Name: Bang Bang Chicken Bowl Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Ingredients: 3–4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 lb); 3 cloves fresh garlic, minced; 1/2 cup chili sauce; 1/2 cup mayonnaise (use light for a healthier option); 4 green onions, finely chopped; 3 cups cooked rice or noodles; 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce; 2 tbsp honey (or agave syrup for vegan); Juice of 1 lime (freshly squeezed)

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The Bang Bang Chicken Bowl is the ultimate combination of crispy, golden chicken and a creamy, zesty sauce that brings layers of flavor to every bite. Perfect for busy weeknights or weekend gatherings, this recipe is quick and easy, taking only about 30 minutes to prepare from start to finish. With its customizable ingredients, you can serve it over rice or noodles and adjust the toppings to fit your preferences. The sweet and tangy sauce is a flavor explosion that will leave your taste buds craving more.

Bang Bang Chicken Bowl Recipe

Ingredients

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

3–4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 lb)
3 cloves fresh garlic, minced
1/2 cup chili sauce
1/2 cup mayonnaise (use light for a healthier option)
4 green onions, finely chopped
3 cups cooked rice or noodles
1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
2 tbsp honey (or agave syrup for vegan)
Juice of 1 lime (freshly squeezed)

Directions

Prepare your ingredients: Chop chicken into bite-sized pieces and mince garlic.
Cook the chicken: Heat 1 tablespoon oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook until golden brown and cooked through (7-10 minutes).
Make the sauce: In a separate bowl, mix mayonnaise, chili sauce, soy sauce, honey, and lime juice until smooth.
Combine: Reduce heat to low, pour the sauce over the cooked chicken, and stir well to coat evenly. Simmer for 2-3 minutes to let the flavors meld.
Serve: Place rice or noodles in bowls; top with the saucy chicken and garnish with chopped green onions.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 4
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes

Variations

For a Spicier Kick: Add extra chili sauce or a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce to turn up the heat.
Make it Vegan: Swap the chicken for tofu or tempeh, and use agave syrup instead of honey to keep it plant-based.
Rice Alternatives: Serve the dish with cauliflower rice for a low-carb option or try noodles like soba or udon for a different texture.
Add Veggies: Toss in some stir-fried vegetables like bell peppers, broccoli, or snap peas for added crunch and nutrition.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Reheating: Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop over medium heat until warmed through. You may need to add a splash of water to keep the sauce from thickening too much.

FAQs

1. Can I make Bang Bang Chicken Bowl ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the chicken and sauce ahead of time and store them separately in the fridge. When ready to serve, simply heat the chicken and sauce together and serve over freshly cooked rice or noodles.

2. What can I use instead of chili sauce?

If you don’t have chili sauce, you can substitute it with sriracha or any other hot sauce you prefer. Adjust the amount based on your spice tolerance.

3. Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs will work well and add extra flavor due to their higher fat content.

4. Is this recipe gluten-free?

To make this dish gluten-free, use tamari instead of soy sauce, and make sure your chili sauce and other condiments are gluten-free.

5. Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Yes, simply use dairy-free mayonnaise, such as one made with avocado or another plant-based option.

6. How spicy is this recipe?

The level of spice depends on the chili sauce you use. It’s typically mild to medium heat, but you can adjust the spiciness by adding more chili sauce or other hot ingredients like red pepper flakes.

7. Can I freeze Bang Bang Chicken Bowl?

While the sauce may lose some of its creaminess when frozen, you can freeze the cooked chicken (without the sauce) for up to 2 months. Reheat and add fresh sauce when ready to serve.

8. Can I use other proteins for this recipe?

Yes! You can substitute the chicken with shrimp, pork, or even a plant-based protein like tempeh or tofu for a different twist.

9. What should I serve with this dish?

Bang Bang Chicken Bowl is often served with rice or noodles, but it pairs well with a side of steamed vegetables or a simple green salad.

10. How can I make this recipe lower in calories?

For a lighter version, use light mayonnaise and reduce the amount of honey or substitute it with a natural sweetener like stevia. You can also use cauliflower rice to reduce the carb content.

Conclusion

The Bang Bang Chicken Bowl is an easy-to-make, flavor-packed meal that delivers the perfect balance of sweet, spicy, and creamy. Whether you’re feeding your family or impressing friends at a gathering, this dish is sure to be a hit. It’s versatile, quick, and customizable, making it a fantastic choice for any occasion. Enjoy the delicious explosion of flavors and satisfy your taste buds with every bite!