You know that feeling when you take a bite of something so good you forget your own name? Bang Bang Chicken does that. This Sichuan-inspired dish packs a punch—creamy, spicy, and ridiculously addictive.
Forget boring weeknight dinners. This is the kind of meal that makes you text your friends, “You gotta try this.” And the best part? It’s stupidly easy to make.
No fancy skills, no weird ingredients. Just flavor explosions. Ready to level up your cooking game?
Why Bang Bang Chicken Slaps So Hard
The magic lies in the contrast.
Tender chicken meets a sauce that’s creamy, sweet, and spicy all at once. The sesame paste and chili oil create depth, while the crunch of peanuts or cucumbers adds texture. It’s balanced, bold, and impossible to stop eating.
IMO, it’s the ultimate “looks fancy but takes 20 minutes” dish.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- Chicken: 2 boneless, skinless breasts (or thighs for extra juiciness)
- Sauce: ¼ cup mayo, 2 tbsp Sriracha, 1 tbsp honey, 1 tbsp sesame paste (or peanut butter in a pinch)
- Extras: 1 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tsp rice vinegar, 1 clove garlic (minced)
- Toppings: Crushed peanuts, sliced cucumbers, cilantro, sesame seeds
Step-by-Step Instructions (No Chef Skills Required)
- Cook the chicken: Poach it in simmering water for 12–15 minutes until done. Shred it like you’re venting about your inbox.
- Make the sauce: Whisk mayo, Sriracha, honey, sesame paste, soy sauce, vinegar, and garlic. Taste.Adjust spice or sweetness if needed.
- Assemble: Toss chicken with half the sauce. Plate it over cucumbers, drizzle more sauce, and go wild with toppings.
- Serve: With rice, noodles, or straight from the bowl. No judgment.
How to Store It (If You Have Leftovers)
Keep chicken and sauce separate in airtight containers.
Sauce lasts a week; chicken lasts 3–4 days. Reheat chicken gently—microwave with a damp paper towel to avoid dryness. FYI, the sauce thickens when cold; thin it with a splash of water if needed.
Why This Recipe is a Win
- Quick: 20 minutes start to finish.
- Versatile: Swap proteins, adjust heat, or add veggies.
- Crowd-pleaser: Even picky eaters beg for seconds.
- Meal-prep friendly: Make ahead for lunches that don’t suck.
Common Mistakes (Don’t Be That Person)
- Overcooking chicken: Dry chicken is a crime.Use a thermometer—165°F max.
- Skipping the sesame paste: Peanut butter works, but sesame paste is the OG flavor.
- Drowning in sauce: Start with half, toss, then add more. You can’t undo a sauce flood.
Swaps and Tweaks (Because Rules Are Fake)
- Vegetarian? Use tofu or chickpeas. Bake for crunch.
- Less spicy: Swap Sriracha for sweet chili sauce.
- Extra fancy: Add mango slices or avocado.Because why not?
FAQs
Can I use store-bought rotisserie chicken?
Absolutely. Shred it, sauce it, and call it a day. Lazy wins sometimes.
Is sesame paste the same as tahini?
Close, but not quite.
Tahini is milder. Use it if you must, but Asian sesame paste has a deeper, toastier flavor.
Why is my sauce too thick?
You might’ve over-measured the mayo or sesame paste. Thin it with water or a bit of rice vinegar.
Can I freeze Bang Bang Chicken?
Technically yes, but the texture suffers.
Freeze the sauce alone; cook chicken fresh.
Final Thoughts
Bang Bang Chicken is the MVP of quick, flavorful meals. It’s the dish that makes you feel like a kitchen genius without the effort. Whether you’re meal-prepping or impressing guests, this one’s a keeper.
Now go forth and sauce everything in sight.
