This Bang Bang Chicken offers a perfect balance of crispy, tender chicken with a sweet and spicy glaze. The vibrant accompaniments of fresh vegetables and rice bring both texture and flavor to the plate, making it not just a meal, but a celebration of tastes. The caramelized surface adds a gorgeous golden color, making it as visually appealing as it is delicious.
You can also customize the serving options to fit your preference—steamed rice or noodles are the most common, but pairing it with fresh salad greens, crunchy cabbage, or even mashed potatoes adds a comforting touch. Whether you’re enjoying a casual weeknight dinner or serving it at a gathering, this dish guarantees rave reviews. Its simplicity and flavor complexity make it a keeper in your recipe collection.
Full Recipe:
-
600 g (1 lb 5 oz) boneless chicken thighs, skin on or off
-
1 tsp sweet paprika
-
1 tsp onion powder
-
¼ tsp cracked black pepper
-
1 tbsp tamari or regular soy sauce
-
1 tbsp brown sugar
-
1 tbsp olive oil
-
1 cup (250 g) whole-egg mayonnaise
-
¼ cup (60 g) sweet chilli sauce
-
1 tbsp sriracha or hot chilli sauce (optional)
-
1 tbsp honey
-
1 tbsp lime juice
-
1 spring onion (scallion), sliced
-
Steamed rice
-
1 cup (75 g) shredded red cabbage
-
2 carrots, grated or julienned
-
1 cucumber, sliced
Directions:
-
Preheat oven to 220°C (425°F) and line a baking tray with parchment paper.
-
In a small bowl, combine the bang bang sauce ingredients (mayonnaise, sweet chilli sauce, sriracha, honey, and lime juice). Reserve one-quarter of the sauce for brushing.
-
Pound the chicken to an even thickness using a mallet or rolling pin, and cut each piece in half vertically.
-
Marinate the chicken with sweet paprika, onion powder, black pepper, tamari, brown sugar, and olive oil. Toss to coat evenly.
-
Arrange chicken on the prepared baking tray, ensuring no overlap.
-
Brush the chicken with the reserved bang bang sauce.
-
Bake for 25-30 minutes until golden and cooked through.
-
Serve with steamed rice, shredded red cabbage, carrot, cucumber, and drizzle with the remaining sauce. Garnish with spring onion.
Prep Time: 5 minutes | Cooking Time: 30 minutes | Total Time: 35 minutes
Kcal: Approx. 450 kcal per serving | Servings: 4 servings
History and Origin
The origins of Bang Bang Chicken are somewhat unclear, but it is believed to have come from Chinese-American cuisine, which often blends traditional Chinese flavors with Western cooking techniques and ingredients. The term “bang bang” likely refers to the powerful kick of flavor that the sauce provides. While the dish is not directly tied to a specific region of China, it is reminiscent of the bold, spicy flavors found in Sichuan cuisine, where chili peppers and vinegar play a major role in flavor profiles.
The dish gained popularity in the United States due to its combination of savory and spicy flavors, paired with the crispy texture of oven-baked or fried chicken. The sauce, often made with mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, and sometimes sriracha, gives the dish a creamy, slightly sweet, and spicy kick that has made it a go-to for many families. The simplicity of the recipe also makes it accessible, allowing it to be a regular feature in homes that seek delicious, minimal-prep meals.
Variations and Adaptations
As with many beloved recipes, Bang Bang Chicken has many variations, each adding its unique twist to the dish. In some versions, the chicken is deep-fried to achieve a crispier texture, though oven-baking has become a popular and healthier alternative. Additionally, the sauce itself is highly adaptable—some people prefer a spicier sauce with more sriracha, while others opt for a sweeter profile by adding a bit more honey or using a sweeter chili sauce.
For a more complex flavor, some variations include the addition of garlic or ginger to the sauce, which adds depth and warmth. Another variation involves marinating the chicken in a blend of soy sauce, garlic, and spices before baking it, which infuses the meat with even more flavor. Additionally, some people like to add vegetables to the dish, such as sautéed bell peppers, onions, or a bed of leafy greens, to balance the richness of the chicken and sauce.
Geographically, Bang Bang Chicken has become popular in many regions of the world, with different countries adapting the recipe to suit their local tastes. For example, in Thailand, it may be paired with jasmine rice and topped with fresh cilantro for a fragrant finish. In other parts of Asia, you might find it served with noodles or in a wrap. The beauty of this dish lies in its versatility—each region can add their flair, while still keeping the core elements intact.
Nutritional Information
Bang Bang Chicken, as a dish, is rich in protein and provides essential nutrients thanks to its chicken base. However, the richness of the bang bang sauce and the potential frying of the chicken can make this dish quite calorie-dense, so it is important to consume it in moderation. Here’s an in-depth look at the nutritional profile:
Calories: One serving (about 150g of chicken with sauce) typically contains around 400-500 calories, depending on the amount of sauce and whether the chicken is fried or baked.
Macronutrients:
-
Protein: Chicken is an excellent source of lean protein, which helps build and repair tissues, and it contributes to immune function. A serving of Bang Bang Chicken offers around 30-35g of protein.
-
Carbohydrates: The dish is relatively low in carbs, but the rice or noodles that are often served alongside it will contribute additional carbohydrates.
-
Fat: The fats in Bang Bang Chicken mostly come from the chicken and the mayonnaise in the sauce. If you opt for skinless chicken thighs or breast, the fat content will be significantly reduced. Typically, a serving contains about 20g of fat, much of it from the mayo-based sauce.
Micronutrients:
-
Vitamin C: The inclusion of lime juice and sometimes chili sauce adds a small boost of vitamin C, which supports the immune system.
-
Iron: Chicken thighs are a good source of iron, a mineral that is important for oxygen transport in the blood.
-
Calcium: The mayonnaise and any added vegetables like cabbage or carrots can provide a modest amount of calcium, which is essential for bone health.
Sodium: One thing to watch for in Bang Bang Chicken is the sodium content. Soy sauce and sweet chili sauce both contribute significant sodium, so it’s important to adjust your portion sizes or opt for low-sodium versions if you are monitoring your salt intake.
Serving Suggestions and Pairings
Bang Bang Chicken is incredibly versatile when it comes to what you pair it with. For a light meal, serve it alongside a simple salad of shredded cabbage, carrots, and cucumber, dressed with a tangy vinaigrette or a dollop of additional bang bang sauce. The crunchy vegetables provide a refreshing contrast to the richness of the sauce, while the chicken steals the show as the centerpiece of the meal.
For something heartier, pair Bang Bang Chicken with steamed white or jasmine rice, or even rice noodles, which will soak up the delicious sauce. For a more filling option, consider mashed sweet potatoes or a baked potato, both of which offer a subtle sweetness that complements the spicy sauce.
To elevate the dish even further, serve it with sautéed or roasted vegetables such as broccoli, snow peas, or bell peppers. These vegetables add color and nutrients to the meal while balancing out the flavors.
If you’re serving this dish at a gathering or party, consider preparing a few side dishes to round out the meal. Grilled asparagus, roasted Brussels sprouts, or even a creamy avocado salad would be excellent choices to offer guests a variety of textures and flavors.
Tips and Tricks for Success
To make sure your Bang Bang Chicken turns out perfectly every time, here are some expert tips:
-
Pound the Chicken Evenly: Before baking, make sure to pound the chicken to an even thickness. This ensures that the chicken cooks evenly and results in a tender, juicy interior with a crispy exterior.
-
Oven Temperature: Make sure your oven is fully preheated before you place the chicken in it. A hot oven helps achieve the golden, caramelized finish that is characteristic of this dish.
-
Don’t Overcrowd the Chicken: Lay the chicken pieces on the baking tray in a single layer. Overcrowding will trap moisture, causing the chicken to steam rather than crisp up.
-
Customize the Sauce: Adjust the sauce to your liking. If you prefer a spicier version, add extra sriracha. If you like it sweeter, increase the amount of honey. The beauty of Bang Bang Chicken is that the sauce can be tailored to your taste.
-
Rest the Chicken: Let the chicken rest for a few minutes after it comes out of the oven. This allows the juices to redistribute, keeping the meat tender and juicy.
Potential Health Benefits
Bang Bang Chicken, when prepared with lean cuts of chicken and baked instead of fried, can be a relatively healthy dish. Chicken is an excellent source of high-quality protein, which is essential for muscle growth and repair. It also contains important micronutrients such as B vitamins, zinc, and iron.
The addition of vegetables like cabbage, carrots, and cucumber offers fiber, antioxidants, and vitamins, further boosting the dish’s nutritional profile. The healthy fats from olive oil and the moderate amounts of mayonnaise (which is typically made from egg yolks and oil) provide some heart-healthy monounsaturated fats.
However, because of the sugar content in sweet chili sauce and the mayonnaise base, the dish is not entirely free from calorie-dense ingredients. As with all things, moderation is key when enjoying this flavorful dish.
Conclusion
Bang Bang Chicken is the perfect blend of flavor, texture, and convenience. Whether you’re preparing it for a quick weeknight dinner or for a special occasion, this dish offers something for everyone. It’s versatile, easy to customize, and full of bold flavors that will leave you craving more. Give this recipe a try, and see how it becomes a new favorite in your home. Once you’ve tasted the sweet, spicy, and creamy glaze on the crispy chicken, you’ll understand why Bang Bang Chicken has earned its spot as a modern classic.