Ignited Bang Bang Chicken Recipe

Sizzling Bang Bang Chicken Recipe: A Spicy Homemade Delight

Spicy and vibrant bang bang chicken dances with flavor, capturing the essence of bold street food traditions.

Crispy coating meets creamy sauce in a culinary adventure that sparks excitement.

Our recipe brings together simple ingredients for an unforgettable meal.

Juicy chicken pieces get dressed in a tangy, sweet-hot sauce that makes taste buds sing.

Each bite promises a perfect balance of crunch and zest.

Tender meat wrapped in a magical blend of textures will have you craving more.

You can master this restaurant-quality dish right in your kitchen and impress everyone at the table.

Questions About Bang Bang Chicken? We’ve Got Answers

  • Why should I pat the chicken dry before seasoning?

Removing surface moisture helps seasonings adhere better and ensures a crispier, more flavorful exterior when cooking.

  • How do I know if the chicken is fully cooked?

Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F, which guarantees the chicken is safe to eat and prevents undercooking.

  • Can I substitute the sauce ingredients if I don't have them on hand?

While the original recipe uses specific ingredients, you can experiment with similar condiments like chili sauce, apple cider vinegar, or alternative sweeteners to create a comparable flavor profile.

  • What's the best way to slice the chicken for optimal presentation?

Cut the chicken into thin, diagonal strips against the grain to ensure tender pieces that are easy to eat and allow the sauce to coat evenly.

What Makes Bang Bang Chicken a Spicy-Crunchy Favorite

  • Boost Kitchen Confidence: Master a restaurant-quality dish with simple steps that guarantee delicious results every single time.
  • Quick Flavor Explosion: Combine spicy sriracha, sweet honey, and tangy rice vinegar for a sauce that transforms ordinary chicken into an extraordinary meal.
  • Customizable Crowd-Pleaser: Adjust spice levels by controlling sriracha amount, making this recipe perfect for different taste preferences and family members.
  • Nutrition-Packed Delight: Lean chicken protein meets vibrant garnishes like green onions and peanuts, creating a balanced, wholesome dish that doesn't compromise on taste.

Ingredients You’ll Need for the Bang Bang Chicken Recipe

Protein:
  • Chicken Breasts: A lean and tender protein that serves as the main component of this delicious Bang Bang Chicken dish.
Cooking Oils and Seasonings:
  • Sesame Oil: Provides a rich, nutty flavor and helps in achieving a golden-brown sear on the chicken.
  • Garlic Powder: Adds a subtle, aromatic seasoning that enhances the overall taste of the chicken.
Sauce Ingredients:
  • Mayonnaise: Creates a creamy base for the signature Bang Bang sauce.
  • Sriracha Sauce: Brings a spicy kick and vibrant red color to the sauce.
  • Rice Vinegar: Adds a tangy brightness that balances the richness of the mayonnaise.
  • Honey: Provides a touch of sweetness that complements the spicy and savory elements.
Garnishes and Accompaniments:
  • Green Onions, Cilantro: Fresh herbs that add a burst of color and a zesty, herbal flavor.
  • Sesame Seeds, Crushed Peanuts: Provide a delightful crunch and nutty texture to the dish.
  • Cucumber Slices: Offers a cool, crisp contrast to the spicy and rich chicken.

How to Make Bang Bang Chicken That Pops with Flavor

Step 1: Dry the Chicken

Pat chicken breasts thoroughly with paper towels to remove all surface moisture, ensuring perfect seasoning absorption.

Step 2: Season and Heat

Sprinkle garlic powder over chicken. Heat sesame oil in a large skillet on medium-high heat until it becomes shiny and slightly rippling.

Step 3: Cook the Chicken

Gently place chicken breasts into the hot skillet. Cook until golden brown, about 6-7 minutes per side. Verify doneness by checking that internal temperature reaches 165°F.

Step 4: Rest the Chicken

Transfer chicken to a cutting board. Allow to rest for 5 minutes, letting juices redistribute throughout the meat.

Step 5: Prepare Bang Bang Sauce

In a mixing bowl, combine:
  • Mayonnaise
  • Sriracha sauce
  • Rice vinegar
  • Honey

Whisk ingredients until smooth and fully integrated.

Step 6: Slice the Chicken

Cut rested chicken into thin, diagonal strips for an appealing presentation and even sauce coverage.

Step 7: Coat with Sauce

Drizzle prepared bang bang sauce generously over chicken strips, ensuring complete and thorough coating.

Step 8: Add Crunchy Toppings

Sprinkle over chicken:
  • Chopped green onions
  • Sesame seeds
  • Cilantro
  • Crushed peanuts

Add varied textures and flavor dimensions to the dish.

Step 9: Garnish and Plate

Arrange cucumber slices alongside chicken for a refreshing, crisp complement.

Step 10: Serve Immediately

Present the bang bang chicken while sauce and toppings are fresh, showcasing the perfectly cooked meat and vibrant flavors.

Secrets to Making Crispy, Creamy Bang Bang Chicken

  • Maximize Moisture: Pat chicken breasts completely dry to help seasonings stick and create a perfect golden-brown exterior during cooking.
  • Sauce Perfection: Whisk mayo, sriracha, rice vinegar, and honey until smooth for a balanced, creamy, and tangy bang bang sauce that coats chicken evenly.
  • Temperature Trick: Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches 165°F, guaranteeing safe and juicy results without overcooking.
  • Garnish Game: Sprinkle fresh green onions, sesame seeds, cilantro, and crushed peanuts for an explosion of texture and complementary flavors that elevate the dish.
  • Serve Smart: Let chicken rest 5 minutes after cooking to redistribute juices, keeping meat tender and preventing dryness when slicing and serving.

Bold Twists to Try with Your Bang Bang Chicken

  • Spicy Thai Fusion: Replace sriracha with Thai chili sauce, add minced lemongrass, and garnish with Thai basil leaves for an authentic Southeast Asian flavor profile.
  • Mediterranean Herb Chicken: Swap sesame oil for olive oil, use Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise, and season with oregano, mint, and za'atar spice blend for a Mediterranean-inspired version.
  • Korean BBQ Style: Substitute honey with gochujang sauce, add grated ginger, and top with pickled radishes and green onions to create a Korean-inspired bang bang chicken experience.
  • Caribbean Rum Kick: Incorporate dark rum into the sauce, use Caribbean jerk seasoning, and finish with fresh mango salsa for a tropical flavor explosion that transforms the original recipe.

What to Serve with Bang Bang Chicken for a Full Meal

  • Pair Zesty Sriracha Chicken with Refreshing White Wine: Crisp Sauvignon Blanc cuts through the spicy sauce, balancing heat with its bright, citrusy notes.
  • Create Cool Cucumber Companion: Chilled cucumber salad with rice vinegar and sesame oil complements the chicken's bold flavors, offering a refreshing contrast.
  • Match Spicy Dish with Asian-Inspired Beer: Light, crisp Japanese lager like Sapporo neutralizes the sriracha's heat while enhancing the meal's overall taste profile.
  • Serve Jasmine Rice as Perfect Side: Fluffy, fragrant rice absorbs the spicy sauce, providing a neutral base that highlights the chicken's complex seasonings.

How to Store Leftover Bang Bang Chicken Like a Pro

  • Store leftover Bang Bang Chicken in an airtight container, keeping it fresh for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Ensure the container is sealed tightly to maintain flavor and prevent moisture absorption.
  • Wrap individual chicken portions in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for maximum 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating to preserve texture and taste.
  • Keep the sauce separate from chicken when storing to prevent sogginess. Store sauce in a small sealed container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Drizzle fresh sauce when ready to serve for optimal flavor and crispness.
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Ignited Bang Bang Chicken Recipe

Ignited Bang Bang Chicken Recipe


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4.9 from 35 reviews

  • Total Time: 29 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Sichuan’s bang bang chicken sings with spicy, tangy flavors that dance across your palate. Crispy chicken drizzled in a zesty sauce promises a delightful culinary adventure you’ll savor with every delectable bite.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 2 chicken breasts
  • 1/4 cup sesame oil
  • 2 tbsp rice vinegar

Protein and Sauce Base:

  • 3 tbsp mayonnaise
  • 2 tbsp sriracha sauce
  • 1 tbsp honey
  • 1 tsp garlic powder

Garnish and Finishing:

  • 2 green onions, chopped
  • 1 tbsp sesame seeds
  • 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
  • 1/2 cucumber, sliced
  • 1/4 cup chopped peanuts

Instructions

  1. Prepare chicken breasts by patting them dry with paper towels, ensuring surface moisture is completely removed for optimal seasoning absorption.
  2. Season chicken with garlic powder, then heat sesame oil in a large skillet over medium-high temperature until oil shimmers.
  3. Carefully place chicken breasts into hot skillet, cooking approximately 6-7 minutes per side until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F.
  4. Remove chicken from skillet and let rest on cutting board for 5 minutes to allow juices to redistribute.
  5. While chicken rests, whisk together mayonnaise, sriracha sauce, rice vinegar, and honey in a mixing bowl until smooth and well-combined.
  6. Slice rested chicken into thin, diagonal strips, creating attractive presentation and ensuring even sauce distribution.
  7. Generously drizzle prepared sauce over chicken strips, coating each piece thoroughly.
  8. Sprinkle chopped green onions, sesame seeds, cilantro, and crushed peanuts over sauced chicken for added texture and flavor complexity.
  9. Arrange cucumber slices alongside chicken for a fresh, crisp accompaniment.
  10. Serve immediately, allowing the vibrant sauce and garnishes to showcase the perfectly cooked chicken.

Notes

  • Toast sesame seeds briefly in a dry pan before sprinkling to enhance their nutty flavor and release essential oils.
  • Slice chicken against the grain to ensure tender, easy-to-chew pieces that absorb sauce more effectively.
  • Control spice level by adjusting sriracha amount, using less for mild preference or adding extra for heat lovers.
  • Swap chicken breasts with thighs for juicier meat, perfect for those preferring more fat and moisture in their protein.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 14 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
  • Method: Frying
  • Cuisine: Chinese

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 440
  • Sugar: 5 g
  • Sodium: 600 mg
  • Fat: 30 g
  • Saturated Fat: 4 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 24 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 18 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 26 g
  • Cholesterol: 70 mg
Mia Thompson

Mia Thompson

Pastry Chef & Content Creator

Expertise

  • Creating wholesome, seasonal desserts with a focus on nutrition.
  • Developing recipes on healthy baking alternatives.
  • Experimenting with plant-based and gluten-free recipes.​

Education

Portland Community College – Baking and Pastry Arts Program
Specialized in artisanal bread, seasonal desserts, and sustainable baking methods.

National University of Natural Medicine – Bachelor of Science in Nutrition (BScN)
Focused on “Food as Medicine” philosophy, with core threads in nutrition.


Mia’s love affair with baking began in her grandmother’s kitchen, where sneaking spoonfuls of batter first sparked her curiosity. She refined her skills through Portland Community College’s Baking and Pastry Arts Program and her expertise at the National University of Natural Medicine, earning a B.Sc. in Nutrition.
At The Scrumptious Pumpkin, Mia reimagines classics with effortless seasonal treats, healthier twists on old favorites, and playful confections that feel like pure joy. Beyond the oven, she nurtures her urban garden, forages local ingredients around Portland, and leads hands‑on nutrition workshops for her community.

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