Try This Zesty Bang Bang Chicken Recipe Tonight

Crispy, spicy bang bang chicken dances across your plate with an irresistible blend of textures and flavors.

Tender meat gets coated in a creamy, zesty sauce that tingles your taste buds.

Crunch meets silky smoothness in this crowd-pleasing dish that originated in Chinese cuisine.

Vibrant ingredients come together effortlessly, promising a meal that feels both comforting and exciting.

Restaurants can’t compete with the homemade magic you’ll create in your kitchen.

Every bite promises a delightful explosion of tangy, spicy goodness that keeps you coming back for more.

Let’s unlock the secret to making this addictive chicken that will instantly become your new favorite recipe.

Why Bang Bang Chicken Deserves A Spot On Your Menu

• Boost Flavor Fast: Sesame-crusted chicken delivers an incredible taste explosion with minimal prep work, making it a perfect go-to meal for busy home cooks seeking restaurant-quality results.
• Customize with Ease: This recipe allows incredible flexibility by adjusting spice levels and sauce intensity, ensuring every palate from mild to wild can enjoy a personalized dining experience.
• Create Crowd-Pleaser Meal: The bang bang sauce transforms ordinary chicken into an irresistible dish that appeals to both kids and adults, making it ideal for family dinners or casual gatherings with friends.
• Simple Gourmet Touch: Professional-level cooking becomes accessible with straightforward techniques that produce golden, crispy chicken with complex layers of flavor in just a few simple steps.

Bang Bang Chicken Must-Have Ingredients

• Chicken Breasts: A lean, tender meat that serves as the main star of this flavorful dish.

• Garlic Powder, Ginger Powder, Salt, Black Pepper: A blend of spices that adds depth, warmth, and enhances the chicken's natural flavor.

• Sesame Seeds: Provides a delightful crunch and nutty flavor to the chicken's exterior.

• Mayonnaise: Creates a creamy base for the sauce.
• Sriracha: Adds a spicy kick to the sauce.
• Honey: Balances the heat with a touch of sweetness.
• Soy Sauce: Brings a savory umami element to the sauce.
• Rice Vinegar: Introduces a tangy brightness to the sauce.
• Chili Oil: Contributes an extra layer of heat and complexity.

• Green Onions: Offers a fresh, sharp contrast to the rich and spicy flavors of the dish.

Cooking Instructions For Bang Bang Chicken

Step 1: Prepare Oven and Baking Sheet

Crank up your oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper for perfect roasting.

Step 2: Dry Chicken Thoroughly

Use paper towels to pat chicken breasts completely dry, ensuring maximum seasoning absorption and crispy texture.

Step 3: Season the Chicken

• Garlic powder
• Ginger powder
• Salt
• Black pepper

Make sure every inch of the chicken is covered with the spice blend.

Step 4: Create Sesame Crust

Generously coat the chicken with sesame seeds, pressing them firmly to create a crunchy exterior.

Step 5: Arrange Chicken for Roasting

Place seasoned chicken on the prepared baking sheet, keeping pieces separate for even cooking.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Roast in the preheated oven for 22-25 minutes until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F and turns golden brown.

Step 7: Whip Up Bang Bang Sauce

• Mayonnaise
• Sriracha
• Honey
• Soy sauce
• Rice vinegar
• Chili oil

Whisk until the sauce is smooth and vibrant.

Step 8: Rest the Chicken

Remove chicken from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes to lock in those delicious juices.

Step 9: Slice and Sauce

Cut the chicken into diagonal strips and drizzle generously with the prepared bang bang sauce.

Step 10: Garnish and Serve

Sprinkle finely chopped green onions over the top for a fresh, sharp finish.

Serve immediately while the chicken is warm and the sauce is at room temperature.

Useful Tips For Bang Bang Chicken

• Master Drying Technique: Pat chicken breasts completely dry to help seasonings stick and create a crispy, golden exterior that locks in flavor.
• Spice Massage Method: Thoroughly rub garlic powder, ginger powder, salt, and black pepper into the meat to ensure deep, even seasoning throughout the chicken.
• Sesame Seed Coating Trick: Press sesame seeds firmly onto chicken to create a crunchy, nutty crust that adds texture and visual appeal.
• Sauce Balancing Hack: Whisk mayonnaise, sriracha, honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, and chili oil carefully to achieve a perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and spicy flavors.
• Resting Rule: Allow chicken to rest for 5 minutes after baking to seal in juices and ensure maximum tenderness and moisture.

Try These Twists On Bang Bang Chicken

• Gluten-Free Sesame Chicken: Replace soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos to eliminate gluten while maintaining rich umami flavor.
• Low-Carb Keto Version: Substitute honey with sugar-free maple syrup and use avocado oil mayo for a ketogenic-friendly adaptation.
• Dairy-Free Alternative: Use vegan mayonnaise made from aquafaba or cashew base to create a creamy bang bang sauce without dairy ingredients.
• Spice-Lovers Edition: Add extra chili flakes, cayenne pepper, and increase sriracha quantity for an intensely fiery chicken experience.

Perfect Matches For Bang Bang Chicken

• Pair Sizzling Sesame Chicken with Crisp White Wine: A chilled Riesling or Pinot Grigio cuts through the spicy sriracha sauce, balancing the rich, tangy flavors with its light, refreshing notes.
• Create Complementary Veggie Sides: Roasted broccoli or steamed bok choy provide a perfect green counterpoint, absorbing the bang bang sauce while adding nutritional balance to the meal.
• Match with Cooling Asian-Inspired Slaw: A zesty cabbage and carrot slaw dressed in rice vinegar and sesame oil offers a crunchy texture and bright acidity that enhances the chicken's spicy, nutty profile.

Bang Bang Chicken Storage Know-How

• Store leftover chicken in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping it fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Wrap individual chicken pieces tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag, preserving quality for up to 3 months.
• Place chicken on a microwave-safe plate, cover with a damp paper towel, and heat in 30-second intervals until warm, preventing dryness.
• Warm chicken at 350°F for 10-15 minutes, adding a splash of chicken broth to maintain moisture and restore original juiciness.

Bang Bang Chicken Frequently Asked Questions

• Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Yes, chicken thighs work great and often provide more moisture. Adjust cooking time slightly to ensure they reach 165°F internal temperature.

• How spicy is the bang bang sauce?

The sauce has a moderate heat level from sriracha and chili oil. You can reduce or increase spiciness by adjusting the amount of sriracha to suit your taste preference.

• Do I need to use all the suggested spices?

While each spice adds depth, you can simplify by using 2-3 key seasonings like salt, garlic powder, and black pepper if you don’t have the full spice collection.

Firecracker Bang Bang Chicken Recipe

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4.8 from 37 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Sichuan’s famous bang bang chicken delivers a spicy, tangy symphony of flavors that dance across your palate. Crispy shredded chicken mingles with a bold, numbing sauce, inviting you to savor each zesty bite of this irresistible Chinese classic.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Proteins:

• 2 lbs chicken breast
• 1/4 cup sesame seeds

Other Main Ingredients:

• 3 tbsp soy sauce
• 2 tbsp rice vinegar
• 1/4 cup green onions

Sauce and Seasonings:

• 1/3 cup mayonnaise
• 2 tbsp sriracha sauce
• 1 tbsp honey
• 1 tbsp chili oil
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp ginger powder
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper for optimal chicken preparation.
2. Pat chicken breasts completely dry with paper towels to ensure proper seasoning adherence and crispy exterior.
3. Season chicken thoroughly with garlic powder, ginger powder, salt, and black pepper, massaging the spices into the meat.
4. Generously coat chicken with sesame seeds, pressing them firmly to create a crunchy, flavorful crust.
5. Arrange seasoned chicken on the prepared baking sheet, ensuring pieces are not touching for even roasting.
6. Bake in the preheated oven for 22-25 minutes, or until internal temperature reaches 165°F and chicken is golden brown.
7. While chicken roasts, whisk together mayonnaise, sriracha, honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, and chili oil to create a vibrant, tangy sauce.
8. Remove chicken from oven and let rest for 5 minutes to lock in moisture and juices.
9. Slice chicken into diagonal strips and drizzle generously with the prepared bang bang sauce.
10. Garnish with finely chopped green onions for a fresh, sharp contrast to the rich, spicy flavors.
11. Serve immediately while chicken remains warm and sauce is at room temperature for maximum taste experience.

Notes

• Toast sesame seeds beforehand to enhance their nutty flavor and prevent burning during baking.
• Choose chicken breasts of uniform thickness to ensure even cooking and prevent dry or undercooked sections.
• Create a dairy-free version by substituting mayonnaise with Greek yogurt or vegan mayo for allergies or dietary restrictions.
• Allow chicken to rest at room temperature for 15 minutes before seasoning to promote more consistent cooking and better spice absorption.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Chinese

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 490
• Sugar: 5 g
• Sodium: 650 mg
• Fat: 30 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 24 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 25 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 32 g
• Cholesterol: 95 mg