Introduction
Welcome to a delightful culinary adventure with my Bang Bang Chicken Bowl! This vibrant dish is not only a feast for the eyes but also a burst of flavors that will tantalize your taste buds. Imagine tender, golden chicken pieces mingling with colorful vegetables, all enveloped in a creamy, spicy sauce that brings harmony to every bite. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a cozy weekend meal, this recipe will become a family favorite in no time!
Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup cooked white or brown rice
- 1 cup broccoli florets
- 1 bell pepper, sliced
- 1 carrot, julienned
- 2 green onions, sliced
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons sweet chili sauce
- 1 tablespoon sriracha (or to taste)
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Cooking oil for sautéing
Prep Time, Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 4 servings
Directions and Instructions
- Start by cooking the rice according to package instructions. Once fluffy and ready, set it aside to keep warm.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, soy sauce, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until smooth and well combined. This will be your luscious bang bang sauce!
- Cut the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces and season with salt and pepper, ensuring every piece is flavorful.
- Heat a tablespoon of cooking oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the chicken and cook for about 6-8 minutes or until the chicken is golden brown and thoroughly cooked.
- While the chicken is cooking, steam the broccoli florets and julienned carrots until they are tender and vibrant, approximately 4-5 minutes.
- Once the chicken is perfectly cooked, toss in the sliced bell peppers and sauté for another 2-3 minutes until the peppers are slightly softened but still crisp.
- Remove the skillet from heat and drizzle half of the bang bang sauce over the chicken and vegetable mixture, tossing gently to coat everything evenly.
- To serve, spoon the warm rice into bowls. Top with the chicken and vegetable mixture, and then drizzle generously with the remaining bang bang sauce.
- Finish by garnishing each bowl with a sprinkle of sliced green onions for that fresh, zesty touch!
Notes or Tips
- Feel free to customize your veggies based on your preferences or what you have on hand. Snow peas, snap peas, or zucchini would work beautifully!
- If you like it spicier, add an extra splash of sriracha or throw in some red pepper flakes.
- This dish also makes for great meal prep! Simply store the chicken and veggies in the fridge, and reheat when you’re ready to serve.
Cooking Techniques
This recipe showcases basic cooking techniques such as sautéing and steaming. Sautéing allows the chicken to develop a beautiful, rich color while keeping it tender inside. Steaming the vegetables ensures they retain their nutrients and vibrant color, making your meal not only delicious but also healthy.
FAQ
- Can I use frozen chicken? Yes! You can use frozen chicken breasts, but ensure they are fully thawed before cooking for even cooking.
- What can I substitute for mayonnaise? You can use Greek yogurt for a lighter option that still offers creaminess.
- Can I make this dish vegetarian? Absolutely! Substitute the chicken with tofu or chickpeas, and you’ll have a fantastic vegetarian version!
Conclusion
There you have it—an easy, flavorful Bang Bang Chicken Bowl that will surely impress your family and friends! The combination of tender chicken, colorful veggies, and that irresistible bang bang sauce makes for a comforting meal that’s ready in under an hour. Serve it up hot and enjoy every bite of this delightful dish that’s bursting with flavor. Happy cooking!