Follow these steps to create a Bang Bang Chicken Bowl that’s vibrant, flavorful, and perfectly balanced:

1. Cook the Rice:

   • Prepare 1 cup of rice (white, brown, or cauliflower) according to package instructions, yielding about 2–3 cups cooked. Use a rice cooker for convenience if available.

   • Set aside and keep warm.

   • Beginner Tip: Follow package instructions for perfect rice; a rice cooker ensures consistent results.

2. Prepare the Chicken:

   • Cut 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast into bite-sized pieces (about 1-inch cubes).

   • Season generously with salt and pepper to taste.

   • Beginner Tip: Bite-sized pieces cook quickly and evenly; season well to enhance flavor.

3. Sauté the Chicken:

   • Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.

   • Add the chicken pieces and sauté, stirring occasionally, until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F or 74°C), about 6–8 minutes.

   • Beginner Tip: Ensure the skillet is hot to prevent sticking and promote browning; use a meat thermometer to check doneness.

4. Mix the Sauce:

   • In a small bowl, whisk together ½ cup mayonnaise, 2 tbsp sriracha, 1 tbsp honey, 1 tsp garlic powder, and 1 tsp lime juice until smooth.

   • Taste and adjust with more sriracha for heat or honey for sweetness, if desired.

   • Beginner Tip: Start with the recommended amounts and tweak to your preference for a balanced creamy-spicy-sweet sauce.

5. Cook the Vegetables:

   • Add 1 cup mixed veggies (broccoli, bell peppers, carrots) to the skillet with the cooked chicken.

   • Sauté for 2–3 minutes until the veggies are just tender but still crisp.

   • Beginner Tip: Avoid overcooking veggies to maintain their crunch and nutrients.

6. Combine and Serve:

   • Remove the skillet from heat and pour the bang bang sauce over the chicken and veggies, stirring to coat evenly.

   • Divide the cooked rice among 4 bowls, then top each with the sauced chicken and veggie mixture.

   • Garnish with extra sriracha, chopped green onions, or sesame seeds, if desired, and serve immediately.

   • Beginner Tip: Ensure everything is well-coated with sauce for maximum flavor; add garnishes for visual appeal and taste.

Cooking Tips

• Rice Prep: Cook rice in advance or use pre-cooked rice to save time; fluff with a fork to prevent clumping.

• Chicken Doneness: Cut a piece to check for no pink inside, or use a meat thermometer for accuracy; avoid overcooking to keep chicken juicy.

• Hot Skillet: Preheat the skillet until the oil shimmers to ensure a good sear and prevent sticking.

• Sauce Customization: Adjust the sauce in small increments (e.g., ½ tsp extra sriracha or honey) to avoid overpowering the dish.

• Veggie Texture: Cut veggies into uniform sizes for even cooking; stir-fry briefly to retain color and crunch.