Description
Guys, I need to tell you about my absolute go-to weeknight dinner that never fails to impress. These Bang Bang Chicken Bowls have literally saved my dinner routine more times than I can count!
I stumbled across this recipe when I was in a serious dinner rut last year. You know those times when you’re just rotating through the same 3 boring meals? This recipe pulled me right out of that slump, and now my friends actually request it when they come over. The best part? It’s ridiculously easy but looks like you know what you’re doing in the kitchen!
The sweet-spicy-creamy bang bang sauce is what makes this dish special. I’ve caught my boyfriend eating it straight from the bowl with a spoon (no judgment, I’ve done it too). And assembling everything in a bowl just makes it feel so much more satisfying than a regular plate of food.
Ingredients
For the chicken:
- 1–1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 2 large ones)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika (smoked if you have it, but regular works fine)
- Salt and pepper
- Optional: 1 tablespoon honey
For that amazing bang bang sauce (the star of the show!):
- ½ cup mayonnaise (I use full-fat because YOLO)
- 3 tablespoons sweet chili sauce (find it in the Asian food section)
- 1–2 tablespoons sriracha (depending on how spicy you like it)
- 1 tablespoon honey
- Juice from half a lime
- Pinch of salt
For the bowl:
- 2 cups cooked rice (I like jasmine, but whatever you have works)
- 1 avocado, sliced
- 1 cucumber, diced
- 1 cup shredded carrots (buy pre-shredded to make life easier!)
- 2 green onions, chopped
- Handful of cilantro, roughly chopped
- Optional toppings: sesame seeds, lime wedges, extra sriracha