Quick Bang Bang Chicken Recipe: Spicy, Sweet & Irresistible

Discover a mouthwatering bang bang chicken that promises explosive flavor in every single bite.

Crispy golden pieces dance with a creamy, spicy sauce that tingles your taste buds.

Originating from chinese street food culture, this dish brings vibrant textures and zesty excitement to your dinner table.

Lightweight and incredibly satisfying, each morsel delivers a perfect balance of crunch and heat.

Simple ingredients combine to create something magical, turning an ordinary meal into an extraordinary culinary adventure.

Quick preparation means you can whip up this crowd-pleasing favorite faster than ordering takeout.

Embrace the deliciousness and let your kitchen become a flavor playground that will leave everyone asking for seconds.

What Goes Into Bang Bang Chicken

• Chicken Breasts: High-quality lean meat that serves as the main protein base for this flavorful dish.

• Chili Sauce: Provides a spicy and tangy foundation for the sauce.
• Soy Sauce: Adds a rich, umami depth to the overall flavor profile.
• Rice Vinegar: Brings a subtle acidity that balances the sauce.
• Honey: Offers natural sweetness and helps create a glossy sauce coating.
• Sesame Oil: Contributes a distinctive nutty flavor and aromatic quality.
• Garlic Powder, Ginger Powder: Provides warm, complex background spices that enhance the chicken's taste.

• Sesame Seeds: Adds a crunchy texture and nutty flavor to the chicken.
• Green Onions, Cilantro: Fresh herbs that bring brightness and aromatic complexity to the dish.
• Lime: Provides a zesty, fresh citrus note that lifts the entire flavor profile.

Steps To Make Bang Bang Chicken

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Preheat the oven to 400°F and cover a baking sheet with parchment paper. This helps the chicken cook evenly and makes cleanup a breeze.

Step 2: Prepare the Chicken

Gently dry the chicken breasts using paper towels. This trick helps create a crispy outside and allows seasonings to soak into the meat perfectly.

Step 3: Add Sesame Magic

Sprinkle sesame seeds across both sides of the chicken. Press them softly so they stick to the meat and create a delightful crunchy coating.

Step 4: Roast to Perfection

Slide the chicken into the hot oven and bake for 20-25 minutes. Make sure the internal temperature hits 165°F to guarantee safe and juicy chicken.

Step 5: Craft the Flavor Explosion Sauce

• Chili sauce
• Soy sauce
• Rice vinegar
• Honey
• Sesame oil
• Garlic powder
• Ginger powder

Blend until you create a vibrant, mouthwatering sauce.

Step 6: Rest and Relax

Pull the chicken from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes. This allows the juices to spread throughout the meat, keeping it super moist.

Step 7: Slice with Style

Cut the chicken against the grain into thin, elegant strips. This ensures maximum tenderness and makes the dish look stunning.

Step 8: Sauce It Up

Drizzle the prepared sauce generously over the chicken, making sure each piece gets a delicious coating.

Step 9: Green Garnish Glow

• Green onions
• Fresh cilantro

These add a burst of freshness and beautiful color.

Step 10: Zesty Finish

Squeeze fresh lime juice over the dish. This bright touch enhances all the flavors and adds a tangy kick.

Step 11: Nutty Crunch Finale

Scatter toasted sesame seeds on top for an extra layer of texture and visual appeal.

Step 12: Serve and Enjoy

Bring the dish to the table immediately while it’s hot and bursting with flavor. Bon appétit!

Easy Tips For Bang Bang Chicken

• Dry Chicken Perfectly: Pat chicken breasts thoroughly with paper towels to remove excess moisture, ensuring a crispy exterior and better seasoning absorption.
• Seal Sesame Seeds Effectively: Press sesame seeds gently onto chicken surfaces to help them stick firmly, creating an even, flavorful coating.
• Check Internal Temperature Accurately: Use a meat thermometer to confirm chicken reaches 165°F, guaranteeing safe and juicy results without overcooking.
• Rest Meat for Maximum Moisture: Allow chicken to rest 5 minutes after baking, letting juices redistribute and maintaining tender, succulent texture.
• Enhance Flavor with Bright Garnishes: Top dish with fresh green onions, cilantro, and a squeeze of lime juice to add vibrant, zesty notes and aromatic complexity.

Bang Bang Chicken Style Ideas

• Spicy Jalapeño Sesame Chicken: Replace chili sauce with finely minced fresh jalapeños for extra heat and a fresh pepper kick.
• Gluten-Free Asian Chicken: Swap soy sauce with tamari sauce and use gluten-free sesame seeds to accommodate dietary restrictions.
• Mediterranean Herb Sesame Chicken: Substitute Asian seasonings with oregano, thyme, and lemon zest for a Mediterranean-inspired flavor profile.
• Low-Carb Protein Option: Replace honey with sugar-free sweetener and serve over cauliflower rice instead of traditional rice for a keto-friendly meal.

Tasty Combos For Bang Bang Chicken

• Amplify Flavor Harmony: Sesame Chili Chicken Pairings
• Sip Spicy Asian-Inspired Cocktail: A craft ginger-lemongrass mojito perfectly complements the chicken's bold chili and sesame profile, cutting through the richness with bright, herbal notes.
• Pair with Crisp Vegetable Side: Prepare a quick cucumber and wakame seaweed salad dressed in rice vinegar and sesame oil, offering a cool, refreshing contrast to the spicy chicken's warmth.
• Match with Fluffy Grain Base: Serve over coconut jasmine rice, which absorbs the zesty sauce while providing a creamy, subtly sweet foundation that balances the dish's intense flavors.

How To Keep Bang Bang Chicken Good

• Store leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Let the chicken cool completely before sealing to prevent moisture buildup.
• Wrap individual chicken portions tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Place chicken slices on a microwave-safe plate, sprinkle with a few drops of water to prevent drying. Heat in 30-second intervals, checking temperature to avoid overcooking.
• Preheat oven to 325°F. Arrange chicken in a baking dish, cover with foil to retain moisture.

Questions On Bang Bang Chicken

• Can I use a different type of chili sauce?

Yes, you can substitute with sriracha, gochujang, or sweet chili sauce based on your heat preference and availability.

• Is it necessary to use both garlic and ginger powder?

While recommended for depth of flavor, you can use fresh minced garlic and ginger as alternatives or omit if unavailable.

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

Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F at the thickest part of the chicken breast.

• Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari as a direct replacement to make the recipe celiac-friendly.

Why Everyone Loves Bang Bang Chicken

• Boost Flavor Profile: Create a mouthwatering Asian-inspired dish with a complex sauce that combines sweet, tangy, and spicy notes for an exciting culinary experience.
• Master Simple Technique: Learn an approachable cooking method that transforms basic chicken breasts into a restaurant-quality meal with minimal kitchen skills required.
• Customize Your Meal: Easily adapt the recipe by adjusting sauce ingredients or adding preferred garnishes to match personal taste preferences and dietary needs.
• Quick Weeknight Wonder: Prepare a delicious protein-packed meal in less than an hour, perfect for busy families or individuals seeking a satisfying dinner solution.

Zesty Bang Bang Chicken Recipe

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4.5 from 28 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 2 1x

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Description

Sizzling bang bang chicken promises a flavor explosion that dances across your palate with zesty Asian-inspired charm. Crispy, spicy, and irresistibly creamy sauce makes this dish a perfect centerpiece for your culinary adventure.

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Ingredients

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Main Proteins:

• 2 chicken breasts
• 1/4 cup sesame seeds

Sauce and Seasonings:

• 3 tbsp chili sauce
• 2 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp rice vinegar
• 1 tbsp honey
• 1 tsp sesame oil
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp ginger powder

Garnish and Additional Ingredients:

• 2 green onions
• 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
• 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds
• 1 lime (for juice)

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper for even cooking and easy cleanup.
2. Pat chicken breasts dry with paper towels to ensure a crisp exterior and better seasoning absorption.
3. Sprinkle sesame seeds evenly over both sides of the chicken, pressing gently to help them adhere to the meat.
4. Roast chicken in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until internal temperature reaches 165°F, ensuring thorough cooking.
5. While chicken bakes, whisk together chili sauce, soy sauce, rice vinegar, honey, sesame oil, garlic powder, and ginger powder in a mixing bowl to create a vibrant, complex sauce.
6. Remove chicken from oven and let rest for 5 minutes to allow juices to redistribute, maintaining moisture.
7. Slice chicken against the grain into thin, uniform strips for optimal tenderness and presentation.
8. Drizzle prepared sauce generously over sliced chicken, coating each piece thoroughly.
9. Garnish with finely chopped green onions and fresh cilantro for added brightness and aromatic depth.
10. Squeeze fresh lime juice over the dish to enhance flavors and provide a zesty finish.
11. Sprinkle toasted sesame seeds on top for a nutty crunch and visual appeal.
12. Serve immediately to enjoy the chicken at its peak temperature and flavor.

Notes

• Pat chicken completely dry to guarantee a beautiful golden-brown crust and help seasonings stick perfectly.
• Toast sesame seeds beforehand for an intensified nutty flavor that elevates the entire dish’s complexity.
• Slice chicken against the grain to maximize tenderness, preventing tough or chewy meat texture.
• Customize sauce heat levels by adjusting chili sauce quantity, making it suitable for different spice tolerances.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Roasting
• Cuisine: Chinese

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 2
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 9g
• Sodium: 800mg
• Fat: 18g
• Saturated Fat: 3g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 40g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 35g
• Cholesterol: 90mg