bang bang chicken sauce recipe
The Best bang bang chicken sauce recipe
I have been making bang bang chicken sauce for years now, and it is one of those recipes that always gets rave reviews from my family. My kids absolutely love the creamy, spicy, and slightly sweet flavor that coats the chicken perfectly. It is a go to dish for busy weeknights because it comes together so quickly, but it also feels special enough to serve when we have guests over for dinner.
The sauce is what makes this dish so amazing, with a wonderful balance of heat from chili garlic sauce and creaminess from mayonnaise and sweetened condensed milk. This bang bang chicken sauce recipe is inspired by the popular dish from the Bonefish Grill restaurant, but I have simplified it for home cooking. The sauce has a beautiful pale orange color and a thick, luscious texture that clings to every piece of chicken.
When you take a bite, you get that initial kick of spice that is quickly followed by a cool, creamy finish. It is the kind of sauce that makes you want to lick the plate clean, and I have caught my husband doing just that more than once. The key to making this sauce at home is to get the proportions right between the spicy and creamy elements.
I like to use a good quality mayonnaise as the base, then add sweet chili sauce for sweetness and a bit of heat, and sriracha or chili garlic sauce for extra kick. A little bit of rice vinegar adds brightness, and a splash of sweetened condensed milk gives it that signature richness. The beauty of this recipe is that you can adjust the spice level to suit your family’s taste, making it milder for the kids or spicier for the adults.
One of the reasons I love this recipe is that it is incredibly versatile. You can use the sauce on crispy fried chicken tenders, grilled chicken breasts, or even as a dipping sauce for shrimp or vegetables. It is also a healthier option compared to many takeout sauces because you control the ingredients and can use light mayonnaise or Greek yogurt to cut down on calories.
Plus, it takes only about five minutes to whisk together, which is perfect for those days when you need dinner on the table fast. My family asks for this dish at least once a week, and I am happy to oblige because it makes everyone smile.
Bang Bang Chicken Sauce Recipe
This creamy, spicy, and slightly sweet bang bang chicken sauce is the perfect accompaniment to crispy chicken tenders or grilled chicken. It comes together in just minutes with simple pantry ingredients and delivers restaurant quality flavor at home.
🥘Ingredients
For the Sauce
👨🍳Directions
🔧Equipment
📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)
📝Notes
Watch Video Of How Bang Bang Chicken Sauce Recipe Works
This bang bang chicken sauce recipe is always a good idea for any occasion because it is so easy to make and pleases just about everyone. I love that I can whip it up in five minutes and have a delicious sauce that makes plain chicken feel like a special meal.
It works perfectly for family gatherings because you can set out a bowl of sauce alongside crispy chicken tenders and let everyone help themselves. To store leftover sauce, simply transfer it to a jar or container with a tight lid and keep it in the refrigerator for up to a week.
When you are ready to use it again, let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes and stir well. For serving, I like to drizzle the sauce over grilled chicken breasts or use it as a dip for crunchy chicken strips.
You can also toss it with shredded chicken and serve it on lettuce wraps for a lighter meal. No matter how you use it, this sauce brings a burst of flavor that your family will love.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Bang Bang Chicken Sauce
1. Can I make bang bang chicken sauce ahead of time?
Yes, you can make this sauce up to a week in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator, and give it a good stir before using. The flavors actually meld together nicely over time.
2. How can I make this sauce less spicy?
To reduce the heat, simply use less sriracha or chili garlic sauce. You can start with one tablespoon and adjust to your taste. Adding a little extra mayonnaise or sweetened condensed milk will also help mellow the spice.
3. What can I use instead of sweetened condensed milk?
If you do not have sweetened condensed milk, you can substitute with honey or maple syrup. Start with one tablespoon and adjust sweetness to your preference. The texture will be slightly thinner but still delicious.
4. Is this sauce gluten free?
Most brands of mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, and sriracha are gluten free, but always check the labels to be sure. Rice vinegar and sweetened condensed milk are naturally gluten free. This sauce is generally safe for a gluten free diet.
5. Can I use this sauce for other dishes?
Absolutely. This bang bang sauce is incredibly versatile. Use it as a dipping sauce for shrimp, spring rolls, or french fries. It also makes a great dressing for Asian inspired salads or a spread for sandwiches and wraps.