Bang Bang Chicken Bake

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I’ve always loved meals that manage to feel indulgent but still come together with minimal effort. That’s exactly what drew me to this Bang Bang Chicken Bake. It’s one of those weeknight recipes that tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen, yet everything comes together in a single baking dish. The sweet heat of the sauce, the perfectly tender chicken, and that signature golden finish—it’s everything I crave in a comforting yet exciting dinner.

The sauce is the true hero here: a blend of creamy, tangy, and spicy that clings to the chicken in the most mouthwatering way. Whether you’re familiar with the bold flavors of traditional bang bang sauce or you’re discovering it for the first time, this baked version is a total game-changer. It’s easy to make, incredibly satisfying, and just as perfect for casual family dinners as it is for impressing guests.

Why You’ll Love This Bang Bang Chicken Bake

This recipe brings together the irresistible flavors of classic bang bang chicken—creamy, spicy, and slightly sweet—with the ease of a baked dish. No frying, no mess, just a straightforward bake that delivers big flavor. It’s great for meal prepping, picky eaters tend to love it, and it reheats beautifully for leftovers.

What Kind of Chicken Should I Use?

I prefer using boneless, skinless chicken breasts for this dish because they bake evenly and soak up the sauce beautifully. That said, boneless thighs work great if you’re looking for a juicier option with a bit more flavor. Just be sure to adjust the bake time slightly, since thighs may need a few extra minutes.

Options for Substitutions

If you’re out of sweet chili sauce, mixing honey with a bit of sriracha can give you a similar sweet-and-spicy profile. For a dairy-free version, swap out mayo with a plant-based alternative or even full-fat coconut yogurt. Want it less spicy? Reduce or skip the sriracha entirely and rely on the chili sauce for a gentler heat. You can also try it with tofu or cauliflower steaks for a vegetarian spin.

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Ingredients for this Bang Bang Chicken Bake

Chicken breasts – Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are ideal here. They bake evenly and soak up the rich sauce without drying out.

Mayonnaise – This provides the creamy base for the bang bang sauce, binding the sweet and spicy components together.

Sweet chili sauce – Adds that signature sweetness with a gentle heat. It’s the star of the flavor profile.

Sriracha – For a bold kick, sriracha brings the heat that balances the sweetness of the chili sauce.

Garlic powder – A touch of garlic powder deepens the flavor without overpowering the sauce.

Paprika – This gives a warm, smoky undertone to the chicken and enhances the color as it bakes.

Salt and pepper – To season the chicken and heighten the other flavors.

Olive oil – Helps sear or coat the chicken lightly before baking, enhancing moisture and browning.

Fresh parsley (optional) – For garnish, it adds a pop of freshness and color right before serving.

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Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a large baking dish or line it with parchment paper for easier cleanup.

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Step 2: Season the Chicken

Pat your chicken breasts dry with paper towels. Season both sides generously with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. This builds a base layer of flavor even before the sauce goes on.

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Step 3: Make the Bang Bang Sauce

In a small bowl, mix together mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, and sriracha. Stir until the mixture is completely smooth and creamy. Taste and adjust the heat level to your liking.

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Step 4: Coat the Chicken

Place the seasoned chicken breasts in the prepared baking dish. Spoon or brush the bang bang sauce generously over each piece. Make sure they’re well coated but still sitting in a single layer.

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Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Transfer the dish to the oven and bake uncovered for 25-30 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (75°C). Baste the chicken with the sauce halfway through for an extra flavorful finish.

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Step 6: Optional Broil

If you want a lightly caramelized top, switch to broil for the final 2-3 minutes of cooking. Watch closely to prevent burning.

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Step 7: Garnish and Serve

Once baked, remove from the oven and let rest for 5 minutes. Sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley for a bright, fresh touch before serving.

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How Long to Prepare the Bang Bang Chicken Bake

Preparation Time: You’ll need about 10–15 minutes to get everything ready. That includes trimming and seasoning the chicken, mixing the bang bang sauce, and arranging everything in the baking dish.

Cooking Time: Once it hits the oven, expect it to bake for 25–30 minutes. If you’re using thicker chicken breasts or swapping for boneless thighs, you might need to add an extra 5 minutes. A quick broil at the end adds a golden finish.

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Tips for Perfect Bang Bang Chicken Bake

• Pound the chicken evenly to ensure it bakes at the same rate and stays juicy.
• Use a meat thermometer to avoid overbaking—165°F (75°C) is your target.
• Adjust sauce heat to your taste: more sriracha for spice lovers, or a bit of honey to mellow it out.
• Let it rest before slicing so juices stay locked in.
• Broil at the end for 2-3 minutes to caramelize the sauce slightly.

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Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

• Not drying the chicken: Moisture prevents seasoning from sticking and can water down the sauce.
• Overcrowding the dish: Leave space between breasts so they bake evenly.
• Skipping the seasoning step: You want that seasoned base flavor under the sauce.
• Overcooking: Dry chicken can ruin this dish. Check with a thermometer!
• Using cold chicken: Let it come to room temp for 10–15 mins before baking.

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What to Serve With Bang Bang Chicken Bake?

1. Steamed Jasmine Rice

Light, fluffy rice perfectly absorbs the flavorful sauce.

2. Garlic Butter Noodles

Simple and buttery, they balance the bold sauce with mild richness.

3. Roasted Broccoli

Adds crunch and freshness, plus it roasts easily in the oven alongside the chicken.

4. Cucumber Salad

Cool, crisp, and refreshing—a great contrast to the spicy creaminess.

5. Sweet Corn or Cornbread

A subtle sweetness that plays well with the chili kick of the dish.

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Storage Instructions

Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through or microwave in 1-minute bursts.

Freezer: Freeze fully cooked chicken in a sealed container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat in the oven for best texture. Note that the sauce may separate slightly but will still taste great.

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Estimated Nutrition

These are general estimates per serving (based on 4 servings):

• Calories: ~390
• Protein: 38g
• Carbohydrates: 9g
• Fat: 22g
• Saturated Fat: 3.5g
• Sugar: 6g
• Fiber: 0g
• Sodium: 550mg
• Cholesterol: 95mg

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Frequently Asked Questions

How spicy is this dish?

It’s moderately spicy. You can reduce the sriracha or add more sweet chili sauce to make it milder.

Can I prep this ahead of time?

Yes! Season and sauce the chicken, then cover and refrigerate up to a day in advance.

Can I use frozen chicken?

You can, but make sure it’s completely thawed before baking or the texture will be off and the bake time will be inconsistent.

Is this dish gluten-free?

It can be! Just check the labels on your chili sauce and mayo to ensure they’re certified gluten-free.

Can I make it in an air fryer?

Yes, you can cook the chicken in an air fryer at 375°F for about 18–20 minutes. Add sauce halfway and again at the end.

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Conclusion

Bang Bang Chicken Bake is one of those recipes that manages to be bold, comforting, and incredibly easy all at once. With just a few everyday ingredients and one baking dish, you get a saucy, satisfying dinner that’s both weeknight-friendly and dinner-party worthy. Whether you’re new to bang bang flavors or a long-time fan, this version is sure to become a regular in your rotation.

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