There’s something truly delightful about the way flavors can come together in one bowl, and my Bang Bang Chicken Bowls are the perfect example. Picture this: succulent chicken marinated to perfection, resting over a fluffy bed of jasmine rice and vibrant, crunchy veggies. Then, the pièce de résistance—a homemade bang bang sauce that delivers a sweet, spicy kick that will leave your taste buds singing.
After a particularly busy week, I found myself craving a meal that was not only quick to prepare but also packed with satisfying goodness. This recipe not only answered that call, but it also offered the joy of customization! You can easily swap in your favorite proteins or seasonal veggies, making it a versatile option for weeknight dinners or meal prep. Trust me, you’ll want to keep this gem close—it’s bound to become a staple in your kitchen.
Why is Bang Bang Chicken Bowl a Must-Try?
Deliciously Versatile: You can customize your bowls with different proteins and veggies, ensuring something for everyone.
Easy to Prepare: This recipe is quick, making it perfect for busy weeknights and stress-free meal prep.
Nutritious and Satisfying: Packed with protein from chicken and fresh vegetables, you’ll feel good about what you’re eating.
Bold Flavors: The homemade bang bang sauce adds an irresistible sweet and spicy kick that elevates the dish.
One-Bowl Wonder: Minimal cleanup is required, allowing you to enjoy your meal without hassle.
Try your hand at this quick weeknight dinner that combines convenience and flavor effortlessly!
Bang Bang Chicken Bowl Ingredients
Here’s everything you need to make these delightful Bang Bang Chicken Bowls!
For the Bang Bang Sauce
- Mayonnaise – Creaminess for bang bang sauce; try Greek yogurt for a lighter version.
- Sweet Chili Sauce – Adds sweetness and a hint of spice; no substitutions for authentic flavor.
- Sriracha – Provides heat; adjust quantity based on your spice preference.
For the Chicken Marinade
- Chicken Breasts – Main protein; cut in half for quicker cooking or substitute with tofu for a vegetarian option.
- Water or Chicken Broth – Adds moisture to the marinade; vegetable broth can be a great substitute.
- Soy Sauce – Delivers umami flavor; use tamari for a gluten-free option.
- Brown Sugar – Sweetens the marinade; maple syrup can be a natural alternative.
- Olive Oil – For cooking the chicken; any neutral oil works well.
- Paprika, Onion Powder, Ginger, Black Pepper, Rice Vinegar, Chili Flakes – Seasonings that enhance flavor; adjust to your liking.
For the Bowls
- Jasmine Rice – Base of the bowl; swap with brown rice or quinoa for a healthier choice.
- Shredded Cabbage, Cucumber, Green Onion – Fresh veggies for crunch; feel free to mix with other seasonal vegetables like bell peppers.
- Wonton Strips/Sesame Seeds (Optional) – For added texture and garnish; elevate the dish with these toppings!
Dive into this quick and flavorful meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights or meal prepping!
How to Make Bang Bang Chicken Bowls
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Prepare Bang Bang Sauce: In a bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, and sriracha until smooth. Cover and refrigerate for about 15 minutes to let the flavors meld.
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Marinate Chicken: In a Ziploc bag, combine water, soy sauce, brown sugar, olive oil, and spices. Add the chicken breasts, seal the bag, and refrigerate for at least 20-30 minutes to soak up the flavor.
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Cook Chicken: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the marinated chicken and cook for about 8 minutes on one side until browned. Flip and cook until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (about 5-7 more minutes).
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Rest Chicken: Remove the chicken from the skillet and let it rest for 3-5 minutes. This ensures it remains juicy—then slice it into thin strips.
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Assemble Bowls: Start with a layer of fluffy jasmine rice in each bowl. Add the sliced chicken, followed by shredded cabbage and cucumber. Drizzle generously with the bang bang sauce and garnish with green onions and sesame seeds if desired.
Optional: Add wonton strips on top for extra crunch!
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Bang Bang Chicken Bowl Variations
Feel free to get creative with these delicious twists and substitutions that bring your Bang Bang Chicken Bowls to life!
- Gluten-Free: Substitute soy sauce with tamari to keep your meal gluten-free without sacrificing flavor.
- Dairy-Free: Use vegan mayonnaise instead of regular mayo for a delightful dairy-free bang bang sauce.
- Protein Swap: Try shrimp or tofu instead of chicken for a delicious variation that caters to different preferences.
- Heat it Up: Kick up the spice by adding diced jalapeños or extra sriracha to the bang bang sauce for a fiery kick.
- Veggie Boost: Incorporate snap peas or shredded carrots for extra crunch and color; mix and match based on your preference!
- Cauliflower Rice: For a low-carb alternative, replace jasmine rice with riced cauliflower—it’s just as filling and packed with nutrients.
- Fruit Twist: Add diced mango or pineapple for a surprising burst of sweetness that complements the savory flavors beautifully.
- Herb Infusion: Enhance the flavors by folding in fresh herbs like cilantro or mint to the bowl for a fresh approach and aroma.
You can customize and create a unique dish every time!
Expert Tips for Bang Bang Chicken Bowls
- Marinate for Flavor: Allow chicken to marinate for at least 20-30 minutes, or up to a day in advance, to enhance the taste in your Bang Bang Chicken Bowl.
- Preheat the Skillet: Ensure your skillet is hot before adding the chicken to get that perfect sear, locking in all the juices.
- Separate Storage: Keep the cooked chicken, rice, and veggies stored separately if making ahead. This maintains their freshness and prevents sogginess.
- Customize Sauces: Adjust sriracha in the bang bang sauce to match your spice tolerance—start mild and test as you go.
- Veggie Variations: Feel free to switch up your veggies based on seasonal availability for a colorful and nutritious Bang Bang Chicken Bowl.
- Cook Rice Wisely: Rinse jasmine rice before cooking to remove excess starch, giving you a fluffy and light texture in the bowl.
What to Serve with Bang Bang Chicken Bowls?
Elevate your dining experience with delightful sides that complement the vibrant flavors of your Bang Bang Chicken Bowls.
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Crispy Asian Slaw: Refreshing and crunchy, this slaw adds a burst of flavor and texture that matches the sweet and spicy kick of the chicken. The mix of cabbage, carrots, and a light sesame dressing brilliantly balances the dish.
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Steamed Broccoli: Simple yet nutritious, steamed broccoli brings a lovely green hue and earthy flavor that pairs beautifully with the zesty bang bang sauce. It’s a classic choice for healthy meal prep.
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Garlic Fried Rice: For a heartier side, garlic fried rice infuses savory depth and aroma, enhancing the overall meal experience with its comforting flavors. The golden grains make each bite satisfying.
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Miso Soup: Warm and umami-rich, a bowl of miso soup is a soothing addition to your meal, making it feel more authentic. It harmonizes well with the bold flavors of your Bang Bang Chicken Bowls.
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Cucumber Salad: A cool, tangy cucumber salad offers a refreshing contrast to the spicy chicken, cleansing the palate with every bite. Tossed with rice vinegar and sesame oil, it’s light and invigorating.
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Chilled Green Tea: This light beverage is perfect for washing down your meal, providing a refreshing taste that balances the spicy notes, leaving you feeling revitalized.
Each of these options brings something unique, ensuring your dinner is a satisfying and memorable experience!
Make Ahead Options
These Bang Bang Chicken Bowls are a fantastic choice for meal prep enthusiasts! You can marinate the chicken up to 24 hours in advance to enhance the flavors, ensuring that it’s perfectly tender and savory when cooked. Additionally, the bang bang sauce can be prepared and refrigerated for up to 3 days, allowing the flavors to develop beautifully. To keep the fresh veggies like cucumbers and cabbage crisp, store them separately in airtight containers. When you’re ready to serve, simply cook the marinated chicken in a skillet and assemble the bowls with pre-cooked rice and the prepared sauce. This way, you can enjoy restaurant-quality Bang Bang Chicken Bowls with minimal effort, making weeknight dinners a breeze!
How to Store and Freeze Bang Bang Chicken Bowls
Fridge: Store leftover Bang Bang Chicken Bowls in airtight containers for up to 4 days to maintain freshness and flavor.
Freezer: For longer storage, freeze cooked chicken and rice separately in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months.
Reheating: When ready to enjoy, thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat chicken and rice separately in the microwave until heated through.
Assembly Tip: Keep fresh veggies and bang bang sauce separate until serving to retain their crispness and flavor.
Bang Bang Chicken Bowls Recipe FAQs
What kind of chicken is best for Bang Bang Chicken Bowls?
For these bowls, I recommend using boneless, skinless chicken breasts—they’re quick to cook and remain juicy. If you’re looking for a variation, tofu or shrimp can be fantastic substitutes that absorb the marinade beautifully!
How should I store leftovers?
Absolutely! Leftover Bang Bang Chicken Bowls can be stored in airtight containers for up to 4 days in the refrigerator. To maximize freshness, I suggest separating the cooked chicken and rice from the veggies and sauce. This way, everything remains crisp and delightful when you reheat it.
Can I freeze Bang Bang Chicken Bowls?
Yes, you can! To freeze, store your cooked chicken and rice separately in freezer-safe containers. They can last up to 3 months in the freezer. When you’re ready to enjoy them, simply thaw them overnight in the fridge and then reheat the chicken and rice separately in the microwave until heated through.
How do I adjust the heat in the bang bang sauce?
Very! If you prefer a milder sauce, start with less sriracha and taste as you go, adding more until you reach your desired spice level. If you like it extra spicy, feel free to add more sriracha or even a sprinkle of chili flakes directly in the sauce.
What vegetables work best for this recipe?
You can mix and match according to your taste! Shredded cabbage and cucumbers are fantastic for crunch, but bell peppers, carrots, or even snap peas can elevate the flavor and color of your Bang Bang Chicken Bowls. Don’t hesitate to get creative with seasonal veggies!
Can I make the Bang Bang sauce ahead of time?
Absolutely! Whip up your bang bang sauce and store it in the refrigerator for up to a week. It actually allows the flavors to meld beautifully, making it even more delicious when you assemble your bowls!
Quick Bang Bang Chicken Bowl for a Flavorful Weeknight Dinner
Equipment
- - Skillet
- Mixing bowl
- Ziploc bag
Ingredients
Bang Bang Sauce
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise Use Greek yogurt for lighter version
- 1/4 cup sweet chili sauce No substitutions for authentic flavor
- 1-2 tablespoons sriracha Adjust based on spice preference
Chicken Marinade
- 2 pounds chicken breasts Cut in half for quicker cooking
- 1/4 cup water or chicken broth Vegetable broth can be a great substitute
- 1/4 cup soy sauce Use tamari for gluten-free option
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar Maple syrup can be a natural alternative
- 1 tablespoon olive oil Any neutral oil works well
- 1 teaspoon paprika Adjust to liking
- 1 teaspoon onion powder Adjust to liking
- 1 teaspoon ginger Adjust to liking
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper Adjust to liking
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar Adjust to liking
- 1/2 teaspoon chili flakes Adjust to liking
Bowls
- 2 cups jasmine rice Swap with brown rice or quinoa for healthier choice
- 2 cups shredded cabbage Fresh veggies for crunch
- 1 cup cucumber Feel free to mix with seasonal vegetables
- 1/4 cup green onion Garnish
- 1/4 cup wonton strips or sesame seeds Optional for added texture
Instructions
Prepare Bang Bang Sauce
- In a bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, and sriracha until smooth. Cover and refrigerate for about 15 minutes to let the flavors meld.
Marinate Chicken
- In a Ziploc bag, combine water, soy sauce, brown sugar, olive oil, and spices. Add the chicken breasts, seal the bag, and refrigerate for at least 20-30 minutes to soak up the flavor.
Cook Chicken
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the marinated chicken and cook for about 8 minutes on one side until browned. Flip and cook until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (about 5-7 more minutes).
Rest Chicken
- Remove the chicken from the skillet and let it rest for 3-5 minutes. This ensures it remains juicy—then slice it into thin strips.
Assemble Bowls
- Start with a layer of fluffy jasmine rice in each bowl. Add the sliced chicken, followed by shredded cabbage and cucumber. Drizzle generously with the bang bang sauce and garnish with green onions and sesame seeds if desired.