Bang Bang Chicken Bowl
One delightful way to enjoy a burst of flavor in your weeknight meals is with the irresistible Bang Bang Chicken Bowl. This dish combines tender chicken, fluffy jasmine rice, and colorful fresh vegetables, all drizzled with a spicy mayo that elevates the entire experience. So, let’s dive into what makes this recipe so fantastic and how you can whip it up in no time!
Why Make This Recipe
There are countless reasons to try your hand at making a Bang Bang Chicken Bowl. First, it’s quick and easy, making it an excellent choice for busy weeknights or meal prep. Second, this bowl is packed with protein, making it a hearty option that will leave you satisfied. Additionally, the vibrant colors of the fresh veggies make this dish not only delicious but visually appealing. Thanks to the customizable nature of the ingredients, you can easily cater it to your tastes or use what you have on hand.
How to Make Bang Bang Chicken Bowl
Ingredients
Before you start, gathering your ingredients is essential to ensure a smooth cooking process. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Chicken breast
- Jasmine rice
- Fresh veggies (e.g., bell peppers, cucumbers, carrots)
- Mayonnaise
- Sriracha or hot sauce
- Soy sauce
- Green onions
- Sesame seeds
Directions
Now that you have your ingredients ready let’s walk through the simple steps to create this delectable dish:
- Cook jasmine rice according to package instructions.
- In a bowl, mix mayonnaise and sriracha/hot sauce to make the spicy mayo drizzle.
- Cook the chicken breast in a skillet until fully cooked, then slice it.
- Prepare the fresh veggies by slicing them.
- In a bowl, layer the cooked jasmine rice, sliced chicken, and fresh veggies.
- Drizzle the spicy mayo on top.
- Garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds.
- Serve immediately.
Pro Tips for Success with Bang Bang Chicken Bowl
- Marinate the Chicken: For even more flavor, try marinating the chicken breast in soy sauce, garlic, and ginger for about 30 minutes before cooking.
- Customize Your Veggies: Feel free to mix and match vegetables based on your preferences or seasonal availability. Broccoli, snap peas, or avocado can also be delicious additions.
- Adjust the Spiciness: If you prefer a milder flavor, reduce the amount of sriracha in the spicy mayo or opt for a milder hot sauce.
- Add Crunch: For extra texture, add some crispy wonton strips or chopped nuts on top of your bowl for a delightful crunch.
- Serve with a Salad: If you want to make your meal even more filling, serve it alongside a light salad dressed with a soy sauce dressing.
- Experiment with Rice: If jasmine rice isn’t your favorite, this recipe works well with brown rice or even cauliflower rice for a lower-carb option.
Flavor Variations for Bang Bang Chicken Bowl
- Thai Inspired: Swap out the soy sauce for tamari and add some fresh basil or cilantro for a Thai twist.
- Fruity Addition: Incorporate some diced mango or pineapple to the veggie layer for a sweet contrast to the spice.
- Creamy Twist: Replace the spicy mayo with a peanut sauce for a different flavor profile that still packs a punch.
- Vegetarian Version: Substitute chicken with sautéed tofu or tempeh for a plant-based option that’s just as filling.
- Asian Fusion: Add kimchi or pickled vegetables for an extra kick and a nod to Korean flavors.
Serving Suggestions for Bang Bang Chicken Bowl
Serving the Bang Bang Chicken Bowl is quite flexible. Here are a few ideas:
- Serve the bowl as a standalone dish, showcasing the layers of chicken, rice, and veggies.
- Pair it with a side of egg rolls or spring rolls for a fuller Asian-style meal.
- Enjoy the bowl with a glass of iced green tea for a refreshing beverage that complements the flavors.
Storage and Freezing Instructions for Bang Bang Chicken Bowl
If you have leftovers (which might be unlikely, given how delicious it is!), you can store the Bang Bang Chicken Bowl in the fridge for up to 3 days. To ensure freshness, keep the spicy mayo separate until you’re ready to serve.
For freezing, consider storing the chicken and rice together, while the fresh veggies can be kept separately in a freezer-safe container. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat the chicken and rice before adding fresh veggies. This dish is best served fresh, but this method can help minimize food waste!
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|—————-|—————-|
| Calories | 550 |
| Protein | 40g |
| Carbs | 68g |
| Fat | 15g |
| Fiber | 3g |
| Sodium | 800mg |
FAQ About Bang Bang Chicken Bowl
What can I use instead of chicken?
You can replace the chicken breast with several alternatives. Tofu, tempeh, lentils, or even smoked turkey work well and can satisfy your protein needs while keeping the dish delicious.
Is Bang Bang Chicken Bowl spicy?
The level of spiciness can be easily adjusted. By modifying the amount of sriracha or hot sauce in your spicy mayo drizzle, you can tailor it to your preferred spiciness level.
Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! The Bang Bang Chicken Bowl is great for meal prep. Cook the rice and chicken in advance and store them in the fridge. Slice the veggies fresh before serving to maintain their crunchiness.
What types of vegetables can I use?
You can choose any fresh vegetables that you enjoy. Bell peppers, cucumbers, carrots, and even shredded cabbage work wonderfully. The key is to add a mixture of textures and colors for a vibrant bowl.
How can I make this recipe lower in carbs?
If you want a lower-carb alternative to rice, consider using cauliflower rice or shredded zucchini instead. Both options work well and still meld beautifully with the chicken and sauce.
Final Thoughts
The Bang Bang Chicken Bowl is a charming and versatile dish that offers a great balance of nutrition and flavor. Perfect for busy weeknights or meal prepping for the week ahead, this recipe has something to please everyone. Dive into creating your bowl, experimenting with flavors, and savoring each delightful bite. Enjoy!
Print
Bang Bang Chicken Bowl
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Paleo
Description
A flavorful bowl combining tender chicken, jasmine rice, and fresh vegetables, drizzled with a spicy mayo.
Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken breast
- 2 cups jasmine rice
- 1 cup fresh veggies (bell peppers, cucumbers, carrots)
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tbsp Sriracha or hot sauce
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions
- 1 tbsp sesame seeds
Instructions
- Cook jasmine rice according to package instructions.
- In a bowl, mix mayonnaise and sriracha/hot sauce to create the spicy mayo drizzle.
- Cook the chicken breast in a skillet until fully cooked, then slice it.
- Prepare the fresh veggies by slicing them.
- In a bowl, layer the cooked jasmine rice, sliced chicken, and fresh veggies.
- Drizzle the spicy mayo on top.
- Garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds.
- Serve immediately.
Notes
For extra flavor, marinate chicken in soy sauce, garlic, and ginger. Customize vegetables as desired.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 550
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 68g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 40g
- Cholesterol: 65mg
