Get ready to dive into a whirlwind of bold tastes and vibrant colors with our Bang Bang Chicken Bowl. This dish brings together tender bites of chicken drenched in a creamy, spicy sauce, resting atop fluffy jasmine rice that soaks up every drop of flavor. Crisp broccoli florets and crunchy bell peppers add a garden-fresh crunch, while shredded carrots lend a subtle sweetness and a pop of orange. Every forkful is a symphony of textures—from the succulent chicken to the snappy veggies—punctuated by the cool bite of green onions. Whether you’re craving a quick dinner after a busy day or looking to impress friends at your next casual get-together, this bowl is your ticket to flavor heaven. Plus, it’s packed with so many veggies that you’ll hardly notice you’re indulging in something this indulgently delicious.
Beyond being a feast for your taste buds, this Bang Bang Chicken Bowl is a total dream for busy home cooks. With a prep time of just 15 minutes and a cooking time of 25 minutes, it’s a speedy weeknight hero, clocking in well under an hour from start to finish. There’s no rest time required, so once you’re done sautéing and stirring, this spicy chicken bowl is ready to go straight to the table. At around 600 calories per serving, it strikes a satisfying balance between hearty and healthy, and it’s rated Beginner for difficulty—making it perfect for anyone looking to level up their dinner rotation. And if you love a little meal prep magic, this recipe stores beautifully, so you can grab a ready-to-eat lunch straight from the fridge. Dive into this colorful, flavor-packed bowl and discover why Bang Bang Chicken is the spicy chicken bowl everyone’s buzzing about.
KEY INGREDIENTS IN BANG BANG CHICKEN BOWL
This Bang Bang Chicken Bowl comes together with a handful of everyday ingredients that each play a starring role in delivering big flavor and satisfying texture. From the juicy chunks of chicken that soak up the zesty sauce to the medley of vibrant veggies that bring color and crunch, here’s a closer look at what makes this dish sing.
- Chicken breasts
Lean and tender, boneless, skinless chicken breasts are cut into bite-sized pieces to absorb the Bang Bang sauce evenly. They provide protein and keep each mouthful juicy and satisfying.
- Vegetable oil
A neutral oil with a high smoke point ensures the chicken and veggies get a golden sear without burning. It helps conduct heat and prevents sticking in your pan.
- Jasmine rice
Fragrant and slightly sticky when cooked, jasmine rice is the perfect base to cradle all those bold, saucy flavors. Its delicate aroma elevates each forkful of chicken and vegetables.
- Water
Used to steam the rice to fluffy perfection. The ratio of water to rice is key for achieving tender grains that aren’t mushy.
- Broccoli florets
Bright green florets add a robust, earthy flavor and a satisfying crunch. They balance the richness of the sauce with a healthy dose of vitamins and fiber.
- Bell peppers
Whether red, green, or yellow, sliced bell peppers bring sweet, crisp notes and a rainbow of color that makes the bowl visually stunning.
- Shredded carrots
These thin orange ribbons offer a hint of natural sweetness and additional crunch, brightening the bowl both in flavor and appearance.
- Green onions
Chopped green onions sprinkled on top bring a sharp, fresh bite and a pop of green, adding brightness to every spoonful.
- Salt and pepper
The simplest seasonings that make all the ingredients pop. They’re used to lightly season the chicken and fine-tune the sauce.
- Mayonnaise
The creamy base of the Bang Bang sauce, it adds richness and helps all the sauce ingredients blend into a smooth, velvety coating.
- Sweet chili sauce
This sticky, sweet-spicy condiment brings a gentle kick and a glossy sheen to the sauce, balancing heat with a hint of sugar.
- Hot sauce
Your go-to fiery element—Sriracha or any hot sauce of choice deepens the heat profile and adds a vinegary tang that cuts through the richness.
- Honey
A touch of natural sweetness that rounds out the sauce, preventing it from being overwhelmingly spicy and adding a subtle floral note.
- Lime juice
A squeeze of fresh lime juice brightens the sauce, adding zesty acidity that wakes up all the flavors and keeps things lively.
HOW TO MAKE BANG BANG CHICKEN BOWL
Time to roll up your sleeves and transform those fresh ingredients into a vibrant, flavor-packed bowl! Follow these detailed steps to master each component and bring everything together in perfect harmony.
1. In a saucepan, bring 2 cups of water to a rolling boil over high heat. Add 1 cup of jasmine rice, give it a gentle stir, then cover with a tight-fitting lid and reduce heat to low. Let it simmer for 15 minutes, resisting the urge to lift the lid. Once the water is absorbed and the rice grains are tender, remove from heat and fluff with a fork. Keep the rice covered to stay warm while you finish the rest.
2. In a medium bowl, combine all the Bang Bang sauce ingredients: mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, hot sauce, honey, lime juice, and a pinch of salt. Use a whisk or fork to blend until smooth and creamy. Taste and adjust the heat or sweetness to your liking, then set aside.
3. Heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat, allowing the oil to shimmer but not smoke. Swirl the pan to coat the bottom evenly.
4. Season the chicken pieces generously with salt and pepper. Add them to the hot pan in a single layer and let them sear undisturbed for 3–4 minutes on one side. Flip and cook for another 3–4 minutes until each piece is golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F/74°C). Remove the chicken with a slotted spoon and set aside.
5. In the same pan, add the broccoli florets, sliced bell peppers, and shredded carrots. Stir-fry for 3–4 minutes, tossing constantly until the veggies are fork-tender but still vibrant in color.
6. Return the cooked chicken to the pan, mixing it in with the vegetables. Pour the prepared Bang Bang sauce over the top and use tongs or a spatula to toss everything together, ensuring each piece is generously coated in the spicy, creamy sauce.
7. Divide the fluffy jasmine rice among serving bowls, creating a cozy bed for your chicken and veggie mixture. Use a spoon to heap the saucy chicken and vegetables on top.
8. Garnish each bowl with a sprinkle of chopped green onions and dig in to enjoy your spicy and flavorful Bang Bang Chicken Bowl!
SERVING SUGGESTIONS FOR BANG BANG CHICKEN BOWL
Elevate your Bang Bang Chicken Bowl even further with a few fun finishing touches. Whether you’re serving a casual family dinner or hosting a laid-back lunch with friends, these tips will add an extra layer of flavor, texture, and visual appeal to each bowl.
- Sesame crunch: Sprinkle lightly toasted sesame seeds over the bowl just before serving. The tiny seeds add a nutty aroma and a delicate crunch that pairs beautifully with the creamy sauce. For extra depth, toast them in a dry pan over medium heat for 1–2 minutes until golden.
- Citrus zest: Grate a bit of fresh lime or lemon zest on top to give your bowl a bright, citrusy kick. The zesty oils will cut through the richness of the sauce, adding an invigorating lift that keeps each bite fresh.
- Creamy swirl: Drizzle a thin stream of extra Bang Bang sauce in a decorative swirl across the top. This not only makes the presentation pop but ensures those who love extra heat can get the sauciest bites first.
- Fresh herb garnish: Top with a handful of finely chopped cilantro or Thai basil leaves for an herbal finish. The fresh greens add color contrast and a fragrant finish that beautifully complements the spicy, tangy notes of the dish.
HOW TO STORE BANG BANG CHICKEN BOWL
Whether you’re meal-prepping for the week or saving leftovers for a quick lunch, proper storage will keep your Bang Bang Chicken Bowl tasting as fresh as the day you made it. Follow these guidelines to maintain texture, flavor, and food safety.
- Refrigerate in airtight containers: Divide your bowls into individual portions and seal them in airtight containers. Store in the fridge for up to 3 days. Keep the sauce-coated chicken and rice together—just make sure the containers are well sealed to prevent moisture loss.
- Freeze for longer storage: If you want to stash these bowls for later, transfer cooled portions into freezer-safe bags or containers. Label with the date and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
- Separate sauce for meal prep: To prevent veggies from getting soggy, pack the Bang Bang sauce in a small, leak-proof jar and keep it separate from the chicken and rice. When ready to eat, drizzle the sauce over your bowl and toss lightly to revive the fresh crunch.
- Reheat gently: Warm up refrigerated or thawed bowls in the microwave on medium power for 1–2 minutes, stirring halfway through. Alternatively, reheat on the stovetop in a skillet over medium heat until just heated—this helps preserve the texture of both the veggies and chicken.
CONCLUSION
From the first bite of tender, spice-kissed chicken to the last spoonful of fluffy jasmine rice coated in creamy, tangy sauce, this Bang Bang Chicken Bowl is a celebration of bold flavors, vibrant vegetables, and effortless cooking. We’ve explored each ingredient’s role—from the protein-packed chicken breasts to the zesty lime juice that brightens the sauce—and walked through every step in the kitchen, from perfectly steamed rice to a flawless stir-fry. Whether you’re new to cooking or a seasoned home chef, the simple prep and beginner-friendly steps make this recipe an absolute winner. By following our detailed instructions and taking advantage of the handy serving and storage tips, you’ll be serving up restaurant-worthy bowls that are as delicious as they are beautiful.
Feel free to print this article or bookmark it for easy reference in your favorite recipe binder. You can save it for those busy nights when you need a quick dinner that still feels special, or use it as the foundation for meal prep lunches that keep you fueled all week long. Below, you’ll also find a FAQ section to answer any lingering questions about substitutions, spice adjustments, or reheating methods. If you give this recipe a try, I’d love to hear how it turned out—drop a comment or share your own serving ideas, anecdotes, or tweaks. And if you run into any questions or need a hand in the kitchen, don’t hesitate to reach out. Happy cooking, and enjoy every flavorful bite of your homemade Bang Bang Chicken Bowl!
Bang Bang Chicken Bowl
Description
This Bang Bang Chicken Bowl is a medley of juicy chicken, crisp vegetables, and a zesty sauce over fluffy rice. It's a quick, easy meal bursting with flavor and color.
Ingredients
Instructions
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In a saucepan, bring 2 cups of water to a boil. Add 1 cup of jasmine rice, cover, and reduce heat to low. Cook for 15 minutes or until the rice is tender and water is absorbed. Fluff with a fork and set aside.
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In a medium bowl, mix together all ingredients for the Bang Bang Sauce: mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, hot sauce, honey, lime juice, and salt. Adjust seasoning to taste. Set aside.
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Heat 2 tbsp of vegetable oil in a large pan over medium-high heat.
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Add the chicken pieces to the pan, seasoning them with salt and pepper. Cook for 6-8 minutes until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through.
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Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside. In the same pan, add broccoli, bell peppers, and carrots. Stir-fry for 3-4 minutes until they are fork-tender.
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Return the chicken to the pan and mix with the vegetables. Pour the prepared Bang Bang sauce into the pan and toss everything to coat evenly.
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To serve, place a bed of cooked jasmine rice in each bowl. Top with the Bang Bang chicken and vegetable mixture. Garnish with chopped green onions.
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Enjoy your spicy and flavorful Bang Bang Chicken Bowl!
Note
- The Bang Bang sauce can be adjusted for heat. Add more hot sauce for a spicier dish.
- Feel free to substitute chicken with tofu or shrimp for a different protein option.
- Use brown rice or quinoa as a healthier base if preferred.
- Add a sprinkle of sesame seeds for added texture and garnish.
- This dish is great for meal prep. Store in airtight containers for up to 3 days in the refrigerator.
