Name: Spicy Bang Bang Chicken: 5 Steps to Flavor Explosion
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 1 h
Total time: 1 h 20 min
Cuisine: Asian
Ingredients: 1 cup Mayonnaise; 1/4 cup Tahini; 2 tbsp Soy Sauce; 1 tbsp Chili Oil; 1 tbsp Chili Crisp; 2 tbsp Rice Vinegar; 1 tbsp Light Brown Sugar; 2 cloves Garlic; 1 tbsp Fresh Ginger; 2 cups Cooked Chicken Breast; 1 cup Mung Bean Sprouts; 2 cups Red Cabbage/Napa Cabbage; 2 cups Romaine Hearts; 2 scallions; 1 medium English Cucumber; 1 cup Carrots; 1/4 cup Chopped Peanuts; 1 tbsp Sesame Seeds

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Spicy Bang Bang Chicken is a delightful dish that combines crispy chicken with a creamy, spicy sauce, offering an explosion of flavors that will tantalize your taste buds. This vibrant salad features crunchy veggies and a unique chili crisp tahini dressing that elevates the dish to new heights. Whether you’re looking for a quick meal or a delightful appetizer, this Spicy Bang Bang Chicken salad is sure to impress.

Why You’ll Love This Spicy Bang Bang Chicken

This dish is not just another salad; it’s packed with flavor and nutrients. Here are a few reasons why you’ll love this Spicy Bang Bang Chicken recipe:

Quick preparation time, perfect for busy weeknights.
Deliciously bold flavors that satisfy any spice lover.
Crunchy textures from fresh vegetables.
Easy to customize with your favorite ingredients.
A great source of protein from chicken and healthy fats from tahini.
Perfect for meal prep, making it a convenient choice.

This recipe is an excellent example of a Spicy Asian Chicken Recipe that combines ease and taste, making it a go-to for Spicy Chicken Dinner Ideas.

Ingredients for Spicy Bang Bang Chicken

Gather these items:

1 cup Mayonnaise (Try using Duke’s or Japanese Kewpie for added richness.)
1/4 cup Tahini (Stir well before measuring for an even consistency.)
2 tbsp Soy Sauce (Opt for tamari for a gluten-free option.)
1 tbsp Chili Oil (Start with a tablespoon and adjust to your preferred spice level.)
1 tbsp Chili Crisp (Tailor the amount based on personal taste.)
2 tbsp Rice Vinegar (Balances the richness and adds a tangy note.)
1 tbsp Light Brown Sugar (Brings a hint of sweetness to round out the flavors.)
2 cloves Garlic (Fresh garlic is best unless using garlic-forward chili crisp.)
1 tbsp Fresh Ginger (Provides a zesty kick that brightens the dressing.)
2 cups Cooked Chicken Breast (Use rotisserie or homemade shredded chicken for convenience.)
1 cup Mung Bean Sprouts (Contributes a crunchy texture.)
2 cups Red Cabbage/Napa Cabbage (Forms the salad base with vibrant color and crunch.)
2 cups Romaine Hearts (Adds crispiness.)
2 scallions (Include both white and green parts for added flavor.)
1 medium English Cucumber (Peel or keep the skin on depending on preference.)
1 cup Carrots (You can ribbon-cut or julienne them.)
1/4 cup Chopped Peanuts (Opt for dry-roasted, lightly salted types.)
1 tbsp Sesame Seeds (Sprinkle on top for a finishing touch.)

How to Make Spicy Bang Bang Chicken Step-by-Step

Step 1: In a mixing bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, tahini, soy sauce, chili oil, chili crisp, rice vinegar, light brown sugar, garlic, and fresh ginger. Ensure it’s smooth and creamy, then chill in the fridge for at least 1 hour to meld the flavors.
Step 2: In a large mixing bowl, add shredded red cabbage, romaine hearts, cooked chicken, mung bean sprouts, scallions, cucumber, and carrots. Toss gently to mix all the vibrant veggies.
Step 3: Drizzle the chilled dressing over the salad ingredients. Toss everything together until the vegetables and chicken are evenly coated in that delicious dressing. Serve immediately for the freshest flavor.
Step 4: Before serving, top with chopped peanuts and sesame seeds.

Pro Tips for the Perfect Spicy Bang Bang Chicken

Keep these in mind:

Let your dressing chill for at least an hour for the best flavor.
Feel free to adjust the chili oil and chili crisp for your preferred spice level.
Use fresh ingredients for the best taste and texture.

Best Ways to Serve Spicy Bang Bang Chicken

This Bang Bang Chicken Dish can be served in various ways:

As a refreshing main course salad.
In lettuce wraps for a fun, hands-on meal.
As a side dish alongside grilled meats or seafood.

How to Store and Reheat Spicy Bang Bang Chicken

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently toss in a warm skillet for a few minutes, ensuring not to overcook the chicken. This is a perfect choice for meal prep!

Frequently Asked Questions About Spicy Bang Bang Chicken

What’s the secret to perfect Spicy Bang Bang Chicken?

The secret lies in the balance of flavors in the dressing. The combination of creaminess from the mayonnaise and tahini with the heat from the chili oil creates a satisfying taste that pairs well with crunchy veggies.

Can I make Spicy Bang Bang Chicken ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the salad a day in advance. Just keep the dressing separate until you’re ready to serve to maintain the freshness of the vegetables.

How do I avoid common mistakes with Spicy Bang Bang Chicken?

One common mistake is overcooking the chicken. Always use cooked chicken and toss it gently with the salad to maintain its tenderness. Also, ensure the dressing is well chilled for the best flavor.

Variations of Spicy Bang Bang Chicken You Can Try

Here are some creative variations to consider:

Substitute the chicken with grilled shrimp for a seafood twist.
Add fresh herbs like cilantro or mint for added freshness.
Incorporate different vegetables like bell peppers or snap peas for variety.

Enjoy experimenting with this Homemade Bang Bang Chicken Recipe to find your perfect combination!