Bang Bang Chicken Recipe

Spicy Bang Bang Chicken Recipe: A Fiery Dinner Sensation

Crispy, spicy bang bang chicken has become my absolute favorite quick dinner solution for hectic weeknights.

Crunchy chicken pieces coated in a creamy, zesty sauce pack serious flavor into every single bite.

My first encounter with this dish happened during a casual restaurant outing that completely changed my perspective on casual Asian-inspired cooking.

Unexpected combinations of mayo, sriracha, and sweet chili sauce create magic on your plate.

Simple ingredients transform an ordinary meal into something extraordinary with minimal kitchen effort.

Surprising textures and bold flavors mean you’ll want to make this recipe again and again.

Ready to experience a taste sensation that will become your new go-to meal?

Why Bang Bang Chicken Deserves A Spot On Your Table

  • Conquer Quick Cooking: Master a delicious chicken dish that comes together faster than ordering takeout, perfect for busy home cooks seeking a flavorful meal solution.
  • Customize with Confidence: Easily adjust spice levels and ingredients to suit personal preferences, making this recipe adaptable for different taste buds and dietary needs.
  • Impress Without Stress: Create a restaurant-quality dish with simple techniques that look and taste sophisticated, transforming basic ingredients into a stunning meal that sparks conversation.
  • Health-Conscious Delight: Packed with lean protein, fresh vegetables, and balanced flavors, this recipe offers a nutritious alternative to heavy, greasy meal options without sacrificing taste.

What You’ll Need For Bang Bang Chicken

For the Proteins:
  • Chicken Breasts: Tender meat that serves as the main protein and absorbs the flavorful sauce perfectly.
For the Sauces and Seasonings:
  • Mayonnaise, Chili Sauce: Creates a creamy and spicy base for coating the chicken.
  • Sesame Oil, Soy Sauce: Adds depth and authentic Asian-inspired flavor to the dish.
  • Rice Vinegar: Provides a tangy and bright note to balance the rich sauce.
  • Honey: Brings natural sweetness to complement the spicy elements.
  • Sriracha: Introduces a spicy kick to the sauce.
  • Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings to enhance the chicken's natural taste.
For the Garnishes and Fresh Components:
  • Cucumber: Offers a crisp and refreshing base for the chicken.
  • Green Onions, Cilantro: Provide fresh, aromatic finishing touches.
  • Sesame Seeds: Adds a nutty texture and visual appeal.
  • Lime Wedges: Brings a bright, citrusy freshness to the dish when squeezed.

How To Make Bang Bang Chicken

Step 1: Warm Up The Oven

Crank the oven to a toasty 375°F and grab a baking sheet. Line it with parchment paper to help your chicken cook evenly and prevent sticking.

Step 2: Season And Roast Chicken

Sprinkle salt and pepper generously over chicken breasts. Pop them into the hot oven and roast for 25-30 minutes until the internal temperature hits 165°F. This ensures your chicken is perfectly cooked and juicy.

Step 3: Shred The Chicken

Pull the chicken out and let it rest for 10 minutes. This helps keep all those delicious juices locked in. Use two forks to pull the chicken apart into tender, bite-sized pieces.

Step 4: Whip Up The Sauce

In a mixing bowl, combine:
  • Mayonnaise
  • Chili sauce
  • Sesame oil
  • Soy sauce
  • Rice vinegar
  • Honey
  • Sriracha

Whisk everything together until you’ve got a vibrant, tangy sauce with a perfect kick of heat.

Step 5: Coat The Chicken

Mix half the sauce with the shredded chicken. Make sure every piece gets a delicious coating of flavor.

Step 6: Create The Base

Spread thinly sliced cucumber on a serving platter. This creates a fresh, crisp foundation for your dish.

Step 7: Layer The Chicken

Arrange the sauced chicken right on top of the cucumber slices. Create an eye-catching presentation that’ll make mouths water.

Step 8: Add Extra Sauce

Drizzle the remaining sauce all over the chicken. This adds an extra punch of flavor that’ll have everyone coming back for more.

Step 9: Garnish With Flair

Sprinkle over:
  • Sliced green onions
  • Sesame seeds
  • Chopped cilantro

These toppings add incredible texture and aroma to the dish.

Step 10: Serve With A Zesty Finish

Plate up immediately and add lime wedges on the side. Guests can squeeze fresh lime juice over the top for a bright, citrusy kick that brings the whole dish together.

Tricks To Perfect Your Bang Bang Chicken

  • Select Fresh Ingredients: Choose high-quality chicken breasts and crisp cucumbers for the best flavor and texture.
  • Monitor Cooking Time: Use a meat thermometer to check chicken's internal temperature, preventing overcooking and maintaining juiciness.
  • Balance Sauce Intensity: Adjust sriracha and chili sauce quantities to match your preferred spice level, creating a personalized heat profile.
  • Prep Ahead for Convenience: Shred chicken and prepare sauce in advance, reducing last-minute cooking stress and saving time during meal preparation.
  • Enhance Presentation: Arrange cucumber slices artfully and garnish with green onions and sesame seeds to create a visually appealing and Instagram-worthy dish.

Creative Spins For Bang Bang Chicken

  • Low-Carb Korean Chicken Lettuce Wraps: Replace cucumber with fresh lettuce leaves for a carb-conscious alternative, perfect for keto and low-carb diets.
  • Spicy Grilled Chicken Version: Swap oven-roasting with grilling chicken for smoky flavor, maintaining the same sauce and seasoning techniques.
  • Vegetarian Tofu Adaptation: Substitute chicken with firm tofu, pressing and marinating it in the same spicy sauce for a plant-based protein option.
  • Mediterranean-Inspired Chicken Plate: Modify the sauce with Greek yogurt, lemon juice, and herbs like oregano for a different regional flavor profile.

Great Pairings For Bang Bang Chicken

  • Pairing Zesty Cucumber Chicken Dish
  • Enhance Flavor with Crisp White Wine: Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio perfectly complement the tangy, spicy sauce with their light, refreshing profiles that balance the dish's bold flavors.
  • Cool Down with Cucumber Mint Mocktail: Blend fresh cucumber, mint leaves, lime juice, and sparkling water to create a cooling beverage that echoes the cucumber base and cuts through the chicken's rich sauce.
  • Match Spice with Asian-Inspired Beer: Choose a light Asian lager like Sapporo or Tsingtao, which offers a clean, crisp finish that harmonizes with the sriracha and sesame notes without overwhelming the delicate chicken.

Best Ways To Store Bang Bang Chicken

  • Store leftover chicken in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days, keeping sauce and meat separate to prevent sogginess.
  • Pack chicken in freezer-safe containers or ziplock bags, removing excess air to prevent freezer burn. Remains fresh for 2-3 months.
  • Place chicken in microwave-safe dish, sprinkle few drops of water, cover with damp paper towel. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between cycles until warmed through.
  • Spread chicken on baking sheet, cover loosely with foil. Warm at 350°F for 10-15 minutes, adding extra sauce if desired to maintain moisture and prevent drying.

Bang Bang Chicken Frequently Asked Questions

  • Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Yes, chicken thighs work great. They’re often more flavorful and tender. Just adjust cooking time to ensure they reach 165°F internal temperature.

  • How spicy is this dish?

The heat level depends on the amount of sriracha and chili sauce you use. Start with less and add more to taste. You can easily control the spiciness to match your preference.

  • Is this recipe gluten-free?

Not automatically. Use gluten-free soy sauce and check that chili sauce is gluten-free to make the entire dish safe for those with gluten sensitivities.

  • What can I do if I don't have rice vinegar?

White wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar make excellent substitutes. They’ll provide similar tangy notes to the sauce without changing the overall flavor profile significantly.

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Bang Bang Chicken Recipe

Bang Bang Chicken Recipe


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.7 from 11 reviews

  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 6 1x

Description

Sizzling bang bang chicken delivers a spicy, creamy sensation that dances across palates with zesty Thai-inspired flair. Crispy chicken coated in chili-mayo sauce promises a flavor explosion you’ll savor with pure culinary delight.


Ingredients

Scale

Protein:

  • 2 lbs chicken breast
  • 0.5 cup shredded chicken

Sauce Ingredients:

  • 0.25 cup mayonnaise
  • 2 tbsp chili sauce
  • 1 tbsp sesame oil
  • 1 tbsp soy sauce
  • 1 tbsp rice vinegar
  • 1 tsp honey
  • 1 tsp sriracha

Garnish and Additional Components:

  • 0.5 cup sliced green onions
  • 2 tbsp sesame seeds
  • 0.25 cup chopped cilantro
  • 1 cucumber, thinly sliced
  • 1 lime, cut into wedges

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 375°F and prepare a baking sheet lined with parchment paper for even chicken cooking.
  2. Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper, then roast for 25-30 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F, ensuring juicy and fully cooked meat.
  3. Remove chicken from oven and let rest for 10 minutes to retain moisture, then shred using two forks into tender, bite-sized pieces.
  4. Whisk together mayonnaise, chili sauce, sesame oil, soy sauce, rice vinegar, honey, and sriracha in a mixing bowl to create a vibrant, tangy sauce with balanced heat.
  5. Combine shredded chicken with half of the prepared sauce, mixing thoroughly to coat each piece evenly and infuse flavors.
  6. Arrange thinly sliced cucumber on a serving platter as a fresh, crisp base for the chicken.
  7. Layer the sauced chicken over cucumber slices, creating an appealing presentation.
  8. Drizzle remaining sauce generously over the chicken for extra flavor intensity.
  9. Sprinkle sliced green onions, sesame seeds, and chopped cilantro across the dish for added texture and aromatic garnish.
  10. Serve immediately with lime wedges on the side, allowing diners to squeeze fresh citrus over the dish for a bright, zesty finish.

Notes

  • Verify chicken’s doneness by using a meat thermometer to guarantee safe internal temperature without overcooking.
  • Create a low-carb version by replacing cucumber with crisp lettuce wraps for a lighter, keto-friendly alternative.
  • Balance sauce heat levels by adjusting sriracha quantity, allowing personalized spice preferences for different palates.
  • Make ahead by storing shredded chicken and sauce separately in refrigerator, keeping ingredients fresh and crisp until serving time.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
  • Method: Roasting
  • Cuisine: Chinese

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 6
  • Calories: 360
  • Sugar: 3 g
  • Sodium: 600 mg
  • Fat: 24 g
  • Saturated Fat: 4 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 10 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 28 g
  • Cholesterol: 80 mg
Truc Tran (Kris)

Truc Tran (Kris)

Senior Food Editor

Expertise

Home Cooking, Meal Planning, Recipe Development, Baking and Pastry, Food Editor, Cooking-video Maker, Vietnamese Food Evaluation Expert

Education

  • Hospitality (Commercial Cookery) at TasTAFE
  • Culinary Arts at Kendall College (Australia Branch in Sydney)
  • Vietnamese Cuisine Head Chef at HNAAu School (Vietnam, International Joint Training Program)

Truc Tran (Kris), an experienced food writer and editor, is great at exploring and describing global cuisines, from simple street food to fancy dining. In her writing, she skillfully mixes different flavors, cooking methods, and culinary traditions, showing the unique character of various cultures through their food and drinks. On azcuisines.com, Kris highlights her knowledge, especially in Asian cuisine and worldwide traditional dishes.

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