Growing up, my family had a favorite weekend tradition – a big, delicious Bang Bang Chicken Bowl. It was the kind of meal that brought us all together, laughing and sharing stories around the table. The tender, flavorful chicken, the crunchy veggies, and that addictive sauce – it was pure comfort in a bowl.
Whenever Mom would announce she was making Bang Bang Chicken, I’d get so excited. I’d rush to set the table, eager to dive in. And the smell as it simmered on the stove? Heavenly. I can still picture Dad scooping up that last bit of sauce with a piece of crusty bread, determined not to let a single drop go to waste.
To this day, that Bang Bang Chicken Bowl recipe is the one I turn to whenever I need a little taste of home. It’s the kind of meal that just makes you feel good, you know? And I’m so excited to share it with you because I know it’ll become your new go-to as well.
Why This Bang Bang Chicken Bowl Recipe Will Become Your Go-To
This Bang Bang Chicken Bowl is unlike any other. It’s got the perfect balance of sweet, spicy, and tangy flavors that will have you going back for seconds (and thirds!). The secret is in the sauce – a delectable blend of sriracha, honey, and lime that coats the tender chicken and crisp veggies to absolute perfection.
The Secret Behind Perfect Bang Bang Chicken Bowl
What really sets this Bang Bang Chicken Bowl apart is the technique. We’re not just grilling or sautéing the chicken. Nope, we’re giving it a quick pan-fry to get that irresistible crispy exterior, then tossing it in the incredible sauce. Trust me, the extra step is so worth it. And the veggies? They’re not just an afterthought – we’re roasting them to bring out their natural sweetness and add even more texture to the dish.
Essential Ingredients You’ll Need
To make this Bang Bang Chicken Bowl, you’ll need:
Boneless, skinless chicken thighs – They stay juicier and more flavorful than breasts.
Sriracha – For that signature spicy kick.
Honey – To balance out the heat and add a touch of sweetness.
Lime juice – Brightens up the whole dish.
Mayonnaise – Creates a creamy base for the sauce.
Shredded cabbage – Provides a satisfying crunch.
Carrots – Add a pop of color and natural sweetness.
Scallions – Their mild onion flavor is the perfect garnish.
Step-by-Step Bang Bang Chicken Bowl Instructions
Preparing Your Bang Bang Chicken Bowl
Ready to get cooking? This Bang Bang Chicken Bowl comes together in just about 30 minutes, start to finish. You’ll need a large skillet or wok, a baking sheet, and a few basic kitchen tools. Let’s get started!
1- First, cut the chicken thighs into bite-sized pieces. This will help them cook quickly and evenly.
2- In a small bowl, whisk together the sriracha, honey, lime juice, and mayonnaise to make the delectable Bang Bang sauce.
3- Heat a drizzle of oil in your skillet over medium-high heat. Working in batches if needed, add the chicken pieces and cook for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through.
4- While the chicken is cooking, toss the shredded cabbage and carrots together on a baking sheet. Roast in the oven at 400°F for 10-12 minutes, until slightly softened and caramelized on the edges.
5- Once the chicken and veggies are ready, add the chicken to the Bang Bang sauce and toss to coat everything evenly.
6- Divide the roasted cabbage and carrots between bowls, then top with the saucy Bang Bang chicken. Sprinkle with sliced scallions and enjoy!
Pro Tips for Success
The key to perfect Bang Bang Chicken Bowl is getting that crispy chicken texture. Be sure not to overcrowd the pan when cooking the chicken – you want it to sear, not steam. And don’t be afraid to let the chicken get nice and golden brown. That’s where all the flavor comes from!
Another pro tip? Make extra sauce. Seriously, you’re going to want to drizzle it over everything. It’s that good.
Serving and Storing Your Bang Bang Chicken Bowl
Perfect Pairings for Bang Bang Chicken Bowl
This Bang Bang Chicken Bowl is a complete meal all on its own, but there are plenty of delicious ways to serve it. For a heartier dish, serve it over steamed rice or quinoa. Or, for a lighter option, enjoy it as is or on a bed of mixed greens. It also pairs beautifully with a side of roasted broccoli or air-fried Brussels sprouts.
And don’t forget the beverages! An ice-cold beer or a refreshing glass of white wine would be the perfect accompaniment.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
Luckily, this Bang Bang Chicken Bowl recipe makes plenty, so you can enjoy the leftovers all week long. Store the chicken and veggies separately in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 4 days. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply reheat the chicken in the microwave or a skillet, then toss it with the roasted veggies.
You can also meal prep this dish in advance. Cook the chicken and roast the veggies on the weekend, then assemble the bowls throughout the week for a quick and easy lunch or dinner. Just keep the sauce separate until you’re ready to serve.
Variations and Dietary Adaptations for Bang Bang Chicken Bowl
Creative Bang Bang Chicken Bowl Variations
The beauty of this Bang Bang Chicken Bowl is that it’s endlessly customizable. Switch up the protein and use shrimp or tofu instead of chicken. Swap in different veggies like broccoli, bell peppers, or snap peas. And feel free to get creative with the sauce – add a splash of soy sauce, a sprinkle of sesame seeds, or a drizzle of sriracha for extra heat.
Making Bang Bang Chicken Bowl Diet-Friendly
For a low-carb version, serve the Bang Bang chicken and veggies over cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles. Looking to make it gluten-free? Just use tamari or coconut aminos in the sauce instead of regular soy sauce. And for a vegan spin, replace the chicken with crispy tofu or tempeh and use plant-based mayo in the sauce.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
A: You can, but I really recommend sticking with the thighs if possible. They’ll stay much juicier and more flavorful than breasts in this dish.
Q: How long should I cook the chicken?
A: The chicken should take about 3-4 minutes per side to get nice and crispy on the outside while staying tender on the inside. Keep an eye on it and adjust the heat as needed.
Q: Can I make this dish in advance?
A: Absolutely! The chicken and veggies can be prepped and stored separately for up to 4 days. Just wait to toss everything in the sauce until you’re ready to serve.
Q: How many people does this recipe serve?
A: This Bang Bang Chicken Bowl recipe will comfortably serve 4 people as a main dish. You can easily scale it up or down to feed a crowd or enjoy leftovers.
Q: What if the sauce is too spicy for my taste?
A: No problem! Start with a smaller amount of sriracha, then taste and adjust to your preferred level of heat. You can also add a bit more honey to balance out the spice.
Bang Bang Chicken Bowl
- Total Time: 30
- Yield: 4
Description
Indulge in a restaurant-worthy Bang Bang Chicken Bowl that’s surprisingly easy to make at home. Tender chicken pieces are coated in a spicy-sweet sauce and served over a bed of crunchy veggies for a satisfying and flavorful meal.
Ingredients
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
– 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/4 cup panko breadcrumbs
– 1/4 cup mayonnaise
– 2 tablespoons Sriracha
– 2 tablespoons honey
– 2 tablespoons lime juice
– 1 cup shredded cabbage
– 1 cup shredded carrots
– 2 scallions, thinly sliced
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
Instructions
1. – In a shallow bowl, combine the flour and panko breadcrumbs. Dredge the chicken pieces in the flour mixture, pressing to help it adhere.
2. – In a large skillet, heat 1/2 inch of oil over medium-high heat. Fry the chicken pieces for 2-3 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through. Drain on a paper towel-lined plate.
3. – In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, Sriracha, honey, and lime juice to make the Bang Bang sauce.
4. – In a large bowl, toss the shredded cabbage and carrots. Top with the fried chicken pieces and drizzle the Bang Bang sauce over the top.
5. – Garnish with sliced scallions and chopped cilantro before serving.
Notes
– For a creamier sauce, use plain Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise.
– Adjust the amount of Sriracha to your desired level of spice.
– Leftover chicken and sauce can be stored separately in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 10
- Cook Time: 20
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
Conclusion
There’s just something so comforting and satisfying about this Bang Bang Chicken Bowl. The flavors, the textures, the way it brings people together – it’s truly a meal worth savoring. I hope you’ll give this recipe a try and that it becomes a new favorite in your household, just like it is in mine. Enjoy!