Bang Bang Chicken Bowl: A Delicious Recipe for a Flavorful Meal

This Bang Bang Chicken Bowl is a perfect balance of creamy, spicy, and savory flavors layered over fluffy jasmine rice. It’s a wholesome meal that comes together easily and offers a delightful mix of textures—from tender chicken to crisp vegetables and a rich, zesty sauce that ties everything together.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love how this Bang Bang Chicken Bowl brings restaurant-quality flavor right into my kitchen without complicated steps. The sauce is the real star here—creamy, slightly spicy, and irresistibly tangy. I also appreciate that it’s a customizable dish; I can swap in my favorite vegetables or adjust the spice level to match my mood. Plus, it’s a great way to enjoy a nutritious, colorful meal that feels indulgent but still balanced.

Ingredients

(Note: All ingredient amounts are listed in the recipe card below.)

1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 cup cooked jasmine rice
1 cup broccoli florets
1 cup shredded carrots
1 red bell pepper, sliced
2 green onions, chopped
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
Salt and pepper to taste
1/2 cup mayonnaise
2 tablespoons sweet chili sauce
1 tablespoon sriracha (adjust to taste)
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon sesame oil
1 tablespoon sesame seeds (for garnish)

Directions

1. I start by cutting the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces and seasoning them lightly with salt and pepper.
2. In a large skillet, I heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat and add the chicken, cooking until it’s golden brown and fully cooked through, about 6–8 minutes.
3. While the chicken cooks, I steam or blanch the broccoli florets until tender but still bright green.
4. In a small bowl, I whisk together the mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, garlic powder, and sesame oil to make the Bang Bang sauce.
5. Once the chicken is done, I toss it in half of the sauce until well coated.
6. To assemble, I place the cooked jasmine rice in bowls, top with chicken, broccoli, shredded carrots, and sliced red bell pepper.
7. I drizzle the remaining sauce over the bowls, sprinkle with chopped green onions and sesame seeds, and serve immediately.

Servings and Timing

This recipe makes 2–3 servings. It takes about 10 minutes to prepare and 20 minutes to cook, for a total time of around 30 minutes.

Variations

I sometimes swap the chicken for shrimp or tofu for a fun twist. For a lighter version, I use Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise in the sauce. Adding sliced cucumber, edamame, or purple cabbage also gives the bowl a refreshing crunch and extra color. If I’m craving extra heat, I simply increase the sriracha.

Storage/Reheating

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, I prefer to warm the chicken and rice separately in the microwave or on the stovetop, then add fresh vegetables and drizzle on any remaining sauce. I avoid reheating the sauce too much to maintain its creamy texture.

FAQs

How spicy is this Bang Bang Chicken Bowl?

It has a moderate level of spice from the sriracha, but I can easily adjust it by using more or less.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, I often prepare the rice, chicken, and sauce in advance and assemble everything when ready to eat.

What can I use instead of jasmine rice?

I like to use brown rice, quinoa, or even cauliflower rice as healthier alternatives.

Can I use frozen vegetables?

Absolutely—I just make sure to thaw and drain them well before adding them to the bowl.

How do I make the sauce less spicy?

I reduce the sriracha or add a bit more mayonnaise and sweet chili sauce to mellow the heat.

Can I grill the chicken instead of pan-cooking it?

Yes, grilling adds a nice smoky flavor that complements the creamy sauce perfectly.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

It can be! I just ensure that the sweet chili sauce and sriracha I use are labeled gluten-free.

Can I make this dairy-free?

Definitely—since the sauce uses mayonnaise, it’s naturally dairy-free if I choose a dairy-free mayo.

How can I make the sauce thicker?

If I want a thicker sauce, I simply reduce the amount of sesame oil or refrigerate the sauce for 10–15 minutes before using.

What toppings go well with this dish?

I love adding crushed peanuts, crispy onions, or extra sesame seeds for added crunch and flavor.

Conclusion

This Bang Bang Chicken Bowl is one of my favorite go-to meals for busy days when I still want something vibrant and flavorful. The creamy, spicy sauce ties everything together, and the mix of tender chicken and fresh veggies makes every bite satisfying. It’s quick, customizable, and guaranteed to become a staple in my kitchen.

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