Pin It The first time I made Bang Bang sauce, I accidentally doubled the sriracha and my husband couldn't stop eating it despite sweating through the entire meal. That's when I knew this creamy-spicy combination was something special. Now it's our go-to when we want dinner to feel like a treat but only have 30 minutes to make it happen.
Last Tuesday my friend Sarah came over exhausted from work, so I threw these bowls together. She texted me the next morning saying she dreamed about the sauce and begged for the recipe. That's the thing about this dish, it looks impressive but comes together so fast you'll feel like a kitchen genius.
Ingredients
- Chicken: Thighs stay juicier than breasts but either works perfectly, just don't overcrowd the pan or you'll steam instead of sear
- Mayonnaise: Real mayo makes the creamiest sauce but Greek yogurt works if you want to cut the richness
- Sweet chili sauce: This is the secret ingredient that balances the heat, look for it in the Asian aisle
- Sriracha: Start with one teaspoon and taste, you can always add more but you can't take it back
- Rice: Day-old rice separates better but fresh works too, just fluff it with a fork before serving
- Fresh vegetables: The crunch is non-negotiable here, so prep them right before serving so they stay crisp
Instructions
- Cook the chicken:
- Heat that olive oil until it shimmers, then season your chicken pieces generously. Cook them in batches if needed, letting them get golden brown on at least two sides. You'll know they're done when the juices run clear.
- Whisk the magic sauce:
- Dump all your sauce ingredients in a bowl and whisk until smooth. Taste it now, this is your moment to adjust the heat or sweetness before it touches the chicken.
- Coat and assemble:
- Toss half the sauce with the hot chicken, letting it cling to every piece. Pile rice into bowls, arrange your colorful vegetables in sections, and drizzle that remaining sauce over everything.
Pin It My daughter now requests these bowls for her birthday dinner every year. Watching her build her perfect bite with a little bit of everything makes me realize how the simplest meals become the ones we remember most.
Making It Your Own
The beauty of this bowl is its adaptability. I've used shrimp when I forgot to buy chicken, and once I even used roasted cauliflower for a meatless Monday that surprised everyone at how satisfying it felt.
The Sauce Formula
Once you master the basic ratio of mayo to sweet chili sauce, you'll start making variations. Add lime juice for brightness, or swap honey for maple syrup. The formula works as a dip for spring rolls too.
Perfect Vegetable Pairings
Not all vegetables work in this bowl, avoid anything too watery like tomatoes. The crunch factor is what makes the contrast with creamy sauce so addictive. Thinly sliced radishes add beautiful color and pepperiness.
- Snap peas add an incredible crunch that holds up for hours
- Shredded purple cabbage makes everything look more vibrant
- Fresh mint leaves torn over the top brighten all that richness
Pin It Some recipes are just vehicles for good sauce, and that's absolutely okay. This bowl proves that the right combination of creamy, spicy, and fresh can turn a Tuesday dinner into something you'll crave next week.
Questions & Answers
- → How spicy is Bang Bang sauce?
The sauce has a mild to medium heat level. You can easily adjust the spiciness by using more or less sriracha. Start with one teaspoon and add more if you prefer more heat.
- → Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes, simply use tamari instead of soy sauce and verify that your mayonnaise and sweet chili sauce brands are certified gluten-free. Most mayonnaise brands are naturally gluten-free.
- → How long does this keep in the refrigerator?
Stored in airtight containers, these bowls will stay fresh for 3-4 days. Keep the sauce separate and drizzle over just before eating to maintain the best texture.
- → Can I use grilled chicken instead of pan-seared?
Absolutely. Grilled chicken works beautifully and adds a smoky flavor element. Simply grill the seasoned chicken until cooked through, then coat with the sauce as directed.
- → What can I substitute for mayonnaise in the sauce?
Greek yogurt makes an excellent lighter substitute. It provides tang and creaminess while reducing calories. You can also use plain avocado mayonnaise for a dairy-free option.
- → Is this suitable for meal prep?
This is ideal for meal prep. Assemble the bowls with cooled rice, cooked chicken, and vegetables, then store sauce separately. Reheat gently before adding the sauce and garnishes.