Bang Bang Chicken Bowl: A Flavor Explosion for Beginner Cooks Recipe
This Bang Bang Chicken Bowl is a vibrant, flavorful dish perfect for beginner cooks seeking a quick yet satisfying meal. Tender chicken breast pieces are sautéed to golden perfection and tossed in a creamy, spicy bang bang sauce, served over a bed of fluffy rice and crisp-tender mixed vegetables. The recipe offers a balanced combination of protein, veggies, and carbs with a delightful sweet and spicy kick, making it ideal for an easy weeknight dinner.
- Author: Mia
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
For the Chicken and Bowl:
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast
- 1 cup cooked rice (white, brown, or cauliflower rice for a low-carb option)
- 1 cup mixed vegetables (broccoli florets, bell peppers, carrots)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Bang Bang Sauce:
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons sriracha sauce
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon fresh lime juice
- Prepare the Bang Bang Sauce: In a medium bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sriracha, honey, garlic powder, and lime juice until smooth and well combined. Set aside to let the flavors meld while you prepare the other components.
- Prepare the Chicken: Cut the chicken breast into bite-sized cubes, approximately 1-inch pieces. Season generously with salt and pepper on all sides.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is shimmering, add the seasoned chicken pieces in a single layer. Cook for 6-8 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is golden brown on all sides and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F).
- Prepare the Vegetables: While the chicken cooks, steam or sauté your mixed vegetables until they’re tender-crisp. This usually takes about 4-5 minutes depending on the vegetable choice.
- Combine and Serve: Remove the chicken from heat and immediately toss with half of the bang bang sauce while still warm. Divide the cooked rice among serving bowls, top with the sauced chicken and steamed vegetables. Drizzle with the remaining sauce and serve immediately.
Notes
- You can swap out the cooked rice for cauliflower rice to make the dish lower in carbohydrates.
- Adjust the amount of sriracha in the bang bang sauce to control the spice level.
- Use fresh lime juice for best flavor, but bottled lime juice can be used in a pinch.
- Ensure the chicken pieces are cooked through to an internal temperature of 165°F to guarantee food safety.
- Feel free to substitute mixed vegetables based on preference or seasonality, such as snap peas or zucchini.
Keywords: Bang Bang Chicken Bowl, easy chicken recipe, spicy chicken bowl, beginner cook meals, quick dinner, sautéed chicken, bang bang sauce