If you love dishes that bring a perfect harmony of creamy, spicy, and savory flavors all baked into one fabulous meal, this Bang Bang Chicken Bake Recipe is going to be your new favorite. It’s an incredibly simple recipe that combines tender chicken cubes with a luscious blend of mayonnaise and sweet chili sauce, enhanced by garlic and onion powders, then baked to golden perfection. The result is a dish that’s bursting with bold flavors and pleasing textures, perfect for a weeknight dinner or sharing with friends. With minimal prep and only a handful of ingredients, this recipe strikes just the right balance between ease and excitement in the kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Bang Bang Chicken Bake Recipe keeps things straightforward with a few key ingredients, each thoughtfully chosen to build layers of flavor and irresistible texture. Every component plays a vital role, from the juicy chicken breasts to the rich mayonnaise and sweet chili sauce, culminating in a perfect harmony that’s both creamy and spicy.
- Chicken breast (2 pounds): Cubed for quick and even cooking, providing a tender base to soak up flavors.
- Whole-Egg Mayonnaise (1/2 cup): Adds creaminess and binds the sauce to the chicken for a luscious coating.
- Sweet chili sauce (1/2 cup): Brings a delightful sweet heat that’s essential to the bang bang flavor profile.
- Garlic powder (1 teaspoon): Infuses a subtle but aromatic depth that elevates every bite.
- Onion powder (1 teaspoon): Adds a savory sweetness that balances the spicy kick.
- Salt and pepper (to taste): Essential for seasoning and enhancing the natural flavors.
- Green onions, chopped (for garnish): Offers a fresh, vibrant crunch and a pop of color to finish the dish beautifully.
How to Make Bang Bang Chicken Bake Recipe
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Start by setting your oven to 375°F (190°C). Warming it up beforehand ensures your chicken bakes evenly and gets that gorgeous, slightly golden top that’s just irresistible.
Step 2: Mix the Flavorful Coating
In a large bowl, combine the cubed chicken with whole-egg mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. This mixture is the heart of your Bang Bang Chicken Bake Recipe, and mixing it well ensures every juicy piece is coated with creamy, spicy goodness.
Step 3: Coat the Chicken Thoroughly
Use a spoon or your hands to mix until the chicken is completely covered with the sauce. This step makes sure each bite will deliver that signature creamy, spicy flavor that Bang Bang Chicken fans adore.
Step 4: Transfer to Baking Dish
Spread the mixture evenly in a baking dish. Distributing the chicken uniformly helps it cook at the same rate so your bake comes out perfectly tender in every spot.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Bake for 25-30 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and the top starts to turn a light golden brown. This baking time allows the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken up beautifully, creating a slightly crispy finish around the edges.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Once out of the oven, sprinkle the chopped green onions on top. They add a fresh, crisp contrast to the creamy chicken and brighten the whole dish both visually and taste-wise.
How to Serve Bang Bang Chicken Bake Recipe
Garnishes
Adding fresh green onions as a garnish is the classic finish for this Bang Bang Chicken Bake Recipe. If you want to get creative, try a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds or a dash of freshly chopped cilantro to introduce an extra layer of aroma and texture.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs wonderfully with simple sides that soak up its rich sauce. Think fluffy steamed rice, creamy mashed potatoes, or even buttered noodles to keep the focus on the bold, creamy chicken. A crisp side salad or roasted veggies can also bring balance and freshness to the meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the Bang Bang Chicken Bake Recipe over crispy tortilla chips as a comforting nacho dish, or layer it on toasted bread for an indulgent open-faced sandwich. It also makes a stellar filling for wraps or tortillas when you want something handheld and casual.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Bang Bang Chicken Bake can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The flavors actually deepen slightly overnight, making for delicious next-day meals.
Freezing
If you want to save some for later, this recipe freezes beautifully. Place cooled portions in freezer-safe containers and store for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating to preserve texture and taste.
Reheating
For the best results, reheat leftovers in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through to keep the chicken moist and the topping slightly crisp. Microwave reheating works too if you’re in a hurry, but may affect texture slightly.
FAQs
Can I use other cuts of chicken for this recipe?
Absolutely! While cubed chicken breast is recommended for quick cooking and tenderness, you can use chicken thighs if you prefer juicier meat. Just adjust the baking time slightly to ensure thorough cooking.
Is this dish very spicy?
The sweet chili sauce gives this Bang Bang Chicken Bake Recipe a gentle kick rather than intense heat. If you like it spicier, simply add a pinch of cayenne pepper or use a hotter chili sauce to suit your taste.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes! This recipe is naturally dairy-free since it relies on mayonnaise and sweet chili sauce rather than cheese or cream. Just be sure to choose a dairy-free mayonnaise to keep it suitable.
What can I substitute for sweet chili sauce?
If you don’t have sweet chili sauce on hand, you can mix together honey or sugar, a bit of chili flakes, and some vinegar to create a similar flavor. There are also store-bought alternatives like Sriracha mixed with a touch of sweetness.
How thick should the sauce coating be on the chicken?
The sauce should lightly but fully coat each piece of chicken, enough to cling but not drown it. This ensures every bite is flavorful without becoming soggy, especially after baking.
Final Thoughts
Trying the Bang Bang Chicken Bake Recipe will quickly show you how a handful of simple ingredients can come together to create something spectacularly tasty and satisfying. It’s perfect for busy nights when you want fuss-free cooking but crave big flavors. Once you try this dish, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without such a creamy, spicy, and comforting baked chicken in your rotation. So grab your ingredients and get ready to wow your taste buds and anyone lucky enough to share your table!
Print
Bang Bang Chicken Bake Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 to 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Bang Bang Chicken Bake is a delightful and easy-to-make dish featuring tender cubed chicken coated in a creamy and sweet chili sauce mixture, baked to perfection. With a slightly golden top and a fresh garnish of chopped green onions, it offers a perfect balance of creamy, spicy, and savory flavors ideal for a quick family dinner or meal prep.
Ingredients
Chicken Mixture
- 2 pounds chicken breast, cubed
- 1/2 cup Whole-Egg Mayonnaise
- 1/2 cup sweet chili sauce
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Garnish
- Green onions, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the chicken.
- Mix Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cubed chicken breast with whole-egg mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper, ensuring all the seasonings are included.
- Coat the Chicken: Mix well until the chicken pieces are evenly coated with the mayonnaise and chili sauce mixture, ensuring every bite is flavorful.
- Prepare for Baking: Transfer the coated chicken mixture into a baking dish, spreading it out evenly to ensure uniform cooking.
- Bake the Chicken: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked thoroughly and the top turns slightly golden brown.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove the bake from the oven and garnish with freshly chopped green onions for a burst of color and freshness before serving. Enjoy!
Notes
- Make sure the chicken is cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for safety.
- You can substitute sweet chili sauce with a homemade mix of chili sauce and honey for a customized sweetness.
- For a spicier version, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the chicken mixture.
- Serve with steamed rice or a side salad for a complete meal.
