Bang Bang Chicken Bowl

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple and Quick: With just 25 minutes of prep and cook time, this recipe is perfect for beginners and busy cooks.

Balanced Flavors: The creamy, sweet, and spicy sauce pairs perfectly with the savory chicken and crisp vegetables, creating a flavor-packed bowl.

Customizable: You can adjust the spice level of the sauce and swap in your favorite veggies for a dish that suits your taste.

Healthy and Wholesome: Packed with lean chicken, mixed veggies, and your choice of rice, this dish is as nutritious as it is delicious.

Beginner-Friendly: This recipe walks you through every step, making it an easy dish to tackle for new cooks.

Ingredients

1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast

1 cup cooked rice (white, brown, or cauliflower rice)

1 cup mixed veggies (broccoli, bell peppers, carrots)

2 tablespoons olive oil

Salt and pepper to taste

For the sauce:

½ cup mayonnaise

2 tablespoons sriracha

1 tablespoon honey

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon lime juice

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Cook the Rice: Start by cooking your rice according to package instructions and set it aside. Using a rice cooker can simplify this step and ensure perfectly cooked rice.

Prepare the Chicken: While the rice is cooking, cut the chicken breast into bite-sized pieces. Season with salt and pepper.

Sauté the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces and sauté for 6-8 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through.

Mix the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sriracha, honey, garlic powder, and lime juice. Adjust the sriracha for spiciness and add more honey for sweetness if desired.

Add the Vegetables: Toss in the mixed veggies and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until they are just tender but still slightly crisp.

Combine and Serve: Remove the skillet from heat, pour the sauce over the chicken and veggies, and stir to coat everything evenly. Serve the Bang Bang Chicken over your choice of rice and garnish with extra sriracha or chopped green onions.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 4 servings

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 25 minutes

Variations

Vegetable Options: Swap in your favorite veggies, like zucchini, snap peas, or mushrooms, for a different flavor and texture.

Rice Alternatives: Use cauliflower rice for a low-carb option or brown rice for extra fiber.

Spice Level: Adjust the sriracha in the sauce to make it as spicy or mild as you like. You can also add chili flakes for an extra kick.

Sauce Swap: Replace mayonnaise with Greek yogurt for a lighter, tangy sauce alternative.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store any leftover Bang Bang Chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Reheating: Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through. The sauce may thicken a little when cooled, but it will still taste great.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Yes, chicken thighs work well in this recipe! They have more fat and flavor but will still cook similarly to chicken breasts.

Can I use frozen vegetables?

Frozen vegetables can be used, but you may want to thaw and drain them before adding them to the skillet to avoid excess moisture.

Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?

Absolutely! You can prepare the chicken, veggies, and rice ahead of time, then assemble the bowls with the sauce right before serving.

Can I make this dish spicier?

Yes! Simply add more sriracha or even some red pepper flakes to the sauce for a spicier flavor profile.

Can I make the sauce without mayonnaise?

Yes, you can use Greek yogurt or a dairy-free mayo alternative for a different twist.

How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?

The chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). You can use a meat thermometer to check for doneness.

Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Yes, you can swap the chicken for tofu, tempeh, or chickpeas for a vegetarian version.

Can I use different types of rice?

Yes, you can use white, brown, or cauliflower rice depending on your preference or dietary needs.

Can I prepare the sauce ahead of time?

Yes, the sauce can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

What can I garnish this dish with?

You can garnish with green onions, sesame seeds, cilantro, or avocado for added flavor and texture.

Conclusion

This Bang Bang Chicken Bowl is the perfect beginner-friendly dish that packs a punch of flavor. It’s quick, simple, and fully customizable to your preferences. With tender chicken, fresh veggies, and a creamy, spicy-sweet sauce, this bowl will quickly become a favorite in your meal rotation. It’s the ideal weeknight dinner that’s easy to prepare and sure to impress.

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