Spicy Bang Bang Chicken Protein Bowl Recipe (Print Version)

This Bang Bang Chicken Protein Bowl recipe layers vibrant flavors with tender chicken and a creamy, spicy sauce. A quick, satisfying meal for busy weeknights.

# Recipe Info:

Prep Time: 20 Minutes minutes

Cook Time: 25 Minutes minutes

Total Time: 45 minutes

Servings: 4 Servings

Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: Asian

# Ingredients:

→ For the Chicken

01 - 1 ½ lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces

02 - 1 tbsp cornstarch

03 - 1 tbsp low-sodium soy sauce

04 - 1 tbsp neutral oil (like canola or vegetable) for cooking

→ For the Bang Bang Sauce

05 - 1/2 cup full-fat mayonnaise

06 - 1/4 cup Sriracha (adjust to taste)

07 - 2 tbsp sweet chili sauce

08 - 1 tbsp rice vinegar

09 - 1 tbsp honey

→ For the Bowl & Garnish

10 - 4 cups cooked rice (brown or white)

11 - 1 large cucumber, thinly sliced or diced

12 - 2 large carrots, shredded or julienned

13 - 1/4 cup chopped green onions

14 - 1 tbsp sesame seeds

# Instructions:

01 - First things first, let's get that chicken ready. Dice your chicken breasts into nice, even bite-sized pieces. We want them to cook evenly, right? Then, toss them with a tablespoon of cornstarch and a splash of soy sauce. Get your hands in there and make sure every piece is coated. I always do this in a big bowl because, let's be real, a small one means half the cornstarch ends up on the counter. This step helps create that lovely, slightly crispy exterior when we cook it, which is crucial for a good Bang Bang Chicken Protein Bowl.

02 - Now for the star of the show, the sauce! In a medium bowl, whisk together your mayonnaise, Sriracha, sweet chili sauce, rice vinegar, and honey. Give it a good whisk until it's super smooth and creamy. Taste it! This is your chance to adjust the spice or sweetness. Want more bang? Add more Sriracha! A little sweeter? Drizzle in more honey. I didn't expect it to be so easy the first time, but it comes together in a flash. Don't be afraid to make it your own, that's what home cooking is all about.

03 - Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat with a little oil. Once it's shimmering, add your chicken in a single layer. Don't overcrowd the pan, or it'll steam instead of sear, and we want that golden-brown goodness! Cook for about 4-5 minutes per side, or until it’s cooked through and has a lovely char. It should smell absolutely incredible, a mix of savory and slightly sweet. This is where the magic happens for your Bang Bang Chicken Protein Bowl.

04 - While the chicken is cooking, get your bowls ready. Spoon a generous amount of cooked rice into the bottom of each. This is the foundation of our protein bowl, so make sure you've got enough to soak up all that delicious sauce. I usually pile it high, because honestly, who doesn't love a good rice base? Sometimes I even mix in a little lime juice or cilantro with my rice for an extra zing, depending on my mood.

05 - Once the chicken is cooked, take it off the heat and immediately pour that glorious bang bang sauce over it in the pan. Toss everything together until every piece of chicken is coated in that creamy, spicy, dreamy sauce. This step is key for infusing all that flavor. I always make sure to scrape every last drop of sauce out of the bowl; it’s too good to waste!

06 - Now for the fun part: assembly! Spoon the sauced chicken over your rice. Then, artfully (or haphazardly, no judgment here!) arrange your fresh cucumber and shredded carrots around the chicken. Finish with a generous sprinkle of chopped green onions and sesame seeds. Voila! You've got yourself a beautiful, flavorful Bang Bang Chicken Protein Bowl that looks and tastes like a million bucks. And honestly, it’s so satisfying to see all those colors come together.

# Notes:

01 - Don't overcrowd the pan when cooking the chicken; it's a mistake I made often, leading to steamed rather than crispy chicken.

02 - Always taste the bang bang sauce before adding it to the chicken and adjust the Sriracha and honey to your liking.

03 - Prep all your veggies ahead of time; it makes assembly a breeze and reduces kitchen chaos significantly.

04 - For an extra pop of flavor, a squeeze of fresh lime juice over the finished bowl is always a good idea.

# Tools You'll Need:

01 - Large skillet

02 - mixing bowls

03 - whisk

04 - cutting board

# Nutrition Facts (Per Serving):

Calories: 550 kcal

Total Fat: 30 g

Total Carbohydrate: 45 g

Protein: 35 g

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