Name: Bang Bang Chicken Bowl
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Asian-inspired
Ingredients: 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; Salt and pepper, to taste; For the sauce:; ½ cup mayonnaise; 2 tablespoons sriracha; 1 tablespoon honey; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 teaspoon lime juice

This vibrant and flavorful Bang Bang Chicken Bowl combines tender chicken pieces and colorful vegetables tossed in a creamy, spicy-sweet sauce, all served over a bed of fluffy rice. It’s a quick, satisfying meal that brings restaurant-quality flavors to your dinner table in less than 30 minutes.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Ready in just 25 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights
Customizable heat level to suit your spice preference
Balanced meal with protein, vegetables, and carbs in one bowl
Cheaper and healthier than takeout
Meal-prep friendly for lunches throughout the week
Crowd-pleasing flavors that both kids and adults will enjoy
Simple ingredients you likely already have on hand

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Boneless, skinless chicken breast provides lean protein and serves as the perfect canvas for the flavorful sauce. You can substitute with chicken thighs for a juicier, more flavorful option if preferred.
Rice forms the foundation of this bowl, absorbing the delicious sauce and providing a satisfying base. White rice offers a neutral flavor and fluffy texture, while brown rice adds a nutty taste and extra fiber. Cauliflower rice works beautifully as a low-carb alternative.
Mixed vegetables add color, nutrition, and texture contrast. The recipe suggests broccoli, bell peppers, and carrots, but feel free to use whatever vegetables you have on hand—snap peas, zucchini, or mushrooms would all work well.
Olive oil is used for sautéing the chicken and vegetables. Its mild flavor won’t overpower the other ingredients, but you could substitute with avocado oil, vegetable oil, or even sesame oil for an Asian twist.
Mayonnaise creates the creamy base for the Bang Bang sauce. It provides richness and helps the sauce cling to the chicken and vegetables. Light mayonnaise works fine if you prefer a lower-calorie option.
Sriracha delivers the signature spicy kick in Bang Bang sauce. This Thai hot sauce offers the perfect balance of heat and flavor. Adjust the amount based on your heat preference or substitute with another hot sauce like sambal oelek or chili garlic sauce.
Honey balances the heat with natural sweetness. It also adds a subtle floral note and helps the sauce caramelize slightly when heated. Brown sugar or maple syrup can be used as alternatives.
Garlic powder provides aromatic depth without the bite of fresh garlic. It blends seamlessly into the sauce—though minced fresh garlic can be substituted if you prefer a more pronounced garlic flavor.
Lime juice brightens the sauce with a hint of acidity that cuts through the richness of the mayonnaise. Lemon juice or rice vinegar could work as substitutes in a pinch.

Directions

Cook the rice according to package instructions and set aside. Using a rice cooker is recommended for consistent results.
Season the bite-sized chicken pieces with salt and pepper.
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and sauté for 6-8 minutes until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F).
While the chicken cooks, mix mayonnaise, sriracha, honey, garlic powder, and lime juice in a small bowl. Adjust sriracha or honey to your taste preference.
Add the mixed veggies to the skillet with the chicken and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until vegetables are tender but still slightly crisp.
Remove skillet from heat, pour the sauce over the chicken and veggies, stirring to coat evenly.
Serve the Bang Bang Chicken over the cooked rice. Garnish with extra sriracha or chopped green onions if desired.

Servings and Timing

This recipe makes 4 generous servings, perfect for a family dinner or meal prep.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Calories: Approximately 450-500 calories per serving (varies based on rice type and specific ingredients used)

Variations

Vegetarian Bang Bang Bowl: Replace the chicken with crispy tofu or tempeh. Press firm tofu, cut into cubes, coat lightly with cornstarch, and pan-fry until crispy before adding the sauce.
Seafood Twist: Substitute chicken with shrimp or chunks of firm white fish like cod or halibut for a seafood variation.
Keto-Friendly Version: Use cauliflower rice instead of regular rice, and substitute the honey with a keto-friendly sweetener like monk fruit or erythritol.
Grilled Bang Bang Chicken: Instead of sautéing, marinate the chicken in a bit of oil, salt, pepper, and garlic powder, then grill for a smoky flavor profile.
Meal Prep Bowls: Prepare the components separately and assemble into individual containers for quick grab-and-go lunches throughout the week.
Spicy Peanut Variation: Add a tablespoon of peanut butter to the sauce for a Thai-inspired flavor profile with extra creaminess.
Extra Crunchy Bowl: Top with crispy wonton strips, chopped peanuts, or toasted sesame seeds for added texture.

Storage/Reheating

Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. For best results, store the sauce separately from the rice and chicken-vegetable mixture if possible.

Freezing: This dish can be frozen for up to 2 months, though the texture of the vegetables may change slightly upon thawing. Freeze in individual portions for easy reheating.

Reheating:

Microwave: Heat for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through for even warming.
Stovetop: Reheat in a skillet over medium heat for 3-5 minutes until warmed through, adding a splash of water if the mixture seems dry.
Oven: Place in an oven-safe dish, cover with foil, and heat at 350°F for about 10 minutes.

Make-Ahead Tips: You can prepare the sauce up to 5 days in advance and store it in the refrigerator. The chicken and vegetables can be cooked 1-2 days ahead and reheated when ready to serve.

FAQs

How spicy is Bang Bang Chicken?

The spice level is completely customizable based on how much sriracha you add to the sauce. Start with less if you’re sensitive to heat and gradually add more to taste. The honey helps balance the heat, creating a pleasant sweet-spicy combination.

Can I use pre-cooked chicken to save time?

Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken or leftover cooked chicken works great in this recipe. Simply shred or cube the chicken and add it to the skillet with the vegetables just to warm through before adding the sauce.

What can I substitute for sriracha sauce?

If you don’t have sriracha, you can use other hot sauces like sambal oelek, chili garlic sauce, gochujang (though this will change the flavor profile), or even buffalo sauce. Adjust quantities based on your heat preference.

Is Bang Bang Chicken gluten-free?

The recipe as written is gluten-free, assuming you use gluten-free versions of mayonnaise and sriracha. Always check individual product labels if you have celiac disease or severe gluten sensitivity.

Can I make Bang Bang sauce ahead of time?

Yes! The sauce can be made up to 5 days in advance and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This makes meal prep even faster.

What are some good side dishes to serve with Bang Bang Chicken Bowls?

This is a complete meal on its own, but you could serve it with a side of egg rolls, dumplings, miso soup, or a simple Asian-inspired cucumber salad for a more elaborate meal.

How did Bang Bang Chicken get its name?

The name “Bang Bang” likely comes from the Chinese dish “Bang Bang Chicken” (or Bon Bon Chicken), which traditionally involves pounding chicken with a mallet or stick (hence the “bang bang” sound). The modern version with the creamy, spicy sauce is an Americanized adaptation.

Can I add other vegetables to this recipe?

Absolutely! This recipe is very versatile. Good additions include snow peas, sugar snap peas, edamame, zucchini, mushrooms, water chestnuts, or baby corn. Just adjust cooking times accordingly as some vegetables cook faster than others.

Is there a way to make this recipe dairy-free?

The recipe is already dairy-free as written, as traditional mayonnaise doesn’t contain dairy. Just be sure to check your specific mayonnaise brand if you have dairy allergies.

Can I use frozen vegetables?

Yes, frozen mixed vegetables work great in this recipe. No need to thaw them first—just add them to the skillet and cook until heated through, which may take a minute or two longer than fresh vegetables.

Conclusion

This Bang Bang Chicken Bowl delivers restaurant-quality flavor with minimal effort and common pantry ingredients. Its versatility allows you to customize the heat level, swap proteins, or change up the vegetables based on what you have available. Perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep, this balanced bowl combines lean protein, vegetables, and grains with a crave-worthy sauce that will have everyone asking for seconds. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or preparing lunches for the week ahead, this Bang Bang Chicken Bowl is sure to become a regular in your meal rotation.