Oh my goodness, let me tell you about bang bang chicken! It’s one of those dishes that just makes your taste buds dance with joy. The combination of creamy peanut butter, a touch of sweetness from honey, and a spicy kick from sriracha creates a flavor explosion that’s hard to resist. I remember the first time I made this dish for my friends; the aroma wafted through the kitchen, and they couldn’t wait to dig in. Trust me, it’s a crowd-pleaser! You’ll love how easy it is to whip up this delightful meal any night of the week.
Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken breast, diced into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil, for cooking
- 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter, smooth and luscious
- 1/4 cup soy sauce, for that savory depth
- 1/4 cup honey, to add a touch of sweetness
- 2 tablespoons sriracha sauce, adjust to your spice preference
- 2 green onions, chopped for garnish
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds, for a lovely crunch
How to Prepare Bang Bang Chicken
Alright, let’s dive into making this delicious bang bang chicken! It’s super simple, and I promise you’ll have dinner ready in no time. Just follow these steps, and you’ll be amazed at how quickly you whip this up!
Step 1: Heat the Oil
First things first, grab a skillet and heat up the vegetable oil over medium heat. You want it to shimmer but not smoke—this usually takes about 2-3 minutes. This is crucial because it ensures the chicken cooks evenly without sticking.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
Now, toss in those diced chicken pieces! Cook them for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they’re golden brown and no longer pink in the center. You’ll know they’re ready when they’re firm to the touch and have that lovely golden color. Yum!
Step 3: Make the Sauce
While the chicken is cooking, let’s whip up that creamy sauce! In a bowl, mix together the peanut butter, soy sauce, honey, and sriracha. Stir until it’s smooth and well-combined. You want a silky consistency that will coat the chicken beautifully.
Step 4: Combine Chicken and Sauce
Once the chicken is browned, pour that luscious sauce over it! Stir everything together, ensuring each piece is coated in that creamy goodness. Cook for another 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld. Trust me, your kitchen will smell divine!
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Finally, it’s time to plate! Garnish your bang bang chicken with the chopped green onions and sprinkle some sesame seeds on top for that extra crunch. Serve it over rice or noodles, and watch everyone dig in! Enjoy!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick to prepare—dinner is ready in just 25 minutes!
- Super easy recipe that even beginner cooks can master.
- Packed with bold flavors: creamy, spicy, and sweet all in one bite.
- Gluten-free, making it a great option for those with dietary restrictions.
- Versatile—serve it over rice, noodles, or even in lettuce wraps for a fun twist!
- Perfect for meal prep; it tastes even better the next day!
Tips for Success
Alright, let’s make sure your bang bang chicken turns out absolutely perfect! Here are some of my top tips to keep in mind:
- Adjusting Spice Levels: If you’re sensitive to heat, start with just 1 tablespoon of sriracha, then taste and add more if you can handle it! You can always add spice, but it’s tough to take it away.
- Chicken Cooking Tip: Always make sure your chicken is cooked through by cutting a piece in the thickest part. It should be juicy and no longer pink. You can also use a meat thermometer; it should read 165°F (74°C) when fully cooked.
- Resting Time: Let the chicken sit for a minute after cooking before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, keeping your chicken tender and flavorful!
- Flavor Boost: Consider adding a splash of lime juice or a sprinkle of lime zest to the sauce for a fresh twist! It brightens up the overall flavor beautifully.
- Make Ahead: This dish is fantastic for meal prep! Make a big batch, and it’ll taste even better the next day as the flavors meld together. Just store it in an airtight container in the fridge.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Got leftovers? Lucky you! Bang bang chicken stores beautifully, and it’s just as delicious the next day. To keep it fresh, let the chicken cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. You can store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. If you want to keep it longer, consider freezing it. Just make sure to use a freezer-safe container and it should last for up to 2 months.
When you’re ready to enjoy those leftovers, the best way to reheat bang bang chicken is in a skillet over medium heat. Just add a splash of water or a bit of oil to keep it moist, and stir occasionally until heated through. This usually takes about 5-7 minutes. You can also pop it in the microwave, but be careful! Heat it in short bursts, stirring in between to ensure it warms evenly without drying out. Enjoy your meal, again and again!
Nutritional Information
Let’s talk about the nutrition in this delightful bang bang chicken! Each serving is packed with flavor and balanced elements to keep you satisfied. Here’s a quick breakdown of the estimated nutritional values per serving:
- Calories: 400
- Fat: 20g
- Protein: 30g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fiber: 2g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
These values are estimates based on common ingredient brands, so they might vary slightly depending on what you use. But regardless, this bang bang chicken is a delicious way to enjoy a hearty meal without compromising on taste!
FAQ Section
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs are juicier and can add even more flavor to your bang bang chicken. Just make sure to cook them thoroughly until they reach the same internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
What can I substitute for peanut butter?
If you have a nut allergy or just prefer something else, you can use sunflower seed butter or tahini. They both offer a creamy texture and will work well in the sauce.
How spicy is this bang bang chicken?
The spiciness really depends on how much sriracha you add. If you’re not sure, start with less and taste as you go. You can always add more heat if you want that extra kick!
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes! Bang bang chicken is perfect for meal prep. Just cook it and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors actually get better as they sit!
What can I serve with bang bang chicken?
This dish is super versatile! Serve it over rice, noodles, or even in lettuce wraps for a fresh and crunchy twist. You can also pair it with steamed veggies for a complete meal!
For more delicious chicken recipes, check out this collection!
For tips on how to make the perfect peanut butter sauce, visit Serious Eats.
For a deeper dive into the nutritional benefits of chicken, check out Healthline.
Print
Bang Bang Chicken: 5 Irresistible Flavors to Savor
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A spicy and flavorful chicken dish with a creamy sauce.
Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken breast, diced
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1/2 cup peanut butter
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup honey
- 2 tablespoons sriracha sauce
- 2 green onions, chopped
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
Instructions
- Heat oil in a pan over medium heat.
- Add diced chicken and cook until browned.
- In a bowl, mix peanut butter, soy sauce, honey, and sriracha.
- Pour the sauce over the cooked chicken.
- Stir well and cook for another 5 minutes.
- Garnish with green onions and sesame seeds.
Notes
- Serve with rice or noodles.
- Adjust sriracha for desired spice level.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: bang bang chicken
