Bang Bang Chicken Bowl

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There’s something magical about a meal that hits every single note—sweet, spicy, creamy, crunchy—and still gets on the table faster than your delivery app can knock on the door. That’s the Bang Bang Chicken Bowl for you.

The first time I made this dish, I was running late, juggling a cranky toddler and a Zoom call, and had exactly 27 minutes before hangry chaos erupted. I threw together what I had—chicken breast, frozen veggies, a quick sauce I made with mayo and sriracha—and somehow it turned into the most ridiculously good dinner we’d had in weeks. My partner even licked the bowl. No shame.

Here’s the thing: this bowl is for everyone—busy parents, meal prep lovers, college students trying to make it through finals, or anyone who just doesn’t feel like washing five pans. It’s flexible, beginner-friendly, and packs in all the flavor of a fancy takeout bowl without the cost or mystery ingredients.

Recipe Summary Card

Dish Name	Bang Bang Chicken Bowl
Description	A bold, zesty, customizable bowl with tender chicken, sautéed veggies, fluffy rice, and creamy bang bang sauce.
Prep Time	10 mins
Cook Time	15 mins
Total Time	25 mins
Yield	4 servings
Method	Sautéing
Cuisine	American with Asian-inspired flavors

Ingredients

Main Ingredients:

2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cut into bite-sized pieces)
2 cups cooked rice (white, brown, or cauliflower rice for low-carb)
2 cups mixed vegetables (think bell peppers, broccoli, carrots)
1 tablespoon olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste

Bang Bang Sauce:

½ cup mayonnaise
2 tablespoons sriracha (adjust to taste)
1 tablespoon honey
½ teaspoon garlic powder
1 tablespoon lime juice

Step-by-Step Instructions (With Tips!)

1. Cook the Rice

Make it easy on yourself—use a rice cooker or grab a pouch of microwaveable rice. Prefer something lighter? Cauliflower rice is a solid swap and keeps this bowl low-carb and gluten-free.
Pro tip: Brown rice adds extra fiber and chew, while jasmine rice gives that aromatic flair.

2. Prep the Chicken

Cut your chicken into uniform cubes so they cook evenly. Sprinkle with salt and pepper. You can also add a pinch of garlic powder or paprika if you’re feeling fancy.
Want a shortcut? Leftover rotisserie chicken totally works here. Just shred it and heat it up with the sauce.

3. Sauté the Chicken

Heat olive oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken in a single layer—don’t crowd the pan or they’ll steam instead of sear. Cook for about 6–8 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden brown and cooked through (165°F on a meat thermometer is your gold standard).
Try this for more quick chicken recipes for weeknight dinners

4. Make the Bang Bang Sauce

In a bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sriracha, honey, garlic powder, and lime juice. Adjust to taste—more sriracha for fire, more honey for sweet tooth vibes.
This is your secret weapon. Creamy, spicy, sweet, and tangy—all in one glorious spoonful.

5. Add the Veggies

Throw in your mixed vegetables and sauté for another 2–3 minutes. Keep them tender but with a bit of bite. Soggy veggies = sad bowl.
Pro tip: Frozen stir-fry veggie blends save a ton of prep time.

6. Combine and Serve

Drizzle your bang bang sauce over the chicken and veggies right in the pan. Toss to coat everything evenly.
Spoon it over your rice, garnish to your heart’s content, and try not to eat it all in one sitting.

Why These Ingredients Work

Chicken Breast: Lean, fast-cooking, and high in protein.
Rice or Cauliflower Rice: Your base. Go traditional or go light.
Mixed Veggies: Color, crunch, nutrients. Use what’s in your fridge.
Olive Oil: For crisping that chicken just right.
Bang Bang Sauce: This is the heart of the recipe. Mayo gives creaminess, sriracha adds heat, honey balances it, garlic powder brings depth, and lime juice ties it all together.

Beginner Cooking Tips

Use a meat thermometer. Trust me—no one likes undercooked chicken surprises.
Don’t overcrowd the pan. Cook in batches if needed.
Pre-cut veggies = lifesaver. Use frozen or grab a stir-fry pack from the store.
Taste the sauce as you go. Some like it hot, some like it mild. You do you.

This is one of our go-to meal prep chicken bowls. It reheats beautifully and tastes even better the next day.

Serving Suggestions

Let’s take this from great to Instagram-worthy.

Toppings:

Chopped green onions
Toasted sesame seeds
Sliced avocado
Fresh cilantro
Lime wedges for squeezing

Sides:

A light cucumber salad
Steamed edamame
Crispy wonton strips

Want more like this? Check out our flavorful chicken and rice bowl recipes and fusion chicken bowl recipes.

Storage Tips

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stove.
Stir the sauce to reincorporate if it separates.
Want to prep ahead? Cook your rice, chicken, and sauce separately and assemble when ready to eat.

Here’s more on what to make with leftover chicken

FAQs

What is Bang Bang Chicken?

It’s a dish featuring crispy or sautéed chicken tossed in a spicy mayo-based sauce—usually served over rice or noodles.

Can I use cauliflower rice?

Absolutely! Great option for anyone cutting carbs or avoiding grains.

Is this recipe healthy?

Yep—especially if you go easy on the sauce and load up on veggies. Use light mayo if you’re counting calories.

What’s in bang bang sauce?

Our version includes mayo, sriracha, honey, garlic powder, and lime juice. Some folks throw in a bit of rice vinegar or sweet chili sauce too.

Can I use other proteins?

Sure! Try shrimp, tofu, or even ground chicken. We’ve got plenty of creative ways to use ground chicken.

Bang Bang Chicken Bowl with Spicy Mayo, Avocado, and Rice

Bang Bang Chicken Bowl Recipe – Two Delicious Serving Ideas

Conclusion

There you have it: a Bang Bang Chicken Bowl that hits every craving, cleans out your fridge, and keeps your weeknight dinner game strong. It’s one of those meals that’s faster than takeout, totally customizable, and seriously satisfying.

Play with the spice. Swap the rice. Throw in whatever veggies you’ve got lying around. This is your bowl, your way.

Let me know in the comments—what do you put in your bang bang bowl? And don’t forget to check out our:

Happy cooking and happy eating

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