If you’re looking for a dish that is full of flavor, quick to prepare, and incredibly satisfying, then look no further than Bang Bang Chicken and Rice! This dish brings together tender chicken, a creamy and spicy sauce, and fluffy rice to create a meal that everyone in your family will love. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight dinner or planning for a special occasion, Bang Bang Chicken and Rice is the perfect choice.
In this article, we’ll explore everything you need to know about this delicious dish. From the ingredients to step-by-step instructions, we’ll help you create a meal that’s bursting with flavor and sure to impress your taste buds.
What is Bang Bang Chicken and Rice?
Bang Bang Chicken is a dish that originates from Asian-inspired cuisine. The name “Bang Bang” comes from the bold, zesty flavors of the sauce that are paired with crispy, juicy chicken. The sauce typically features a mix of creamy ingredients like mayonnaise and a touch of heat from chili sauce. When combined with tender chicken and served over a bed of rice, the result is an explosion of flavors in every bite.
Bang Bang Chicken and Rice takes this dish to the next level by adding the comforting, mild flavor of rice to balance out the heat of the sauce and create a well-rounded meal. The rice soaks up the flavors of the chicken and sauce, making each bite more delicious than the last.
Why You’ll Love Bang Bang Chicken and Rice
Here are a few reasons why Bang Bang Chicken and Rice should be your next go-to meal:
- Bold Flavors: The sauce is creamy, spicy, and savory, offering a punch of flavor that will keep you coming back for more.
- Quick and Easy: This dish can be made in under 30 minutes, making it a perfect weeknight dinner option.
- Customizable: You can adjust the spice level by adding more or less chili sauce to suit your taste. Plus, you can swap the chicken for another protein, like shrimp or tofu, if you prefer.
- Satisfying: The combination of chicken, rice, and a flavorful sauce is filling and comforting, making it a complete meal.
- Great for Meal Prep: This dish stores well in the fridge, making it a perfect option for meal prepping or leftovers.
Now that you know why Bang Bang Chicken and Rice is such a winner, let’s dive into the recipe!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Before you start cooking, let’s gather all the ingredients you’ll need to make Bang Bang Chicken and Rice. Don’t worry—most of these ingredients are easy to find at your local grocery store!
For the chicken:
- 1 lb (450g) of boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon of olive oil (or your preferred cooking oil)
For the rice:
- 1 cup of long-grain white rice (or any type of rice you prefer)
- 2 cups of water or chicken broth (for extra flavor)
For the Bang Bang Sauce:
- 1/2 cup of mayonnaise (for creaminess)
- 1/4 cup of sweet chili sauce (this is the key to the sauce’s sweetness and heat)
- 1 tablespoon of sriracha sauce (optional, for extra spice)
- 1 tablespoon of rice vinegar (for a tangy kick)
- 1 teaspoon of honey (for a touch of sweetness)
- 1 teaspoon of garlic powder (for added depth of flavor)
- 1 teaspoon of soy sauce (for a savory, umami punch)
Garnish (Optional):
- Chopped green onions or cilantro
- Sesame seeds
- Crushed peanuts (if you like a little crunch)
Step-by-Step Instructions to Make Bang Bang Chicken and Rice
Making Bang Bang Chicken and Rice is surprisingly simple and quick. Follow these easy steps, and you’ll have a mouthwatering meal ready in no time!
Step 1: Cook the Rice
Start by cooking the rice. Rinse the rice under cold water to remove any excess starch, then add it to a pot with the water or chicken broth. Bring it to a boil, then cover the pot and reduce the heat to low. Let the rice simmer for about 15-20 minutes, or until the water is absorbed and the rice is tender. Remove the pot from the heat and let it sit for a few minutes before fluffing the rice with a fork.
If you’re in a rush, you can also use a rice cooker to speed up the process!
Step 2: Prepare the Chicken
While the rice is cooking, prepare the chicken. Start by cutting the chicken into bite-sized pieces. Season the chicken pieces with salt and pepper to taste.
Heat the olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the chicken pieces to the pan and cook for about 6-8 minutes, or until the chicken is golden brown on the outside and cooked through. Be sure to stir the chicken occasionally to ensure it cooks evenly.
Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the pan and set it aside.
Step 3: Make the Bang Bang Sauce
Now, it’s time to make the sauce! In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha (if using), rice vinegar, honey, garlic powder, and soy sauce. Stir until all the ingredients are well combined and smooth.
If you like your sauce spicier, feel free to add more sriracha to taste. The beauty of Bang Bang Chicken is that you can customize the sauce to your preference!
Step 4: Coat the Chicken
Once the sauce is ready, it’s time to bring everything together. Add the cooked chicken back into the pan and pour the Bang Bang sauce over it. Stir the chicken to coat it evenly in the creamy, spicy sauce. Let the chicken simmer in the sauce for 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
Step 5: Assemble the Dish
To serve, place a generous scoop of rice on each plate. Top the rice with the saucy, delicious Bang Bang Chicken. Garnish with chopped green onions, cilantro, sesame seeds, and crushed peanuts, if desired. These garnishes will add extra flavor and texture to your dish.
Step 6: Enjoy!
Now, all that’s left to do is dig in and enjoy the amazing flavors of Bang Bang Chicken and Rice! The creamy, spicy sauce pairs perfectly with the tender chicken and fluffy rice, making each bite a delight.
Tips for Perfect Bang Bang Chicken and Rice
While the recipe is pretty straightforward, here are a few tips to ensure your Bang Bang Chicken and Rice turns out just right:
- Use Chicken Thighs for Extra Juiciness: While chicken breasts are great for this recipe, chicken thighs tend to be juicier and more flavorful. Feel free to use thighs if you prefer!
- Adjust the Spice: If you like your food extra spicy, add more sriracha or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the sauce. On the other hand, if you prefer a milder flavor, skip the sriracha or use a little less.
- Try Different Rice Varieties: While long-grain white rice works well, you can experiment with other rice types like jasmine rice, basmati rice, or brown rice for a different texture and flavor.
- Meal Prep: Bang Bang Chicken and Rice makes for great leftovers. Simply store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop before serving.
Why This Recipe Works
Bang Bang Chicken and Rice is the ultimate weeknight meal because it’s quick, easy, and full of flavor. The combination of crispy chicken and a creamy, spicy sauce creates a balanced, satisfying dish that is sure to please your taste buds. The rice acts as the perfect base, soaking up all the wonderful sauce and bringing everything together in one delicious bite.
Conclusion
If you’re in the mood for a flavorful, easy-to-make dinner, Bang Bang Chicken and Rice is the perfect choice. With just a few simple ingredients and some quick steps, you can create a delicious meal that’s perfect for any night of the week. The combination of tender chicken, creamy sauce, and fluffy rice will make this dish a new family favorite in no time.
So grab your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and get ready to enjoy a delicious meal that’s bursting with flavor. Happy cooking!