Bang Bang Chicken Bowl : A 20-Minute Flavor Bomb

Who else needs a dinner that actually gets everyone excited? đŸ™‹â€â™€ïž The Bang Bang Chicken Bowl is the kind of weeknight winner that checks all the boxes: bold flavor, easy prep, quick cleanup, and customizable for even the pickiest eaters. Whether you’re juggling work, picky toddlers, or just trying to avoid takeout again, this spicy-sweet bowl of goodness swoops in like a culinary superhero.

Trust me, once you try this, it’ll be hard not to put it on repeat. It’s creamy, zesty, a little spicy (or not, you’re the boss), and ready in about 20 minutes. What’s not to love?

Why You’ll Love This Bang Bang Chicken Bowl

Let me paint the picture: juicy chicken bites, sautéed veggies that still have a little snap, fluffy rice, and that addictively creamy-sweet-spicy sauce drizzled (or smothered) over everything. Mic drop.

This bowl is:

  • Quick enough for a Tuesday
  • Fancy-feeling enough for a Friday
  • Totally customizable (hello, leftover-friendly!)
  • Naturally gluten-free (just double-check your sriracha and mayo)

And the best part? It’s one of those dishes that tastes like you tried hard even when you didn’t.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s what’s going into your new favorite dinner bowl:

Main Ingredients:

  • 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast
  • 1 cup cooked rice (white, brown, or cauliflower — your bowl, your rules)
  • 1 cup mixed veggies (think broccoli, bell peppers, and carrots — fresh or frozen work!)
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste

For the Bang Bang Sauce:

  • œ cup mayonnaise
  • 2 tbsp sriracha (or more if you like it hot đŸ”„)
  • 1 tbsp honey
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp lime juice

How to Make a Bang Bang Chicken Bowl

You’re six steps away from dinner magic:

1. Cook Your Rice

First things first: rice. Follow the package instructions or let a rice cooker do the work (honestly, that thing deserves a shrine in my kitchen).

Beginner Tip: Use broth instead of water for more flavor. No shame in the rice-cooker game!

2. Prep and Season the Chicken

While the rice does its thing, cube your chicken breast into bite-sized pieces. Season with salt and pepper.

Beginner Tip: Smaller pieces = faster cooking. And seasoning now = more flavorful chicken later.

3. Sauté That Chicken

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high. Once hot (a sprinkle of water should sizzle), add the chicken and sautĂ© until golden and cooked through — about 6–8 minutes.

Pro Tip: Chicken is done when it hits 165°F inside. Got a thermometer? Use it.

4. Make the Sauce

In a bowl, mix the mayo, sriracha, honey, garlic powder, and lime juice. Taste and tweak! Want it sweeter? Add honey. More kick? Bring on the sriracha.

Sauce Secret: This stuff is so good, you might want to double it for dipping fries or drizzling over other meals.

5. Toss in the Veggies

Once your chicken is done, add your veggies to the pan. SautĂ© just 2–3 minutes — we want them bright and a little crunchy.

Beginner Tip: Overcooked veggies = mushy sadness. Keep ‘em crisp!

6. Mix and Serve

Kill the heat. Pour your bang bang sauce over the chicken and veggies. Stir to coat evenly. Serve it all over your rice and garnish if you’re feeling fancy (green onions, sesame seeds, or extra sriracha).

Final Touch: Want it extra creamy? Add a spoonful of sauce on top right before serving.

Aneta’s Little Story Time

The first time I made this Bang Bang Chicken Bowl, it was one of those chaotic nights — cranky kids, laundry mountain, and zero energy left. I needed something fast but satisfying. When I took the first bite, I knew this was a keeper. Now, it’s in our family’s weekly rotation, and everyone — even my veggie-skeptic husband — is on board. 💃

Quick Tips for Bang Bang Bowl Success

  • Use pre-cooked or frozen rice if you’re in a rush. Total time-saver!
  • Swap out the chicken for shrimp, tofu, or even crispy cauliflower.
  • Double the sauce and store it in the fridge — it’s like spicy mayo’s cooler cousin.
  • Make it low-carb by using cauliflower rice and skipping the honey.

FAQs About Bang Bang Bowl

Can I make the Bang Bang Chicken Bowl ahead of time?

Absolutely! Store the components separately and assemble just before serving to keep things fresh.

How should I store leftovers?

Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stove.

Can I use a different protein?

Totally. Try shrimp, tofu, or even rotisserie chicken to save time.

Is this Bang Bang Chicken Bowl kid-friendly?

Yes — just tone down the sriracha or let kids add sauce to their liking.

Conclusion

Honestly, this Bang Bang Chicken Bowl is the kind of meal that makes dinner feel less like a chore and more like a treat — without wrecking your kitchen or your schedule. Whether you’re cooking for one or feeding the whole crew, this bowl brings the heat, the sweet, and everything in between.

Give it a whirl tonight — your taste buds (and your sanity) will thank you.

Explore More Chicken Magic: Your Next Flavor Adventure Awaits!

Now that you’ve fallen head-over-heels for the Bang Bang Chicken Bowl, why not keep the flavor train rolling with some equally mouthwatering meals? Whether you’re craving crispy textures, sweet-and-spicy combos, or veggie-packed bowls, these delicious recipes will keep your dinner routine anything but boring. Here are some perfect next clicks to inspire your next kitchen creation:

  1. If you loved the sauce in this recipe, you’ll swoon over these Crispy Bang Bang Chicken bites — same bold flavors, extra crunch!
  2. Need more bowl magic in your life? Try the cozy-meets-bold Hot Honey Chicken Bowl for another quick and flavorful weeknight option.
  3. For a zesty Tex-Mex vibe, the Applebee’s Fiesta Lime Chicken Copycat brings restaurant flair right to your table — and yes, there’s cheese involved.
  4. Want to keep the bowl train going? Check out these vibrant Blackened Chicken and Sweet Potato Bowls for a smoky, nourishing twist.

No matter which you choose next, your taste buds are in for a treat. Let’s keep the kitchen magic going — one bowl, bite, or crispy chicken bite at a time.

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Close-up of a Bang Bang Chicken Bowl with crispy chicken, white rice, spicy mayo, and green onions

Bang Bang Chicken Bowl


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  • Author: Aneta
  • Total Time: 20 mins
  • Yield: 2 bowls

Description

This Bang Bang Chicken Bowl is the perfect balance of creamy, spicy, and sweet. Featuring tender chicken, fluffy rice, crisp vegetables, and a homemade bang bang sauce, it’s a quick weeknight dinner that feels like takeout—but better! Ready in just 20 minutes and fully customizable to fit your taste buds.


Ingredients

  • 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast (cut into bite-sized pieces)

  • 1 cup cooked rice (white, brown, or cauliflower)

  • 1 cup mixed vegetables (broccoli, bell peppers, carrots)

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil

  • Salt and pepper (to taste)

For the Bang Bang Sauce:

  • œ cup mayonnaise

  • 2 tablespoons sriracha

  • 1 tablespoon honey

  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder

  • 1 teaspoon lime juice


Instructions

  1. Cook the Rice:
    Prepare rice according to the package instructions. Set aside once cooked.

  2. Season the Chicken:
    While rice cooks, season chicken pieces with salt and pepper.

  3. Sauté the Chicken:
    Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook for 6–8 minutes until golden and fully cooked (165°F internal temperature).

  4. Make the Sauce:
    In a small bowl, combine mayonnaise, sriracha, honey, garlic powder, and lime juice. Taste and adjust seasoning to your preference.

  5. Add Vegetables:
    Toss veggies into the skillet with the cooked chicken and sautĂ© for 2–3 minutes until just tender.

  6. Assemble the Bowl:
    Remove from heat, pour sauce over chicken and veggies, and stir to coat evenly. Serve over rice and garnish as desired (green onions, sesame seeds, extra sriracha).

Notes

  • For a low-carb option, swap rice with cauliflower rice.

  • You can substitute shrimp, tofu, or crispy cauliflower for the chicken.

  • Double the sauce—it’s great for dipping or drizzling on other meals!

  • Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

  • Prep Time: 10 mins
  • Cook Time: 10 mins
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Asian-Inspired

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 bowl
  • Calories: 620 kcal
  • Sugar: 9 g
  • Sodium: 790 mg
  • Fat: 35 g
  • Saturated Fat: 6 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 25 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 45 g
  • Fiber: 3 g
  • Protein: 35 g
  • Cholesterol: 85 mg

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