You know what? Chicken dinners do not have to be boring. We have all been there. You stare at a pack of chicken breasts and wonder what to do. You want something exciting. You want flavor. But you also want it fast.
That is exactly where this Bang Bang Chicken comes in to save the day. It is the perfect solution for busy nights when you need a meal that hits the spot. This dish is packed with bold flavors. It is creamy, sweet, and spicy all at the same time.
Honestly, this might become your new favorite way to cook poultry. The sauce is the real star here. It coats every single bite in a rich and tangy glaze. You get that satisfying kick from the sriracha. Then you get the sweetness from the chili sauce. It is a match made in heaven.
Plus, this recipe is incredibly simple. You do not need a deep fryer. You do not need complicated tools. Whether you use an air fryer or an oven, the result is tender and juicy. It is a total crowd pleaser.
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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
There are so many reasons to obsess over this dish. First of all, it is fast. You can have dinner on the table in about 20 minutes. That is a huge win for anyone with a busy schedule. You do not have to sacrifice flavor for speed here.
Another great thing is the versatility. You can serve this Bang Bang Chicken Recipe in so many ways. Pile it over steaming white rice for a classic bowl. Toss it into lettuce cups for a lighter option. You could even wrap it in a tortilla for a fun taco night twist.
Let me explain the texture. Since we are using an air fryer or oven, you get a nice exterior without the grease of deep frying. It feels lighter but still indulgent. This makes it a great candidate for Bang Bang Chicken Bowls Healthy style meals. You get all the comfort food vibes with less guilt.
Finally, the ingredients are simple. You likely have most of these spices in your pantry right now. The sauce comes together with just three main items. It is budget friendly and accessible. You do not need to hunt down obscure items at a specialty store. It is just good, honest food made easy.
Ingredients
Here is everything you need to make this delicious meal. The list is short, but every item packs a punch.
- 4 chicken breasts
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp pepper
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp Cajun seasoning
- 1/4 cup sweet chili sauce
- 1/4 cup mayo
- 1/2 tbsp sriracha
- Chives (for topping)
- Red pepper flakes (for topping)
- Rice (optional for serving)
Step-By-Step Instructions
Making this Easy Bang Bang Chicken is a breeze. Just follow these simple steps to get the perfect result every time.
Step 1: Prepare The Equipment
Start by getting your cooking appliance ready. You want to preheat your air fryer or oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. This ensures the meat starts cooking immediately when it hits the heat. A hot oven or basket helps lock in the juices.
Step 2: Prep The Chicken
Take your chicken breasts and place them on a clean cutting board. You need to trim away any excess fat or tendons. Nobody wants a chewy piece of meat. Once cleaned, cut the breasts into even bite sized pieces. Try to keep them the same size so they cook evenly.
Step 3: Season The Meat
Place your cut chicken pieces into a large bowl. Now it is time for the flavor. Add the salt, pepper, onion powder, garlic powder, and Cajun seasoning. Mix everything well. You want to make sure every single piece is coated in those spices. The Cajun seasoning adds a lovely depth here.
Step 4: Make The Bang Bang Sauce
In a separate small bowl, combine the sweet chili sauce, mayo, and sriracha. Stir it until it is smooth and creamy. This is the magic potion. The color should be a beautiful pale orange or pink. Taste it if you like. You can adjust the heat level now if you want.
Step 5: Coat The Chicken
Pour about half of that delicious sauce over the seasoned chicken in the large bowl. Save the rest for later. Fold the chicken and sauce together gently. You want each piece to be lightly coated. This helps keep the meat moist while it cooks.
Step 6: Cook To Perfection
Arrange the chicken bites on a lined sheet pan or in your air fryer basket. Make sure they are not piled on top of each other. Give them space. Cook for 12 to 15 minutes. You are looking for the chicken to be cooked through completely. The internal temperature should reach 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
Step 7: Garnish And Serve
Once cooked, remove the chicken from the heat. Place it in a serving dish or over your side of choice, like rice. Drizzle the remaining bang bang sauce over the top. This adds extra moisture and flavor. Finally, sprinkle with fresh chopped chives and red pepper flakes. Enjoy your masterpiece!
How To Store Leftovers
If you are lucky enough to have leftovers, they store quite well. You will want to let the chicken cool down completely first. Do not put hot food directly into the fridge. It can create condensation and make things soggy.
Place the cooled chicken in an airtight container. It will stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to three days. This makes it a fantastic option for meal prep lunches. The flavors often meld together even better the next day.
When you are ready to eat, reheating is simple. The microwave works fine, but the air fryer is better. Pop it back in the air fryer at 350 degrees for a few minutes. This helps revive the texture. If you use the microwave, cover it to prevent splatters. You might want to add a tiny splash of water or extra sauce to keep it moist.
Tips
Here is a little secret for the best Bang Bang Chicken. Do not overcrowd your pan or air fryer basket. If you pack the pieces too tightly, they will steam instead of roast. You want that hot air to circulate around each bite. Cook in batches if you need to. It is worth the extra few minutes.
Let’s talk about the sauce. If you prefer things spicier, add more sriracha. If you like it sweeter, add a touch more sweet chili sauce. The recipe is very forgiving. You can customize the ratios to suit your own taste buds. That is the beauty of cooking at home.
Cutting the chicken evenly is crucial. If you have some huge chunks and some tiny ones, they will cook at different rates. The small ones will dry out before the big ones are done. Take a moment to chop carefully. It makes a big difference in the final texture.
Consider your sides carefully. Since the sauce is rich and creamy, a fresh side works wonders. Steamed broccoli or a crisp cucumber salad cuts through the richness beautifully. Of course, fluffy jasmine rice is the classic choice to soak up that extra sauce.
If you want to make Bang Bang Chicken Bowls Healthy and lighter, swap the mayo. You can use light mayo or even Greek yogurt. The yogurt adds a nice tang and boosts the protein. It changes the flavor slightly but is still delicious. You can also serve this over cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles.
Conclusion
This Bang Bang Chicken is truly a weeknight winner. It delivers big, bold flavors with minimal effort. You get the crunch, the creaminess, and the spice all in one bite. It is the kind of recipe that makes you look like a pro without the stress.
Whether you are cooking for a family or just treating yourself, this dish satisfies. It is comforting yet exciting. The combination of sweet chili and sriracha is timeless. You will find yourself craving this sauce again and again.
So go ahead and give this Bang Bang Chicken Recipe a try tonight. Grab those chicken breasts and get chopping. Your taste buds will thank you. It is fun, fast, and absolutely delicious.
FAQ
Can I Make This Gluten Free?
Yes, you certainly can. Most of the ingredients are naturally free of gluten. However, you must check the labels on your sweet chili sauce and Cajun seasoning. Some brands use additives that contain wheat. Just ensure your specific brands are certified safe.
Is This Recipe Very Spicy?
It has a moderate kick. The sriracha and Cajun seasoning provide heat, but the mayo and sweet chili sauce balance it out. It is more of a flavorful warmth than a burning fire. If you are sensitive to spice, just reduce the sriracha amount.
Can I Use Chicken Thighs Instead?
Absolutely. Chicken thighs are actually more flavorful and stay juicier. Just make sure to trim the excess fat. You might need to cook them for an extra minute or two since thigh meat is slightly denser than breast meat.
Do I Have To Use An Air Fryer?
No, you do not. The instructions include an oven method at 400 degrees Fahrenheit. It works perfectly fine. The air fryer just tends to make the edges a little bit crispier. The oven is great if you are making a larger batch at once.
Quick Bang Bang Chicken
This quick and easy Bang Bang Chicken recipe is the perfect weeknight dinner, ready in about 20 minutes! Tender chicken bites are coated in a creamy, sweet, and spicy sauce, then cooked to perfection in the air fryer or oven.
Requirements
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat your air fryer or oven to 400°F.
- Trim any excess fat from the chicken breasts and cut them into even, bite-sized pieces.
- In a large bowl, toss the chicken pieces with salt, pepper, onion powder, garlic powder, and Cajun seasoning until well coated.
- In a separate small bowl, whisk together the sweet chili sauce, mayo, and sriracha until smooth.
- Pour half of the sauce over the seasoned chicken and fold gently to coat each piece.
- Arrange the chicken in a single layer in your air fryer basket or on a lined sheet pan. Cook for 12-15 minutes, until cooked through (165°F internal temperature).
- Remove the cooked chicken, place it in a serving dish, and drizzle with the remaining sauce. Garnish with chopped chives and red pepper flakes before serving.
Notes
Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket or pan; cook in batches if needed to ensure the chicken gets crispy.
You can adjust the sauce to your liking: add more sriracha for extra heat or more sweet chili sauce for sweetness.
For a lighter version, use light mayo or Greek yogurt in the sauce to make it healthier.
Nutrition
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