Name: Bang Bang Chicken Bowl
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: Asian
Ingredients: 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes; 1 ¼ cups mayonnaise; ⅔ cup Thai sweet chili sauce; 2 tablespoons honey; 2 teaspoons Sriracha (or to taste); 4 cups cooked white rice; Fresh vegetables (e.g., red cabbage, carrots, cucumber); Toppings like avocado, cilantro, and sesame seeds

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Short, Catchy Intro

So you are craving something tasty but too lazy to spend forever in the kitchen huh Same. Bang Bang Chicken Bowl fixes that mood in about the time it takes to pretend you did meal prep all week. Think crispy tender chicken meeting sweet spicy sauce and hanging out on a bed of rice with crunchy veggies like they have always been friends

If you ever want a bowl that looks restaurant fancy but feels home kitchen chill try this out. Also if you want other bowl ideas for those nights when you cannot decide check out my take on chicken alfredo garlic bread bowls for maximum comfort vibes

Why This Recipe is Awesome

This recipe is awesome because it hits all the food boxes without requiring a PhD in cooking. You get crunchy chicken, creamy sweet spicy sauce, fresh veggies and rice that soaks up everything like a good listener. It feeds a crowd or makes killer leftovers for work week lunches

It is also pretty forgiving. Overcook a little The sauce covers a multitude of sins. Underseasoned a bit Toss on more salt and some lime and you are golden. It is idiot proof even I did not mess it up the first time Want another bowl option for when you feel Mediterranean instead of Asian inspired See this fun spin on chicken gyro bowls

Ingredients You’ll Need

2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts cut into 1 inch cubes
1 ¼ cups mayonnaise yes the creamy stuff
⅔ cup Thai sweet chili sauce sticky sweet with a kick
2 tablespoons honey for extra sweetness
2 teaspoons Sriracha or to taste bring the heat if you like
4 cups cooked white rice warm and fluffy
Fresh vegetables such as red cabbage carrots cucumber for crunch and color
Toppings like avocado cilantro sesame seeds for looks and flavor

Quick note You can prep the rice and chop the veggies while the chicken marinates or cooks to save time

Step by Step Instructions

In a mixing bowl combine mayonnaise Thai sweet chili sauce honey and Sriracha Whisk until smooth and glossy Taste and tweak the heat or sweetness if needed
Heat vegetable oil in a skillet over medium high heat Use enough oil to coat the pan but not drown the chicken Season chicken cubes with paprika garlic powder salt and pepper and toss to coat
Cook the chicken in a single layer Don not overcrowd the pan Flip once when the bottoms turn golden brown Cook until just done and juices run clear about 6 to 8 minutes depending on size
Toss the hot chicken with most of the Bang Bang sauce Save a little sauce for drizzling and for anyone shy about spice Let it sit for a minute so flavors cling
Assemble each bowl by placing warm rice at the bottom Top with chicken coated in Bang Bang sauce and layer fresh vegetables Add avocado cilantro and sesame seeds for garnish
Drizzle the reserved sauce on top Serve immediately and try not to inhale like a vacuum

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Not tasting your sauce Why would you let someone else do that job for you Adjust heat or honey as you go
Crowding the pan When you cram too much chicken it steams instead of browns and no one wants sad pale chicken
Skipping the resting minute After you toss the chicken in sauce let it sit so the sauce sticks instead of falling to the bottom of the bowl
Using cold rice straight from the fridge Hot bowls taste better so reheat rice or steam it for a minute
Overdoing the Sriracha If you are cooking for people who do not worship spicy food provide extra Sriracha on the side

Alternatives & Substitutions

Chicken swap Want less meat fuss Use shrimp firm tofu or even roasted cauliflower for a vegetarian twist IMO tofu soaks the sauce and makes great leftovers
Mayo swap No mayo fan Try Greek yogurt for tang and lighter texture or use half mayo half Greek yogurt if you want the best of both worlds
Sauce swap No Thai sweet chili sauce Use sweet chili jam or combine hoisin with a little honey and chili garlic sauce for a different take
Rice swap Use brown rice quinoa or cauliflower rice if you are watching carbs Brown rice adds chew and earthier flavor
Oil swap Use avocado oil or canola if you prefer their smoke points or flavor profiles

If you are in a mood for Mediterranean flavors later check this recipe for Greek chicken bowls to change things up without reinventing the wheel

FAQ Frequently Asked Questions

What if I do not like mayonnaise Will the sauce still work
Yes swap in Greek yogurt or a neutral yogurt for creaminess It changes the vibe a bit but still tastes great

Can I make this ahead of time and reheat
Sure make the chicken and sauce ahead Store separately from rice and fresh veggies Reheat chicken gently in a skillet or oven and toss with sauce right before serving

How spicy will this actually be
That depends on your Sriracha level Start with 1 teaspoon if you are unsure and add more The Thai sweet chili sauce brings sweetness too so the heat tends to be playful not nuclear

Can I use drumsticks or thighs instead of breasts
Absolutely thighs stay juicier and add flavor Use boneless skinless thighs cut into chunks or leave bone in and adjust cooking time accordingly

Is this freezer friendly
Yes Freeze cooked chicken in airtight containers without rice or avocado Thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat gently

Do I have to use sesame seeds
No but they add nice texture and a toasty note Toasted sesame seeds especially make the bowl look restaurant fancy

Can I make this gluten free
Yes check your Thai sweet chili sauce label for wheat Some brands are gluten free You can also swap tamari for soy based variations if you adjust the sauce

Final Thoughts

This Bang Bang Chicken Bowl is the kind of meal that makes dinner feel like a small celebration without all the fuss You get crunchy chicken creamy sweet spicy sauce and colorful veggies in a bowl that looks like effort but really did not break the bank or your patience

Tip Keep extra sauce on hand for drizzling and for lunchbox upgrades Want to impress someone or simply treat yourself This is an easy way to do it Now go make a bowl and then tell everyone it was all you

Conclusion

If you want another take on this classic recipe head over to Bang Bang Chicken Bowl – I Am Homesteader for more inspiration and variations