Introduction

This Bang Bang Chicken Bowl is a vibrant and flavorful meal that’s perfect for beginner cooks. Combining tender chicken, fresh vegetables, and a spicy, creamy sauce, it’s a delicious one-bowl dinner that comes together quickly.

A round white bowl holds a layered dish starting with a base of white rice. On the right foreground, slices of grilled chicken, golden-brown with char marks, are laid over the rice, all covered with a smooth, orange creamy sauce sprinkled with small red chili flakes and green onion bits. Around the chicken and rice, different fresh vegetables form separate sections: bright shredded orange carrots in the top left, dark purple shredded cabbage below it, diced pale green cucumbers to the left, vibrant green sliced cucumbers towards the top center, red sliced cherry tomatoes to the right of them, and shredded bright green lettuce on the far right. The background is a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast
1 cup cooked rice (white, brown, or cauliflower rice for a low-carb option)
1 cup mixed vegetables (broccoli florets, bell peppers, carrots)
2 tablespoons olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste
For the Bang Bang Sauce:

1/2 cup mayonnaise
2 tablespoons sriracha sauce
1 tablespoon honey
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon fresh lime juice

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Bang Bang Sauce. In a medium bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sriracha, honey, garlic powder, and lime juice until smooth and well combined. Set aside to let the flavors meld while you prepare the other components.
Step 2: Prepare the Chicken. Cut the chicken breast into bite-sized cubes, approximately 1-inch pieces. Season generously with salt and pepper on all sides.
Step 3: Cook the Chicken. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is shimmering, add the seasoned chicken pieces in a single layer. Cook for 6-8 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is golden brown on all sides and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F).
Step 4: Prepare the Vegetables. While the chicken cooks, steam or sauté your mixed vegetables until they’re tender-crisp. This should take about 4-5 minutes for most vegetables.
Step 5: Combine and Serve. Remove the chicken from heat and immediately toss with half of the bang bang sauce while still warm. Divide the cooked rice among serving bowls, top with the sauced chicken and steamed vegetables. Drizzle with the remaining sauce and serve immediately.

Tips & Variations

Swap sriracha for a milder chili sauce if you prefer less heat.
Use leftover rotisserie chicken to save time without sacrificing flavor.
Add avocado slices or chopped cilantro for extra freshness.
For a vegetarian version, substitute chicken with crispy tofu or tempeh.

Storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave, adding a splash of water to keep the chicken and vegetables moist. Avoid reheating the sauce to preserve its creamy texture; instead, drizzle fresh sauce when serving.

How to Serve

A white bowl holds a three-layer dish starting with a base of white rice at the bottom, topped with a layer of shredded purple cabbage, and finished with golden-orange chunks of sauced chicken on top. The chicken is drizzled with a creamy light orange sauce and sprinkled with bright green chopped scallions and white sesame seeds. There is also a light dusting of red spice flakes across the chicken. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make the Bang Bang Sauce ahead of time?

Yes, the sauce can be made up to 2 days in advance and stored in the refrigerator. Stir well before using to recombine any ingredients that may have separated.

What vegetables work best in this dish?

Crunchy vegetables like broccoli, bell peppers, and carrots are ideal as they provide texture and hold up well when steamed or sautéed. Feel free to customize with your favorites such as snap peas or zucchini.