Name: Bang Bang Chicken Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 14 min
Total time: 24 min
Cuisine: American-Asian Fusion
Ingredients: 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 2 tablespoons all-purpose poultry seasoning; 1/2 cup mayonnaise; 2 tablespoons sweet chili sauce; 1 tablespoon sambal oelek; 1 tablespoon sriracha; cooked white rice, as needed; fresh cilantro, for garnish; lime wedges, for garnish

Jump to Recipe· 3.8 from 59 reviews

If you are craving a dish that bursts with creamy, spicy flavors and tender, juicy chicken, look no further than this Bang Bang Chicken Recipe. It’s a one-of-a-kind combination of crispy meeting creamy, heat balancing perfectly with a touch of sweetness, making it an absolute crowd-pleaser for any weeknight dinner. Plus, it’s so simple to make yet packed with a depth of flavor that will have everyone asking for seconds. Whether served over fluffy white rice or paired with fresh herbs and citrus, this Bang Bang Chicken Recipe is guaranteed to become your new favorite go-to dish.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A white bowl with a layer of white rice at the bottom holds two grilled pieces of orange-brown chicken with dark grill marks on top. The chicken is covered in a creamy light orange sauce with small green herb pieces. Bright green cilantro leaves are scattered on the chicken and rice. Two lime wedges sit on the right side on top of the rice. The bowl is placed on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

These ingredients are straightforward but incredibly important to create the perfect harmony of taste, texture, and color. Each one plays a vital role, from the juicy chicken breasts to the spicy sauce that brings the whole dish to life.

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts: The star of the dish, providing a juicy and tender base.

1 tablespoon olive oil: Helps keep the chicken moist and adds a subtle richness.
2 tablespoons all-purpose poultry seasoning: Infuses the chicken with a savory blend of herbs and spices.
1/2 cup mayonnaise: Creates the creamy, luscious texture in the sauce.

2 tablespoons sweet chili sauce: Adds a sweet yet mildly spicy touch that balances the heat.
1 tablespoon sambal oelek: Brings authentic heat and a little tang to the sauce.
1 tablespoon sriracha: Kicks up the spice and adds depth with its garlicky heat.

Cooked white rice: Acts as the perfect base to soak up the flavorful sauce.
Fresh cilantro: Lends a fresh, herbal brightness that lifts the whole dish.
Lime wedges: Provide a zesty contrast to the creamy sauce when squeezed on top.

How to Make Bang Bang Chicken Recipe

Step 1: Prep the Chicken

Start by placing the chicken breasts on a lined surface and making shallow diagonal cuts across the top to form a criss-cross pattern. Be careful not to cut all the way through. This technique allows the seasoning and sauce to really sink in, delivering an explosion of flavor with every bite.

Step 2: Season the Chicken

Drizzle olive oil evenly over the chicken. Then sprinkle the poultry seasoning all over, gently massaging it into the criss-cross cuts. This ensures every inch of the chicken is infused with that wonderful savory blend.

Step 3: Mix the Bang Bang Sauce

In a bowl, stir together the mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sambal oelek, and sriracha until perfectly smooth. Feel free to adjust the amount of sambal or sriracha here depending on how spicy you like your Bang Bang Chicken Recipe. The sauce should be creamy with just the right amount of kick.

Step 4: Cook the Chicken

Place the seasoned chicken breasts in your air fryer basket. Spoon or brush the spicy mayo sauce generously on top, but be sure to reserve some for drizzling later. Air fry at 360°F for 12 to 14 minutes until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F and the sauce caramelizes beautifully.

Step 5: Serve It Up

Serve the cooked chicken breasts over warm, fluffy white rice. Drizzle the reserved Bang Bang sauce on top for added creaminess and flavor. Finish with a handful of fresh cilantro and a bright squeeze of lime for that signature freshness that makes this dish shine.

How to Serve Bang Bang Chicken Recipe

A rectangular white bowl filled with a base layer of fluffy white rice, topped with eight pieces of grilled chicken glazed in a shiny, dark orange-brown sauce with charred spots. The chicken pieces are arranged closely in two rows, with small green chive bits sprinkled on top. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface with a gray cloth partially visible beside it photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Fresh cilantro and lime wedges are the stars when it comes to garnishing this dish. The cilantro adds a fragrant, herbaceous note that cuts through the richness of the sauce, while squeezing fresh lime juice adds a zesty, citrus brightness that awakens your taste buds.

Side Dishes

This Bang Bang Chicken Recipe shines when paired with simple sides like steamed white rice or jasmine rice to soak up all the sauce. You could also serve it alongside grilled or roasted vegetables to add a textural contrast and nutritional boost.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving the chicken sliced thinly atop a crisp salad of shredded lettuce and shredded carrots for a lighter take. Or roll the Bang Bang Chicken into soft tortillas with extra sauce and crunchy slaw for delicious, spicy wraps that will wow your family and friends.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Bang Bang Chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Be sure to keep the sauce separate if possible to preserve its creamy texture.

Freezing

You can freeze cooked chicken breasts without sauce for up to 2 months. Thaw fully in the refrigerator before reheating and adding the fresh sauce for best results. Avoid freezing the mayonnaise-based sauce as it may separate.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers gently in the oven or microwave until warmed through. Adding a splash of water or broth before reheating can help maintain moisture. Drizzle fresh Bang Bang sauce after reheating to bring back that creamy, spicy goodness.

FAQs

Can I make Bang Bang Chicken Recipe without an air fryer?

Absolutely! You can bake the chicken in a preheated oven at 400°F for about 20-25 minutes or until it reaches 165°F internally. The result will still be tender and delicious.

How spicy is this Bang Bang Chicken Recipe?

The heat level is adjustable. The sambal oelek and sriracha bring moderate spice, but you can reduce or increase these to suit your preference for mild or extra heat.

What can I substitute for mayonnaise in the sauce?

If you prefer a lighter option, Greek yogurt makes a great substitute. It will give the sauce tanginess and creaminess with fewer calories.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, this Bang Bang Chicken Recipe can be gluten-free as long as you use gluten-free sweet chili sauce and poultry seasoning. Always double-check labels to be sure.

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Definitely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs will add more richness and remain juicy. Just adjust cooking time to ensure they’re fully cooked through.

Final Thoughts

This Bang Bang Chicken Recipe is a true winner when you want a quick, flavorful meal that feels special every time. Its creamy, spicy sauce paired with tender chicken and fresh garnishes is a match made in heaven. Give it a try soon—you might just find it stealing the spotlight on your dinner table!