Hey there, wonderful cooks! You know, some recipes just wrap you up like a warm blanket on a chilly evening. This Bang Bang Chicken is one of those dishes for me. It’s a delightful dance of sweet, spicy, and creamy flavors that’s become a total hit in my kitchen. It’s surprisingly simple to whip up, making it perfect for those busy weeknights when you crave something special without the fuss.

What is Bang Bang Chicken? A Culinary Journey

So, what exactly is Bang Bang Chicken? This absolutely delicious dish has its roots in Americanized Chinese cuisine, particularly inspired by Sichuan flavors. While its exact origin story is a bit debated, the name “bang bang” is often said to come from the way the original dish was prepared – by tenderizing the chicken with mallets, which made a “bang bang” sound. It’s this incredible combination of tender, flavorful chicken coated in a creamy, zesty, and slightly spicy sauce that makes it so utterly irresistible. It’s a true taste sensation that has captured hearts (and taste buds!) everywhere.

Why You’ll Love This Oven-Baked Bang Bang Chicken Recipe

I just know you’re going to adore this Bang Bang Chicken recipe! It’s a game-changer because it delivers all that amazing flavor you crave without the mess and hassle of deep frying. Baking it in the oven means less oil and a much simpler cleanup, which is a win-win for busy home cooks like us. Plus, the creamy, tangy sauce is pure magic, coating every piece of chicken in pure deliciousness. It’s incredibly satisfying, comforting, and honestly, just plain joyful to make and eat. If you’re after another quick, crowd-pleasing weeknight dinner, try our Lemon Garlic Chicken Pasta.

• Effortless Elegance: Get restaurant-quality flavor with minimal effort.
• Speedy Satisfaction: Perfect for weeknight dinners when time is tight.
• Flavor Explosion: A unique sweet, spicy, and creamy sauce that’s addictive.
• Easier Cleanup: Baking means less mess than traditional frying.
• Family Favorite: Guaranteed to be a hit with eaters of all ages!

Sarah

Ultimate Oven-Baked Bang Bang Chicken

This Bang Bang Chicken is a delightful dance of sweet, spicy, and creamy flavors that’s become a total hit in my kitchen. It’s surprisingly simple to whip up, making it perfect for those busy weeknights when you crave something special without the fuss.

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Prep Time 5 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 35 minutes mins

Servings: 4 servings

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: American, Asian

Calories: 742

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Bang Bang Sauce

• 1 cup whole-egg mayonnaise see note 1 about gluten
• 1/4 cup sweet chili sauce see note 1 about gluten
• 1 tbsp sriracha or hot chili sauce optional, see note 1 about gluten
• 1 tbsp honey
• 1 tbsp lime juice

Chicken

• 600 g boneless chicken thighs skin on or off
• 1 tsp sweet paprika
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1/4 tsp freshly cracked black pepper
• 1 tbsp tamari or regular soy sauce
• 1 tbsp brown sugar
• 1 tbsp olive oil

For Serving

• 1/4 cup bang bang sauce reserved
• 1 spring onion scallion sliced
• Steamed rice
• 1 cup shredded red cabbage
• 2 carrots grated or julienned
• 1 cucumber sliced
• 1 spring onion finely sliced

Equipment

• small bowl
• Baking tray
• Parchment Paper
• Cutting Board
• meat mallet
• Rolling Pin
• Tongs
• Pastry brush

Method

 

1. Preheat the oven to 220°C (425°F). Line a baking tray with parchment paper.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together the ingredients for your bang bang sauce: mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha (if using), honey, and lime juice. Give it a good mix until it’s smooth and creamy. Now, here’s a crucial step: scoop out about one-quarter of the sauce into a separate, smaller bowl. This will be our glaze for the chicken before baking.
3. Place your boneless chicken thighs on a cutting board. Pop a sheet of parchment paper over them. Now, channel your inner chef and use a meat mallet or even a rolling pin to gently pound the chicken pieces to an even thickness. This ensures they cook uniformly. Once pounded, cut each piece in half vertically.
4. Tumble the prepared chicken pieces into a large, shallow bowl. Sprinkle over the sweet paprika, onion powder, black pepper, tamari (or soy sauce), brown sugar, and olive oil. Using tongs (or clean hands!), toss everything together gently but thoroughly, ensuring each piece of chicken is beautifully coated in the marinade.
5. Carefully place the marinated chicken pieces onto your prepared baking tray. Make sure they are not overlapping. This is super important! If the chicken pieces are crowded, they’ll steam instead of browning, and we’re aiming for that gorgeous, caramelized crust. Give them their own space to shine!
6. Grab that reserved quarter of the bang bang sauce. Using a pastry brush, gently brush this delicious glaze all over the tops of the chicken pieces. Get a nice, even layer.
7. Pop that tray into your preheated oven. Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the chicken is golden brown, wonderfully caramelized, and cooked all the way through. You want it to look incredibly appetizing!
8. Once baked, remove the Bang Bang Chicken from the oven. Serve it hot alongside fluffy steamed rice, shredded red cabbage, grated carrots, and sliced cucumber for a delightful crunch and freshness. Drizzle the remaining bang bang sauce generously over the top and finish with a sprinkle of sliced spring onions for a pop of color and mild oniony bite.

Notes

Note 1: For gluten-free options, ensure your mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, and hot sauces are certified gluten-free, as most are, but it’s always good to check labels!

The Irresistible Bang Bang Sauce and Marinade Ingredients

Let’s talk about what makes this Bang Bang Chicken sing! It all comes down to a fantastic marinade and that signature sauce.

• Whole-Egg Mayonnaise: Don’t be scared! Mayo is our secret weapon here for an incredibly creamy and luscious sauce base. It adds a richness that’s simply divine. (Note 1: If you need gluten-free, ensure your mayonnaise is certified gluten-free, as most are, but it’s always good to check labels!)
• Sweet Chili Sauce: This brings a wonderful balance of sweetness and a mild heat, plus a lovely fruity note. (Note 1: Like mayo, most sweet chili sauces are gluten-free, but double-check your brand.)
• Sriracha or Hot Chili Sauce (Optional): For those who love a little extra kick, this is your ticket! Adjust to your heat preference. (Note 1: Again, most hot sauces are GF, but a quick label scan never hurts.)
• Honey: A touch of natural sweetness to complement the chili and add a beautiful glaze.
• Lime Juice: Fresh lime juice provides a bright, tangy counterpoint that cuts through the richness and awakens the palate.
• Boneless Chicken Thighs: I love thighs for their tenderness and flavor, whether you choose skin-on or skin-off. They stay moist and juicy throughout the baking process.
• Sweet Paprika: Adds a beautiful warm color and a mild, sweet pepper flavor.
• Onion Powder: For a savory depth that enhances the chicken’s natural taste.
• Freshly Cracked Black Pepper: A little bit of bite and aroma from freshly ground pepper is always best.
• Tamari or Regular Soy Sauce: This adds essential salty, umami goodness to the marinade, helping to tenderize the chicken. Tamari is a great gluten-free option.
• Brown Sugar: Works with the soy sauce and paprika to create a lovely caramelized crust on the chicken.
• Olive Oil: Just a tablespoon helps everything meld together and aids in getting a nice sear.

Step-by-Step: Crafting Perfect Oven-Baked Bang Bang Chicken

Ready to make some magic? Let’s get this Bang Bang Chicken into the oven!

1. Preheat & Prep: First things first, let’s get that oven nice and hot! Preheat it to 220°C (425°F). Then, line a baking tray with parchment paper. This is key for easy cleanup and preventing sticking.
2. Sauce Station: In a small bowl, whisk together the ingredients for your bang bang sauce: mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha (if using), honey, and lime juice. Give it a good mix until it’s smooth and creamy. Now, here’s a crucial step: scoop out about one-quarter of the sauce into a separate, smaller bowl. This will be our glaze for the chicken before baking.
3. Chicken Prep: Place your boneless chicken thighs on a cutting board. Pop a sheet of parchment paper over them. Now, channel your inner chef and use a meat mallet or even a rolling pin to gently pound the chicken pieces to an even thickness. This ensures they cook uniformly. Once pounded, cut each piece in half vertically.
4. Marinade Time: Tumble the prepared chicken pieces into a large, shallow bowl. Sprinkle over the sweet paprika, onion powder, black pepper, tamari (or soy sauce), brown sugar, and olive oil. Using tongs (or clean hands!), toss everything together gently but thoroughly, ensuring each piece of chicken is beautifully coated in the marinade.
5. Arrange for Success: Carefully place the marinated chicken pieces onto your prepared baking tray. Make sure they are not overlapping. This is super important! If the chicken pieces are crowded, they’ll steam instead of browning, and we’re aiming for that gorgeous, caramelized crust. Give them their own space to shine!
6. Glaze It Up: Grab that reserved quarter of the bang bang sauce. Using a pastry brush, gently brush this delicious glaze all over the tops of the chicken pieces. Get a nice, even layer.
7. Bake to Perfection: Pop that tray into your preheated oven. Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the chicken is golden brown, wonderfully caramelized, and cooked all the way through. You want it to look incredibly appetizing!
8. Serve & Enjoy: Once baked, remove the Bang Bang Chicken from the oven. Serve it hot alongside fluffy steamed rice, shredded red cabbage, grated carrots, and sliced cucumber for a delightful crunch and freshness. Drizzle the remaining bang bang sauce generously over the top and finish with a sprinkle of sliced spring onions for a pop of color and mild oniony bite.

Expert Tips & Techniques for Bang Bang Chicken Success

Want to elevate your Bang Bang Chicken game even further? I’ve got a few tricks up my sleeve!

• Even Thickness is Key: Remember pounding the chicken? This isn’t just about making it tender; it’s crucial for even cooking. No one likes a piece of chicken that’s burnt on one end and undercooked on the other!
• Don’t Crowd the Pan! I cannot stress this enough. Giving each piece of chicken its own space on the baking tray allows the hot air to circulate, promoting that beautiful caramelization and crispy edges we love. Overcrowding leads to steaming, and that’s just not what we’re going for here.
• Sauce Consistency Check: If your bang bang sauce seems a little too thick before brushing, stir in a tiny splash of water or a bit more lime juice. If it’s too thin, don’t worry too much; it will thicken slightly as it bakes.
• Internal Temperature: For ultimate food safety and perfect doneness, use a meat thermometer. Chicken thighs are best when they reach an internal temperature of 74°C (165°F).
• Troubleshooting Greasy Chicken: If your chicken feels a bit greasy after baking, you can carefully dab away excess oil with a paper towel before serving. This is less common with thighs, but it’s a good trick to have!

Variations & Customizations for Your Bang Bang Chicken Adventure

The beauty of Bang Bang Chicken is how adaptable it is! Here are a few fun ways to mix things up:

Craving creamy comfort another night? Our creamy Boursin orzo with chicken delivers similar cozy vibes.

Serving Suggestions: Beyond the Plate

This Bang Bang Chicken is fantastic on its own, but serving it with the suggested rice and fresh veggies creates a complete, satisfying meal. The cool crunch of the red cabbage, carrots, and cucumber is the perfect counterpoint to the warm, saucy chicken.

For a heartier meal, consider adding some steamed broccoli or snap peas. If you’re making bowls, a base of quinoa or even a simple salad works beautifully. And don’t forget a sprinkle of those fresh spring onions – they really brighten everything up! This dish is so versatile, it’s perfect for everything from a casual family dinner to a fun weekend lunch. Building bowls more often? You’ll also love our creamy cottage cheese taco bowl.

Frequently Asked Questions About Bang Bang Chicken

Conclusion: Your Bang Bang Chicken Creation Awaits!

See? This Bang Bang Chicken is absolutely achievable and incredibly rewarding! It’s proof that delicious, comforting meals don’t need to be complicated. I truly hope you enjoy making and devouring this dish as much as I do. It’s a flavorful adventure that brings a little bit of joy and a whole lot of yum to your table.

Have you tried making it? I would absolutely love to hear all about your Bang Bang Chicken creations! Did you add any fun twists? How did your family like it? Please leave a comment below – sharing your cooking journey makes my day! Happy cooking, friends!