Flavorful Bang Bang Chicken Bowl

Featured in Family Dinner Ideas.

Create a vibrant Bang Bang Chicken Bowl bursting with flavor! This dish features succulent chicken, fresh mixed vegetables, fluffy rice, and a spicy creamy sauce that's perfectly balanced with sweetness and heat. You'll start by sautéing chicken to golden perfection, infusing it with simple seasonings. The accompanying sauce combines mayonnaise, sriracha, garlic, honey, and lime juice, offering a rich, tangy finish. Toss everything together, serve over your choice of rice, and garnish to your liking. A simple, yet satisfying meal ready in just 25 minutes!

Fatiha
Updated on Fri, 23 May 2025 18:12:44 GMT
A bowl of food with rice, broccoli, carrots, and chicken. Pin it
A bowl of food with rice, broccoli, carrots, and chicken. | zestplate.com

This hearty Bang Bang Chicken Bowl has become my weeknight dinner savior when I crave something flavorful but don't want to spend hours in the kitchen. The combination of tender chicken, crisp vegetables, and that irresistible creamy spicy sauce creates a restaurant-quality meal right at home.

I first made this recipe when looking for ways to use leftover rice and chicken. My family was instantly hooked, and now it's requested at least twice a month. The combination of textures and that addictive sauce keeps everyone coming back for more.

Ingredients

  • Boneless skinless chicken breast: Provides lean protein and takes on flavors beautifully
  • Cooked rice: Serves as the perfect base. White rice is traditional but brown rice adds nutrition
  • Mixed vegetables: Add color, nutrition and crunch. I love broccoli, bell peppers and carrots
  • Olive oil: For cooking gives a subtle flavor without overpowering the dish
  • Mayonnaise: Creates the creamy base for the sauce. Use quality mayo for best results
  • Sriracha: Delivers the signature heat. Adjust according to your spice tolerance
  • Honey: Balances the heat with natural sweetness. Local honey adds wonderful flavor
  • Garlic powder: Infuses the sauce with savory notes without the bite of fresh garlic
  • Lime juice: Brightens everything with acidity. Fresh squeezed makes a noticeable difference

How To Make Bang Bang Chicken Bowl

Rice Preparation:
Cook your rice according to package instructions, whether using a rice cooker or stovetop method. For even more flavor, consider cooking the rice in chicken broth instead of water. Allow it to rest covered for 5 minutes after cooking for the perfect texture.
Chicken Preparation:
Cut the chicken breast into even, bite-sized pieces about 1-inch cubes. Season generously with salt and pepper on all sides. Taking time to cut uniform pieces ensures they cook at the same rate and prevents some pieces from drying out while others remain undercooked.
Chicken Cooking:
Heat your olive oil in a large skillet until it shimmers but doesn't smoke. Add the seasoned chicken pieces in a single layer, giving them space to properly brown. Cook for 6-8 minutes, turning occasionally until golden on multiple sides and the internal temperature reaches 165°F. The chicken should be juicy inside with a slightly caramelized exterior.
Sauce Creation:
In a bowl, combine mayonnaise, sriracha, honey, garlic powder, and lime juice. Whisk thoroughly until completely smooth and uniform in color. The sauce should have a beautiful pale orange hue. Taste and adjust seasonings if needed, adding more sriracha for heat or honey for sweetness until it reaches your perfect balance.
Vegetable Addition:
Add your mixed vegetables to the same skillet with the cooked chicken. Stir frequently for 2-3 minutes. The goal is to maintain some crispness in the vegetables while just taking the raw edge off. They should remain vibrant in color and have a slight bite when done.
Final Assembly:
Remove the skillet from heat and pour your prepared sauce over everything. Gently fold until chicken and vegetables are evenly coated in the creamy sauce. Divide the cooked rice among serving bowls, then top with the sauced chicken and vegetable mixture. The heat from the chicken and vegetables will warm the sauce perfectly.
A bowl of food with rice, broccoli, carrots, and meat. Pin it
A bowl of food with rice, broccoli, carrots, and meat. | zestplate.com

The sriracha is truly the star ingredient in this recipe. I discovered its magic beyond just a condiment when experimenting with Asian-inspired sauces. My husband, who typically avoids spicy foods, surprised himself by requesting seconds and even asking for extra sauce on the side. That moment confirmed this recipe would become a regular in our dinner rotation.

Storage and Reheating

This Bang Bang Chicken Bowl keeps beautifully in the refrigerator for up to 3 days in airtight containers. For best results, store the sauce separately if preparing for meal prep. When reheating, sprinkle a few drops of water over the rice before microwaving to prevent it from drying out. The flavors actually develop and meld together overnight, making leftovers sometimes even better than the original meal.

Easy Substitutions

This recipe welcomes adaptations based on dietary needs or what you have available. For a lighter version, substitute Greek yogurt for half the mayonnaise. Cauliflower rice makes an excellent low-carb alternative to traditional rice. Plant-based chicken substitutes work wonderfully for a vegetarian version. For a different flavor profile, try sweet chili sauce in place of sriracha for less heat but similar sweet-spicy character.

A bowl of food with rice, chicken, broccoli, and carrots. Pin it
A bowl of food with rice, chicken, broccoli, and carrots. | zestplate.com

Serving Suggestions

While delicious on its own, this bowl pairs wonderfully with additional toppings. Try adding sliced avocado for creaminess, toasted sesame seeds for nutty crunch, or cucumber slices for freshness. For a beautiful presentation, serve in shallow bowls with components arranged separately before drizzling with sauce. This creates a visually stunning meal that invites everyone to mix according to their preference.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I use a different protein instead of chicken?

Yes, you can substitute chicken with shrimp, tofu, or beef. Adjust cooking times accordingly to ensure proper doneness.

→ What kind of vegetables work best for this dish?

Broccoli, bell peppers, and carrots are great options, but you can also use zucchini, snap peas, or mushrooms based on your preference.

→ Can I make the sauce less spicy?

Yes, reduce the amount of sriracha or replace it with a milder chili sauce. You can also add extra honey to balance the spice.

→ Is there a substitute for the mayonnaise in the sauce?

You can use Greek yogurt or a dairy-free mayo alternative for a lighter option while maintaining creaminess.

→ Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can cook the chicken, vegetables, and sauce separately, and store them in the fridge. Reheat and assemble when ready to serve.

Bang Bang Chicken Bowl

Tender chicken, fresh veggies, rice, and a bold, spicy creamy sauce all in one hearty dish.

Prep Time
10 Minutes
Cook Time
15 Minutes
Total Time
25 Minutes
By: Fatiha

Category: Main Dishes

Difficulty: Easy

Cuisine: Asian-inspired

Yield: 4 Servings

Dietary: Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free

Ingredients

01 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast
02 1 cup cooked rice (white, brown, or cauliflower)
03 1 cup mixed vegetables (broccoli, bell peppers, carrots)
04 2 tablespoons olive oil
05 Salt and pepper to taste

→ For the sauce

06 1/2 cup mayonnaise
07 2 tablespoons sriracha
08 1 tablespoon honey
09 1 teaspoon garlic powder
10 1 teaspoon lime juice

Instructions

Step 01

Cook the rice according to the package instructions. Set it aside once done. Using a rice cooker simplifies the process and ensures consistent results.

Step 02

Cut the chicken breast into bite-sized pieces and season with salt and pepper. This enhances flavor and ensures even cooking.

Step 03

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken and sauté for 6-8 minutes until golden brown and cooked through. Ensure it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.

Step 04

In a small bowl, mix mayonnaise, sriracha, honey, garlic powder, and lime juice. Taste and adjust for spice or sweetness to your preference.

Step 05

Add the mixed vegetables to the skillet with the cooked chicken. Cook for 2-3 minutes until just tender but still slightly crisp.

Step 06

Remove the skillet from heat. Pour the prepared sauce over the chicken and vegetables, stirring to coat evenly. Serve over rice and garnish with extra sriracha or green onions if desired.

Notes

  1. Using a rice cooker ensures consistent cooking results and saves time.

Tools You'll Need

  • Rice cooker
  • Large skillet
  • Meat thermometer
  • Small mixing bowl

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Contains eggs (in mayonnaise).

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 450
  • Total Fat: 20 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 34 g
  • Protein: 30 g