Are you ready to embark on a culinary adventure that will tantalize your taste buds? If you’re looking for a quick and delicious meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights, then you’ve come to the right place! Today, I’m excited to share my recipe for a Bang Bang Chicken Bowl—a flavor explosion that’s not only easy to make but also perfect for beginners. This dish is a fantastic option for those of us who love easy pasta recipes but want to switch things up with a healthy twist. Let’s dive in!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy to prepare, making it perfect for 30-minute meals.
- Packed with flavor and nutrition, ideal for Healthy Dinners With Chicken.
- Versatile—customize with your favorite veggies!
- Great for meal prep or a cozy dinner for one.
- Perfect for summer dinner meals or any time of the year!
Ingredients
To create this delightful Bang Bang Chicken Bowl, you’ll need the following 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
Full ingredient list with measurements is provided in the printable recipe card below.
How to Make the Recipe
Let’s get cooking! Follow these simple steps to whip up your Bang Bang Chicken Bowl:
- 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.
- 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.
- 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. Ensure that the skillet is hot before adding the chicken to prevent sticking. 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
Pro Tips for Making the Recipe
Here are some helpful suggestions to ensure your Bang Bang Chicken Bowl turns out perfectly:
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure your chicken is cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F.
- Feel free to swap out the mixed veggies for your favorites or whatever you have on hand—this dish is all about flexibility!
- If you’re looking for clean dinner ideas, consider using cauliflower rice instead of regular rice for a low-carb option.
- For a fun twist, try adding some crunchy toppings like spicy peanuts for an extra layer of flavor and texture.
How to Serve
This Bang Bang Chicken Bowl is best served fresh, but it’s also great for meal prep! Here are some serving suggestions:
- Serve it in a large bowl for a hearty meal.
- Garnish with chopped green onions or sesame seeds for added flavor.
- Pair it with a side of garlic herb roasted veggies for a complete meal.
- For a lighter option, serve it in lettuce wraps instead of rice.
Make Ahead and Storage
If you want to prepare this dish in advance, here are some tips:
- Cook the chicken and veggies ahead of time and store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop before serving.
- The sauce can also be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge for up to a week.
- For dinner ideas for one, simply portion out the rice and toppings as needed!
Now that you have all the tips and tricks, I hope you’re excited to try this Bang Bang Chicken Bowl! It’s a fantastic option for weeknight dinner ideas and is sure to impress your family and friends. Enjoy your cooking adventure!
Bang Bang Chicken Bowl: A Flavor Explosion for Beginner Cooks
Ingredients
Protein
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast Cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup cooked rice (white, brown, or cauliflower)
- 1 cup mixed veggies (broccoli, bell peppers, carrots)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- to taste Salt and pepper
Sauce
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons sriracha
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon lime juice
Instructions
- Cook rice according to package instructions and set aside.
- Cut chicken into bite-sized pieces, season with salt and pepper.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet, cook chicken until golden and internal temp reaches 165°F (6-8 mins).
- Mix mayonnaise, sriracha, honey, garlic powder, and lime juice to make the sauce.
- Cook veggies with chicken for 2-3 mins, then toss with sauce. Serve over rice and garnish as desired.