Easy Bang Bang Chicken Recipe – Fast, Flavorful & Oven-Baked

Easy Bang Bang Chicken is your new dinner BFF. If you’ve got 30 minutes and a fridge with a few basics, you’re in business. This recipe brings the heat, the sweet, and the creamy in the easiest way possible. Somewhere between a weeknight winner and a “did I really just make this at home?” moment, this dish packs a punch with a dreamy Bang Bang sauce slathered over tender chicken thighs.

Bonus? You don’t have to bust out 17 pans or deep fry anything. The magic happens in the oven, and cleanup is just as easy. Whether you’re feeding picky eaters or your own craving for something bold, Easy Bang Bang Chicken hits that happy place of flavor and ease. If you’ve been stuck in the “chicken again?” rut, this might just be your favorite twist yet.

Table of Contents

What is Easy Bang Bang Chicken?

Let’s clear the air—Easy Bang Bang Chicken isn’t a traditional dish passed down from generations. It’s more like that one recipe you find, try on a whim, and then never stop making. Typically, Bang Bang Chicken has roots in Chinese street food, where shredded chicken is served cold with a spicy peanut sauce. But the American version? Oh, it’s a whole different ride.

We’re talking about oven-baked chicken smothered in a creamy, spicy-sweet sauce made with mayo, chili sauce, honey, and lime. It’s cozy, bold, and slightly addictive. In this easy baked version, chicken thighs get all juicy and flavorful thanks to a quick marinade, and the oven does the rest. It’s the perfect blend of lazy and satisfying—no stovetop juggling or oil splatters in sight.

Reasons to Try Easy Bang Bang Chicken

If “easy” wasn’t enough of a selling point, let’s talk flavor and practicality. First, this Easy Bang Bang Chicken recipe gives you serious takeout vibes without the drive-thru regret. The sauce alone is the kind of thing you’ll want to slather on everything from wraps to roasted veggies. Second, the whole meal comes together in 30 minutes (a dream for anyone trying to beat the 6 PM meltdown).

Third, the ingredients are mostly pantry staples—no fancy stuff, no grocery scavenger hunt. If you’re trying to feed the family or impress your roommates without breaking a sweat, this is your go-to. And yes, it’s picky-eater approved. You can dial down the heat and still keep all the flavor. It’s cozy, crave-worthy, and won’t leave you with a sink full of dishes.

Ingredients Needed to Make Easy Bang Bang Chicken

• 1 cup whole-egg mayonnaise (or Greek yogurt for a lighter option)
• 1/2 cup sweet chili sauce
• 1 tablespoon sriracha (optional, for extra heat)
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
• 1.5 pounds boneless chicken thighs (or chicken breasts if preferred)
• 1 tablespoon sweet paprika (smoked works too)
• 1 teaspoon onion powder (or finely chopped fresh onions)
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 tablespoon tamari or soy sauce (tamari keeps it gluten-free)
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar (or coconut sugar)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons chopped spring onion (for garnish)

Instructions to Make Easy Bang Bang Chicken

Let’s walk through how to make Easy Bang Bang Chicken step by step, so you can feel confident every time you whip up this flavorful bake. Whether you’re a kitchen pro or just figuring out how to not overcook chicken, this guide is designed to help you turn simple ingredients into something seriously crave-worthy. Bonus: you’ll find helpful tips and internal links along the way to make this recipe even smoother.

Step 1: Preheat the Oven for a Crispy Finish

Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This ensures even cooking and that gorgeous caramelized finish on the chicken. A hot oven is key for that slightly crisp edge while keeping the inside juicy. While the oven heats, you can move on to prepping your sauce and chicken. For tips on oven safety and what kind of baking trays work best, visit our Dump and Bake Meatball Casserole post where we cover easy bakeware prep.

Step 2: Make the Creamy Bang Bang Sauce

In a medium bowl, whisk together:

• 1 cup whole-egg mayonnaise (or Greek yogurt for a lighter version)
• 1/2 cup sweet chili sauce
• 1 tablespoon sriracha (optional, adjust to taste)
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice

Mix until everything is fully blended into a smooth, creamy sauce. The balance of sweet, spicy, and tangy flavors is what makes this sauce so irresistible. Want to customize your heat level or substitute ingredients? Check out our guide to ingredient swaps in creamy chicken dishes for flavor tips that work.

Reserve about 1/4 of the sauce for brushing during baking, and keep the rest for drizzling at the end. Trust me—you’re going to want extra.

Step 3: Season and Marinate the Chicken

In a large bowl, combine:

• 1.5 pounds boneless chicken thighs (or use chicken breasts for a leaner option)
• 1 tablespoon sweet paprika
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 tablespoon tamari or soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons olive oil

Toss the chicken well so it’s fully coated with the seasonings. The blend of paprika, tamari, and brown sugar gives the chicken depth and a slightly smoky, savory base. Let the chicken marinate for at least 30 minutes. If you’re running short on time, even 10 minutes will give you decent flavor—but longer is better. Planning ahead? Prep the marinade the night before and store it in the fridge for next-day baking.

Looking for more no-fuss marinade ideas? You’ll love the tips in our Savory Chicken Parmesan Casserole, especially if you’re into Italian-inspired flavor profiles.

Step 4: Arrange Chicken on the Baking Tray

Line a baking sheet with foil or parchment paper for easy cleanup. Lay the marinated chicken in a single layer. This helps each piece cook evenly and brown beautifully. Then, using a brush or spoon, apply about 1/4 of the Bang Bang sauce to the tops of each chicken piece. This layer of sauce helps lock in flavor and creates that delicious caramelized top once baked.

If you want to give your chicken an even crispier finish, consider placing it on a wire rack over the tray. It allows heat to circulate underneath, giving your chicken a slight “oven-fried” feel—no oil splatters necessary.

Step 5: Bake the Chicken (And Finish with a Broil)

Place your tray in the preheated oven and bake for 30 minutes. Halfway through, flip the chicken so both sides get that golden finish. Check for doneness using a meat thermometer—the internal temperature should reach 165°F.

Want that slightly crisp top like you see in restaurant-style dishes? For the last 2–3 minutes of baking, switch your oven to broil mode and let the chicken brown a bit more. Just keep an eye on it—broilers can go from crispy to burnt in seconds.

Curious how to safely broil for the perfect finish? See the method we use in our Cheesy Chicken Crescent Bake.

Step 6: Finish with Sauce and Garnish

Once the chicken is fully cooked, remove it from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes. This short rest time keeps the juices locked in. Now’s the fun part—drizzle the remaining Bang Bang sauce generously over the hot chicken. Top it off with freshly chopped spring onions for a pop of color and freshness.

You can also sprinkle toasted sesame seeds or crushed peanuts if you’re going for a more “takeout at home” vibe.

What to Serve with Easy Bang Bang Chicken

This dish is a saucy star, so you’ll want something mellow on the side to soak it all up. Rice—plain, jasmine, or even coconut—is a classic pairing. Or go with a bowl of garlic noodles or roasted potatoes if you’re feeling it. Craving crunch? A simple cucumber salad or shredded cabbage slaw balances the richness like a dream. Want to make it feel like takeout night? Serve it up with Cantonese Chow Mein or toss in some steamed broccoli. Whatever you do, don’t waste that sauce—mop it up with something!

Key Tips for Making Easy Bang Bang Chicken

• Use thighs for maximum juiciness. Chicken breasts work, but can dry out quicker—just watch the bake time.
• Marinate longer if you have time. Overnight in the fridge? Even better.
• Adjust spice to taste. Skip the sriracha for kids or add extra if you like it fiery.
• Bake on a rack for crispy edges without deep frying.
• Double the sauce if you’re a dipper or plan to use leftovers in wraps or salads.

Want something just as easy but with a meatball twist? You’ll love this Dump and Bake Meatball Casserole.

Storage and Reheating Tips Easy Bang Bang Chicken

Leftovers? You’ll be thrilled you have them. Store any extra Easy Bang Bang Chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. To reheat, pop it in the oven at 350°F for about 10–12 minutes until warmed through. Microwave also works, though it may lose a little crisp. Got leftover sauce? Keep that separate—it stays fresh for a week and works on everything from roasted veggies to wraps. This recipe also freezes well. Just freeze cooked chicken (without the garnish), and when you reheat, add a fresh drizzle of sauce to bring it back to life.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Absolutely. Just keep an eye on cook time since breasts dry out quicker than thighs.

How spicy is this?
It’s pretty mild unless you add extra sriracha. Totally kid-friendly with the heat dialed down.

Can I make the sauce ahead?
Yes, and you should. It keeps for up to a week in the fridge and is great for meal prep.

Is it gluten-free?
If you use tamari instead of soy sauce, yes!

What if I don’t have sweet chili sauce?
You can make a quick version with ketchup, vinegar, sugar, and red pepper flakes, but the real deal is worth keeping on hand.

Final Thoughts

Easy Bang Bang Chicken is that midweek dinner miracle you didn’t know you needed. It’s bold, quick, and hits every flavor craving without requiring culinary gymnastics. The sauce alone could probably win awards (or at least get applause at the dinner table). So whether you’re wrangling hungry kids or just need something fast and satisfying, this recipe’s your golden ticket. Want more cozy, saucy dinners like this? Dive into our other one-dish wonders like Shrimp Casserole or Savory Chicken Parmesan Casserole. Happy cooking, friend!

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