The Best Bang Bang Chicken Bowl Recipe – Easy & Delicious

Name: The Best Bang Bang Chicken Bowl Recipe - Easy & Delicious
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Asian
Ingredients: 2 cups white rice (or brown rice for a healthier option); 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 pound); 2 tablespoons olive oil; Salt and pepper to taste; 2 cups mixed vegetables (bell peppers, broccoli, snap peas, carrots); Green onions for garnish (optional); Sesame seeds for garnish (optional); 1/2 cup mayonnaise (can use light mayo); 2-3 tablespoons sriracha sauce (adjust to your heat preference); 2 tablespoons honey (or brown sugar); 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice; 1/4 teaspoon salt

by Jannet Lisa

26 de May de 2025

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Are you looking for a quick meal that delivers big on flavor after a long day? The Bang Bang Chicken Bowl is your answer! This Asian-inspired dish combines tender chicken pieces with a creamy, sweet-spicy sauce that will make your taste buds dance. What makes this recipe truly special is how it balances bold flavors with simple preparation, allowing you to have a restaurant-quality meal in the comfort of your home.

The aroma of sizzling chicken mingling with the tangy-sweet sauce creates an irresistible scent that will draw everyone to the kitchen. With its vibrant colors, varied textures, and perfect balance of heat and sweetness, this Bang Bang Chicken Bowl has become my go-to recipe when I want to impress without spending hours in the kitchen.

Whether you’re meal prepping for the week ahead or looking for a crowd-pleasing dinner option, this easy Bang Bang Chicken Bowl recipe will quickly become a staple in your cooking repertoire.

Why You’ll Love This Bang Bang Chicken Bowl

✅ Ready in under 30 minutes – perfect for busy weeknights!
✅ Customizable to your spice preference – make it as mild or hot as you like
✅ Great for meal prep – portions well and tastes amazing the next day
✅ Budget-friendly ingredients you likely already have on hand
✅ Balanced meal with protein, vegetables, and carbs in one bowl
✅ Kid-friendly if you adjust the spice level accordingly
✅ Impressive enough for guests but easy enough for beginners
✅ Versatile recipe that works with many protein substitutions

Ingredients for Bang Bang Chicken Bowl

For the bowl:

2 cups white rice (or brown rice for a healthier option)
2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 pound)
2 tablespoons olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste
2 cups mixed vegetables (bell peppers, broccoli, snap peas, carrots)
Green onions for garnish (optional)
Sesame seeds for garnish (optional)

For the bang bang sauce:

1/2 cup mayonnaise (can use light mayo)
2-3 tablespoons sriracha sauce (adjust to your heat preference)
2 tablespoons honey (or brown sugar)
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
1/4 teaspoon salt

Easy homemade Bang Bang Chicken Bowl recipe with ingredients and step-by-step guide

How to Make Bang Bang Chicken Bowl – Step by Step

Step 1: Prepare the Rice

Begin by cooking the rice according to package instructions. This usually means rinsing 2 cups of rice, adding it to a pot with 4 cups of water, bringing to a boil, then reducing to a simmer and cooking for 15-20 minutes until tender. Set aside once done.

Step 2: Make the Bang Bang Sauce

While the rice is cooking, prepare your signature sauce. In a small bowl, mix together ½ cup mayonnaise, 2-3 tablespoons sriracha (adjust based on how spicy you want it), 2 tablespoons honey, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, and 1 tablespoon lime juice. Whisk until smooth and well combined. The sauce should have a light orange-pink color and a creamy consistency. Set aside.

Step 3: Prepare the Chicken

Cut the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces, approximately 1-inch cubes. Season generously with salt and pepper. This uniform size ensures even cooking and makes the final bowl easier to eat.

Step 4: Cook the Chicken

Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add the seasoned chicken pieces and arrange them in a single layer. Cook undisturbed for 2-3 minutes until golden brown on one side, then flip and cook for an additional 3-4 minutes until the chicken is completely cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).

Step 5: Cook the Vegetables

Add your mixed vegetables to the same skillet with the chicken. Cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are bright in color and slightly tender but still crisp. This quick cooking preserves nutrients and ensures a pleasant texture.

Step 6: Combine Everything

Reduce the heat to low and add the cooked rice to the skillet with the chicken and vegetables. Pour about three-quarters of your prepared bang bang sauce over everything in the skillet. Gently stir until all components are well coated and heated through, about 1-2 minutes.

Step 7: Serve and Garnish

Divide the mixture among serving bowls. Drizzle the remaining bang bang sauce over each portion. Garnish with sliced green onions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds if desired. Serve hot and enjoy your delicious homemade Bang Bang Chicken Bowl!

Pro Tips for Making the Best Bang Bang Chicken Bowl

For extra flavor, marinate the chicken pieces in 1 tablespoon soy sauce and 1 teaspoon garlic powder for 15 minutes before cooking.
Want crispier chicken? Toss the chicken pieces in 2 tablespoons cornstarch before cooking for a light, crispy coating that holds the sauce beautifully.
Make it ahead: The bang bang sauce can be prepared up to 3 days in advance and stored in the refrigerator.
Vegetable prep tip: Cut all vegetables to similar sizes to ensure even cooking.
For a lighter version, use Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise in the sauce.
Secret ingredient: Add 1 teaspoon of sesame oil to the sauce for an authentic Asian flavor profile.
Heat level control: The bang bang sauce is customizable – start with 1 tablespoon of sriracha and add more after tasting if you prefer it spicier.

Best Bang Bang Chicken Bowl Toppings to Try

Take your Bang Bang Chicken Bowl to the next level with these delicious topping ideas:

Sliced avocado for creamy richness
Crispy wonton strips for extra crunch
Pickled red onions for tanginess
Cucumber ribbons for freshness
Chopped cilantro for a bright, herbal note
Crushed peanuts for texture and nutty flavor
Thinly sliced radishes for a peppery bite
Lime wedges for a citrus squeeze
Crumbled nori (seaweed) for umami flavor
Kimchi for a probiotic boost and spicy kick

Bang Bang Chicken Bowl Variations for Meal Prep

This recipe is perfect for meal prep! Here are some variations to keep your lunches exciting all week:

Protein Swap: Replace chicken with shrimp, tofu, or thinly sliced beef.
Grain Alternatives: Use quinoa, cauliflower rice, or soba noodles instead of white rice.
Low-carb Version: Double the vegetables and use half the rice.
Mediterranean Twist: Add feta cheese, olives, and use a tzatziki-inspired sauce.
Mexican Style: Add black beans, corn, avocado, and use a chipotle mayo sauce.

When meal prepping, store the sauce separately and add it just before eating for the best texture and flavor.

Best Ways to Serve Bang Bang Chicken Bowl

The versatility of Bang Bang Chicken Bowl makes it perfect for various occasions:

Family-style: Place all components in separate serving dishes and let everyone build their own bowl.
Dinner party: Serve in elegant, shallow bowls with garnishes arranged artistically on top.
Lunch option: Pack in compartmented containers with sauce on the side.
Side dishes: Pair with a light Asian cucumber salad, miso soup, or vegetable spring rolls.
Beverage pairing: Serve with Thai iced tea, a light lager beer, or a crisp Sauvignon Blanc.

For a complete meal experience, consider offering some quick-pickled vegetables as a side dish to balance the rich flavors of the bang bang sauce.

Nutritional Information for Bang Bang Chicken Bowl

One serving of Bang Bang Chicken Bowl (approximately 1.5 cups) contains:

Calories: 450 kcal
Protein: 28g
Carbohydrates: 45g
Fat: 18g
Fiber: 3g
Sugar: 6g
Sodium: 580mg

For a lower-calorie option, use brown rice, increase the vegetables, and make the sauce with Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise. This can reduce the calorie count to approximately 350 calories per serving while maintaining the delicious flavor profile.

Storage & Leftovers

This Bang Bang Chicken Bowl recipe makes excellent leftovers! Here’s how to store them properly:

Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Keep the sauce separate if possible.
Freezing: While you can freeze the chicken and rice components for up to 2 months, the sauce doesn’t freeze well due to the mayonnaise. Prepare fresh sauce when you’re ready to eat.
Reheating: For best results, microwave covered with a damp paper towel for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through. Alternatively, reheat in a skillet with a splash of water to prevent drying out.
Refreshing leftovers: Add fresh garnishes like green onions, cilantro, or a squeeze of lime after reheating to brighten the flavors.

Frequently Asked Questions

What ingredients are in Bang Bang Chicken Bowl?

The essential ingredients include chicken, rice, mixed vegetables, and the signature bang bang sauce made from mayonnaise, sriracha, honey, garlic powder, and lime juice. Additional garnishes like green onions and sesame seeds add extra flavor and visual appeal.

How many calories are in a Bang Bang Chicken Bowl?

A typical serving contains approximately 450 calories. However, this can vary based on portion size and specific ingredients used. For a lower-calorie version, use brown rice, increase vegetables, and modify the sauce using Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise.

Is Bang Bang Chicken Bowl spicy?

The spice level is completely customizable! The heat comes from the sriracha in the bang bang sauce. For a mild version, use just 1 tablespoon of sriracha. For medium heat, use 2 tablespoons, and for a spicy kick, use 3 or more tablespoons. You can always start with less and add more to taste.

Can I make Bang Bang Chicken Bowl vegetarian?

Absolutely! Replace the chicken with firm tofu, tempeh, or a meat substitute like seitan. Prepare them using the same cooking method as the chicken. For a vegan version, also replace the mayonnaise in the sauce with vegan mayo. The dish will still have all the delicious flavors that make Bang Bang Chicken Bowl special.

Conclusion

The Bang Bang Chicken Bowl is truly a versatile, flavorful dish that delivers restaurant-quality results with minimal effort. Whether you’re cooking for yourself after a long day, meal prepping for the week ahead, or impressing friends at a dinner party, this recipe has you covered with its perfect balance of creamy, spicy, sweet, and savory elements.

What makes this Bang Bang Chicken Bowl truly special is how easily it can be customized to suit different dietary needs and taste preferences without sacrificing flavor. The combination of tender chicken, crisp vegetables, fluffy rice, and that irresistible sauce creates a harmonious bowl that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Now that you have all the tips, variations, and secrets to making the best Bang Bang Chicken Bowl at home, it’s time to head to the kitchen and start cooking!

What topping combinations are you excited to try with your Bang Bang Chicken Bowl? Share your creations in the comments below!