Bang Bang Chicken Bowls: Delicious & Easy Recipe

Bang Bang Chicken Bowls: Prepare to embark on a culinary adventure that will tantalize your taste buds and leave you craving more! Imagine succulent, crispy chicken coated in a creamy, spicy sauce, nestled atop a bed of fluffy rice and vibrant, crunchy vegetables. This isn’t just a meal; it’s an experience.

While the exact origins of “Bang Bang” sauce are debated, many believe it draws inspiration from Asian flavors, particularly those found in Sichuan cuisine, known for its bold and fiery profiles. The name itself suggests the explosive burst of flavor you’re about to encounter. This dish has rapidly gained popularity in recent years, becoming a favorite in restaurants and home kitchens alike.

What makes Bang Bang Chicken Bowls so irresistible? It’s the perfect harmony of textures and tastes. The crispy chicken provides a satisfying crunch, while the creamy sauce offers a delightful richness and a gentle kick of spice. The rice provides a comforting base, and the fresh vegetables add a refreshing element. It’s also incredibly versatile and convenient. You can easily customize the vegetables to your liking and adjust the spice level to suit your preferences. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleasing meal for a gathering, these bowls are sure to be a hit. Get ready to experience the “bang”!

this Recipe

Ingredients:

• For the Chicken:
• 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
• 1 tbsp cornstarch
• 1 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tsp ginger, grated
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• For the Bang Bang Sauce:
• 1 cup mayonnaise
• 1/4 cup sweet chili sauce
• 2 tbsp sriracha (or more, to taste)
• 1 tbsp rice vinegar
• 1 tbsp honey
• 1 tsp soy sauce
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• For the Rice:
• 2 cups long-grain white rice
• 4 cups water
• 1/2 tsp salt
• For the Bowl Assembly:
• 1 head of broccoli, cut into florets
• 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
• 2 green onions, thinly sliced
• 1/4 cup chopped peanuts (optional)
• Sesame seeds (optional)
• Cilantro, chopped (optional)
• Lime wedges (optional)

Preparing the Chicken:

1. In a large bowl, combine the chicken pieces, cornstarch, soy sauce, grated ginger, garlic powder, and black pepper. Make sure the chicken is evenly coated with the mixture. This helps to tenderize the chicken and create a nice crust when cooked.
2. Let the chicken marinate for at least 15 minutes, or up to 30 minutes in the refrigerator. The longer it marinates, the more flavorful it will be!

Making the Bang Bang Sauce:

1. While the chicken is marinating, prepare the Bang Bang sauce. In a medium bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, rice vinegar, honey, soy sauce, and garlic powder.
2. Taste the sauce and adjust the ingredients to your liking. If you want it spicier, add more sriracha. If you prefer it sweeter, add a little more honey. The beauty of this sauce is that you can customize it to your own taste!
3. Set the sauce aside. You can store it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to assemble the bowls.

Cooking the Rice:

1. Rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clear. This helps to remove excess starch and prevents the rice from becoming sticky.
2. In a medium saucepan, combine the rinsed rice, water, and salt. Bring the mixture to a boil over high heat.
3. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the saucepan, and simmer for 18-20 minutes, or until all the water has been absorbed and the rice is tender.
4. Remove the saucepan from the heat and let it sit, covered, for 5-10 minutes. This allows the rice to steam and become even more fluffy.
5. Fluff the rice with a fork before serving.

Cooking the Chicken:

1. Heat a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add about 1-2 tablespoons of oil to the skillet.
2. Once the oil is hot, add the marinated chicken to the skillet in a single layer. Avoid overcrowding the skillet, as this will lower the temperature and prevent the chicken from browning properly. You may need to cook the chicken in batches.
3. Cook the chicken for 5-7 minutes per side, or until it is cooked through and golden brown. The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165°F (74°C).
4. Remove the cooked chicken from the skillet and set aside.

Steaming the Broccoli:

1. While the chicken is cooking, steam the broccoli florets. You can use a steamer basket over a pot of boiling water, or you can microwave them with a little water.
2. If steaming, place the broccoli florets in the steamer basket and steam for 5-7 minutes, or until they are tender-crisp.
3. If microwaving, place the broccoli florets in a microwave-safe bowl with 2-3 tablespoons of water. Cover the bowl and microwave for 2-3 minutes, or until they are tender-crisp.
4. Drain the broccoli and set aside.

Assembling the Bang Bang Chicken Bowls:

1. Divide the cooked rice among bowls.
2. Top the rice with the cooked chicken, steamed broccoli, and sliced red bell pepper.
3. Drizzle generously with the Bang Bang sauce.
4. Garnish with green onions, chopped peanuts, sesame seeds, and cilantro, if desired.
5. Serve immediately with lime wedges, if desired.

Tips and Variations:

• Spice Level: Adjust the amount of sriracha in the Bang Bang sauce to control the spice level. If you’re sensitive to spice, start with a small amount and add more to taste.
• Chicken Options: You can also use chicken breast instead of chicken thighs. Just be sure not to overcook the chicken breast, as it can become dry.
• Vegetable Variations: Feel free to add other vegetables to your bowls, such as carrots, snap peas, or edamame.
• Make it Vegetarian: Substitute the chicken with tofu or tempeh for a vegetarian option.
• Meal Prep: These bowls are great for meal prepping! You can cook the chicken, rice, and broccoli ahead of time and store them in separate containers in the refrigerator. Assemble the bowls just before serving.
• Sauce Storage: The Bang Bang sauce can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
• Rice Alternatives: If you’re looking for a lower-carb option, you can substitute the white rice with cauliflower rice or quinoa.
• Adding a Crunch: For extra crunch, consider adding some crispy fried onions or wonton strips to your bowls.

Enjoy your delicious and customizable Bang Bang Chicken Bowls!

Conclusion:

So, there you have it! This Bang Bang Chicken Bowls recipe is truly a game-changer, and I genuinely believe it deserves a spot in your regular meal rotation. Why? Because it’s an explosion of flavor, incredibly easy to whip up, and endlessly customizable to suit your preferences. The creamy, spicy, and slightly sweet Bang Bang sauce is the star, transforming simple chicken into something truly extraordinary. It’s the kind of dish that satisfies your cravings while still feeling relatively wholesome.

Why is this a must-try? Beyond the incredible taste, this recipe is a lifesaver on busy weeknights. The chicken cooks quickly, the sauce comes together in minutes, and the rest is just assembly. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to use up leftover rice or roasted vegetables. It’s a complete meal in a bowl, packed with protein, carbs, and healthy fats. What more could you ask for?

But the best part? The versatility! Feel free to get creative with your serving suggestions and variations.

Serving Suggestions & Variations:

* Rice, Rice, Baby: I personally love serving this over fluffy jasmine rice, but brown rice, quinoa, or even cauliflower rice work beautifully. For an extra touch, try adding a squeeze of lime and some chopped cilantro to your rice before topping it with the chicken.
* Veggie Power: Load up your bowl with your favorite vegetables! Steamed broccoli, roasted bell peppers, shredded carrots, edamame, or even a simple cucumber salad are all fantastic additions. For a bit of crunch, consider adding some toasted sesame seeds or chopped peanuts.
* Spice It Up (or Tone It Down): If you’re a spice fiend like me, feel free to add an extra pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce. If you prefer a milder flavor, reduce the amount of sriracha or omit it altogether. You can also add a touch of honey or maple syrup for extra sweetness.
* Wrap It Up: Transform this into a delicious wrap by using lettuce cups or tortillas. Add some shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, and a dollop of Greek yogurt for a refreshing twist.
* Noodle Nirvana: Swap the rice for your favorite noodles! Udon, soba, or even spaghetti noodles work surprisingly well with the Bang Bang sauce.
* Protein Power: While this recipe calls for chicken, you can easily substitute it with shrimp, tofu, or even chickpeas for a vegetarian option. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly.

I truly believe that this Bang Bang Chicken Bowls recipe will become a staple in your kitchen. It’s a crowd-pleaser, a time-saver, and a flavor explosion all rolled into one.

So, what are you waiting for? Grab your ingredients, put on some music, and get cooking! I’m confident that you’ll love this recipe as much as I do. And most importantly, don’t be afraid to experiment and make it your own.

Once you’ve tried it, I’d absolutely love to hear about your experience! Share your photos, your variations, and your thoughts in the comments below. Let me know what you loved, what you changed, and how you made it your own. Happy cooking!