There’s something so comforting about a good bowl meal—it’s all-in-one, easy to customize, and always satisfying. Whether you’re trying to whip up a quick weeknight dinner or enjoy a laid-back lunch on the weekend, this Bang Bang Chicken Bowl hits all the right notes.
The first time I made this dish, I wanted something bold and spicy without spending hours in the kitchen. One look at the creamy, spicy sauce and colorful ingredients, and I was sold. The best part? It came together in less than 30 minutes. This recipe proves that you don’t need complicated techniques or fancy ingredients to make a restaurant-worthy meal at home.
⭐️ Bang Bang Chicken Bowl Recipe
A quick and flavorful chicken bowl made with sautéed chicken, crisp veggies, and a creamy, spicy-sweet Bang Bang sauce. Perfect for beginner cooks and busy weeknights.
- Author: Paula
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course, Dinner
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: American, Asian-inspired
🛒 Ingredients
Base:
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast
- 1 cup cooked rice (white, brown, or cauliflower)
- 1 cup mixed veggies (like broccoli, bell peppers, carrots)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Bang Bang Sauce:
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 2 tbsp sriracha (adjust to taste)
- 1 tbsp honey
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp lime juice
👩🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Cook the Rice
Prepare your rice according to the package instructions. You can use white, brown, or cauliflower rice. A rice cooker makes this step even easier and gives consistent results.
Beginner Tip: Read your rice package carefully—each type of rice may need different water ratios or cooking times.
2. Prep the Chicken
Cut chicken breast into bite-sized pieces. Season with salt and pepper.
Beginner Tip: Smaller pieces cook faster and more evenly. Don’t skip seasoning—it brings out the flavor in the meat.
3. Sauté the Chicken
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook for 6–8 minutes until golden brown and fully cooked (internal temp should reach 165°F).
Beginner Tip: Let the pan heat fully before adding the chicken to prevent sticking. A meat thermometer helps ensure it’s safely cooked.
4. Make the Sauce
While the chicken cooks, whisk together the mayo, sriracha, honey, garlic powder, and lime juice in a small bowl. Adjust spice or sweetness to your taste.
Beginner Tip: Start with the given measurements, then tweak to your liking. More sriracha = spicier; more honey = sweeter.
5. Add the Veggies
Toss your mixed vegetables into the skillet with the cooked chicken. Sauté for 2–3 minutes until just tender. You want them slightly crisp for great texture.
Beginner Tip: Avoid overcooking—the veggies should still have a little crunch for the best texture and nutrition.
6. Sauce and Serve
Remove the pan from heat. Pour the Bang Bang sauce over the chicken and veggies and stir to coat everything evenly. Serve over a scoop of rice.
Optional Garnishes:
- Extra sriracha
- Chopped green onions
- Sesame seeds
- Avocado slices
- Cilantro
Beginner Tip: Coat everything well for a rich, flavorful bite in every spoonful. Customize with toppings for extra flavor and flair.
💡 Extra Tips for Success
- Use a meat thermometer: Cook chicken to 165°F to ensure it’s safe and juicy.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan: Cook in batches if needed so the chicken browns instead of steaming.
- Use pre-cut veggies: Save time with a frozen stir-fry mix or a fresh pre-chopped bag.
- Low-carb option: Swap the rice for cauliflower rice.
- Customize the sauce: Make it milder or bolder depending on your spice preference.
🍽️ Serving Ideas
This bowl is amazing on its own, but you can level it up with these add-ons:
- Green onions or cilantro for freshness
- Sesame seeds for a nutty crunch
- Avocado for creaminess
- Chili flakes or extra sriracha for heat-lovers
📣 Final Thoughts
The Bang Bang Chicken Bowl is a game-changer for beginner cooks. It’s fast, flexible, and full of flavor. You’ll learn essential skills like sautéing, sauce-making, and layering a meal—all while enjoying something seriously delicious.
Whether you’re feeding your family or just treating yourself to a cozy night in, this bowl is sure to impress. So grab your skillet and get cooking—your new favorite weeknight dinner is just 25 minutes away.