Last summer, I made my first Bang Bang Chicken Bowl after a long day. One bite of that creamy, spicy sauce, shredded chicken over crisp veggies and fragrant rice—it instantly transported me back to a bustling street market in Sichuan. That moment sparked my love for this vibrant dish!
Ingredients for the Perfect Bang Bang Chicken Bowl
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Bang Bang Chicken Bowl – Easy Spicy Chicken Rice Bowl Recipe
Description
Bang Bang Chicken Bowl is a quick, flavor-packed meal with spicy sauce, juicy chicken, and crisp veggies—perfect for beginner cooks and weeknight dinners.
Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast (bite-sized)
- 1 tbsp vegetable or olive oil
- Salt & pepper
- 1 cup cooked rice (white, brown, or cauliflower)
- 1 cup mixed veggies (e.g., broccoli, bell peppers, carrots)
Bang Bang Sauce:
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 2 tbsp sriracha (adjust to taste)
- 1 tbsp honey
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp lime juice
Instructions
Cook the Rice
Prepare rice per package instructions. Use frozen cauliflower rice for a low‑carb option.
Prep the Chicken
Cut chicken into bite‑sized pieces, season with salt and pepper.
Sauté the Chicken
Heat oil in a skillet over medium‑high. Brown chicken, 6–8 min until internal temp reaches 165 °F.
Mix the Sauce
Whisk mayo, sriracha, honey, garlic powder, lime juice until creamy.
Cook the Veggies
Add mixed veggies to skillet, sauté 2–3 min until just tender—keep texture crisp!
Combine & Serve
Remove from heat, toss chicken & veggies with sauce. Serve over rice, garnished with green onions, sesame seeds, cilantro, or avocado.
Notes
Protein swap: You can use shrimp, tofu, or rotisserie chicken instead of fresh chicken breast.
Spice level: Adjust the amount of sriracha to make the sauce milder or spicier.Low-carb option: Replace rice with cauliflower rice for a lighter version.
Meal prep tip: Cook the chicken and mix the sauce in advance—store separately and combine when ready to eat.
Extra sauce? Use leftovers as a dip for veggies, spring rolls, or a sandwich spread!
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (approx. 300–350g)
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 620 mg
- Fat: 24 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 17 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 28 g
- Cholesterol: 85 mg
How to Make a Bang Bang Chicken Bowl (Step-by-Step)
Cook the Rice
Prepare rice per package instructions. Use frozen cauliflower rice for a low‑carb option.
Prep the Chicken
Cut chicken into bite‑sized pieces, season with salt and pepper.
Sauté the Chicken
Heat oil in a skillet over medium‑high. Brown chicken, 6–8 min until internal temp reaches 165 °F.
Mix the Sauce
Whisk mayo, sriracha, honey, garlic powder, lime juice until creamy.
Cook the Veggies
Add mixed veggies to skillet, sauté 2–3 min until just tender—keep texture crisp!
Combine & Serve
Remove from heat, toss chicken & veggies with sauce. Serve over rice, garnished with green onions, sesame seeds, cilantro, or avocado.
Tips for an Amazing Bang Bang Chicken Bowl
Thermometer tip: Chicken hits 165 °F when safe and juicy.
Don’t overcrowd the pan—give chicken room to brown properly.
Adjust flavors: Add or reduce sriracha/honey for heat or sweetness.
Make‑ahead strategy: Whisk sauce and cook chicken/veggies ahead; assemble bowls when ready.
Low‑carb swap: Cauliflower rice replaces rice for fewer carbs.
Serving Suggestions
Pair with crunchy sides like cucumber salad or steamed broccoli. A squeeze of lime or drizzle of extra sauce takes it over the top.
Variations on the Classic Bang Bang Chicken Bowl
- Low-carb option: Use cauliflower rice.
- Vegetarian version: Swap chicken for crispy tofu or chickpeas.
- Seafood twist: Try grilled shrimp tossed in the same sauce.
Storage
Store components separately in airtight containers for up to 3 days. Reheat chicken in air fryer or oven to maintain crisp texture; reheat rice in microwave.
Nutritional Content (per 100 g)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories (kcal) | 180 |
| Carbohydrates | 15 g |
| Protein | 12 g |
| Total Fat | 9 g |
| Saturated Fat | 1.5 g |
| Fiber | 2 g |
| Sugar | 3 g |
| Sodium | 400 mg |
Bang Bang Chicken Bowl – FAQ
1. Can I use rotisserie chicken?
Yes—just shred and toss with sauce for instant bowls.
2. Is this gluten‑free?
Yes! Use gluten‑free sriracha/mayo to be safe.
3. Can I meal prep this?
Absolutely—cook everything ahead, assemble when ready.
4. What sauce alternatives work?
Greek yogurt or sour cream and sriracha make creamy swaps.
5. Can I use shrimp or tofu?
Sure! Just cook protein first and toss in sauce.
Final Thoughts
With just a few simple ingredients, you can whip up a vibrant, balanced Bang Bang Chicken Bowl that’s perfect for busy weeknights or mindful meals. It’s fast, flavorful, and flexible—so gather your favorites and dive in! Let me know your favorite variations in the comments below.
More Bowls You’ll Love
If you’re a fan of the bold, creamy flavors in your Bang Bang Chicken Bowls, explore these delicious bowls next:
- Fire up your meal prep routine with the tangy-smoky twist of our BBQ protein bowls, full of hearty and flavorful ingredients.
- For a lean and nutritious alternative, check out our ground turkey and rice bowl, a balanced option packed with protein.
- Dive into the delightful crisp of our crispy rice bowls, perfect for satisfying crunch lovers.
These bowls complement the vibrant spice and creamy texture of your Bang Bang Chicken Bowls—enjoy mixing and matching!