Sizzling Bang Bang Chicken Recipe: Spicy-Sweet Magic on a Plate

Crispy, zesty bang bang chicken dances with vibrant flavors that spark excitement in your kitchen.

Spicy sauce creates a magical coating for tender meat pieces.

Layers of crunch and heat make this dish irresistible.

Inspired by Asian street food traditions, the recipe blends simplicity with bold taste sensations.

Home cooks adore its quick preparation and crowd-pleasing results.

Fragrant ingredients combine to deliver a meal that feels both familiar and exotic.

We promise this recipe will become your new favorite weeknight dinner sensation.

Why Bang Bang Chicken Is Packed With Flavor

• Maximize Flavor Fusion: Dive into a culinary adventure where peanut butter meets chili sauce, creating an explosive taste combination that dances on your palate.
• Simplify Cooking Technique: Master a straightforward skillet method that transforms chicken into a golden-brown masterpiece without complicated kitchen skills.
• Customize Your Comfort: Personalize the dish with optional toppings like green onions, sesame seeds, and cilantro to match your taste preferences and make each plate unique.
• Quick Nutritional Powerhouse: Enjoy a protein-packed meal loaded with delicious sauce and fresh garnishes that delivers both taste and health in one satisfying plate.

Everything Needed For Bang Bang Chicken

• Chicken Breasts: Fresh poultry cut that serves as the main protein base for this flavorful dish.

• Peanut Butter: Creamy ingredient that provides rich, nutty depth and helps thicken the sauce.
• Chili Sauce: Adds a spicy kick and vibrant heat to the overall flavor profile.
• Soy Sauce: Brings umami and salty complexity to the sauce.
• Rice Vinegar: Provides tangy brightness and helps balance the sauce's richness.
• Honey: Offers natural sweetness and helps create a glossy sauce consistency.

• Garlic: Minced ingredient that introduces a sharp, pungent flavor to the sauce.
• Green Onions, Cilantro: Fresh herbs that contribute bright, fresh notes and visual appeal.
• Sesame Seeds: Provides subtle nutty crunch and decorative element to the dish.

• Cucumber: Crisp vegetable that offers a cool, refreshing contrast to the warm chicken.

• Sesame Oil: Cooking fat that imparts a distinctive toasted nutty flavor during searing.
• Paper Towels: Used for preparing chicken surface for optimal cooking.

How To Cook Bang Bang Chicken Simply

Step 1: Prep and Dry Chicken

Pat chicken breasts completely dry using paper towels to remove all surface moisture, which helps achieve a perfect golden-brown sear.

Step 2: Heat Skillet

Warm sesame oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until it creates a shimmering, slightly rippled appearance.

Step 3: Sear Chicken

Gently place chicken breasts into the hot skillet, cooking for 6-7 minutes on each side. Ensure the chicken turns golden brown and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.

Step 4: Rest the Chicken

Transfer chicken to a cutting board and let it rest for 5 minutes, allowing juices to redistribute throughout the meat.

Step 5: Create Flavorful Sauce

• Peanut butter
• Chili sauce
• Soy sauce
• Rice vinegar
• Honey
• Minced garlic

Step 6: Slice Chicken

Cut the rested chicken into thin, diagonal strips for an elegant presentation.

Step 7: Coat with Sauce

Drizzle the prepared sauce generously over the chicken, ensuring each slice is completely covered.

Step 8: Add Garnish

• Chopped green onions
• Sesame seeds
• Fresh cilantro

Step 9: Add Side Garnish

Arrange cucumber slices alongside the chicken for a crisp and refreshing contrast.

Step 10: Serve and Enjoy

Plate the chicken immediately at room temperature, allowing the sauce flavors to fully develop and complement the tender meat.

Best Tips To Nail Bang Bang Chicken

• Dry Chicken Perfectly: Pat chicken breasts thoroughly with paper towels to remove all surface moisture, ensuring a golden, crispy sear without steaming.
• Heat Oil Strategically: Wait until sesame oil shimmers and appears slightly rippled, signaling the ideal cooking temperature for achieving beautiful caramelization.
• Rest Meat Wisely: Allow chicken to rest 5 minutes after cooking, helping juices redistribute and guaranteeing maximum tenderness and flavor retention.
• Balance Sauce Components: Whisk sauce ingredients until completely smooth, balancing sweet, spicy, and tangy flavors for a complex and harmonious coating.
• Garnish Thoughtfully: Sprinkle fresh green onions, sesame seeds, and cilantro to add vibrant color, textural contrast, and bright, fresh notes to the finished dish.

Different Styles Of Bang Bang Chicken

• Spicy Thai Chicken: Replace peanut butter with red curry paste, add coconut milk for a creamy, authentic Thai-inspired sauce.
• Vegetarian Protein Swap: Substitute chicken with firm tofu or tempeh, using same cooking technique and marinade for a plant-based alternative.
• Low-Carb Option: Eliminate honey, use sugar-free sweetener, serve over cauliflower rice instead of traditional rice for reduced carbohydrate intake.
• Gluten-Free Adaptation: Use tamari instead of soy sauce, ensure chili sauce is gluten-free, and verify all ingredients meet gluten-free standards.

What To Eat With Bang Bang Chicken

• Spice Up with Thai-Inspired Beverage: Crisp lemongrass iced tea perfectly balances the rich, spicy peanut sauce and cuts through the chicken's savory flavors.
• Complement with Zesty Side: Fresh cucumber salad dressed with rice vinegar and mint provides a cool, tangy contrast to the warm, nutty chicken dish.
• Elevate with Wine Pairing: Riesling's slight sweetness and bright acidity harmonizes beautifully with the spicy-sweet peanut sauce and helps cleanse the palate.
• Enhance with Herbal Accent: Sprinkle extra fresh cilantro and green onions to boost the dish's aromatic profile and add a bright, fresh layer of flavor complexity.

Easy Storage For Bang Bang Chicken

• Store leftover chicken in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping it fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Wrap chicken tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container or bag, preserving quality for up to 3 months.
• Place chicken on a microwave-safe plate, cover with a damp paper towel, and heat in 30-second intervals until warmed through, stirring sauce midway to prevent drying.
• Preheat oven to 350°F, place chicken in a baking dish with a splash of water, cover with foil, and warm for 10-15 minutes to maintain moisture and restore original tenderness.

Bang Bang Chicken FAQ Quick Guide

• Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Yes, chicken thighs work perfectly and often provide more flavor and moisture due to their higher fat content.

• What if I don't have sesame oil?

You can substitute with vegetable or canola oil, though sesame oil adds a distinctive nutty flavor to the dish.

• Is this recipe spicy?

The spice level depends on the chili sauce you use. Choose a mild sauce for less heat or a spicier version if you enjoy more kick.

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

Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F, ensuring safe and perfectly cooked chicken.

Bang Bang Chicken Recipe

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4.5 from 19 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 2 1x

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Description

Sizzling Chinese Bang Bang Chicken delivers a symphony of spicy, tangy flavors that dance across your palate. Crispy chicken pieces drizzled with a zesty sauce promise a delightful culinary adventure you’ll savor down to the last delicious bite.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 2 chicken breasts
• 1/4 cup sesame oil
• 1/2 cup peanut butter

Sauce Ingredients:

• 3 tbsp chili sauce
• 2 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp rice vinegar
• 1 tsp honey
• 1 clove garlic

Garnish and Toppings:

• 2 green onions
• 1 tbsp sesame seeds
• 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
• 1/2 cucumber (sliced)

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Instructions

1. Prepare chicken breasts by patting them dry with paper towels, ensuring surface moisture is completely removed for optimal searing.
2. Warm sesame oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until it shimmers and appears slightly rippled, indicating proper temperature.
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. Remove chicken from skillet and let rest on a cutting board for 5 minutes to allow juices to redistribute.
5. While chicken rests, whisk together peanut butter, chili sauce, soy sauce, rice vinegar, honey, and minced garlic in a mixing bowl until smooth and well-combined.
6. Slice rested chicken into thin, diagonal strips, creating an attractive presentation.
7. Generously drizzle prepared sauce over chicken, ensuring each slice is thoroughly coated.
8. Sprinkle chopped green onions, sesame seeds, and fresh cilantro across the top for vibrant color and added texture.
9. Arrange cucumber slices alongside the chicken for a crisp, refreshing accompaniment.
10. Serve immediately at room temperature, allowing the complex sauce flavors to fully develop and complement the tender chicken.

Notes

• Pat chicken breasts completely dry to achieve a perfect golden-brown sear, preventing steaming and ensuring crispy exterior.
• Use sesame oil for authentic Asian flavor and higher smoke point, allowing intense heat without burning.
• Check chicken’s internal temperature precisely with a meat thermometer to guarantee food safety and prevent overcooking.
• Customize sauce by adjusting chili sauce levels for personal heat preference, making the dish adaptable to different spice tolerances.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: Chinese

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 2
• Calories: 900
• Sugar: 6g
• Sodium: 600mg
• Fat: 62g
• Saturated Fat: 10g
• Unsaturated Fat: 52g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 36g
• Fiber: 4g
• Protein: 40g
• Cholesterol: 100mg