Bang Bang Chicken Bowl: A Flavor Explosion for Beginner Cooks

A quick and easy weeknight dinner packed with juicy chicken, colorful vegetables, fluffy rice, and a creamy, spicy-sweet Bang Bang sauce. This crowd-pleasing bowl is simple enough for beginners yet bursting with bold flavor.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 4 servings

Ingredients

For the Bowl:

• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 cup cooked rice (white, brown, or cauliflower rice)
• 1 cup mixed vegetables (e.g., broccoli, bell peppers, carrots)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and pepper, to taste

For the Bang Bang Sauce:

• ½ cup mayonnaise
• 2 tablespoons sriracha (adjust to taste)
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon lime juice

Instructions

1. Cook the Rice

Cook your rice according to package directions. Set aside.
Beginner Tip: A rice cooker ensures consistent results with minimal effort.

2. Prepare the Chicken

Cut chicken into bite-sized pieces and season generously with salt and pepper.
Beginner Tip: Smaller pieces cook faster and more evenly.

3. Cook the Chicken

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook for 6–8 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through (internal temp: 165°F).
Beginner Tip: Make sure the skillet is hot before adding chicken to prevent sticking.

4. Make the Sauce

In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sriracha, honey, garlic powder, and lime juice. Taste and adjust spice or sweetness to your preference.
Beginner Tip: Start with the base recipe and adjust from there—add more sriracha for heat, or honey for sweetness.

5. Add the Vegetables

Once the chicken is cooked, add mixed vegetables and sauté for 2–3 minutes until just tender but still crisp.
Beginner Tip: Don’t overcook! Slightly crisp veggies add texture and keep their nutrients.

6. Combine and Serve

Remove skillet from heat and pour the sauce over the chicken and veggies. Stir to coat everything evenly.
Serve over cooked rice and garnish with green onions, sesame seeds, or an extra drizzle of sriracha, if desired.
Beginner Tip: Stir well to ensure every bite is flavorful and creamy.

Notes

• Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches 165°F.
• Adjust sriracha to control the spice level.
• Cauliflower rice is a great low-carb option.
• Keep vegetables slightly crisp for best texture and flavor.
• Garnish with chopped green onions or sesame seeds for added flair.

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