Bang Bang Chicken Bowl: A Flavor Explosion for Beginner Cooks

why make this recipe

Bang Bang Chicken Bowl is perfect for beginner cooks looking to impress family or friends. It combines tender chicken, colorful veggies, and a delicious spicy-sweet sauce, all served over fluffy rice. This recipe is easy to follow and quick to prepare, making it a great choice for a weeknight dinner or a meal prep option. Plus, it’s versatile! You can customize the veggies and spice level to suit your taste.

how to make Bang Bang Chicken Bowl

Ingredients:

• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast
• 1 cup cooked rice (white, brown, or cauliflower)
• 1 cup mixed veggies (broccoli, bell peppers, carrots)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

For the sauce:

• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 2 tablespoons sriracha
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon lime juice

Directions:

1. Start by cooking your rice according to the package instructions. Set it aside once ready. Using a rice cooker can simplify this step and ensure perfectly cooked rice. Beginner Note: Follow package instructions for perfect rice. Use a rice cooker for convenience and consistent results.
2. While the rice is cooking, let’s prepare the chicken. Cut the chicken breast into bite-sized pieces. Season with salt and pepper. Beginner Note: Bite-sized pieces cook quickly and evenly. Season generously with salt and pepper.
3. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces and sauté until they are golden brown and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. Beginner Note: Ensure the skillet is hot before adding the chicken to prevent sticking and ensure even browning. Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the chicken.
4. While the chicken is cooking, mix together the sauce ingredients in a small bowl: mayonnaise, sriracha, honey, garlic powder, and lime juice. Taste it, and adjust the sriracha if you want it spicier or add more honey for sweetness. Beginner Note: Adjust the sauce to your taste preferences. Start with the recommended amounts and add more or less of each ingredient as needed.
5. Once the chicken is cooked, toss in your mixed veggies and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until they’re just tender. Beginner Note: Don’t overcook the vegetables; they should remain slightly crisp to provide a pleasant texture and retain their nutrients.
6. Remove the skillet from heat, pour the sauce over the chicken and veggies, stirring to coat everything evenly. Serve your bang bang chicken over a mound of rice and garnish with extra sriracha or chopped green onions if desired. Beginner Note: Ensure everything is well coated with the sauce for a flavorful and cohesive dish. Garnish with your favorite toppings for added flavor and visual appeal.

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how to serve Bang Bang Chicken Bowl

Serve your Bang Bang Chicken Bowl warm, straight from the skillet. You can make it even more appealing by adding some extra chopped green onions or a dash of sriracha on top. The mix of colors from the veggies and garnishes will make the dish look as good as it tastes!

how to store Bang Bang Chicken Bowl

If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge. They will stay fresh for about 3-4 days. To reheat, simply microwave it or heat it on the stove until warm. You can also freeze portions if you want to keep them longer; just remember to let them cool completely before freezing.

tips to make Bang Bang Chicken Bowl

• Make sure not to overcrowd the skillet when cooking the chicken; this helps it brown nicely.
• Feel free to customize the veggies based on what you have; zucchini or snap peas work well too.
• Use a good quality mayonnaise for the best flavor in the sauce.
• If you prefer a lower-calorie option, you can use Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise in the sauce.

variation

You can easily make this bowl vegetarian by swapping the chicken for tofu or tempeh. Just cook it similarly until it’s golden brown. There are also other sauces you might try—like a peanut sauce for a different flavor profile.

FAQs

Q: Can I use frozen vegetables?

A: Yes, you can use frozen mixed veggies. Just add them to the skillet while cooking the chicken, and they will thaw and cook quickly.

Q: Is this recipe spicy?

A: The spiciness of the dish can be adjusted by varying the amount of sriracha in the sauce. Start with a smaller amount if you prefer a milder flavor.

Q: Can I make this dish ahead of time?

A: Yes, you can cook and prepare everything ahead of time. Just store it separately and heat it up when you’re ready to serve!