Protein-Packed Bang Bang Chicken Bowl Recipe (Print Version)

Craving a Protein-Packed Bang Bang Chicken Bowl? This recipe brings restaurant flavor home with spicy, creamy sauce and tender chicken!

# Recipe Info:

Prep Time: 15 Minutes minutes
Cook Time: 20 Minutes minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Servings: 4 Servings
Difficulty: Intermediate
Cuisine: Asian Fusion
Dietary: Can be Gluten-Free (with tamari)

# Ingredients:

→ Sauce Essentials

01 - 1/2 cup mayonnaise
02 - 1/4 cup sweet chili sauce
03 - 2-3 tbsp Sriracha (to taste)
04 - 2 tbsp honey
05 - 1 tbsp rice vinegar
06 - 1 tbsp soy sauce (or tamari for GF)
07 - 1 tsp sesame oil
08 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
09 - 1 tsp grated fresh ginger

→ Chicken & Bowl Base

10 - 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
11 - 1 tbsp olive oil
12 - 1 cup uncooked jasmine rice

→ Flavor Boosters & Garnish

13 - 2-3 green onions, sliced
14 - 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
15 - 1/4 cup roasted peanuts, chopped
16 - 1 tbsp sesame seeds
17 - 1 lime, cut into wedges

# Instructions:

01 - First things first, get your rice cooking according to package directions. While that’s bubbling away, let’s make that glorious Bang Bang sauce! In a medium bowl, whisk together the mayo, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, honey, rice vinegar, soy sauce, sesame oil, grated garlic, and grated ginger. I always give it a little taste test here, adjusting the sriracha or honey until it’s just right—sometimes I add a tiny bit more honey if my sriracha hand was heavy! Set this aside; the flavors will meld beautifully while you cook the chicken.
02 - Now for the star of our bowl! Pat your chicken pieces really, really dry with paper towels. Seriously, this step is crucial for a good sear, unlike my first attempt! Heat a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat with a tablespoon of olive oil. Once shimmering, add the chicken in a single layer, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. If you put too much in, it’ll steam instead of sear, and we want those lovely golden-brown bits. Cook for about 4-6 minutes, flipping halfway, until it’s cooked through and beautifully caramelized. This is where the kitchen starts to smell amazing!
03 - Once your chicken is perfectly cooked and looking all golden and happy, reduce the heat to low. Pour that incredible sauce you made earlier all over the chicken in the skillet. Stir gently to coat every single piece evenly. You'll see the sauce transform, clinging to the chicken, looking glossy and irresistible. This step honestly feels like magic. Don't let it cook for too long here, just enough to warm the sauce through—we don't want it reducing too much or getting too thick. It should be luscious and coating.
04 - This is the fun part! Grab your favorite serving bowls. Spoon a generous portion of your cooked jasmine rice (or those lovely zucchini noodles, if you went that route!) into the bottom of each bowl. Then, pile that saucy, delicious chicken right on top. I always try to make it look pretty, but let's be real, sometimes it's just a glorious heap, and that's totally fine! The aroma filling your kitchen right now should be making your stomach rumble. It's a comforting, inviting smell.
05 - Now for the finishing touches that really make this dish sing! Sprinkle generously with sliced green onions, fresh cilantro, chopped roasted peanuts for that satisfying crunch, and a scattering of sesame seeds. I usually go a bit overboard with the green onions because I adore them. This is where you can let your inner food stylist come out, or just throw it on and dig in—no judgment here! It’s all about making it delicious for YOU.
06 - Serve your freshly assembled Protein-Packed Bang Bang Chicken Bowl immediately with a wedge of fresh lime on the side. A squeeze of lime juice right before that first bite just elevates all the flavors, adding a bright, zesty counterpoint to the creamy, spicy sauce. Take a moment to appreciate your handiwork. It looks beautiful, smells incredible, and honestly, tastes even better. Enjoy every single bite of this homemade goodness!

# Notes:

01 - You Must Know: Always pat your chicken dry before searing; it makes all the difference for that golden crust. Taste the sauce as you go; adjust sriracha for heat and honey for sweetness to suit your palate. Don't overcook the chicken once the sauce is added; just warm it through to keep it tender and juicy. Pro Tips for Your Bang Bang Chicken Bowl: For an extra layer of flavor, briefly toast your sesame seeds in a dry pan until fragrant before garnishing. If you like it extra saucy, make a double batch of the sauce—it's never a bad idea! Try adding some quick-pickled cucumbers or shredded carrots for a bright, tangy contrast to the creamy sauce.

# Equipment Needed:

01 - Medium bowl
02 - large skillet or wok
03 - whisk
04 - paper towels
05 - serving bowls

Back