Tangy Bang Bang Chicken Recipe

Fiery Bang Bang Chicken Recipe for Zesty Dinners

Sizzling with flavor and packed with bold spices, this bang bang chicken delight recipe delivers a mouthwatering punch that’ll leave you craving more.

The secret sauce blends creamy, tangy, and spicy elements into a crowd-pleasing dish that’s surprisingly simple to prepare.

Each bite promises a symphony of textures and tastes that dance across your palate.

Crispy chicken pieces coated in the signature creamy sauce create an irresistible combination that never fails to impress.

The recipe balances heat and richness with precision, making it a standout option for dinner or casual gatherings.

Weeknight meals just got a serious upgrade with this restaurant-quality favorite that comes together in mere minutes.

Dive into this culinary adventure and wow everyone at the table with your cooking skills.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 45 minutes

Calories: 570 kcal

Servings: 5

Bang Bang Chicken Ingredient List

For Marinade and Seasoning:
  • Paprika: Adds warm, smoky depth and vibrant color to the chicken.
  • Onion Powder: Provides subtle, sweet onion flavor without adding moisture.
  • Black Pepper: Delivers sharp, zesty kick and enhances overall seasoning.
  • Tamari: Gluten-free soy sauce alternative with rich, umami complexity.
  • Brown Sugar: Creates caramelized edges and balances savory-sweet profile.
  • Olive Oil: Helps distribute spices and ensures tender, juicy chicken.
For Bang Bang Sauce:
  • Mayonnaise: Creamy base that creates smooth, luxurious sauce texture.
  • Sweet Chilli Sauce: Brings tangy, sweet heat with vibrant red color.
  • Sriracha: Optional spicy element for extra fiery punch.
  • Honey: Natural sweetener that adds golden shine and balanced sweetness.
  • Lime Juice: Brightens flavors and adds zesty, fresh citrus notes.
For Garnish and Serving:
  • Spring Onions: Fresh, crisp topping with mild onion sharpness.
  • Red Cabbage: Adds crunchy texture and beautiful color contrast.
  • Carrots: Provides sweet, earthy crunch and nutritional boost.
  • Cucumber: Offers cool, refreshing counterpoint to spicy chicken.
  • Steamed Rice: Neutral base that soaks up delicious sauce perfectly.

Essential Tools for Bang Bang Chicken

Equipment & Tools:
  • Oven: Essential for baking chicken to golden perfection.
  • Baking Tray: Crucial for evenly cooking chicken pieces.
  • Baking Paper: Prevents sticking and makes cleanup easy.
  • Small Bowl: Perfect for mixing bang bang sauce.
  • Large Bowl: Needed for marinating chicken pieces.
  • Cutting Board: Used for preparing and cutting chicken.
  • Mallet or Rolling Pin: Helps pound chicken to even thickness.
  • Tongs: Great for turning and coating chicken in marinade.
  • Measuring Spoons: Ensures accurate sauce and seasoning amounts.
  • Brush: Used to apply sauce evenly on chicken.

How to Prep Bang Bang Chicken Quick

Bang Bang Chicken Delight

  • Oven Preparation Kitchen Setup

Crank up the oven to a toasty 220°C. Grab a baking tray and line it with parchment paper for smooth cooking magic.

  • Sauce Creation Flavor Explosion

Whisk together creamy mayo, zesty sweet chilli sauce, a splash of sriracha, golden honey, and tangy lime juice. Set aside a portion for later drizzling.

  • Chicken Transformation

Gently pound chicken thighs into even thickness. Slice each piece vertically to create perfect bite-sized portions.

  • Flavor Infusion Marinade

Blend paprika, onion powder, black pepper, tamari, brown sugar, and olive oil in a mixing bowl. Coat chicken pieces thoroughly, ensuring each morsel is dressed in deliciousness.

  • Baking Brilliance

Spread marinated chicken on the prepared tray. Brush generously with reserved bang bang sauce. Bake until golden and perfectly cooked, around 25-30 minutes.

  • Plating Perfection

Arrange chicken on a vibrant platter with steamed rice, crisp red cabbage, julienned carrots, and cool cucumber. Drizzle with remaining sauce and sprinkle sliced spring onions for a final flavor punch.

Ideas to Punch Up Bang Bang Chicken

  • Crispy Coating Trick: Dust chicken lightly with cornstarch before marinating to achieve an extra-crispy exterior that locks in moisture and creates a delightful crunch.
  • Spice Level Control: Adjust sriracha quantity based on personal heat preference – add more for fiery kick or reduce for milder flavor that suits everyone's taste buds.
  • Make-Ahead Magic: Marinate chicken overnight in the refrigerator to intensify flavors and save precious preparation time during busy weeknights.
  • Alternative Protein Playground: Swap chicken thighs with chicken breasts, turkey cutlets, or even firm tofu for a versatile recipe that adapts to different dietary needs and preferences.
  • Grill Master Option: For smoky flavor, transfer marinated chicken to a preheated grill instead of baking, creating beautiful char marks and adding depth to the bang bang sauce's tangy profile.

Stylish Ways to Serve Bang Bang Chicken

  • Tropical Island Plating: Create a vibrant, colorful presentation by arranging the golden-brown chicken on a bed of bright green lettuce leaves with mango slices and a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds for a stunning visual appeal.
  • Spicy Fresh Sidekick: Prepare a zesty cucumber-mint salsa on the side to balance the rich, spicy chicken. Chop fresh cucumber, mint leaves, and a touch of red chili for a cooling yet exciting accompaniment that cuts through the bang bang sauce's heat.
  • Family-Style Feast: Transform this dish into a fun, interactive meal by serving components separately in small bowls. Let everyone build their own plate with chicken, rice, and fresh vegetables, encouraging playful dining and personalization.
  • Quick Lunch Makeover: Pack leftover chicken in lunch containers with a small sauce container, adding quick-pickled vegetables for a delicious, portable meal that stays exciting and flavorful hours after cooking.

Store Bang Bang Chicken Without Fuss

  • Smart Prep Ahead: Marinate chicken up to 24 hours before cooking to enhance flavor depth and save precious time during busy weeknights.
  • Refrigeration Strategy: Store leftover chicken in airtight containers for 3-4 days, keeping sauce separately to maintain optimal texture and prevent soggy meat.
  • Freezer-Friendly Option: Wrap individual portions in freezer-safe wrap, lasting up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in refrigerator and gently reheat in oven to restore crispy edges.
  • Complementary Side Suggestions: Pair with quinoa, green salad, or roasted vegetables for balanced meal options that maximize nutritional value and enhance overall dining experience.
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Tangy Bang Bang Chicken Recipe

Spicy Bang Bang Chicken Recipe


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.5 from 12 reviews

  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 5 1x

Description

Sichuan province’s bang bang chicken delight brings spicy, tangy flavors to your table. Crispy chicken pieces drizzled with nutty sauce promise a memorable culinary journey you’ll savor completely.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 600 g (1 lb 5 oz) boneless chicken thighs, skin on or off
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tbsp honey
  • 1 tbsp brown sugar
  • 1 tbsp tamari or soy sauce
  • 1 tbsp lime juice
  • 1 tsp sweet paprika
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • ¼ tsp split black pepper
  • 1 cup (250 g) whole-egg mayonnaise
  • ¼ cup (60 g) sweet chilli sauce
  • 1 tbsp sriracha or hot chilli sauce (optional)
  • 1 cup (75 g) shredded red cabbage
  • 2 carrots, grated or julienned
  • 1 cucumber, sliced
  • 2 spring onions (scallions), sliced
  • Steamed rice

Instructions

  1. Preparation: Preheat the oven to 220°C (425°F), positioning a baking sheet lined with parchment paper for perfect roasting conditions.
  2. Flavor Creation: Whisk together mayonnaise, sweet chilli sauce, sriracha, honey, and lime juice to create a vibrant bang bang sauce. Reserve a quarter of the mixture for final garnishing.
  3. Chicken Preparation: Gently flatten chicken thighs between parchment paper, then slice each vertically into two equal portions. Create a robust marinade by combining paprika, onion powder, black pepper, tamari, brown sugar, and olive oil. Thoroughly coat chicken pieces in this flavor-packed mixture.
  4. Roasting Process: Arrange marinated chicken on the prepared baking sheet, ensuring pieces are not touching. Brush generously with reserved bang bang sauce to develop a glossy, flavor-intense exterior.
  5. Cooking and Serving: Roast in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes until chicken turns golden-brown and reaches complete internal doneness. Plate with steamed rice, red cabbage, julienned carrots, and cucumber slices.
  6. Final Touch: Drizzle remaining bang bang sauce over the dish and garnish with thinly sliced spring onions for a burst of fresh flavor.

Notes

  • Flatten Evenly: Use parchment paper when pounding chicken to ensure uniform thickness, preventing uneven cooking and dry edges.
  • Marinate Strategically: Allow chicken to absorb marinade for at least 30 minutes before cooking to maximize flavor penetration and tenderness.
  • Check Internal Temperature: Use a meat thermometer to confirm chicken reaches 74°C (165°F) for safe consumption, preventing potential foodborne illnesses.
  • Space Matters: Keep chicken pieces separated on the baking sheet to promote crispy edges and prevent steaming, ensuring a perfect golden-brown exterior.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Asian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 5
  • Calories: 570
  • Sugar: 16 g
  • Sodium: 800 mg
  • Fat: 38 g
  • Saturated Fat: 6 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 30 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 34 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 24 g
  • Cholesterol: 100 mg
Jessica Martin

Jessica Martin

Recipe Developer & Food Writer

Expertise

Recipe Development, Food Styling and Photography​, Seasonal and Local Ingredients​, Vegetarian and Vegan Cuisine​, Culinary Education​

Education

Portland Community College

  • Degree: Associate of Applied Science in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Comprehensive training in culinary techniques, kitchen management, and food safety. Gained hands-on experience in preparing diverse cuisines and understanding flavor profiles

Oregon Culinary Institute

  • Program: Baking and Pastry Certificate
  • Focus: Specialized education in baking fundamentals, pastry arts, and dessert presentation. Emphasized creativity and precision in crafting baked goods.​

Jessica Martin is a talented food writer and recipe creator who specializes in seasonal cooking and approachable home baking. 

Educated at Portland Community College with additional pastry training from Oregon Culinary Institute, Jessica’s culinary journey spans nearly a decade of creating and sharing flavorful recipes. 

Her deep appreciation for local ingredients shapes each of her recipes, making them both accessible and inspiring. At Beard and Bonnet, Jessica uses her cheerful, down-to-earth writing to help readers effortlessly bring new tastes and creative dishes into their daily routines.

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