Description
This Bang Bang Chicken Bowl is a quick, healthy, and flavor-packed lunch or dinner featuring juicy chicken tossed in a creamy, spicy-sweet sauce, served over rice with crisp veggies and customizable toppings. Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s perfect for meal prep or a crowd-pleasing family meal.
Ingredients
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized cubes
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (or avocado oil)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/3 cup mayonnaise (avocado mayo recommended)
- 2 tablespoons plain Greek yogurt
- 2 tablespoons sweet chili sauce
- 1 tablespoon sriracha (adjust to taste)
- 1 tablespoon honey or agave syrup (optional)
- 1 teaspoon rice vinegar
- 2 cups cooked rice (white, brown, or cauliflower rice)
- 1 cup shredded purple cabbage
- 1 cup matchstick carrots
- 1/2 cup sliced cucumber
- 1/4 cup chopped scallions (green onions)
- 2 tablespoons sesame seeds (white or black)
- Fresh cilantro or parsley, chopped (optional)
- Avocado slices (optional)
- Crushed peanuts or cashews (optional)
- Lime wedges (optional)
- Chili flakes (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the rice according to package instructions. While rice cooks, prep the remaining ingredients.
- In a medium bowl, toss cubed chicken with cornstarch, salt, black pepper, and garlic powder until evenly coated.
- Heat olive oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken in an even layer and cook for 3–4 minutes per side, until golden and cooked through (internal temp 165°F). Add more oil if needed.
- In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, honey (if using), and rice vinegar until smooth. Adjust seasoning to taste.
- Pour about two-thirds of the Bang Bang sauce over the cooked chicken and toss to coat. Reserve the rest for drizzling.
- Divide cooked rice among 4 bowls. Top with cabbage, carrots, cucumber, and saucy chicken. Add scallions, sesame seeds, and any desired toppings (avocado, peanuts, cilantro).
- Drizzle each bowl with remaining Bang Bang sauce. Add a squeeze of lime and chili flakes if desired. Serve immediately.
Notes
For best results, avoid overcrowding the pan when cooking chicken. Adjust the sauce’s spice level to taste. For meal prep, store sauce separately and assemble bowls just before eating. Swap rice for cauliflower rice for a low-carb version, or use tofu for a vegetarian option. The sauce keeps in the fridge for up to 5 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (about 1/4 of recipe)
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 8
- Sodium: 700
- Fat: 18
- Saturated Fat: 3
- Carbohydrates: 40
- Fiber: 5
- Protein: 28
Keywords: bang bang chicken, chicken bowl, healthy lunch, meal prep, spicy chicken, Asian bowl, easy dinner, gluten-free, high protein, quick recipe