Bang Bang Chicken Bowl

This Bang Bang Chicken Bowl is a delightful blend of flavors and textures, making it perfect for any occasion—from family dinners to meal prep for the week. The combination of tender chicken in a creamy Bang Bang sauce, served over warm rice and fresh vegetables, offers both comfort and excitement. Each bowl is a feast for the eyes and the palate, topped with creamy avocado, vibrant cilantro, and crunchy sesame seeds.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick to Prepare: With just 30 minutes of prep time, you can have a delicious dinner ready in no time.
• Bursting with Flavor: The creamy, spicy Bang Bang sauce elevates simple chicken into something extraordinary.
• Customizable: Swap out or add your favorite veggies to make this bowl truly your own.
• Perfectly Balanced: This bowl combines protein, carbs, and healthy fats for a satisfying meal.
• Great for Meal Prep: Pack these bowls ahead of time for easy lunches throughout the week.

Tools and Preparation

Having the right tools makes cooking easier and more enjoyable. Here are some essential tools you’ll need to prepare your Bang Bang Chicken Bowl.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Knife
• Cutting board
• Mixing bowl
• Large skillet
• Measuring cups and spoons

Importance of Each Tool

• Knife: A good knife allows you to cut chicken and vegetables quickly and safely.
• Mixing bowl: Ideal for combining your ingredients, especially when preparing sauces or marinades.
• Large skillet: A spacious skillet ensures even cooking of the chicken and helps you achieve that perfect sear.

Ingredients

For the Sauce

• 1 ¼ cups (290 g) mayonnaise
• ⅔ cup (177 g) Thai sweet chili sauce
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 2 teaspoons Sriracha, (or more to taste)

For the Chicken

• 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, (cut into 1-inch cubes)
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper

For Serving

• 4 cups (744 g) prepared white rice, (warmed, divided)
• 2 cups (140 g) red cabbage, (thinly sliced, divided)
• 1 large carrot, (julienned, divided)
• 1 medium cucumber, (halved, sliced, divided)
• 1 large avocado, (thinly sliced, divided)
• Fresh cilantro, (chopped for garnish)
• Sesame seeds, (for garnish)

How to Make Bang Bang Chicken Bowl

Step 1: Prepare the Sauce

In a mixing bowl, combine mayonnaise, Thai sweet chili sauce, honey, and Sriracha. Mix well until smooth. Adjust Sriracha according to your taste preference.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken

Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add cubed chicken breasts seasoned with paprika, garlic powder, kosher salt, and black pepper. Cook for about 5–7 minutes until golden brown and cooked through.

Step 3: Combine Chicken with Sauce

Once the chicken is cooked, reduce heat to low. Pour the prepared Bang Bang sauce over the chicken in the skillet. Stir gently until all pieces are well coated.

Step 4: Assemble Your Bowls

In each serving bowl, layer warmed white rice as a base. Top with the saucy chicken mixture followed by red cabbage, julienned carrot, cucumber slices, and avocado. Garnish with fresh cilantro and sesame seeds before serving.

Enjoy your delicious Bang Bang Chicken Bowl!

How to Serve Bang Bang Chicken Bowl

Serving a Bang Bang Chicken Bowl is all about balance and presentation. This dish combines creamy flavors with fresh ingredients, making it visually appealing and delicious. Here are some great serving suggestions to enhance your meal.

Use Fresh Vegetables

• Crispy Red Cabbage: The crunchiness adds texture and a bit of color.
• Julienned Carrots: Sweet and crunchy, they complement the chicken perfectly.
• Sliced Cucumber: Cool and refreshing, they lighten the overall dish.

Add Extra Toppings

• Sliced Avocado: Creamy avocado enhances the flavor and adds healthy fats.
• Chopped Cilantro: Fresh herbs brighten up the dish with a burst of flavor.
• Sesame Seeds: These add a nutty crunch and visual appeal.

Choose Your Rice

• White Rice: A classic choice that absorbs the sauce beautifully.
• Brown Rice: A healthier option that offers more fiber and nutrients.
• Cauliflower Rice: For a low-carb alternative, this works wonderfully.

Present in Bowls

• Stack Ingredients Neatly: Layering makes for an attractive presentation.
• Use Clear Bowls: Show off the colorful ingredients by using transparent bowls.

Remember it later

Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!

PIN IT NOW!

Pin for later!

How to Perfect Bang Bang Chicken Bowl

To create the perfect Bang Bang Chicken Bowl, focus on quality ingredients and preparation techniques. Here are some tips to elevate your dish.

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh vegetables and high-quality chicken will enhance flavor significantly.
• Adjust Spice Level: Feel free to add more Sriracha if you prefer extra heat in your sauce.
• Marinate Chicken: For added flavor, let the chicken marinate in some Bang Bang sauce before cooking.
• Cook Chicken Evenly: Ensure your chicken is cut into uniform pieces for even cooking.
• Warm Your Rice Properly: Serving warm rice enhances the overall experience of the bowl.
• Garnish Generously: Don’t skimp on garnishes to make your bowls as appealing as possible.

Best Side Dishes for Bang Bang Chicken Bowl

A well-rounded meal can include tasty side dishes that complement your Bang Bang Chicken Bowl. Here are some excellent options to consider:

1. Steamed Broccoli: Lightly steamed broccoli adds nutrients and a vibrant green color.
2. Edamame Pods: These provide protein and are fun to eat; simply sprinkle with sea salt before serving.
3. Asian Slaw: A tangy slaw can provide a crunchy contrast to the creamy chicken bowl.
4. Miso Soup: A light miso soup pairs well with Asian flavors and warms up the meal nicely.
5. Fried Rice: For an extra carb boost, fried rice can be a filling addition alongside the bowl.
6. Roasted Brussels Sprouts: Their caramelized edges offer depth of flavor that complements the dish well.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When preparing your Bang Bang Chicken Bowl, it’s easy to make some common mistakes that can affect the dish’s overall flavor and presentation. Here are a few to watch out for:

• seasoning: Not seasoning the chicken properly can lead to bland flavors. Ensure you use enough spices like paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper to enhance the taste.
• sauce balance: Using too much or too little of the Bang Bang sauce can overpower or underwhelm the dish. Taste as you go and adjust according to your preference.
• vegetable prep: Skipping on cutting vegetables uniformly can make the bowl look unappealing. Aim for even sizes in your red cabbage, carrot, and cucumber for a prettier presentation.
• rice temperature: Serving cold rice can detract from the warmth of the bowl. Make sure your rice is warmed before assembling your Bang Bang Chicken Bowl.
• garnish omission: Forgetting to add garnishes like avocado, cilantro, or sesame seeds can reduce flavor complexity. These toppings provide freshness and texture that elevate the dish.

Remember it later

Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!

PIN IT NOW!

Pin for later!

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftover Bang Bang Chicken Bowl in an airtight container.
• It can be kept for up to 3 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Bang Bang Chicken Bowl

• Portion out servings into freezer-safe containers or bags.
• This dish freezes well for up to 2 months.

Reheating Bang Bang Chicken Bowl

• Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Place in an oven-safe dish and cover with foil. Heat for about 15-20 minutes until warmed through.
• Microwave: Place in a microwave-safe bowl. Cover loosely and heat in 1-minute intervals until hot.
• Stovetop: Heat in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some frequently asked questions about making a delicious Bang Bang Chicken Bowl:

What is a Bang Bang Chicken Bowl?

A Bang Bang Chicken Bowl is a delightful mix of chicken tossed in a creamy, spicy sauce served over rice with fresh veggies and garnishes.

Can I make this recipe healthier?

Absolutely! You can substitute mayonnaise with Greek yogurt and choose whole grain rice for added nutrition.

How do I customize my Bang Bang Chicken Bowl?

Feel free to add different proteins like shrimp or tofu, or swap out vegetables based on what you have on hand!

What should I serve with my Bang Bang Chicken Bowl?

This dish pairs well with additional sides like steamed broccoli or edamame for extra nutrition.

Final Thoughts

The Bang Bang Chicken Bowl is not only delicious but also incredibly versatile! With its creamy sauce and fresh ingredients, you can easily customize it based on your tastes. Whether you’re cooking for family or meal prepping for yourself, this recipe is bound to satisfy cravings while bringing joy to your dinner table. Give it a try today!