bowl?

Snap peas, bell peppers, edamame, or shredded broccoli stems all add great crunch and color. Choose vegetables that hold their texture well when chilled for the best meal prep results.