
When the clock's ticking and dishes are piling up, this Bang Bang Chicken Bowl is my way to get bold flavors fast without dirtying half the kitchen. You get tender bites of chicken, crunchy fresh veggies, cozy rice, all mixed up with a creamy spicy sauce that gives you a real comfort kick.
The first time I threw this together, everyone wanted takeout and I had leftovers to use up. Now I make a big batch on Sundays for meal prep and never get tired of it.
Juicy Ingredients
- Cooked rice: Pick any you like or use cauliflower rice to cut carbs, just rinse before you cook for fluffiness
- Chicken breast: Boneless and skinless, it stays moist and loads up the protein
- Olive oil: Adds a rich vibe when you brown the chicken, mild or slightly fruity is always good
- Salt and black pepper: Don’t skimp! Fresh cracked is tastier than the canned kind
- Mayonnaise: Your sauce gets its creamy punch from this, whole egg mayo is extra tangy
- Lime juice: Brighten things up with fresh squeeze, bottled is fine in a pinch
- Garlic powder: Adds extra flavor—if there’s no extra stuff in it, even better
- Sriracha sauce: This is your go-to for the spicy kick, taste before you pour, and grab a new bottle for the best heat
- Honey: Balances out the spice with a hit of sweet, real honey tastes the best
- Assorted veggies: Toss in whatever’s crisp—bell peppers, broccoli, carrots—just make sure they’re fresh and firm
Easy Step-by-Step
- Combine and Serve It:
- Pull the hot skillet off the heat, pour the bang bang sauce over everything, and stir until every bite looks coated and glossy. Dish up over a bed of cooked rice and add a little extra sriracha or chopped green onions if you want it fiery right before digging in
- Add Veggies:
- Now toss your chopped veggies right in with the cooked chicken, stir, and let everything heat for just a few minutes till veggies start softening but still snap
- Make the Sauce:
- Whisk up mayo, sriracha, honey, garlic powder, and lime juice in a little bowl till totally smooth and creamy—try it, then tweak the honey or sriracha till it’s perfect for you
- Brown Your Chicken:
- Heat olive oil over medium-high in a big skillet and drop in the chicken cubes. Let them brown for 6 to 8 minutes, stirring here and there until golden and cooked through to 165°F inside
- Prep and Season the Chicken:
- Dice the chicken into small pieces and sprinkle salt and pepper so every side is coated and seasoned
- Cook the Rice:
- Kick things off by following the directions on your rice bag or box. Use stovetop or a rice cooker—just keep it somewhere cozy so it stays warm and light when it’s done

Prepping the sauce ahead gives it time to get even better—let all the flavors hang out together for more punch. The sriracha always reminds me of late nights making spicy mayo for sushi rolls with my sister back in our teens.
How To Store It
Pop leftovers into airtight containers and keep in the fridge for up to three days. If you can, keep your rice separate from the chicken-veggie part and only heat what you need so veggies don’t go soft. You can whip up the sauce ahead—just stash it chilled for up to a week and always give it a quick stir before using.
Swaps That Work
No chicken? No problem—shrimp or even tofu works just as well, just pat dry so they crisp up. Any crunchy veg like snap peas or zucchini are awesome here. Swap Greek yogurt for mayo to lighten the sauce and add tang.

Best Ways to Serve
You can eat this on its own or dress it up—top with cilantro or sesame seeds to make it pop. Squeeze some lime over or serve next to a crisp salad for extra freshness. Got leftovers? Wrap it up or throw it over some salad greens for a totally different lunch.
Fun Backstory
Bang Bang sauce is all about that creamy and spicy combo from both Asian and Western kitchens—great on almost anything. The original is a Sichuan classic with poached chicken and sesame chili sauce, but this shortcut version is now my favorite cheat for quick flavor every time I crave something bold.
Recipe FAQs
- → What kind of chicken works best here?
Chicken breast with no bones or skin gives you quick cooking and lean results. If you like juicier pieces, use chicken thighs instead.
- → Can I substitute the rice?
Absolutely. Use cauliflower, brown, or white rice that fits your diet. Just follow the directions on the package so it turns out right.
- → How do I control the spice level?
You can play with the sriracha amount. Add more for extra heat or go easy and throw in more honey if you want it milder.
- → How should the vegetables be cooked?
Give veggies just a quick toss in the pan so they stay colorful and crunchy. Leave them too long and they’ll lose that bite.
- → What toppings work well for extra flavor?
Try green onions sliced thin or a sprinkle of sesame seeds. They make it look great and taste even better.