Bang Bang Chicken Bowl
The Bang Bang Chicken Bowl is a flavorful and satisfying meal combining spicy, creamy bang bang sauce with tender chicken breast, fresh vegetables, and a fluffy grain base. This balanced bowl offers a delightful mix of textures and tastes, perfect for lunch, dinner, or meal prep, and is customizable to suit various dietary preferences.
- Author: Mary
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Skillet Cooking
- Cuisine: Asian Fusion
- Diet: Gluten Free
Protein
- 1 lb chicken breast, lean and juicy
Base
- 2 cups cooked rice or quinoa (or cauliflower rice as an alternative)
Bang Bang Sauce
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons sriracha (adjust to taste)
- 2 tablespoons sweet chili sauce
- 1 tablespoon lime juice (plus extra for garnish)
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
Fresh Vegetables
- 1 cup shredded cabbage
- 1/2 cup shredded carrots
- 1/2 cup thinly sliced cucumbers
- 2 green onions, thinly sliced
Garnishes
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds (lightly toasted)
- Optional: fresh cilantro or mint leaves
- Optional: thinly sliced red chili for extra heat
- Prepare the Protein: Season the chicken breast with salt and pepper. Cook in a skillet over medium heat until golden brown and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes per side depending on thickness. Let rest for 5 minutes, then slice into bite-sized pieces to keep it juicy and tender.
- Cook the Base: While the chicken cooks, prepare your chosen grain (white rice, quinoa, or cauliflower rice) according to package instructions until fluffy and fragrant.
- Make the Bang Bang Sauce: In a small bowl, combine mayonnaise, sriracha, sweet chili sauce, lime juice, and garlic powder. Adjust the sriracha quantity to control the heat level. Mix until smooth and creamy.
- Chop and Prepare Veggies: Thinly slice or shred cabbage, carrots, cucumbers, and green onions. These fresh veggies provide crunch and brightness that balance the spicy richness of the sauce and chicken.
- Assemble the Bowl: Start with a base of cooked grains in your serving bowl. Add the sliced chicken on top, then a generous portion of fresh vegetables. Drizzle the homemade bang bang sauce over the bowl, sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds, and finish with a squeeze of lime juice for brightness.
Notes
- Marinate the chicken in soy sauce and garlic beforehand for extra flavor.
- Adjust the amount of sriracha gradually to control the spice.
- Use fresh, crunchy vegetables for the best texture and taste.
- Let the cooked chicken rest before slicing to keep it moist and tender.
- Lightly toast sesame seeds in a dry pan to enhance their nutty aroma.
- Store components separately to avoid sogginess when meal prepping.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (approx. 1/4 recipe)
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 3.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 35 g
- Fiber: 5 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg
Keywords: Bang Bang Chicken, chicken bowl, spicy chicken, bang bang sauce, healthy bowl, meal prep, Asian inspired, gluten free