Chicken Bang Bang is a captivating dish that brings together tender chicken with a bold, spicy, and creamy sauce. This delicacy hails from Sichuan cuisine, a region in China known for its daring and flavourful culinary creations. The dish draws its intriguing name, “Bang Bang,” from the traditional method of preparing the chicken by pounding it to achieve a tender, shredded texture. This preparation enhances its ability to absorb the unique and delicious flavours of the sauce, making every bite a memorable experience.
The heart of Chicken Bang Bang lies in its sauce, a symphony of robust ingredients that meld together to create a distinctively spicy and savoury taste. The key ingredients include peanut butter, dark soy sauce, and chilli sauce, each bringing its unique profile to the mix. Peanut butter, often considered an unusual addition to savoury dishes, adds a creamy richness that balances the heat of the chilli sauce. It brings a mildly sweet, nutty depth, creating a delightful contrast with the other elements. Meanwhile, the dark soy sauce contributes a deep, umami flavour that enhances the overall complexity, lending an earthy, salty touch to the dish.
What sets Chicken Bang Bang apart from other chicken-based dishes is its spiciness, which is notably intense yet enjoyable. The sauce, although fiery, is well-balanced, with the heat being offset by the creamy texture of peanut butter and the natural sweetness of dark soy sauce. The chilli sauce infuses the dish with a lively heat that builds gradually, creating a tantalising experience for the palate without overwhelming it. This makes the dish a favourite among spice enthusiasts who appreciate a meal with a kick yet crave a harmony of flavours.
The texture of the chicken in Bang Bang is also key to its allure. Traditionally, the chicken is torn apart to create a shredded consistency, which allows it to absorb the sauce more thoroughly. This texture, combined with the robust sauce, makes every bite a burst of flavour. It’s a dish that encourages savouring, with each mouthful bringing a slightly different balance of salty, sweet, spicy, and umami flavours.
While Chicken Bang Bang is well-loved in its native China, it has found admirers worldwide. Its vibrant flavours and rich texture make it an excellent choice for those who enjoy a bold, adventurous meal. Whether enjoyed as part of a larger meal or as a standalone treat, Chicken Bang Bang is a dish that captures the essence of Sichuan cuisine: a thrilling balance of heat and flavour, complexity and comfort. It’s a dish that, once tried, is rarely forgotten – a true testament to the creative and diverse world of Chinese culinary traditions.
This wonderful dish is perfect to be served with a simple salad or coleslaw or included in a wrap with ripe plum tomatoes.
Chicken Bang Bang
Chicken Bang Bang is a tantalising Sichuan-inspired dish featuring tender, shredded chicken coated in a creamy, spicy peanut sauce. It’s a delightful combination of heat, sweetness, and umami that will satisfy any lover of bold flavours. Quick and easy, this dish is perfect for anyone seeking a unique, flavourful meal.
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Servings: 4 People
Calories: 228kcal
Ingredients
- 2 large chicken breasts or cooked
- 2 tbsp peanut butter smooth
- 1 tbsp dark soy sauce
- 1 tbsp chilli sauce adjust to taste
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar or lime juice
- 1 clove garlic minced
- 1 tsp ginger finely grated
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 1 tsp sugar for added sweetness
- salt to taste
- pepper to taste
- 1 large spring onions chopped
- 1/2 tsp sesame seeds toasted
Instructions
- Bring a pot of water to a boil, season it with salt, and add the chicken breasts. Simmer for 10–12 minutes or until fully cooked. Remove the chicken and let it cool slightly, then use a rolling pin or mallet to gently pound and shred the chicken.2 large chicken breasts
- In a mixing bowl, combine the peanut butter, dark soy sauce, chilli sauce, rice vinegar or lime juice, garlic, ginger, sesame oil and sugar. Stir well until the sauce is smooth and consistent, adjusting the chilli sauce for your desired spice level.2 tbsp peanut butter, 1 tbsp dark soy sauce, 1 tbsp chilli sauce, 1 tbsp rice vinegar, 1 clove garlic, 1 tsp ginger, 1 tsp sugar, 1 tbsp sesame oil
- Toss the shredded chicken in the sauce until well-coated. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.salt, pepper
- Transfer the chicken to a serving plate, garnish with sliced spring onions and toasted sesame seeds. Enjoy as a main dish or as a flavourful starter!1 large spring onions, 1/2 tsp sesame seeds
Notes
Tip:
Serve Chicken Bang Bang with steamed rice or noodles to soak up the spicy, creamy sauce!
Serve Chicken Bang Bang with steamed rice or noodles to soak up the spicy, creamy sauce!
Nutrition
Calories: 228kcal | Carbohydrates: 6g | Protein: 26g | Fat: 11g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 3g | Monounsaturated Fat: 4g | Trans Fat: 0.01g | Cholesterol: 72mg | Sodium: 353mg | Potassium: 501mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 4g | Vitamin A: 96IU | Vitamin C: 3mg | Calcium: 19mg | Iron: 1mg
10 comments
I loved how the shredded chicken absorbed the sauce, making every bite packed with flavour.
As someone who loves spicy food, Chicken Bang Bang did not disappoint
I was curious about this dish and was pleasantly surprised.
This dish is a delightful twist on Sichuan flavours, with a good amount of heat balanced by a creamy, rich sauce.
This was lovely but think crunchy peanut butter would be better. The flavours are exquisite.
Chicken Bang Bang is hands down one of the most flavourful dishes I’ve tried. The combination of peanut butter with soy and chilli sauce is just perfect—creamy, spicy, and deeply savoury all at once.
It was surprisingly easy to prepare, and serving it with jasmine rice was perfect.
It’s hearty and comforting, especially when paired with rice noodles.
I enjoyed the overall taste of Chicken Bang Bang, especially the combination of peanut butter and soy sauce. However, it was a bit too spicy for my taste.
he sauce is fiery but perfectly balanced with the nuttiness from the peanut butter and the depth of soy sauce. Paired with a cucumber salad, it makes for an exciting, satisfying meal.