Spicy Bang Bang Chicken Bowls: Your Ultimate Easy Weeknight Dinner & Meal Prep Solution
Say goodbye to boring weeknight dinners and hello to a burst of flavor with these incredible Bang Bang Chicken Bowls! Perfect for busy evenings, this recipe combines succulent, marinated chicken and fluffy rice, all topped with a creamy, sweet, and spicy homemade bang bang sauce. Add a medley of crisp, fresh vegetables like shredded cabbage, cool cucumbers, and vibrant green onions, and you have a hearty, satisfying, and utterly delicious meal packed into a single bowl. This Asian-inspired dish is not only incredibly flavorful but also surprisingly simple to prepare, making it a fantastic addition to your regular meal rotation.
The most challenging part of this entire recipe? Patiently waiting for your chicken to soak up all that amazing marinade! Seriously, the prep is minimal, and the reward is immense. If you’re searching for a delicious, healthy-ish meal prep recipe that doesn’t compromise on taste, these Bang Bang Chicken and Rice Bowls are about to become your new obsession. They offer a perfect balance of protein, carbs, and fresh greens, making them ideal for a balanced diet.
Effortless Meal Prep for Busy Lifestyles
One of the standout features of making bang bang chicken bowls is how well they lend themselves to meal preparation. The beauty of this recipe lies in its flexibility; almost all of the prep work can be completed well in advance, even a day or two ahead of time. This means when dinner time rolls around, the actual cooking process is lightning-fast, getting a homemade, flavorful meal on the table in record time. Imagine coming home after a long day and having most of your dinner ready to go – that’s the convenience these bowls offer.
Prepping ahead can involve:
- Making the bang bang sauce and storing it in the refrigerator.
- Marinating the chicken overnight or for several hours.
- Chopping all your fresh vegetables and keeping them separate in airtight containers.
- Cooking your rice in advance.
This organized approach not only saves precious time during the week but also encourages healthier eating habits by making nutritious, homemade meals easily accessible. These bowls are perfect for packing lunches or ensuring you have a delicious dinner ready even on your busiest days.
The Secrets to Unforgettable Bang Bang Chicken Bowls
While these bowls might seem like a simple combination of chicken, rice, and veggies, there are two key elements that elevate them from good to absolutely amazing, turning every bite into a truly wonderful experience:
1. The Irresistible Chicken Marinade
The first secret is the incredibly flavorful marinade. It’s what transforms ordinary chicken breasts into juicy, tender, and deeply savory pieces that are packed with flavor. This marinade penetrates the chicken fibers, ensuring moisture and taste run through every morsel. It’s a carefully balanced blend of savory soy sauce, a hint of sweet brown sugar, aromatic ginger and onion powder, a touch of spicy red chili flakes, and the rich depth of paprika. The result is perfectly seasoned chicken that sears beautifully and remains moist, even when reheated. Don’t skip this crucial step, as it truly makes all the difference in the final taste and texture of your spicy chicken bowls.
2. The Homemade Bang Bang Sauce
The second, and arguably most important, secret is the star of the show: the homemade bang bang sauce. If you’ve never experienced the magic of bang bang sauce before, prepare to be amazed. Despite being made with just three simple ingredients, it delivers an incredible flavor punch that is utterly stunning. This sauce is creamy, delightfully sweet, savory, and boasts a customizable level of spicy heat. You’ll find yourself wanting to drizzle it on everything! While it’s undeniably fantastic with chicken, its versatility means it also pairs wonderfully with grilled salmon, crispy shrimp, or even as a dipping sauce for appetizers. Feel free to switch up your protein and toppings, and with this sauce, you’ve instantly created a whole new meal without much effort.
I always recommend adding the bang bang sauce to your bowls last, right before serving. This allows each person to tailor the dish to their exact preference. Love a fiery kick? Drizzle generously! Prefer a milder flavor or looking to reduce calories? Add less. This method also ensures that if you’re meal prepping, you have plenty of fresh, vibrant sauce for each serving, preventing your leftovers from becoming dry or soggy. Nobody likes dried-out meals!
You might also like these Easy Weeknight Chicken Recipes:
- Wonton Chicken Taco Salad
- Southwestern Chicken Egg Roll Bake
- One Pot Italian Chicken and Orzo
- Crockpot Catalina Chicken
Gather Your Ingredients for These Flavorful Bowls
Creating these delightful Bang Bang Chicken Bowls requires a few key components for the sauce, the marinated chicken, and the fresh toppings. Most of these items are pantry staples, ensuring that this flavorful meal is not only delicious but also convenient to prepare.
For the Signature Bang Bang Sauce:
This creamy, sweet, and spicy sauce is the heart of the dish. It comes together in minutes with just three essential ingredients:
- Mayonnaise: Provides the creamy base and richness.
- Sweet Chili Sauce: Adds sweetness and a mild, fruity heat.
- Sriracha Sauce: Brings the heat! Adjust according to your desired spice level.
For the Perfectly Marinated Chicken:
The marinade infuses the chicken with incredible flavor and ensures it stays moist during cooking. You’ll need:
- Chicken breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are ideal, cut in half for quicker cooking.
- ¼ cup water or chicken broth: To help distribute the marinade and keep the chicken tender.
- 2 Tablespoons soy sauce: For savory umami depth.
- 1 Tablespoon brown sugar: Balances the savory notes with a touch of sweetness and helps with caramelization.
- 1 Tablespoon olive oil: Aids in searing and prevents sticking.
- 1 teaspoon paprika: Adds a warm, slightly smoky flavor and beautiful color.
- 1 teaspoon onion powder: For a concentrated, savory onion flavor.
- ½ teaspoon ginger: Aromatic and adds a zingy brightness.
- ½ teaspoon black pepper: Essential for a well-rounded flavor profile.
- ½ teaspoon rice vinegar: Adds a subtle tang that brightens the marinade.
- ¼ teaspoon red chili flakes: For an extra layer of heat and visual appeal.
- Salt if needed: To taste, depending on the saltiness of your soy sauce.
Additional Ingredients & Topping Ideas for Your Bang Bang Bowls:
These toppings add crunch, freshness, and a vibrant contrast to the rich chicken and sauce. Feel free to mix and match to create your perfect bowl!
- Rice: Whether you prefer classic white rice, nutritious brown rice, or a low-carb option like riced cauliflower, any choice works wonderfully as the foundation for this dish.
- Shredded cabbage: Offers a delightful crunch and a hint of earthy flavor.
- Sliced cucumber: Provides a refreshing, cooling element that perfectly balances the spicy sauce.
- Sliced green onions (scallions): Adds a mild oniony bite and a pop of color.
- Other fantastic topping ideas include:
- Chopped cilantro: For a fresh, aromatic herb boost.
- Sliced avocado: Adds creamy texture and healthy fats.
- Bean sprouts: Offers an extra layer of crispness.
- Sautéed mushrooms: For an umami-rich, earthy addition.
- Shredded carrots: Sweet and crunchy, adding more vibrant color.
- A squeeze of lime juice: A bright, zesty finish to lift all the flavors.
- Sesame seeds: For nutty flavor and a professional garnish.
- Chopped broccoli (steamed or roasted): Boosts nutritional value and adds texture.
- Crispy wonton strips: An excellent way to introduce an irresistible crunch to your bowl.
- …or whatever other fresh veggies or Asian-inspired toppings sound good to you! The possibilities are endless for customizing your perfect Bang Bang Chicken Rice Bowl.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Your Bang Bang Chicken Bowls:
Follow these simple steps to create a mouth-watering meal that will impress everyone at your table:
Step 1: Prepare the Bang Bang Sauce. In a medium-sized bowl, combine the mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, and sriracha. Whisk thoroughly until smooth and well-combined. Start with one tablespoon of Sriracha, then taste and gradually increase the amount to achieve your desired level of spiciness. Remember, it’s always easier to add more heat than to take it away! If you find you prefer a sweeter sauce, a small drizzle of honey can enhance the sweetness. This versatile sauce can be made 3-4 days ahead of time and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator, ready for when you need it.
Step 2: Marinate the Chicken. In a large Ziploc bag or a shallow dish, combine all the ingredients for the chicken marinade: water (or chicken broth), soy sauce, brown sugar, olive oil, paprika, onion powder, ginger, black pepper, rice vinegar, and red chili flakes. Add the chicken breasts to the bag, seal it, and turn it over several times to ensure every piece of chicken is thoroughly coated. Place the bag in the refrigerator to marinate for at least 20-30 minutes to infuse the flavors, or for best results, let it marinate for up to 24 hours. The longer it marinates, the deeper the flavor will be.
Step 3: Cook the Marinated Chicken. When you are ready to cook, heat one tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet or sauté pan over medium heat. Once the oil is shimmering, carefully add the marinated chicken breasts to the skillet. Cook for approximately 8 minutes on the first side without flipping to allow a beautiful golden-brown crust to form (if using thin-cut breasts, about 5 minutes). Flip the chicken and continue cooking on the second side until it is thoroughly browned and cooked all the way through, reaching an internal temperature of 165ºF (74ºC). This ensures juicy and safe chicken.
Step 4: Assemble Your Bang Bang Chicken Bowls. Once cooked, remove the chicken from the skillet and let it rest on a cutting board for 3-5 minutes. Resting allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in more tender and flavorful chicken. Then, slice each breast across the grain into uniform pieces. To assemble your bowls, start with a bed of cooked rice, layer the sliced chicken on top, and arrange your chosen fresh veggies (like shredded cabbage and sliced cucumbers) around the chicken. Finish by drizzling generously with your homemade bang bang sauce, and garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds. Serve immediately and enjoy your delicious, customized Bang Bang Chicken Bowl!
When storing leftovers or if you are meal prepping this delicious dish, it’s crucial to keep the cooked rice and chicken separate from the fresh vegetables and sauce. This simple trick prevents the veggies from becoming limp and soggy when reheated, preserving their crisp texture and vibrant flavor. I recommend placing the chicken and rice in a heat-proof container for easy reheating, while keeping the shredded cabbage, cucumbers, and bang bang sauce in separate Ziploc bags or small containers. This method ensures that each component stays fresh and delicious until you’re ready to enjoy it again, making these easy chicken bowls perfect for healthy lunches or dinners throughout the week.
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Bang Bang Chicken Bowls
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Ingredients
For Bang Bang Sauce
- ¾ cup Mayo
- ¼ cup sweet chili sauce
- 3 Tablespoons sriracha
For the Marinated Chicken:
- 2 large chicken breasts cut in half (or 4 small chicken breasts)
- ¼ cup water or chicken broth
- 2 Tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 Tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 Tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon ginger
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon rice vinegar
- ¼ teaspoon red chili flakes
- Salt if needed
To serve:
- 4 cups cooked jasmine rice (or rice of preference)
- 2 cups shredded cabbage
- 1 cucumber (chopped)
- 1 green onion (chopped)
- Wonton strips (Optional)
- Sesame seeds (Optional)
Instructions
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In a medium sized bowl, or gallon sized Ziploc bag, add the marinade ingredients and chicken breasts. Toss to make sure the chicken is evenly coated and place in the fridge to marinate for at least 20-30 minutes.*
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While the chicken is marinating, make the bang bang sauce by mixing mayo, sweet chili sauce and sriracha in a medium sized bowl. Place in fridge until needed.
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After the chicken is done marinating, heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet or saute pan over medium heat. Add the chicken breasts to the skillet and cook for about 8 minutes without flipping (5 minutes for thin-cut breasts). Flip the chicken and then cook on the second side until well browned and cooked through (internal temperature of 165ºF).
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Allow the chicken to rest for 3-5 minutes. Then slice each breast.
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To assemble the bowls you’ll add 1 cup of rice, ½ cup of cabbage, and ¼ cup of cucumbers. Top with equal portions of wonton strips and one sliced chicken breast.
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Garnish each bowl with bang bang sauce, green onions and sesame seeds. Serve.
Notes
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