High Protein Pancake Bowl: Imagine starting your day with a breakfast that tastes like a decadent treat but fuels your body with sustained energy. Forget the guilt and embrace the deliciousness! This isn’t your average pancake it’s a revolution in breakfast form. We’re talking about a fluffy, satisfying pancake base, baked to golden perfection in a bowl, and then loaded with your favorite toppings.
Pancakes have been a breakfast staple for centuries, with variations found in cultures around the globe. From the simple crepes of France to the hearty flapjacks of North America, the pancake’s versatility has made it a beloved comfort food. But let’s be honest, sometimes we crave something a little more substantial, something that will keep us feeling full and energized until lunchtime. That’s where the high protein pancake bowl comes in.
People adore this dish for so many reasons. First, the taste is incredible! The pancake itself is subtly sweet and wonderfully fluffy. Second, the texture is divine a delightful contrast between the soft pancake and the crunchy toppings. But perhaps the biggest draw is the convenience. It’s quick to prepare, easy to customize, and perfect for meal prepping. Plus, the added protein keeps you feeling satisfied and focused, making it the ideal breakfast for busy mornings or post-workout recovery. Get ready to experience pancakes in a whole new way!
Ingredients:
- For the Chicken:
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
- 1 tsp ginger, grated
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1/2 tsp white pepper
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- For the Bang Bang Sauce:
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup sweet chili sauce
- 2 tbsp sriracha (adjust to your spice preference)
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tbsp honey
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp ground ginger
- 1 tbsp water (or more, to thin as needed)
- For the Garnish:
- 2 green onions, thinly sliced
- 1 tbsp sesame seeds, toasted
- Optional: crushed peanuts, chopped cilantro
- Other:
- Wooden skewers (soaked in water for at least 30 minutes to prevent burning)
- Vegetable oil, for grilling or pan-frying
Preparing the Chicken:
- In a large bowl, combine the chicken cubes with soy sauce, rice vinegar, cornstarch, grated ginger, minced garlic, white pepper, and sesame oil.
- Mix well to ensure all the chicken pieces are evenly coated. This marinade not only adds flavor but also helps to tenderize the chicken.
- Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours. The longer it marinates, the more flavorful the chicken will be. I usually aim for at least an hour if I have the time.
Assembling the Skewers:
- Take your soaked wooden skewers and thread the marinated chicken cubes onto them. Leave a little space between each piece to ensure even cooking.
- Aim for about 5-6 chicken cubes per skewer, depending on the size of the cubes and the length of your skewers. Don’t overcrowd them!
- Repeat until all the chicken is used up. Set the assembled skewers aside while you prepare the Bang Bang sauce.
Making the Bang Bang Sauce:
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, rice vinegar, honey, sesame oil, garlic powder, and ground ginger.
- Taste the sauce and adjust the ingredients to your liking. If you prefer a sweeter sauce, add a little more honey. For a spicier kick, add more sriracha.
- Add water, one tablespoon at a time, until the sauce reaches your desired consistency. I like mine to be easily drizzled but still thick enough to cling to the chicken.
- Set the Bang Bang sauce aside. You can store it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to use it.
Cooking the Chicken Skewers:
You have two options for cooking the chicken skewers: grilling or pan-frying. Both methods work well, so choose the one that suits your preference and equipment.
Grilling:
- Preheat your grill to medium heat. Make sure the grates are clean and lightly oiled to prevent sticking.
- Place the chicken skewers on the grill and cook for about 8-10 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through and has a slight char.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Remove the skewers from the grill and let them rest for a few minutes before drizzling with the Bang Bang sauce.
Pan-Frying:
- Heat a tablespoon or two of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Once the oil is hot, carefully place the chicken skewers in the skillet, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. You may need to cook them in batches.
- Cook for about 6-8 minutes, turning frequently, until the chicken is cooked through and has a golden-brown color.
- Again, use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Remove the skewers from the skillet and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to absorb any excess oil.
Serving and Garnishing:
- Arrange the cooked chicken skewers on a serving platter.
- Generously drizzle the Bang Bang sauce over the skewers, making sure each piece of chicken is well coated.
- Garnish with thinly sliced green onions and toasted sesame seeds.
- For an extra touch, you can also sprinkle with crushed peanuts and chopped cilantro.
- Serve immediately and enjoy! These Bang Bang Chicken Skewers are delicious as an appetizer, a main course, or even as a snack.
Tips and Variations:
- Spice Level: Adjust the amount of sriracha in the Bang Bang sauce to control the spice level. If you’re sensitive to heat, start with a small amount and add more to taste.
- Chicken Thighs: You can also use boneless, skinless chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts. Chicken thighs are more flavorful and tend to stay more moist during cooking.
- Vegetarian Option: For a vegetarian version, substitute the chicken with firm tofu, cut into cubes. Marinate the tofu in the same marinade as the chicken and follow the same cooking instructions.
- Air Fryer: You can also cook these skewers in an air fryer. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Place the skewers in the air fryer basket in a single layer and cook for about 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the chicken is cooked through.
- Make Ahead: You can prepare the chicken skewers and the Bang Bang sauce ahead of time. Store the skewers in the refrigerator until you’re ready to cook them. The sauce can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Serving Suggestions: Serve these skewers with a side of rice, noodles, or a salad. They also make a great addition to a party platter.
- Peanut Allergy: If you have a peanut allergy, omit the crushed peanuts from the garnish.
- Gluten-Free: To make this recipe gluten-free, use tamari instead of soy sauce. Tamari is a gluten-free soy sauce alternative. Also, make sure your sweet chili sauce is gluten-free.
Detailed Notes on Ingredients:
- Chicken Breasts: I prefer using boneless, skinless chicken breasts for this recipe because they are lean and cook quickly. However, you can also use chicken thighs if you prefer. Make sure to cut the chicken into uniform cubes to ensure even cooking.
- Soy Sauce: Soy sauce adds a savory, umami flavor to the chicken marinade. Use low-sodium soy sauce to control the saltiness of the dish.
- Rice Vinegar: Rice vinegar adds a tangy, slightly sweet flavor to both the chicken marinade and the Bang Bang sauce.
- Cornstarch: Cornstarch helps to tenderize the chicken and creates a slightly crispy coating when cooked.
- Ginger and Garlic: Freshly grated ginger and minced garlic add a pungent, aromatic flavor to the chicken marinade.
- White Pepper: White pepper has a milder, more delicate flavor than black pepper. It adds a subtle warmth to the chicken marinade.
- Sesame Oil: Sesame oil adds a nutty, aromatic flavor to both the chicken marinade and the Bang Bang sauce.
- Mayonnaise: Mayonnaise forms the base of the Bang Bang sauce. Use a good quality mayonnaise for the best flavor.
- Sweet Chili Sauce: Sweet chili sauce adds a sweet and slightly spicy flavor to the Bang Bang sauce.
- Sriracha: Sriracha adds a spicy kick to the Bang Bang sauce. Adjust the amount to your spice preference.
- Honey: Honey adds sweetness to the Bang Bang sauce and helps to balance the other flavors.
- Garlic Powder and Ground Ginger: Garlic powder and ground ginger add a concentrated flavor to the Bang Bang sauce.
- Green Onions: Green onions add a fresh, mild onion flavor to the garnish.
- Sesame Seeds: Toasted sesame seeds add
Conclusion:
So there you have it! These Bang Bang Chicken Skewers are truly a flavor explosion you won’t want to miss. From the juicy, perfectly grilled chicken to the creamy, spicy, and slightly sweet Bang Bang sauce, every bite is an absolute delight. I genuinely believe this recipe is a must-try because it’s incredibly easy to make, uses readily available ingredients, and delivers restaurant-quality results right in your own kitchen. Forget ordering takeout; you can whip up these skewers in less time than it takes for delivery!
But the best part? The versatility! While these skewers are fantastic as is, there are so many ways to customize them to your liking.
Serving Suggestions and Variations:
* Make it a Meal: Serve these skewers over a bed of fluffy rice or quinoa for a complete and satisfying meal. Add a side of steamed broccoli or a fresh salad to round it out.
* Bang Bang Chicken Bowls: Chop the cooked chicken and toss it with the Bang Bang sauce, then layer it in a bowl with rice, shredded carrots, cucumbers, edamame, and a sprinkle of sesame seeds.
* Bang Bang Chicken Lettuce Wraps: For a lighter option, serve the chicken in crisp lettuce cups with shredded carrots, bean sprouts, and a drizzle of extra sauce.
* Spice it Up (or Tone it Down): Adjust the amount of sriracha in the sauce to control the heat level. If you’re sensitive to spice, start with a small amount and add more to taste. For those who love the heat, feel free to add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of your favorite hot sauce.
* Grilling Alternatives: Don’t have a grill? No problem! You can easily cook the chicken in a skillet on the stovetop or bake it in the oven. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly.
* Vegetarian Option: Swap the chicken for tofu or tempeh for a delicious vegetarian alternative. Just be sure to press the tofu well to remove excess moisture before marinating and grilling.
* Bang Bang Shrimp Skewers: If you’re a seafood lover, try using shrimp instead of chicken. The Bang Bang sauce pairs perfectly with the sweet and delicate flavor of shrimp.I’m confident that once you try this recipe, it will become a regular in your rotation. It’s perfect for weeknight dinners, weekend barbecues, or even as an appetizer for your next gathering. The vibrant flavors and easy preparation make it a winner every time.
So, what are you waiting for? Grab your ingredients, fire up the grill (or preheat your oven!), and get ready to experience the amazingness of these Bang Bang Chicken Skewers. I promise you won’t be disappointed.
And most importantly, I’d love to hear about your experience! Did you try any of the variations? Did you make any tweaks to the recipe? Share your thoughts and photos in the comments below. I can’t wait to see your creations and hear how much you enjoyed this recipe. Happy cooking!
Bang Bang Chicken Skewers: A Delicious & Easy Recipe
Grilled chicken skewers coated in a spicy, creamy, and sweet bang bang sauce. Perfect as an appetizer or light meal.
Ingredients
Ingredients:1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
1/4 cup cornstarch
1/4 cup avocado oil, divided
1/2 cup mayonnaise
2 tablespoons sweet chili sauce
1 tablespoon sriracha
1 tablespoon rice vinegar
1 teaspoon sesame oil
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
Sesame seeds, for garnish
Chopped green onions, for garnish- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1/4 cup cornstarch
- 1/4 cup avocado oil, divided
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons sweet chili sauce
- 1 tablespoon sriracha
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
- Sesame seeds, for garnish
- Chopped green onions, for garnish
Instructions
“`html- Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
- In a bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, soy sauce, and lime juice.
- Cut chicken breasts into 1-inch cubes.
- Thread chicken onto skewers.
- Grill skewers for 6-8 minutes per side, or until chicken is cooked through.
- Brush skewers with bang bang sauce during the last few minutes of grilling.
- Garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds.
- Serve immediately.
“`
Notes
- For the best flavor, marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours.
- If you don’t have sriracha, you can substitute another chili sauce, such as gochujang or sambal oelek.
- Serve the skewers immediately after grilling for the best texture.
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