Welcome to a flavor-packed adventure with Bang Bang Chicken — a dish that’s bold, creamy, and downright irresistible! Imagine tender, golden-brown chicken bites smothered in a zesty sauce that’s equal parts sweet, spicy, and savory. And the best part? You can have it ready in under 30 minutes!
Fun fact: The name “Bang Bang” is believed to come from the sound of the bold flavors “hitting” your taste buds — or, as some stories say, from the bang of the cleavers used to tenderize chicken in traditional Chinese street food! Either way, this recipe packs a punch in both taste and simplicity.
If you love easy, delicious meals like Pizza Spaghetti or Honey Garlic Chicken, this one’s sure to become a new favorite. Let’s dive in and create a dish that’ll have everyone asking for seconds!
🤔 What is Bang Bang Chicken?
So, why the catchy name? Because this dish truly bangs with flavor! The creamy, spicy sauce bursts to life with every bite — it’s the perfect balance of richness and heat.
Originating from Chinese cuisine and popularized by American restaurants, Bang Bang Chicken typically features crispy chicken coated in a sauce made from mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, and Sriracha. It’s comfort food with a fiery twist that hits all the right notes.
As the saying goes, “the way to someone’s heart is through their stomach” — and this dish proves it!
💕 Why You’ll Love This Bang Bang Chicken
There are plenty of reasons this recipe will become your go-to weeknight dinner:
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Flavor Explosion: A creamy, spicy, and slightly sweet sauce coats every juicy bite of chicken.
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Quick and Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes with minimal prep and simple ingredients.
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Budget-Friendly: Skip the takeout and make a restaurant-quality dish right at home.
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Customizable: Add veggies, adjust spice levels, or serve it however you like — it’s versatile and family-friendly!
Compared to dishes like Sweet and Sour Chicken, this one brings a creamy, savory twist that’s impossible to resist.
🧂 Ingredients for Bang Bang Chicken
Here’s what you’ll need to make this simple yet stunning dish:
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1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cut into bite-sized pieces)
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½ cup mayonnaise
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¼ cup sweet chili sauce
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1 tablespoon Sriracha (adjust for desired spice level)
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2 tablespoons vegetable oil
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Salt and pepper, to taste
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2 green onions, sliced (for garnish)
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Sesame seeds, for garnish (optional)
💡 Pro Tip: You can substitute mayonnaise with Greek yogurt for a lighter version of the sauce without sacrificing creaminess!
👩🍳 How to Make Bang Bang Chicken
Quick Overview
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 15 minutes
Total time: 25 minutes
Serves: 4
Step-by-Step Instructions
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Prepare the Chicken:
Season your bite-sized chicken pieces generously with salt and pepper. -
Heat the Oil:
Add vegetable oil to a skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the chicken pieces in a single layer. -
Cook Until Golden:
Sauté the chicken for 6–8 minutes, turning occasionally, until fully cooked and golden brown. -
Make the Sauce:
In a separate bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, and Sriracha until smooth and creamy. -
Combine:
Toss the cooked chicken in the sauce until each piece is evenly coated. -
Garnish:
Sprinkle sliced green onions and sesame seeds on top for a beautiful finish. -
Serve and Enjoy:
Serve warm over rice, in lettuce wraps, or alongside your favorite veggies!
🍚 What to Serve with Bang Bang Chicken
This creamy, flavorful chicken goes well with so many sides! Here are a few delicious pairing ideas:
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Fluffy white rice or jasmine rice – perfect for soaking up that amazing sauce.
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Steamed broccoli or green beans – adds a nice contrast and freshness.
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Lettuce cups – for a low-carb, crunchy option.
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Garlic noodles or fried rice – if you want to turn it into a hearty meal.
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Warm naan or pita bread – for an unexpected but delightful twist!
🔥 Tips for Perfecting Bang Bang Chicken
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Control the Heat: Adjust the Sriracha to match your spice tolerance. A little goes a long way!
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Add a Fresh Twist: Squeeze in some lime juice or sprinkle cilantro for a tangy balance.
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Crispier Option: Coat the chicken lightly in cornstarch before frying for a crunchy texture.
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Avoid Overcrowding the Pan: Cook in batches if needed — overcrowding steams the chicken instead of browning it.
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Meal Prep Friendly: Double the recipe and store the leftovers for quick weekday lunches!
🧊 Storing and Reheating Tips
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Storage: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
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Reheating: Warm gently in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave for 1–2 minutes. Avoid overheating, as it can dry out the sauce.
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Freezing: You can freeze the cooked chicken separately (without the sauce) for up to 2 months. Thaw and toss with fresh sauce before serving.
Bang Bang Chicken
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise Use fresh mayonnaise for best flavor.
- 1/4 cup sweet chili sauce
- 1 tablespoon Sriracha Adjust to taste based on preferred spice level.
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 green onions, sliced (for garnish)
- Sesame seeds (for garnish, optional)
Instructions
Preparation
- Season the bite-sized chicken pieces with salt and pepper.
- In a skillet over medium heat, add vegetable oil. Once the oil is hot, add the chicken pieces.
Cooking
- Sauté the chicken until it’s golden brown and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes.
- In a bowl, mix mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, and Sriracha until well combined.
- Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from heat and toss it in the sauce until well coated.
Garnishing & Serving
- Serve the Bang Bang Chicken in a bowl, topped with sliced green onions and optional sesame seeds for crunch.
- Enjoy your delicious, homemade Bang Bang Chicken with rice or in lettuce wraps!
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