The Bang Bang Chicken Bowl is a vibrant, creamy, and spicy dish that perfectly balances tender chicken with a flavorful homemade sauce. Served over rice and topped with fresh cilantro, it’s the ultimate comfort meal with a punch of bold, Asian-inspired flavors.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This recipe is a crowd-pleaser with its mouthwatering creamy-spicy sauce that coats the juicy chicken. The combination of mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, and sriracha creates a sweet, tangy, and fiery blend that’s irresistible. It’s easy to prepare, with a quick cook time, making it a fantastic choice for busy weeknights or a delicious meal prep option. Plus, it’s customizable, so you can adjust the spice level to suit your taste.
ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
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1 lb chicken breast, cubed
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1 tablespoon olive oil
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1/4 cup mayonnaise
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2 tablespoons sweet chili sauce
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1 tablespoon sriracha sauce
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1 tablespoon rice vinegar
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1 tablespoon soy sauce
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1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
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Salt and pepper to taste
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1 cup cooked rice
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Fresh cilantro, for garnish
directions
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Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
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Add the cubed chicken and cook for 6-8 minutes, or until golden brown and fully cooked.
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In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha sauce, rice vinegar, soy sauce, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
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Once the chicken is cooked, toss it in the sauce mixture until evenly coated.
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Serve the saucy chicken over a bed of cooked rice and garnish with fresh cilantro.
Servings and timing
Servings: 2 servings
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Calories: 400 kcal per serving
Variations
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Make it spicier: Increase the amount of sriracha or add red pepper flakes.
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Make it milder: Use less sriracha or swap it out for a mild hot sauce.
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Add veggies: Toss in steamed vegetables like broccoli, bell peppers, or carrots for extra nutrition.
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Different protein: Swap the chicken for shrimp or tofu for a different take.
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Low-carb version: Serve over cauliflower rice instead of regular rice for a low-carb option.
storage/reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm the chicken in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave. You can also reheat the rice in the microwave or on the stove.
FAQs
What is Bang Bang sauce made of?
Bang Bang sauce typically combines mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, and other flavorings like soy sauce and rice vinegar for a creamy, sweet, and spicy kick.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can cook the chicken and make the sauce in advance. Just store them separately and assemble when ready to serve.
Is this dish very spicy?
The spice level can be adjusted by controlling the amount of sriracha and sweet chili sauce. It’s customizable to suit your taste.
Can I use a different protein?
Yes, shrimp, beef, or even tofu would work as alternatives to chicken.
Can I make the sauce without mayo?
Yes, you can substitute the mayo with Greek yogurt or sour cream for a different creamy base.
How do I store the leftovers?
Store the chicken and rice separately in the fridge for up to 3 days in an airtight container.
Can I use a different type of rice?
Absolutely! Brown rice, jasmine rice, or even cauliflower rice would be great alternatives.
What other toppings can I add?
Try adding sliced green onions, sesame seeds, or chopped peanuts for added texture.
Can I freeze this dish?
It’s best to eat it fresh, but you can freeze the chicken and sauce separately for up to 1 month. Reheat thoroughly before serving.
Can I make this dish gluten-free?
Yes, just make sure to use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari in place of regular soy sauce.
Conclusion
The Bang Bang Chicken Bowl is a satisfying, flavorful dish that’s sure to become a favorite in your meal rotation. The creamy and spicy sauce paired with tender chicken and rice makes for a balanced and delicious meal that’s easy to make and full of bold flavors. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a fun meal prep idea, this recipe is guaranteed to impress!
Print
Bang Bang Chicken Bowl
The Bang Bang Chicken Bowl is a bold, creamy, and spicy meal featuring juicy chicken topped with a delicious homemade sauce. Served over rice and garnished with fresh cilantro, this quick and customizable dish is perfect for a weeknight dinner or meal prep.
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings
Ingredients
1 lb chicken breast, cubed
1 tablespoon olive oil
1/4 cup mayonnaise
2 tablespoons sweet chili sauce
1 tablespoon sriracha sauce
1 tablespoon rice vinegar
1 tablespoon soy sauce
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
Salt and pepper to taste
1 cup cooked rice
Fresh cilantro, for garnish
Instructions
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Cook the Chicken:
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the cubed chicken and cook for 6-8 minutes, or until golden brown and fully cooked. -
Make the Sauce:
In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha sauce, rice vinegar, soy sauce, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. -
Coat the Chicken:
Once the chicken is cooked, toss it in the sauce mixture until evenly coated. -
Serve:
Serve the saucy chicken over a bed of cooked rice and garnish with fresh cilantro.
Notes
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Spice Adjustment: Adjust the spice level by increasing or decreasing the amount of sriracha.
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Add Veggies: For extra nutrition, toss in steamed vegetables like broccoli, bell peppers, or carrots.
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Protein Alternatives: Swap chicken for shrimp or tofu for a different take on the dish.
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Low-Carb Option: Use cauliflower rice instead of regular rice for a low-carb meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
- Diet: Gluten Free
