If you’re new to cooking and looking for a dish that’s easy, flavorful, and satisfying, the Bang Bang Chicken Bowl is the perfect recipe to try. This dish is packed with juicy, golden chicken, crisp vegetables, and a creamy, spicy sauce that makes every bite a burst of flavor. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or sharing with others, this recipe is sure to impress.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Bang Bang Chicken Bowl offers a perfect balance of flavors with creamy, spicy, and slightly sweet notes. The tender chicken, combined with fresh vegetables and a zingy sauce, creates a dish that is both comforting and exciting to eat. What’s great about this recipe is its versatility—you can use white rice, brown rice, or even cauliflower rice for a healthier, low-carb option. Plus, the sauce is customizable, so you can adjust the heat to your liking, making this a recipe that’s easy to adapt to personal preferences. As a beginner cook, this recipe is simple to follow, quick to prepare, and absolutely delicious.

Ingredients

1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast
1 cup cooked rice (white, brown, or cauliflower)
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: Begin by cooking your rice according to the package instructions. Once done, set it aside. If you prefer, use a rice cooker for perfectly cooked rice with minimal effort.
Beginner Note: Follow package instructions carefully for the best results. A rice cooker ensures consistency and ease.
Prepare the Chicken: While the rice is cooking, cut the chicken breast into bite-sized pieces. Season with salt and pepper. Cutting the chicken into smaller pieces helps it cook quickly and evenly.
Beginner Note: Make sure to season generously with salt and pepper to enhance the flavor of the chicken.
Sauté the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces and sauté until golden brown and fully cooked, about 6-8 minutes.
Beginner Note: Ensure the skillet is hot before adding the chicken to avoid sticking and to get even browning. Use a meat thermometer to check that the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
Mix the Sauce: While the chicken is cooking, combine the mayonnaise, sriracha, honey, garlic powder, and lime juice in a small bowl. Taste the sauce and adjust the sriracha if you prefer more heat, or add more honey for a sweeter flavor.
Beginner Note: Don’t be afraid to adjust the sauce to suit your taste. Start with the suggested amounts and tweak as needed for a balance of creaminess and heat.
Add the Vegetables: Once the chicken is cooked, add the mixed vegetables to the skillet and cook for another 2-3 minutes, until they’re just tender but still crisp.
Beginner Note: Avoid overcooking the vegetables. They should retain their color, texture, and nutritional value, which adds to the overall freshness of the dish.
Combine and Serve: Remove the skillet from the heat, and pour the prepared sauce over the chicken and veggies, stirring gently to coat everything evenly. Serve the Bang Bang Chicken over a bed of rice, and garnish with extra sriracha or chopped green onions for added flavor and color.
Beginner Note: Ensure every piece of chicken and vegetable is well-coated with the sauce for maximum flavor. Garnish with your choice of toppings for a visual and flavorful boost.

Servings and Timing

Servings: This recipe serves 4 people.
Total Time: Approximately 25-30 minutes (including prep and cooking time).

Variations

Low-Carb Option: Use cauliflower rice instead of regular rice for a low-carb version of this dish.
Add-ins: You can include other vegetables like snap peas, zucchini, or mushrooms to suit your preferences.
Extra Spice: If you love spice, consider adding extra sriracha or a dash of cayenne pepper to the sauce.
Chicken Substitutes: If you’re not a fan of chicken breast, you can use boneless, skinless chicken thighs for a slightly richer flavor.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Leftover Bang Bang Chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating: To reheat, warm the chicken and veggies in a skillet over medium heat for about 5 minutes. For the rice, reheat in the microwave with a splash of water to prevent it from drying out.

FAQs

Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts. Just make sure to thaw and fully cook the chicken before cutting it into pieces and adding it to the skillet.

How can I make the sauce less spicy?

If you prefer a milder sauce, reduce the amount of sriracha or replace it with a mild chili sauce or ketchup.

Can I use another type of oil instead of olive oil?

Yes, you can use any cooking oil you prefer, such as canola or vegetable oil.

Can I make this dish in advance?

While this dish is best served fresh, you can prepare the chicken and veggies in advance, store them separately, and heat them up when ready to serve.

Can I make this dish without the sauce?

The sauce adds a lot of flavor to the dish, but if you’re not into spicy or creamy sauces, you can serve the chicken and veggies on their own or use a different dressing like soy sauce or teriyaki sauce.

What if I don’t have sriracha?

If you don’t have sriracha, you can use any hot sauce you like or even a combination of chili paste and ketchup for a similar flavor.

Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?

Yes, this recipe is great for meal prep! It keeps well in the fridge and can be portioned into containers for a quick and tasty meal throughout the week.

Can I add more vegetables to this dish?

Definitely! Feel free to add more veggies such as spinach, asparagus, or peas to make the dish even more nutritious.

How do I know when the chicken is cooked through?

Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. Alternatively, cut into a piece of chicken to check for any pinkness; it should be fully white inside.

What can I substitute for Greek yogurt?

If you don’t have Greek yogurt, you can leave it out or substitute it with sour cream for a creamy texture. You could also try adding a bit more mayonnaise.

Conclusion

The Bang Bang Chicken Bowl is a delicious and customizable dish that’s quick to make and packed with flavor. It’s perfect for beginner cooks looking to create something impressive with minimal effort. With its combination of savory chicken, fresh vegetables, and a zesty sauce, this meal is sure to become a go-to in your cooking repertoire. Whether you prefer it spicy, sweet, or somewhere in between, this recipe will surely satisfy your cravings!