Bang Bang Chicken Bowls a Weeknight Wonder

Recipe Introduction

Quick Hook

Fancy some Easy Cheap Healthy Meals that taste amazing? This Bang Bang Chicken Bowl recipe is your answer. It's a flavour explosion.

Think creamy, spicy, and totally addictive. You'll have everyone asking for more!

Brief Overview

This dish is inspired by the classic Bang Bang Chicken Recipe . Its normally served in a Chinese takeaway, but we're making it fresh and healthy at home.

It's a medium difficulty, taking around 45 minutes. This recipe yields 4 generous servings.

Main Benefits

One of the top benefits? This Quick Chicken Bowl Recipe is packed with protein. It's the perfect Weeknight Chicken Dinner that's both delicious and good for you, and it's so customisable! What makes this recipe special is the homemade sauce.

It elevates simple ingredients into something restaurant worthy.

Right then, let's get cracking on this Bang Bang Chicken Bowl !

This bowl combines the kick of spice, that familiar peanut taste, and creamy deliciousness with fresh veggies and fluffy rice.

The sauce is really what brings it all together. It is a fantastic Spicy Peanut Chicken Bowl . I used to think making this kind of sauce was hard.

Turns out, it's dead easy!

This Asian Chicken Bowl Recipe is not just food, its an experience. You have creamy chicken. The crunchy veggies. The soft rice.

Its really a full palette and texture experience in a bowl! I genuinely think you'll love it and make it over and over again!

And yes, the Chicken and Rice Bowl can be prepped in advance to make a busy weeknight chicken dinner even easier. Seriously, give it a go!

Ingredients & Equipment for the Best Bang Bang Chicken Bowl

Right, let's talk about what you need to make this amazing Bang Bang Chicken Bowl . It's easier than you think.

Honestly! It's perfect for a weeknight because it's one of those easy cheap healthy meals that doesn't compromise on flavour.

I love how versatile it is, a total Quick Chicken Bowl Recipe kind of thing.

Main Ingredients: Let's Get Specific

For the Chicken itself, you'll need:

• 1.5 lbs (680g) boneless, skinless chicken thighs. Get the good stuff, free range if possible! You want juicy chicken, not dry, rubbery stuff. I’d recommend using thighs over breasts for extra juiciness
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce.
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch (or cornflour, if you're posh).
• 1 teaspoon grated ginger.
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder.
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper.

Now, for the Bang Bang Sauce :

• 1/2 cup (120ml) mayonnaise (full fat or light, your call).
• 1/4 cup (60ml) sweet chili sauce.
• 2 tablespoons smooth peanut butter.
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar.
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce.
• 1 tablespoon honey.
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil.
• 1/2 teaspoon sriracha (more if you're brave!). This is what brings the heat to our Spicy Peanut Chicken Bowl .
• 2 tablespoons water (more if needed, for thinning).

And lastly, for the Bowl Assembly :

• 2 cups cooked rice (brown or white). If you are looking for Healthy Foods you might want to try some brown rice.
• 1 cup shredded carrots.
• 1 cup shredded red cabbage.
• 1 cucumber, sliced.
• 1/4 cup chopped green onions (scallions).
• 2 tablespoons sesame seeds, toasted.
• Optional extras: chopped peanuts, cilantro (coriander).

Seasoning Notes: Flavour Boosters

Garlic powder and ginger, a match made in heaven. A little sriracha adds a fiery kick. You can sub rice vinegar for apple cider if you're in a pinch.

Equipment Needed: Keep it Simple

• A large skillet or wok.
• Mixing bowls.
• A whisk.
• Measuring cups and spoons.
• A cutting board and knife.
• A humble spatchula

Seriously, you don't need fancy equipment for this Asian Chicken Bowl Recipe . A frying pan does the job just fine.

You can always use a fork if you can't find your whisk. We are shooting for a Weeknight Chicken Dinner , we don't want to spend too much time doing it.

Bang Bang Chicken Bowl: Cook It Like a Pro

Fancy some Easy Cheap Healthy Meals that doesn't taste like cardboard? Then Bang Bang Chicken Bowl is your new best mate.

Honestly, this is my go-to when I crave Asian flavours without the takeaway price tag. This Quick Chicken Bowl Recipe is simple, quick, and packs a serious flavour punch.

Let me tell you, this Spicy Peanut Chicken Bowl is a winner. I'm so excited to share this, so here we go.

Prep Like a Boss

• Essential mise en place: Get everything chopped and measured before you start. You know, the usual suspects: chicken, veggies, sauce ingredients. Having it all ready is key.
• Time saving organization tips: Marinate the chicken whilst the rice is cooking. It saves ages! Also, you can prepare the sauce the day before, too.
• Safety reminders: Raw chicken, obviously, handle with care. Don't forget to wash your hands. No one likes a dodgy tummy, right?

Cooking Our Healthy Foods: step-by-step

1. Marinate the chicken: Combine diced chicken with 1 tablespoon soy sauce , 1 tablespoon cornstarch , grated ginger, garlic powder and black pepper.
2. Mix the sauce: Whisk together 1/2 cup mayonnaise , 1/4 cup sweet chili sauce , 2 tablespoons peanut butter , 1 tablespoon rice vinegar , 1 tablespoon soy sauce , 1 tablespoon honey , 1 teaspoon sesame oil , and sriracha.
3. Cook the chicken: Heat a pan over medium high heat. Add the chicken and cook for about 5- 7 minutes , till cooked through.
4. Sauce it up: Reduce heat, pour in the Bang Bang Chicken Recipe , and simmer for 2- 3 minutes .
5. Build your bowl: Add rice, then chicken, and top with shredded carrots, cabbage, cucumber, and green onions.

Bang Bang Chicken Pro Tips

• To avoid chicken drying out, cook it till it's just done and has a bit of moisture.
• Adjust the sauce to your liking. You like it hot? Add more sriracha.
• Making ahead? Cook the chicken and store it separately from the sauce, then combine them just before serving.

Listen, making Asian Chicken Bowl Recipe like these Weeknight Chicken Dinner options shouldn't be stressful. This Chicken and Rice Bowl recipe will have you hooked. I promise!

Recipe Notes for Your Bang Bang Chicken Bowl

Right, so you're ready to make this Bang Bang Chicken Bowl and feeling like a proper chef? Ace! Before you dive in, let's have a chinwag about a few things.

These are just some extra bits and bobs that I've picked up along the way. Honestly, they'll make your life easier and your Easy Cheap Healthy Meals taste even better.

Plating Like a Pro

Okay, so plating might seem a bit fancy for a weeknight chicken dinner , but trust me, a bit of effort makes all the difference.

When you assemble your Bang Bang Chicken Bowl , think about colours. Layer that bright orange carrot next to the purple cabbage.

It just looks banging, doesn't it? Don't just chuck everything in. A sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds? Absolutely. It really elevates the whole thing!

Complementary Sides or Beverages?

If you’re serving this Spicy Peanut Chicken Bowl up for pals, some edamame is a great shout. Or, how about a light Asian slaw? Keeps things fresh.

A cool glass of iced green tea is the perfect drink. Honestly, anything that cuts through the richness.

Storage Tips: Keepin' it Fresh

Made too much Bang Bang Chicken ? Don't you worry. Once cooled, pop the chicken in an airtight container and it'll keep in the fridge for up to 3 days. Simple.

Freezing isn't ideal, the sauce can get a bit funny. If you must, freeze it separately from the rice. Reheat the chicken thoroughly until piping hot that's absolutely key for food safety.

Add fresh rice!

Variations: Make it Your Own

Honestly, the best thing about this Asian Chicken Bowl Recipe is how easy it is to tweak! Need a Healthy Foods option? Swap the white rice for brown rice or even quinoa.

BOOM, health points achieved!

For a Peanut Sauce Chicken Bowl that’s veggie friendly, chuck in some crispy tofu instead of chicken. Swap out the rice for cauliflower rice as a lower carb option.

Peanut allergy a problem? Try tahini instead of peanut butter. It works a treat!

Nutrition Basics: What's Good For You?

Each serving of this Quick Chicken Bowl Recipe is packed with protein, thanks to the chicken and peanut butter. You know? It's got a decent amount of healthy fats too.

Try to get your macros in! Carbs are there from the rice, giving you energy. Remember, these are just estimates.

Actual values can vary a bit.

So there you have it. Get creative, have fun, and make this Bang Bang Chicken Bowl your own. Don't be afraid to experiment! Let me know how it goes, yeah?

Frequently Asked Questions

What exactly is Bang Bang Chicken, and is this Bang Bang Chicken Bowl recipe authentic?

Bang Bang Chicken is a Chinese dish that's been Westernized quite a bit think of it as a spicy, creamy, peanut-y chicken salad. This Bang Bang Chicken Bowl recipe takes those core flavours and puts them into a convenient bowl format.

While it's not strictly traditional, it's a delicious and easy way to enjoy those classic Bang Bang tastes, like a "cheeky Nando's" but elevated!

Can I make the Bang Bang sauce for this Bang Bang Chicken Bowl ahead of time?

Absolutely! The Bang Bang sauce can be made up to 3 days in advance and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. In fact, making it ahead of time allows the flavours to meld together even better. Just give it a good stir before using it, especially if it has thickened in the fridge.

I'm allergic to peanuts! What can I substitute in the Bang Bang Chicken Bowl recipe?

No worries, mate! If you have a peanut allergy, you can easily substitute the peanut butter in the sauce with tahini (sesame seed paste) or sunflower seed butter. These alternatives will still provide that nutty creaminess without the peanuts.

Just be sure to check the labels of your substitutes to ensure they're peanut free!

How spicy is this Bang Bang Chicken Bowl supposed to be, and can I adjust the heat?

The spice level is generally medium, thanks to the sriracha in the sauce. However, the beauty of this recipe is that you can totally customize the heat! If you're a chilli fiend, add more sriracha or a pinch of cayenne pepper. If you prefer a milder flavour, reduce the amount of sriracha or even omit it altogether.

How should I store leftover Bang Bang Chicken Bowl, and how long will it last?

Store any leftover Bang Bang Chicken Bowl components separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. This prevents the rice from getting soggy. The chicken and sauce will last for up to 3 days, and the veggies will last a bit longer, up to 5 days.

When reheating, you might need to add a splash of water to the chicken and sauce to loosen it up.

Can I use chicken breast instead of chicken thighs in this Bang Bang Chicken Bowl?

You can indeed use chicken breast, however, chicken thighs tend to be more moist and forgiving. If you opt for chicken breast, be extra careful not to overcook it, as it can become dry. Consider cutting the breast into smaller pieces and cooking it for a shorter amount of time to retain moisture.

Poaching the chicken breast can be a great alternative too, before covering in sauce.