Bang Bang Chicken is a flavorful and slightly spicy dish with tender, shredded chicken drizzled in a creamy, sweet, and tangy sauce. Originating from Sichuan cuisine, this dish has gained popularity worldwide for its delicious combination of textures and flavors. The balance of heat, creaminess, and crunch makes it a crowd-pleaser, whether served as an appetizer or a main course.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick and easy: Ready in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
Bold flavors: The sauce delivers a perfect balance of creamy, spicy, and tangy.
Versatile: Serve it as a salad, over rice, or in wraps.
Great for meal prep: Store leftovers for an easy lunch or dinner.

Bang Bang Chicken 10 Bang Bang Chicken is a flavorful and slightly spicy dish with tender, shredded chicken drizzled in a creamy, sweet, and tangy sauce. Originating from Sichuan cuisine, this dish has gained popularity worldwide for its delicious combination of textures and flavors. The balance of heat, creaminess, and crunch makes it a crowd-pleaser, whether served as an appetizer or a main course.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Chicken breasts or thighs
Mayonnaise
Sweet chili sauce
Sriracha sauce
Honey
Rice vinegar
Garlic powder
Salt and pepper
Green onions (for garnish)
Sesame seeds (optional, for garnish)

Directions

Cook the chicken: Boil or steam the chicken breasts until fully cooked, about 12-15 minutes. Let cool slightly, then shred using two forks.
Prepare the sauce: In a bowl, mix mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, honey, rice vinegar, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until well combined.
Coat the chicken: Toss the shredded chicken in the sauce, ensuring an even coating.
Garnish and serve: Sprinkle with green onions and sesame seeds. Serve warm or chilled.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 4
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 15 minutes
Total time: 25 minutes

Variations

Make it healthier: Swap mayonnaise for Greek yogurt for a lighter version.
Add crunch: Toss in some crushed peanuts or crispy fried wontons.
Make it spicier: Increase the amount of sriracha or add red pepper flakes.
Vegetarian option: Substitute shredded tofu or jackfruit for the chicken.

Storage/Reheating

Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freezing: Not recommended as the sauce may separate.
Reheating: Warm gently in a skillet over low heat or microwave in short bursts, stirring occasionally.

FAQs

How spicy is Bang Bang Chicken?

It has a mild to moderate heat level, but you can adjust the spice by adding more or less sriracha.

Can I use rotisserie chicken?

Yes! Using pre-cooked rotisserie chicken makes this recipe even faster.

What can I serve with Bang Bang Chicken?

Serve it with rice, noodles, lettuce wraps, or as a sandwich filling.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the chicken and sauce separately and mix them before serving.

Is Bang Bang Chicken gluten-free?

Yes, as long as you use a gluten-free sweet chili sauce.

Can I use a different protein?

Absolutely! Try shrimp, tofu, or even shredded pork.

How do I make the sauce less sweet?

Reduce the amount of honey or sweet chili sauce.

Can I air-fry the chicken?

Yes, you can air-fry chicken pieces at 375°F for about 15 minutes for a crispy version.

What if I don’t have rice vinegar?

You can substitute it with apple cider vinegar or white vinegar.

Can I use a different type of chili sauce?

Yes, sambal oelek or another hot sauce can work, but adjust the quantity based on your spice preference.

Conclusion

Bang Bang Chicken is a delightful dish packed with creamy, spicy, and slightly sweet flavors. Whether you’re looking for a quick dinner, a fun party appetizer, or a meal prep option, this dish is a must-try. Customize it to your taste and enjoy the irresistible combination of textures and flavors!