Spicy Bang Bang Chicken Bowl: High-Protein Dinner (Print Version)

Craving a high-protein Bang Bang Chicken Bowl? This recipe brings the spicy, creamy goodness to your weeknight dinner. Easy, satisfying, and full of flavor!

# Recipe Info:

Prep Time: 15 Minutes minutes
Cook Time: 20 Minutes minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Servings: 4 Servings
Difficulty: Beginner
Cuisine: Asian Fusion
Dietary: High-Protein

# Ingredients:

→ Main Ingredients

01 - 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
02 - 2 cups jasmine rice, uncooked
03 - 1 large cucumber, diced
04 - 1 red bell pepper, diced
05 - 4 green onions, thinly sliced

→ Bang Bang Sauce

06 - 1/2 cup mayonnaise (full-fat)
07 - 1/4 cup sweet chili sauce
08 - 2-4 tbsp Sriracha (to taste)
09 - 1 tbsp honey
10 - 1 tbsp rice vinegar
11 - 1/2 tsp sesame oil

→ Flavor Boosters & Seasoning

12 - 1 tbsp olive oil
13 - 1 tsp garlic powder
14 - 1 tsp onion powder
15 - 1/2 tsp salt (plus more for rice)
16 - 1/4 tsp black pepper

→ Finishing Touches

17 - 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds
18 - 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped

# Instructions:

01 - First things first, let's get that chicken ready. Pat your chicken breasts super dry with paper towels – this helps them get a nice sear, trust me. Then, cut them into bite-sized pieces, about 1-inch cubes. Now, toss them in a bowl with a drizzle of olive oil, a good sprinkle of garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Get in there with your hands and make sure every piece is coated. This is where the magic starts to happen; I can practically smell the flavor building already!
02 - Heat a large skillet or non-stick pan over medium-high heat. Once it's hot, add your seasoned chicken pieces in a single layer. Don't overcrowd the pan, or they'll steam instead of sear – I've made that mistake too many times! Cook for about 5-7 minutes, flipping occasionally, until they're golden brown and cooked through. You want those lovely caramelized bits! Remove from the pan and set aside. Don't worry if there are some crispy bits stuck to the pan, that's flavor!
03 - While the chicken's cooking, let's make that glorious sauce. In a medium bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, Sriracha (start with a little, add more to taste!), honey, rice vinegar, and a tiny splash of sesame oil. Whisk it until it's super smooth and creamy. Taste it! Does it need more heat? More sweetness? This is your moment to make it perfect for *you*. I always taste and adjust, sometimes adding a little extra Sriracha, oops!
04 - Now for the rice. Rinse your jasmine rice under cold water until the water runs clear. This step is a game-changer for fluffy rice. Then, cook it according to package directions. For jasmine rice, it's usually 1 cup rice to 1.5 cups water, bring to a boil, then cover, reduce heat to low, and simmer for 15 minutes. Turn off the heat and let it sit, covered, for another 5-10 minutes. Fluff it with a fork. This is where I always forget to salt the water, but don't you do it!
05 - While the rice is doing its thing, chop up your fresh veggies. Dice the cucumber and red bell pepper into small, bite-sized pieces. Thinly slice those green onions. This step brings all the freshness and crunch to our bowl. I always try to make my veggie cuts pretty even, but honestly, sometimes it's more rustic than perfect, and that's totally fine!
06 - Time to build! Divide the fluffy jasmine rice among your bowls. Top with a generous amount of that perfectly cooked chicken. Now, arrange your fresh cucumber, red bell pepper, and green onions over the chicken and rice. Drizzle a good amount of your creamy Bang Bang sauce over everything. Finish with a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds and fresh cilantro. It should look vibrant and smell absolutely incredible – like a restaurant dish, but made with love (and a little kitchen chaos) at home!

# Notes:

01 - Don't overcook the chicken! It gets sad and dry.
02 - You can make the sauce ahead of time; it actually tastes better after a bit.
03 - Ran out of Sriracha? A pinch of red pepper flakes works in a pinch, just adjust to taste.
04 - A sprinkle of fresh cilantro really brightens everything up.

# Tools You'll Need:

01 - Large skillet or non-stick pan
02 - medium mixing bowls
03 - whisk
04 - cutting board
05 - sharp knife
06 - rice cooker (optional)

# Nutrition Facts (Per Serving):

Calories: 650
Total Fat: 35g
Total Carbohydrate: 50g
Protein: 40g

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