If you’re craving a dish that’s bursting with bold flavors, vibrant colors, and satisfying textures, you’ve just found your new favorite meal. The Bang Bang Chicken Bowl: Ultimate Easy Meal Prep Recipe combines tender shredded chicken with crunchy veggies and a creamy, spicy sauce that perfectly balances sweet, tangy, and heat. It’s not only a feast for your taste buds but also a super simple way to fuel your week. Whether you’re meal prepping for busy days or just want a delicious, wholesome bowl at your fingertips, this recipe makes everything come together effortlessly and beautifully.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe shines because it’s built on simple, easy-to-find ingredients that each add their own magic to the bowl. Every item contributes to the layers of texture, flavor, and freshness that make the Bang Bang Chicken Bowl so irresistible.
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast: Shredded or chopped for tender protein that soaks up all the sauce flavors.
- 1 cup cooked white or brown rice: The perfect base for soaking up every drop of the spicy Bang Bang sauce.
- 1 cup shredded cabbage or coleslaw mix: Adds a refreshing crunch and beautiful color contrast.
- 1 cup shredded carrots: Sweet and crisp, carrots enhance both texture and vibrant appearance.
- ½ cup cucumber slices or matchsticks: Cool and hydrating, cucumber brings a light, fresh note to balance the spice.
- ¼ cup chopped green onions: A mild oniony pop to brighten and deepen the flavor profile.
- ½ cup mayonnaise: Creamy base for the signature Bang Bang sauce that holds everything together.
- 2 tablespoons sweet chili sauce: Brings that essential sweet heat that defines the Bang Bang sauce.
- 1 tablespoon sriracha: Adds just the right amount of spicy kick—adjust up or down to your taste.
- 1 tablespoon honey or sugar: Balances the heat with a touch of sweetness for harmony.
- 1 tablespoon lime juice: Packs a zesty brightness that lifts all the sauce flavors.
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce: Introduces salty, umami depth for complexity.
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil: A toasty aroma that rounds out the sauce beautifully.
- Sesame seeds (optional): Great for garnish, adding subtle nuttiness and crunch.
- Fresh cilantro (optional): A fresh herbaceous note to finish each bite.
How to Make Bang Bang Chicken Bowl: Ultimate Easy Meal Prep Recipe
Step 1: Whisk Together the Bang Bang Sauce
Begin by combining mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, honey, lime juice, soy sauce, and sesame oil in a small bowl. Whisk everything until smooth and creamy. This sauce is the heart of the dish, so taste and tweak the heat or sweetness as you like to create the perfect balance for your palate.
Step 2: Prepare the Bowl Base
Layer your cooked rice at the bottom of your meal prep containers or serving bowls. The rice isn’t just a filling base, but it also soaks up the saucy goodness to ensure every bite is flavorful and satisfying.
Step 3: Add the Fresh Veggies
Next, pile on shredded cabbage, carrots, and cucumber slices. These crisp veggies bring a refreshing crunch and vibrant colors, making the bowl as pretty as it is healthy and tasty.
Step 4: Add the Chicken
Top your veggies with the cooked shredded chicken breast. The chicken provides lean protein and is perfect for soaking up the luscious Bang Bang sauce drizzled on top.
Step 5: Drizzle the Bang Bang Sauce and Garnish
Generously drizzle the creamy, spicy sauce over the assembled ingredients. Sprinkle chopped green onions, sesame seeds, and fresh cilantro if you’re using them. These final touches elevate the dish both visually and taste-wise, adding layers of crunch, aroma, and herbal freshness.
How to Serve Bang Bang Chicken Bowl: Ultimate Easy Meal Prep Recipe
Garnishes
Adding sesame seeds and fresh cilantro not only enhances the bowl’s appearance but also introduces delightful textural contrasts and fresh herbal notes. Scattering extra green onions brings a sharp bite that perfectly complements the creamy, spicy sauce.
Side Dishes
This bowl is a complete meal on its own but pairs beautifully with light sides like steamed edamame, miso soup, or a crunchy Asian cucumber salad. These sides add variety without overpowering the boldness of the Bang Bang Chicken Bowl.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving the ingredients deconstructed for a fun DIY experience, especially if you’re entertaining. You can also tuck this bowl inside large lettuce leaves for a refreshing wrap or serve over cauliflower rice for a lower-carb twist that’s just as satisfying.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This dish stores wonderfully in airtight containers for up to four days. Keep the sauce integrated or separate depending on whether you want the veggies to stay crisp or fully melded together. It’s perfect for quick lunches or dinners throughout the week.
Freezing
While you can freeze cooked chicken and rice separately, freezing the full assembled bowl is not recommended since fresh veggies and the creamy sauce can lose their texture and freshness. Instead, freeze components individually for best quality.
Reheating
For leftovers, gently reheat the rice and chicken in the microwave or on the stovetop until warm. Add fresh veggies and sauce afterward to maintain their crunch and creaminess. If you kept the sauce separate, drizzle it onto the bowl just before serving.
FAQs
Can I make this recipe vegan or vegetarian?
Absolutely! Swap the chicken for tofu or cooked shrimp, and use vegan mayonnaise to keep the sauce creamy. The dish will still pack the same punch of flavor and texture.
Is this dish gluten-free?
Yes, provided you use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari, this Bang Bang Chicken Bowl is a fantastic gluten-free meal option.
How spicy is the Bang Bang Sauce?
The heat level is quite adjustable. The recipe includes sriracha, which you can reduce or increase based on your spice tolerance. The sweet chili sauce also adds sweetness that balances the spice nicely.
Can I prepare this recipe in advance?
Definitely! This is designed as a meal prep-friendly recipe. Prepare all components ahead of time and assemble your bowls when ready to eat, or fully assemble and refrigerate for up to four days.
What are some good variations?
Try using cauliflower rice for a low-carb option, add roasted peanuts for crunch, or swap in shrimp or tofu to mix up proteins. You can also experiment with different veggies like bell peppers or snap peas.
Final Thoughts
If you’re searching for a fuss-free, flavorful meal that makes your weeknights or busy mornings easier, the Bang Bang Chicken Bowl: Ultimate Easy Meal Prep Recipe is just the thing. It’s vibrant, nourishing, and incredibly satisfying—perfect for anyone who loves delicious food made simple. Give it a try and get ready to fall in love with your new go-to bowl!
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Bang Bang Chicken Bowl: Ultimate Easy Meal Prep Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Bang Bang Chicken Bowl is the ultimate easy meal prep recipe featuring tender cooked chicken, fresh vegetables, and a flavorful creamy, spicy Bang Bang sauce. Perfect for quick lunches or dinners, it layers cooked rice, shredded cabbage, carrots, cucumber, and chicken, all drizzled with a tangy, sweet, and spicy sauce made from mayonnaise, sriracha, sweet chili sauce, honey, lime juice, soy sauce, and sesame oil. Garnished with green onions, sesame seeds, and cilantro, this dish is customizable, healthy, and ready to eat immediately or stored for up to 4 days.
Ingredients
Protein and Grains
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded or chopped
- 1 cup cooked white or brown rice
Vegetables
- 1 cup shredded cabbage or coleslaw mix
- 1 cup shredded carrots
- ½ cup cucumber slices or matchsticks
- ¼ cup chopped green onions
Bang Bang Sauce
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons sweet chili sauce
- 1 tablespoon sriracha (adjust to taste)
- 1 tablespoon honey or sugar
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
Garnishes (Optional)
- Sesame seeds
- Fresh cilantro
Instructions
- Prepare the Bang Bang Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, honey, lime juice, soy sauce, and sesame oil until smooth and well combined. Taste the sauce and adjust the heat or sweetness according to your preference.
- Assemble the Bowls: In individual meal prep containers or serving bowls, start by layering the cooked rice as the base. Then add shredded cabbage, shredded carrots, cucumber slices, and the shredded or chopped cooked chicken evenly on top.
- Drizzle the Sauce: Generously pour the Bang Bang sauce over the layered ingredients in each bowl to ensure every bite has plenty of the flavorful sauce.
- Add Garnishes: Sprinkle chopped green onions over each bowl. Optionally, add sesame seeds and fresh cilantro for extra aroma and texture.
- Serve or Store: Serve immediately for fresh texture, or refrigerate the bowls for up to 4 days if preparing for meal prep. For best texture, keep the sauce separate until ready to eat if storing refrigerated.
Notes
- For a lower-carb alternative, substitute cooked rice with cauliflower rice.
- Swap chicken with cooked shrimp or tofu for different protein options.
- Keep the Bang Bang sauce separate and add just before serving to maintain the crisp texture of the vegetables.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
