Introduction
Are you ready to indulge in a delightful meal that brings together succulent chicken, crunchy vegetables, and a creamy, zesty sauce? The Bang Bang Chicken Bowls are a perfect blend of flavors and textures, making for a satisfying dish that your family and friends will love. With a simple preparation process and vibrant ingredients, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your household.
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
– 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
– 1 tablespoon sesame oil
– 2 tablespoons cornstarch
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1 teaspoon black pepper
– 1 teaspoon garlic powder
For the Bang Bang Sauce:
– ½ cup mayonnaise
– ¼ cup sweet chili sauce
– 1 tablespoon lime juice
– 1 tablespoon sriracha (adjust to taste)
For the Bowls:
– 4 cups cooked jasmine rice
– 1 cup shredded cabbage
– 1 cup sliced bell pepper
– 1 cup snap peas
– 1 cup shredded carrots
– ½ cup sliced green onions
– 1 cup chow mein noodles
Prep Time
15 minutes
Cook Time
8 minutes
Total Time
23 minutes
Yield
4 servings
Directions
1. Prepare the Bang Bang Sauce: In a medium bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, lime juice, and sriracha until smooth. Set aside.
2. Cook the Chicken: In a large bowl, combine the chicken pieces with sesame oil, cornstarch, salt, black pepper, and garlic powder. Toss until the chicken is evenly coated. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the coated chicken pieces and cook for 6-8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through and has a golden-brown exterior.
3. Assemble the Bowls: Divide the cooked jasmine rice among four serving bowls. Top each bowl with equal portions of shredded cabbage, sliced bell pepper, snap peas, shredded carrots, and cooked chicken. Drizzle the prepared Bang Bang Sauce over the chicken and vegetables. Garnish each bowl with sliced green onions and a handful of chow mein noodles for added crunch.
4. Serve: Serve immediately and enjoy your flavorful Bang Bang Chicken Bowls.
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Prepare the Bang Bang Sauce
In a medium bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, lime juice, and sriracha until smooth. Set aside.
Cook the Chicken
In a large bowl, combine the chicken pieces with sesame oil, cornstarch, salt, black pepper, and garlic powder. Toss until the chicken is evenly coated. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the coated chicken pieces and cook for 6-8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through and has a golden-brown exterior.
Assemble the Bowls
Divide the cooked jasmine rice among four serving bowls. Top each bowl with equal portions of shredded cabbage, sliced bell pepper, snap peas, shredded carrots, and cooked chicken. Drizzle the prepared Bang Bang Sauce over the chicken and vegetables. Garnish each bowl with sliced green onions and a handful of chow mein noodles for added crunch.
Serve
Serve immediately and enjoy your flavorful Bang Bang Chicken Bowls.
Notes
Adjusting Spice Level
If you prefer a spicier dish, increase the amount of sriracha in the Bang Bang Sauce according to your taste.
Vegetable Substitutions
Feel free to substitute or add other vegetables such as cucumbers, zucchini, or broccoli to customize your bowls.
Make-Ahead Tips
You can prepare the Bang Bang Sauce and cook the chicken ahead of time. Store them separately in the refrigerator until you’re ready to assemble your bowls.
Serving Suggestions
These bowls are great served with a side of lime wedges for an extra burst of freshness.
Cook Techniques
Preparing Bang Bang Sauce
In a medium bowl, combine mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, lime juice, and sriracha. Whisk until smooth to create a creamy and flavorful sauce.
Coating the Chicken
Toss bite-sized chicken pieces with sesame oil, cornstarch, salt, black pepper, and garlic powder until fully coated for an even flavor distribution.
Cooking the Chicken
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add the coated chicken. Cook for 6-8 minutes while stirring occasionally until the chicken is fully cooked and has a golden-brown exterior.
Assembling the Bowls
Distribute cooked jasmine rice into bowls, then layer with shredded cabbage, sliced bell pepper, snap peas, shredded carrots, and cooked chicken. Drizzle with Bang Bang Sauce and top with green onions and chow mein noodles.
Serving
Serve the bowls immediately while hot, ensuring a delicious combination of textures and flavors.
FAQ
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breast?
Yes, chicken thighs can be used for a juicier texture; just adjust cooking time if needed.
Is there a vegetarian version of this dish?
Yes, substitute chicken with tofu or tempeh, and adjust cooking time accordingly.
How spicy is the Bang Bang Sauce?
The spiciness can be adjusted by adding more or less sriracha based on your preference.
Can I prepare the Bang Bang Sauce in advance?
Yes, the sauce can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for a few days.
What other vegetables can I include in the bowls?
Feel free to add vegetables like broccoli, zucchini, or bell peppers to enhance the dish.
Can I freeze the leftovers?
Yes, the chicken and vegetables can be frozen, but rice is best when freshly cooked. Reheat thoroughly when serving leftovers.
Conclusion
These Bang Bang Chicken Bowls are a delightful fusion of flavors and textures, offering a satisfying meal packed with delicious ingredients. The combination of crispy chicken, fresh vegetables, and creamy, spicy sauce makes for a winning dish that can be enjoyed by everyone. Whether for a family dinner or a meal prep option, these bowls are sure to impress.
Chicken Stir-Fry with Vegetables
Quickly sauté bite-sized chicken pieces with a medley of seasonal vegetables such as broccoli, carrots, and bell peppers. Toss in a soy sauce or teriyaki sauce for a savory flavor.
Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos
Substitute chicken with shrimp for a seafood twist. Serve in soft tortillas topped with the Bang Bang sauce and slaw for a delicious taco night.
Buddha Bowl with Quinoa
Swap jasmine rice for quinoa and build your bowl with roasted chickpeas, avocado, and a variety of fresh vegetables. Drizzle with tahini or a lemony dressing for a healthy option.
Asian-Inspired Chicken Salad
Use shredded chicken mixed with the Bang Bang sauce, adding crisp romaine lettuce, mandarin oranges, and sliced almonds for a refreshing summer salad.
Bang Bang Chicken Wraps
Wrap the chicken and veggies in lettuce or tortillas, adding extra sauce for a flavorful handheld meal. Enjoy with a side of sweet potato fries for a complete dinner.
