A Flavor Explosion for Beginner Cooks Recipe
This Bang Bang Chicken Bowl is a vibrant, flavorful meal perfect for beginner cooks looking to impress. Featuring tender chicken sautéed to golden perfection, crisp mixed vegetables, and a creamy, spicy-sweet bang bang sauce, all served over a bed of fluffy rice. It’s an easy-to-make dish that balances heat, sweetness, and zesty lime for an exciting flavor explosion.
- Author: Ruby
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: American Fusion
- Diet: Low Fat
Chicken and Vegetables
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup cooked rice (white, brown, or cauliflower rice)
- 1 cup mixed vegetables (broccoli florets, sliced bell peppers, and sliced carrots)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Sauce
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons sriracha sauce
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon fresh lime juice
- Cook the Rice: Begin by cooking your rice according to the package instructions. You can use white, brown, or cauliflower rice depending on your preference. Using a rice cooker simplifies this step and ensures fluffy, perfectly cooked rice. Once done, set it aside and keep warm.
- Prepare the Chicken: Cut the chicken breast into bite-sized pieces. Season them generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper. This will help the chicken cook evenly and absorb flavors well.
- Sauté the Chicken: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until hot. Add the chicken pieces in a single layer and sauté, stirring occasionally, for about 6 to 8 minutes or until golden brown and cooked through. Ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for safety. Remove skillet from heat momentarily.
- Mix the Sauce: While the chicken cooks, combine mayonnaise, sriracha, honey, garlic powder, and lime juice in a small bowl. Stir well until smooth. Taste the sauce and adjust by adding more sriracha for spiciness or honey for sweetness, according to your preference.
- Add the Vegetables: Return the skillet to medium heat and add the mixed vegetables. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes more, stirring frequently, just until the vegetables are tender but still slightly crisp to retain their texture and nutrients.
- Combine and Serve: Remove the skillet from heat. Pour the bang bang sauce over the chicken and vegetables and toss gently to evenly coat all ingredients. Serve the mixture over the cooked rice. Optionally, garnish with extra sriracha or chopped green onions for added flavor and presentation.
Notes
- Ensure the skillet is hot before adding chicken to prevent sticking and to achieve even browning.
- Use a meat thermometer to check chicken is fully cooked at 165°F (74°C).
- Vegetables should remain slightly crisp; do not overcook to preserve texture and nutrients.
- Adjust the sauce ingredients to balance heat and sweetness according to your taste.
- Feel free to swap in your favorite vegetables depending on availability and preference.
- Serving over cauliflower rice keeps the dish lower in carbs for a lighter option.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (approx. 1 cup chicken and veggies with 1/2 cup cooked rice)
- Calories: 420 kcal
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 520 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 3.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 35 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 32 g
- Cholesterol: 85 mg
Keywords: Bang Bang Chicken, Chicken Bowl, Easy Dinner, Spicy Chicken, Quick Weeknight Meal, Beginner Recipe, Sriracha Chicken, Healthy Chicken Bowl