Sizzling Bang Bang Chicken Recipe: Spicy, Sweet, Spectacular

Crispy and succulent bang bang chicken dances with a playful sauce that makes taste buds sing!

Vibrant flavors burst from this Asian-inspired dish that brings serious excitement to your dinner table.

Chili and mayo create a creamy, spicy coating that turns ordinary chicken into something extraordinary.

Lean protein meets zesty seasonings in a crowd-pleasing meal you can whip up quickly.

Simple ingredients combine to deliver maximum taste with minimal kitchen effort.

Crunchy textures and bold notes promise a delightful culinary adventure that will have everyone asking for seconds.

You’ll want to bookmark this recipe for your next meal celebration.

Why Bang Bang Chicken Packs Bold Flavor

• Speed Up Cooking: Quick chicken dish that comes together faster than ordering takeout, perfect for busy weeknights when hunger strikes.
• Flavor Explosion: Combines multiple taste sensations with spicy sriracha, sweet honey, tangy rice vinegar, and rich chili oil creating a complex sauce that dances on your taste buds.
• Customizable Comfort: Easily adaptable recipe where home cooks can adjust spice levels, swap protein, or modify garnishes to match personal preferences and dietary needs.
• Restaurant-Quality Meal: Delivers professional-level flavor and presentation without requiring advanced culinary skills, making gourmet dining accessible right in your kitchen.

Ingredients For Bang Bang Chicken

• Chicken Breasts: Lean, tender meat that serves as the primary protein base for this flavorful dish.

• Sesame Oil: Provides a rich, nutty flavor and helps create a golden-brown sear on the chicken.

• Chili Oil: Adds a spicy kick and depth of flavor to the sauce.
• Soy Sauce: Brings a savory, umami element to balance the other sauce ingredients.
• Rice Vinegar: Introduces a tangy brightness that cuts through the richness.
• Honey: Adds a natural sweetness to complement the spicy and savory notes.
• Sriracha: Contributes additional heat and complexity to the sauce.

• Garlic, Ginger: Provide intense, fragrant undertones that enhance the overall flavor profile.

• Green Onions, Cilantro: Offer fresh, herbal notes and a pop of color to the dish.
• Sesame Seeds, Crushed Peanuts: Add a delightful crunch and nutty texture to the finished chicken.

How To Cook Bang Bang Chicken

Step 1: Dry and Prep Chicken

Pat chicken breasts thoroughly with paper towels to remove excess moisture, which helps achieve a perfect sear.

Step 2: Heat Skillet

Warm sesame oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until it becomes shimmery and releases a nutty aroma, about 2-3 minutes.

Step 3: Sear Chicken

Carefully place chicken breasts into the hot skillet, cooking for 6-7 minutes on each side until they develop a beautiful golden-brown crust and reach an internal temperature of 165°F.

Step 4: Whip Up Flavor Sauce

• Chili oil
• Soy sauce
• Rice vinegar
• Honey
• Sriracha
• Minced garlic
• Grated ginger

Whisk these ingredients until they create a vibrant, tangy mixture.

Step 5: Rest and Slice Chicken

Remove chicken from skillet and let it rest for 3-4 minutes, allowing juices to redistribute. Slice the chicken against the grain into thin, elegant strips.

Step 6: Coat with Sauce

Generously drench the sliced chicken with the prepared sauce, ensuring each piece is completely and evenly covered.

Step 7: Plate with Flair

Transfer the sauced chicken to a serving platter, creating an appealing and appetizing presentation.

Step 8: Garnish Generously

• Chopped green onions
• Sesame seeds
• Fresh cilantro
• Crushed peanuts

These add a delightful crunch and aromatic touch.

Step 9: Serve Immediately

Present the dish while the chicken is warm and the sauce glistens, promising a mouthwatering blend of spicy, sweet, and nutty flavors.

Tips To Make Bang Bang Chicken Just Right

• Select the Right Chicken: Choose fresh, high-quality chicken breasts without excess fat for the best texture and flavor.
• Pat and Dry Thoroughly: Use paper towels to remove moisture, ensuring a perfect golden-brown sear and crispy exterior.
• Control Heat Precisely: Maintain medium-high heat to prevent burning and achieve an even, beautiful caramelization on chicken.
• Balance Sauce Ingredients: Whisk sauce components carefully to create a harmonious blend of spicy, sweet, and tangy flavors.
• Slice Against the Grain: Cut chicken into thin strips across the muscle fibers for maximum tenderness and easier eating.

Tasty Twists On Bang Bang Chicken

• Tofu Delight: Replace chicken with firm tofu, pressing and marinating it in the same sauce for a vegetarian protein option that absorbs flavors beautifully.
• Turkey Lean Alternative: Swap chicken breasts with turkey breast for a lower-fat protein choice, maintaining the same cooking technique and spicy sauce.
• Gluten-Free Adaptation: Use tamari instead of soy sauce and ensure all other ingredients are certified gluten-free, perfect for those with wheat sensitivities.
• Mild Family Version: Reduce sriracha amount or eliminate it completely, creating a kid-friendly sauce that's less spicy but still packed with flavor.

Best Pairings For Bang Bang Chicken

• Match with Jasmine Rice: Fluffy white jasmine rice absorbs the sauce's bold flavors and provides a soft, comforting base for the spicy chicken.
• Cool Down with Cucumber Salad: Crisp cucumber slices dressed in light rice vinegar and sesame oil create a refreshing contrast to the chicken's heat and intensity.
• Pour a Crisp Riesling: A slightly sweet, chilled Riesling balances the dish's spiciness while complementing its complex flavor profile with subtle fruity notes.
• Serve with Pickled Vegetables: Tangy pickled carrots and daikon radish add zingy brightness and cut through the richness of the sauced chicken.

How To Store Bang Bang Chicken Properly

• Store leftover chicken in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. Keep sauce separate to prevent soggy texture and maintain crispness.
• Place cooled chicken in freezer-safe containers or zip-lock bags. Remove excess air to prevent freezer burn. Will last 2-3 months when properly sealed.
• Preheat to 350°F. Place chicken on baking sheet, cover with foil to prevent drying. Warm for 10-15 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F. Drizzle reserved sauce before serving.
• Use 30-second intervals, stirring between each. Add 1-2 tablespoons water or reserved sauce to keep chicken moist. Stop heating when chicken is just warm to avoid rubbery texture.

Bang Bang Chicken FAQs

• Why should I pat the chicken dry before cooking?

Patting chicken dry removes excess moisture, helping achieve a golden-brown crust and better caramelization during cooking, which enhances flavor and texture.

• How do I know the chicken is cooked properly?

Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F, ensuring the chicken is fully cooked and safe to eat without becoming dry.

• Can I adjust the spice level of the sauce?

Yes, easily modify the sriracha amount to increase or decrease heat. Start with less and gradually add more to suit your personal spice tolerance.

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

Always slice chicken against the grain (perpendicular to muscle fibers) to create tender, easy-to-chew pieces that maintain moisture and softness.

Sizzling Bang Bang Chicken Recipe

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4.8 from 22 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Sizzling Sichuan flavors dance in this bang bang chicken, where crispy textures meet spicy-sweet sauce. Chinese culinary magic comes alive with tender chicken pieces that deliver bold, irresistible taste sensations you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Chicken

• 2 lbs (907 g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1/4 cup (60 ml) sesame oil

Sauce

• 1/3 cup (80 ml) chili oil
• 1/4 cup (60 ml) soy sauce
• 3 tbsp (45 ml) rice vinegar
• 2 tbsp (30 ml) honey
• 2 tbsp (30 g) sriracha sauce
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp (15 g) ginger, grated

Garnish and Toppings

• 2 green onions, chopped
• 1 tbsp (15 g) sesame seeds
• 1/4 cup (40 g) chopped cilantro
• 1/2 cup (50 g) crushed peanuts

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Instructions

1. Prepare the chicken breasts by patting them dry with paper towels, ensuring maximum moisture absorption during cooking.
2. Heat sesame oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until it shimmers and becomes fragrant, approximately 2-3 minutes.
3. Carefully place chicken breasts into the hot skillet, cooking for 6-7 minutes on each side until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F.
4. While chicken cooks, whisk together chili oil, soy sauce, rice vinegar, honey, sriracha, minced garlic, and grated ginger in a separate bowl to create a vibrant, tangy sauce.
5. Remove chicken from skillet and let rest for 3-4 minutes to allow juices to redistribute, then slice against the grain into thin strips.
6. Drench the sliced chicken generously with the prepared sauce, ensuring each piece is thoroughly coated.
7. Transfer sauced chicken to a serving platter, creating an attractive presentation.
8. Sprinkle chopped green onions, sesame seeds, fresh cilantro, and crushed peanuts over the chicken as a crunchy, aromatic garnish.
9. Serve immediately while the chicken is warm and sauce is glistening, offering a complex blend of spicy, sweet, and nutty flavors.

Notes

• Moisture Matters: Pat chicken breasts thoroughly with paper towels to remove excess liquid, helping achieve a perfect golden-brown sear and crispy exterior.
• Oil Temperature Control: Let sesame oil heat until it shimmers but doesn’t smoke, which prevents burning and ensures even cooking of the chicken.
• Sauce Balancing Technique: Adjust sauce ingredients to personal heat tolerance by reducing sriracha or adding more honey for a sweeter profile.
• Protein Versatility: Swap chicken breasts with tofu, tempeh, or seitan for vegetarian and vegan adaptations without compromising the bold flavor profile.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Chinese

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 570
• Sugar: 7 g
• Sodium: 950 mg
• Fat: 40 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 32 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 28 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 38 g
• Cholesterol: 110 mg