Bang Bang Chicken Bowl

This Bang Bang Chicken Bowl is a creamy, spicy, and satisfying meal I like to make when I want something flavorful but still simple. I layer tender chicken over rice with fresh vegetables and drizzle everything with a sweet and spicy bang bang sauce.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it tastes bold and comforting without being complicated. The chicken is juicy, the sauce is creamy with a little heat, and the bowl is easy to customize with whatever vegetables I have on hand.

It also works well for meal prep. I can cook the chicken, rice, and sauce ahead of time, then assemble the bowls when I am ready to eat.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the chicken bowl:

• Chicken breast or chicken thighs
• Cooked white rice or jasmine rice
• Olive oil
• Garlic powder
• Paprika
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Shredded cabbage
• Carrots
• Cucumber
• Green onions
• Sesame seeds

For the bang bang sauce:

• Mayonnaise
• Sweet chili sauce
• Sriracha
• Honey or maple syrup
• Lime juice

Directions

I start by seasoning the chicken with olive oil, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper.

I cook the chicken in a skillet over medium heat until it is golden on the outside and fully cooked inside. Then I let it rest for a few minutes before slicing it.

I mix the mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, honey, and lime juice in a small bowl until smooth.

I add cooked rice to a bowl, then layer the chicken, cabbage, carrots, cucumber, and green onions on top.

I drizzle the bang bang sauce over everything and finish with sesame seeds.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes about 4 servings.

Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 15 minutes
Total time: 30 minutes

Variations

I like using shrimp instead of chicken when I want a lighter bowl.

I sometimes swap the rice for cauliflower rice, brown rice, or quinoa.

For extra crunch, I add chopped peanuts, crispy wonton strips, or extra shredded cabbage.

For a spicier bowl, I add more sriracha to the sauce.

Storage/Reheating

I store the chicken, rice, vegetables, and sauce separately when possible. This keeps the vegetables fresh and the rice from getting soggy.

The cooked chicken and rice keep well in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

To reheat, I warm the chicken and rice in the microwave until hot, then add the fresh vegetables and sauce afterward.

FAQs

Can I make Bang Bang Chicken Bowl ahead of time?

Yes, I can make the chicken, rice, and sauce ahead of time. I like to store everything separately and assemble the bowl when I am ready to eat.

Is Bang Bang Chicken Bowl spicy?

It has a mild to medium spice level depending on how much sriracha I add. I reduce the sriracha when I want it milder.

Can I use frozen chicken?

Yes, I can use frozen chicken, but I thaw it completely before cooking so it cooks evenly.

What rice works best for this bowl?

I like jasmine rice or white rice because they pair well with the creamy sauce, but brown rice and quinoa also work.

Can I make this recipe healthier?

Yes, I use grilled chicken, light mayonnaise, extra vegetables, and brown rice or cauliflower rice when I want a lighter version.

Conclusion

This Bang Bang Chicken Bowl is a quick and flavorful meal I love making for lunch, dinner, or meal prep. The creamy spicy sauce, tender chicken, and fresh toppings make every bite satisfying and easy to enjoy.

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