Description
This Bang Bang Chicken Bowl is the ultimate easy meal prep recipe featuring tender, seasoned chicken cooked to perfection and topped with a creamy, spicy bang bang sauce. Served over rice with crisp cabbage, shredded carrots, and fresh green onions, it’s a flavorful and satisfying dish perfect for quick dinners or make-ahead lunches.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken
- 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Bowl Base and Toppings
- 4 cups cooked white or brown rice
- 2 cups shredded cabbage or coleslaw mix
- 1 cup shredded carrots
- 1/2 cup sliced green onions
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
Bang Bang Sauce
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup sweet chili sauce
- 2 tablespoons sriracha
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
Optional Garnish
- 1/4 cup chopped peanuts or sesame seeds
Instructions
- Season the Chicken: In a large bowl, toss the bite-sized chicken pieces with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper until evenly coated.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken and cook, stirring occasionally, for 6 to 8 minutes until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through.
- Prepare the Bang Bang Sauce: While the chicken cooks, whisk together mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, honey, and lime juice in a small bowl until the sauce is smooth and creamy.
- Assemble the Bowls: Divide the cooked rice evenly among four bowls. Top each with cooked chicken, shredded cabbage, shredded carrots, and sliced green onions.
- Dress and Garnish: Drizzle the bang bang sauce generously over each bowl. Garnish with chopped fresh cilantro and, if desired, sprinkle chopped peanuts or sesame seeds on top.
- Serve or Store: Serve immediately for best flavor, or store components separately in the refrigerator for up to 4 days to enjoy as meal prep.
Notes
- For a lighter version, substitute Greek yogurt for part or all of the mayonnaise to reduce fat content.
- Add steamed broccoli, cucumber slices, or edamame to the bowls for extra vegetables and nutrition.
- Store rice, chicken, vegetables, and sauce separately to maintain freshness if preparing ahead.
- Reheat chicken and rice gently before assembling your bowl for the best texture and taste.
