Name: Bang Bang Chicken Bowl
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Asian-Inspired / Fusion
Ingredients: 450 g / 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast; 200 g / 1 cup cooked rice (white, brown, or cauliflower); 150 g / 1 cup mixed veggies (broccoli, bell peppers, carrots); 30 ml / 2 tbsp olive oil; Salt and pepper, to taste; 120 g / 1/2 cup mayonnaise; 30 ml / 2 tbsp sriracha; 15 ml / 1 tbsp honey; 5 g / 1 tsp garlic powder; 5 ml / 1 tsp lime juice

Jump to Recipe

If you’ve been on the hunt for a quick, satisfying meal that doesn’t skimp on flavor, this Bang Bang Chicken Bowl might just become your new best friend. Think of it as that spicy little black dress in your recipe collection—simple, flattering, and always a hit at the table. With tender chicken, crisp veggies, fluffy rice, and a creamy-sweet-spicy sauce that ties everything together, this dish has weeknight lifesaver written all over it.

I get it—between work, family, and the never-ending to-do list, dinner can feel like one more chore. That’s why I love this recipe: it’s a spicy chicken recipe that feels restaurant-worthy but is absolutely beginner-friendly. In under 30 minutes, you can whip up a bowl that’s fresh, colorful, and downright crave-worthy. Plus, it has that Asian-inspired chicken bowl vibe we all adore—comforting yet exciting enough to break the weekday monotony.

So, whether you’re cooking for picky eaters, hungry teens, or just yourself after a long day, tie on your apron. Let’s make a meal that’s as easy as it is delicious.

Why You’ll Love This Bang Bang Chicken Bowl

Ready in just 25 minutes
Balanced mix of protein, veggies, and carbs
Creamy, spicy-sweet sauce that’s addicting (in the best way)
Easy enough for beginners, impressive enough for guests

Ingredients You’ll Need

450 g / 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast
200 g / 1 cup cooked rice (white, brown, or cauliflower)
150 g / 1 cup mixed veggies (broccoli, bell peppers, carrots)
30 ml / 2 tablespoons olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste

For the Sauce:

120 g / ½ cup mayonnaise
30 ml / 2 tablespoons sriracha
15 ml / 1 tablespoon honey
5 g / 1 teaspoon garlic powder
5 ml / 1 teaspoon lime juice

Step-by-Step Directions

Cook the Rice
Prepare 1 cup of rice according to package directions. A rice cooker makes life easier, but stovetop works just fine.
Prep the Chicken
Slice chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces. Season lightly with salt and pepper.
Cook the Chicken
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook for 6–8 minutes, until golden and cooked through (165°F internal temp).
Whip Up the Sauce
In a small bowl, mix together mayonnaise, sriracha, honey, garlic powder, and lime juice. Taste and adjust—spicier? More honey? Go for it!
Add the Veggies
Toss in broccoli, bell peppers, and carrots. Cook for 2–3 minutes, just until tender-crisp.
Bring It Together
Remove skillet from heat, pour sauce over the chicken and veggies, and stir until evenly coated.
Serve It Up
Spoon the saucy chicken and veggies over rice. Garnish with green onions, sesame seeds, or extra sriracha.

Tips for Perfect Results

Cut small, cook quick: Smaller chicken pieces cook faster and stay juicy.
Veggie swap: Use whatever’s in your fridge—snap peas, zucchini, even frozen veggies work.
Rice alternatives: Brown rice for extra fiber, or cauliflower rice if you’re watching carbs.
Sauce magic: If you love heat, add extra sriracha. Prefer it sweeter? Drizzle a little more honey.

Don’t panic if your sauce looks too thick at first. Once it hits the hot skillet, it thins out and hugs every bite of chicken and veggies like a cozy blanket.

A Little Story from My Kitchen

This Bang Bang Chicken Bowl first appeared in my kitchen on a chaotic Tuesday night. You know the type—emails still unanswered, kids asking what’s for dinner, and me silently wishing for takeout. But instead of grabbing the phone, I raided the fridge. Chicken? Check. Veggies? Check. Rice from last night? Check.

I whisked together a quick sauce, tossed it all in a skillet, and within 20 minutes had a steaming bowl that looked way fancier than the effort it took. My husband’s reaction? “Did you order this?”—which, let’s be honest, is the ultimate compliment for a weeknight dinner. From then on, this dish became a regular in our rotation.

What to Serve with Your Bang Bang Chicken Bowl

This bowl is pretty complete on its own, but if you want to elevate the meal:

Crunchy side salad with sesame dressing for freshness.
Spring rolls or dumplings for that takeout-style spread.
Steamed edamame sprinkled with sea salt as a healthy appetizer.
Chilled sparkling water with lime or a crisp white wine to balance the spice.

If you’re feeding a crowd, lay out toppings like extra sriracha, sesame seeds, or chopped peanuts, and let everyone customize their bowls.

How to Store Leftovers

Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or skillet until warmed through.
Freezer: Freeze chicken and veggies (without the rice) for up to 2 months. The sauce may separate slightly after thawing, but a quick stir brings it back together.
Meal prep friendly: Divide into containers with rice for grab-and-go lunches.

Pro tip: Store rice separately if you want to keep it from getting mushy when reheating.

FAQs About Bang Bang Chicken Bowl

Can I substitute chicken breast with chicken thighs?

Absolutely! Thighs add extra juiciness and flavor—just adjust cooking time slightly.

Can I make this recipe lighter?

Yes! Swap mayonnaise for Greek yogurt, use brown rice, and load up on extra veggies.

Is this too spicy for kids?

The sauce is mild to medium heat. For kids, reduce the sriracha and add more honey.

Can I meal prep this?

Definitely! This beginner-friendly dinner holds up well in the fridge and makes weekday lunches exciting.

Bringing It All Together

When life feels overwhelming and the thought of cooking dinner makes you want to curl up with cereal, remember this Bang Bang Chicken Bowl. It’s quick, colorful, and just the right mix of creamy, spicy, and sweet. Plus, you only need a handful of pantry staples to make it happen.

The best part? This dish isn’t just about filling your stomach—it’s about creating a moment. A moment to slow down, savor, and enjoy a bowl that feels both comforting and a little indulgent. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll find yourself making it again and again.

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