Description
Whip up a Quick Easy Bang Bang Chicken Bowl Dinner! This crispy, saucy chicken over rice with fresh toppings is a family favorite for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
Scale
- Main Ingredients:
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 2 cups cooked jasmine or brown rice
- Bang Bang Sauce:
- 1/2 cup sweet chili sauce
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise (full-fat recommended)
- 1–2 tbsp sriracha (adjust to taste)
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- Fresh Toppings:
- 1/2 cup thinly sliced cucumber
- 2 scallions, thinly sliced
- Finishing Touches:
- 1 tsp sesame seeds, for garnish
Instructions
- Prep the Chicken Perfection:: First things first, let’s get that chicken ready. Grab your boneless, skinless chicken breasts and slice them into bite-sized pieces, roughly 1-inch cubes. Try to keep them somewhat uniform so they cook evenly – a lesson I learned after ending up with some pieces perfectly tender and others a bit dry! Toss the chicken with a tablespoon of cornstarch, salt, and pepper in a medium bowl. Give it a good mix with your hands until each piece is lightly coated. You want that lovely, thin layer for crispiness later. My kitchen usually looks a bit dusty at this point, but it’s all part of the process!
- Whip Up the Wonder Sauce:: Now for the star of our Quick Easy Bang Bang Chicken Bowl Dinner – the sauce! In a separate bowl, whisk together the sweet chili sauce, mayonnaise, sriracha (start with a little, you can always add more!), rice vinegar, and garlic powder. Give it a good stir until it’s silky smooth and beautifully combined. Taste it! This is your chance to adjust the spice or sweetness. I always do a little happy dance when the sauce comes together, it smells so good and promises deliciousness. This step is where I sometimes get distracted and almost forget the rice vinegar – don’t be like me!
- Sizzle the Chicken:: Heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a large non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. Once it’s shimmering, add your cornstarch-coated chicken in a single layer. Don’t overcrowd the pan, hon, or the chicken will steam instead of crisp up – I’ve made that mistake more times than I care to admit! Cook for about 3-4 minutes per side, until it’s golden brown and cooked through. You’ll see that lovely crust forming, and the kitchen will start smelling absolutely incredible. This is where the magic really starts to happen for our Bang Bang Chicken Bowl!
- Coat in Creamy Goodness:: Once your chicken is beautifully cooked and golden, reduce the heat to low. Pour that amazing Bang Bang sauce you just made over the chicken in the skillet. Gently toss the chicken to coat every piece evenly. You want all that delicious, creamy, spicy-sweet sauce clinging to the crispy chicken. It’s a sight to behold, honestly! The sauce will thicken slightly as it warms, creating that perfect coating. Make sure to get every last drop of sauce from the bowl – no waste here, especially for something this tasty.
- Assemble Your Quick Easy Bang Bang Chicken Bowl:: Time to build your bowls! Grab your favorite serving bowls and spoon in a generous portion of cooked rice. This is the comfy bed for our saucy chicken. Next, arrange that glorious Bang Bang chicken right over the rice. I like to make a little mountain of chicken, honestly. The steam from the rice will warm everything up nicely, and the colors already look so inviting. This is where I sometimes get a little messy, with sauce drips here and there, but hey, it’s a home kitchen, not a Michelin star restaurant!
- Garnish and Enjoy Your Bang Bang Chicken Bowl:: Now for the finishing touches! Scatter your thinly sliced cucumber over the chicken and rice. The cool, crisp cucumber is such a wonderful contrast to the warm, spicy chicken. Then, sprinkle generously with fresh scallions and a dash of sesame seeds. Take a moment to admire your handiwork – it looks vibrant, smells incredible, and is ready to be devoured. This Quick Easy Bang Bang Chicken Bowl Dinner is truly a feast for the eyes and the taste buds. Dig in while it’s warm and savor every bite!