This bang bang chicken bowl recipe has become a total lifesaver. What I love most is that it’s so adaptable. You can use leftover cooked chicken, rotisserie chicken from the store, or quickly sauté some chicken breasts – whatever works for you! The sauce is where the magic happens, and trust me, it’s incredibly simple to make. It’s creamy, a little bit spicy, and has the perfect touch of sweetness. My youngest, who’s usually a picky eater, devours this bang bang chicken bowl every time.
I remember the first time I made it. I was a bit nervous about the spice level, but I tweaked it to make it family-friendly. Now, even my spice-sensitive mother-in-law enjoys it! The great thing about this bang bang chicken bowl is that you can totally customize the heat to your liking.
Honestly, the beauty of this bang bang chicken bowl is how versatile it is. You can serve it over rice, quinoa, noodles, or even in lettuce wraps for a lighter option. Add your favorite veggies, like broccoli, bell peppers, or snap peas, to make it a complete meal. I’ve even been known to throw in some edamame for extra protein. You can even add some avocado for a creamy texture!
I truly believe that the key to a great meal is not just the ingredients, but the love you put into it. This bang bang chicken bowl is a testament to that – it’s simple, flavorful, and made with love. Even on those chaotic weeknights, knowing I can whip up a delicious and satisfying meal for my family brings me so much joy. This bang bang chicken bowl is a definite crowd-pleaser!
If you’re looking for a new weeknight staple, this bang bang chicken bowl recipe is it. Trust me, your family is going to love it as much as mine does. I’m so excited to share this bang bang chicken bowl recipe with you!
Ingredients
Okay, let’s talk about what you’ll need to make this delicious bang bang chicken bowl. Don’t worry, most of these are pantry staples. I’ve been making this for years and have found a few little tricks along the way.
- 1.5 lbs Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: I usually buy these in bulk when they’re on sale and freeze them. You can also use chicken thighs if you prefer, but I find the breasts are leaner and cook faster. If you want to save some time, feel free to buy pre-cooked chicken.
- 1 cup Cooked Rice: I usually use jasmine rice for my bang bang chicken bowl because I love the fragrant aroma, but any rice works here – even brown rice for a healthier option. Sometimes, I’ll even use quinoa or cauliflower rice.
- 1/2 cup Mayonnaise: Now, this is the base of our bang bang sauce. Don’t skimp on the good stuff! I usually use full-fat mayo for the best flavor and texture, but you can use light mayo if you’re watching your calories.
- 1/4 cup Sweet Chili Sauce: This is what gives the bang bang sauce that signature sweet and spicy kick. You can find this in the Asian aisle of most grocery stores. If you’re sensitive to spice, start with less and add more to taste.
- 2 tablespoons Sriracha: This adds some heat. You can adjust the amount to your liking. My husband likes his bang bang chicken bowl extra spicy, so I always add a little extra to his portion.
- 1 tablespoon Rice Vinegar: This adds a nice tang to the sauce. If you don’t have rice vinegar, you can use white vinegar or apple cider vinegar in a pinch.
- 1 tablespoon Honey: This balances out the spice and adds a touch of sweetness. You can also use maple syrup if you prefer.
- 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder: A must-have for any good sauce! I always have a jar of garlic powder on hand.
- 1/2 teaspoon Onion Powder: This adds another layer of flavor. I also use this in my dry rub for grilled chicken.
- Salt and Pepper to taste: Don’t forget to season your chicken and sauce! I like to use sea salt and freshly ground black pepper.
- Optional Toppings: Sesame seeds, chopped green onions, crushed peanuts, sriracha mayo. These really take the bang bang chicken bowl to the next level!
If you’re looking to make this bang bang chicken bowl gluten-free, make sure your sweet chili sauce is gluten-free. Some brands contain soy sauce, which has gluten. Also, for a healthier bang bang chicken bowl, you can substitute the mayo with Greek yogurt. I’ve found that it makes a great substitute. No matter what, this bang bang chicken bowl is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
Feel free to experiment with other ingredients. Try adding a dash of ginger powder for a warm, aromatic note, or a squeeze of lime juice for extra zing. Consider adding a tablespoon of soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free) to deepen the umami flavor of the sauce. These little tweaks can make a big difference!
Step-by-Step Instructions
Alright, let’s get cooking! Here’s how I make my family’s favorite bang bang chicken bowl, step by step. Don’t worry if you’re not a master chef – this recipe is super forgiving.
- Cook the Chicken: First, you will want to cook your chicken. If you’re using raw chicken breasts, season them with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. You can grill them, bake them, or sauté them in a pan. I usually sauté them in a pan with a little olive oil until they’re cooked through. Make sure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Let the chicken rest for a few minutes, then dice it into bite-sized pieces. If you’re using pre-cooked chicken, simply dice it up.
- Make the Bang Bang Sauce: In a medium bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, rice vinegar, honey, garlic powder, and onion powder. Taste and adjust the seasonings to your liking. If you want it spicier, add more sriracha. If you want it sweeter, add more honey. The key to a great bang bang sauce is to find the perfect balance of sweet, spicy, and tangy.
- Combine Chicken and Sauce: Place the diced chicken in a large bowl and pour the bang bang sauce over it. Toss to coat the chicken evenly. Make sure every piece of chicken is coated in that delicious sauce! I learned the hard way to not over-sauce the chicken, so if you are unsure how much to use, start with a little sauce and add until well-coated.
- Assemble the Bowls: Divide the cooked rice among bowls. Top with the bang bang chicken. This is where you can get creative! You can add any toppings you like. I usually add sesame seeds, chopped green onions, and crushed peanuts. If you’re feeling extra fancy, you can drizzle some sriracha mayo over the top. To make the sriracha mayo, simply mix together mayonnaise and sriracha to taste.
- Serve Immediately: Serve your bang bang chicken bowl immediately and enjoy! The flavors are best when everything is fresh and the chicken is still warm. This bang bang chicken bowl is perfect for a quick and easy weeknight dinner.
And there you have it! My foolproof bang bang chicken bowl recipe. It’s quick, easy, and always a hit with my family. This bang bang chicken bowl recipe is so easy to customize. Feel free to add your own favorite toppings and sauces. But no matter what you do, the bang bang chicken bowl is sure to be a winner. Enjoy every last bite of the bang bang chicken bowl!
Serving Ideas
Okay, so you’ve got your delicious bang bang chicken bowl all ready to go. But how do you serve it to make it extra special? Here are some of my family’s favorite ways to enjoy this dish, including some tips I’ve picked up over the years.
We often serve this bang bang chicken bowl family-style. I put a big bowl of rice on the table, along with a bowl of the saucy chicken and all the toppings, and let everyone build their own bowls. It’s a fun and interactive way to eat, and it allows everyone to customize their meal to their liking. This bang bang chicken bowl is perfect for this style of eating.
I love to add a sprinkle of sesame seeds and chopped green onions on top of each bowl. It adds a pop of color and a little extra flavor. Sometimes, I’ll also add a dollop of sriracha mayo for an extra kick. The presentation really makes a difference. I’ve found that if it looks pretty, my kids are more likely to eat it. And it’s especially important with a bang bang chicken bowl!
This bang bang chicken bowl has become our go-to for casual get-togethers with friends and family. It’s always a crowd-pleaser, and it’s so easy to make a big batch. Plus, it’s perfect for potlucks. The bang bang chicken bowl is something that guests will love.
This recipe is supposed to serve four people, but honestly, in my house, it barely feeds three hungry adults. My husband always goes back for seconds, and my kids love it so much that they usually finish their entire bowl. I’ve learned to always make extra so there’s enough for everyone. Especially for a delicious bang bang chicken bowl!
If you happen to have leftovers (which is rare in my house), they make a great lunch the next day. I usually pack it in a container and take it to work. It’s so much better than eating out, and it saves me money. Plus, everyone in the office is always jealous of my delicious bang bang chicken bowl.
So, there you have it! Some of my favorite serving ideas for this bang bang chicken bowl. I hope you enjoy this recipe as much as my family does. This bang bang chicken bowl recipe is sure to be a hit with your loved ones.
FAQs
I’ve made this bang bang chicken bowl so many times, I’ve heard all the questions! Here are some of the most common ones, along with my best tips and tricks.
Q: Can I make this bang bang chicken bowl ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! You can cook the chicken and make the sauce ahead of time and store them separately in the refrigerator. Then, when you’re ready to eat, simply toss the chicken with the sauce and serve over rice. This bang bang chicken bowl is perfect for meal prepping.
Q: Can I use different types of chicken?
A: Definitely! Feel free to use chicken thighs, rotisserie chicken, or even tofu for a vegetarian option. I’ve even used shrimp before, and it was delicious. This bang bang chicken bowl is very versatile.
Q: How can I make this bang bang chicken bowl less spicy?
A: Simply reduce the amount of sriracha in the sauce. You can also add a little extra honey or rice vinegar to balance out the heat. My kids prefer it with less spice. If you don’t want it spicy at all, you can leave it out! But that defeats the purpose of a bang bang chicken bowl, doesn’t it?
Q: Can I freeze this bang bang chicken bowl?
A: I don’t recommend freezing the entire dish, as the mayonnaise in the sauce may separate when thawed. However, you can freeze the cooked chicken separately. Then, when you’re ready to eat, simply thaw the chicken and toss it with freshly made sauce. This bang bang chicken bowl recipe is better fresh.
Q: What other toppings can I add to this bang bang chicken bowl?
A: The possibilities are endless! Some of my favorites include broccoli, bell peppers, snap peas, edamame, carrots, and cucumbers. You can also add different types of nuts, like cashews or almonds. This bang bang chicken bowl is so easy to customize.
Q: Can I use a different type of rice?
A: Of course! You can use any type of rice you like, such as brown rice, jasmine rice, or basmati rice. You can also use quinoa or cauliflower rice for a healthier option. I like to use jasmine rice with my bang bang chicken bowl.
Q: How long does the bang bang chicken bowl last in the fridge?
A: If stored properly in an airtight container, the bang bang chicken bowl will last for about 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Be sure to check for any signs of spoilage before consuming, and when in doubt, throw it out. This bang bang chicken bowl is great the next day.
Q: Can I grill the chicken instead of cooking it in a pan?
A: Absolutely! Grilling the chicken adds a delicious smoky flavor to the bang bang chicken bowl. Just be sure to cook it to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). This bang bang chicken bowl can be cooked in a variety of ways.
Q: Is the sweet chili sauce gluten-free?
A: Some brands of sweet chili sauce contain gluten, so be sure to check the label. If you’re gluten-free, look for a brand that is specifically labeled gluten-free. Or you can make your own sweet chili sauce using gluten-free ingredients. If you follow this, you will have a gluten-free bang bang chicken bowl.
Conclusion
Well, there you have it! My go-to bang bang chicken bowl recipe. I truly hope you and your family enjoy it as much as we do. It’s become such a staple in our house, and I love knowing that I can always whip up a delicious and satisfying meal in no time. This bang bang chicken bowl is a total lifesaver on busy weeknights.
Here are a few final tips to help you make the perfect bang bang chicken bowl every time:
- Don’t overcook the chicken. Dry chicken is the enemy! Make sure to cook it just until it’s cooked through, and then let it rest for a few minutes before dicing.
- Taste and adjust the sauce. The key to a great bang bang sauce is to find the perfect balance of sweet, spicy, and tangy. Don’t be afraid to adjust the seasonings to your liking.
- Get creative with the toppings. The possibilities are endless! Add your favorite veggies, nuts, and sauces to customize your bang bang chicken bowl.
My family loves this bang bang chicken bowl in so many different ways. My son likes it with extra sriracha, while my daughter prefers it with just a touch of sweetness. My husband loves it with lots of veggies, and I love it with a sprinkle of sesame seeds and chopped green onions. I love this bang bang chicken bowl.
And remember, cooking should be fun! Don’t stress about making everything perfect. Just relax, enjoy the process, and have fun experimenting with different flavors and ingredients. This bang bang chicken bowl is sure to be a crowd-pleaser! I’d love to hear what you think about this bang bang chicken bowl!
Happy cooking, and I hope this bang bang chicken bowl becomes as beloved in your kitchen as it is in mine! Please come back for more recipes that I create! Check out my Spicy Honey Ginger Chicken Bowls and my BBQ Chicken Roasted Sweet Potato Bowls!