Bang Bang Chicken Salad: A Perfect Balance of Crunch, Spice, and Freshness
Bang Bang Chicken Salad is the ultimate combination of bold flavors, refreshing textures, and vibrant colors. Crisp lettuce and fresh vegetables form a crunchy base, while tender, lightly breaded chicken adds a savory, satisfying element. The signature bang bang sauce brings a perfect balance of sweet, spicy, and creamy, elevating a simple salad into a flavor-packed meal.
Perfect for lunch, dinner, or meal prep, this salad delivers both nutrition and excitement in every bite. The crunch of fresh vegetables, the juiciness of perfectly cooked chicken, and the zing of a spicy-sweet dressing create a dish that’s not only delicious but also visually appealing. With minimal effort, you can enjoy a restaurant-quality salad at home that’s light, yet indulgent enough to satisfy cravings.
Ingredients Needed
Below is a table of ingredients with approximate calorie counts:
| Ingredient | Amount | Estimated Calories |
|---|---|---|
| Boneless skinless chicken breasts | 1 lb | 500 kcal |
| Lettuce (romaine or mixed greens) | 4 cups | 30 kcal |
| Red bell pepper (sliced) | 1 | 25 kcal |
| Cucumber (sliced) | 1 medium | 16 kcal |
| Carrots (shredded) | 1 cup | 50 kcal |
| Green onions (chopped) | 2 tbsp | 5 kcal |
| Almonds or peanuts (chopped) | ¼ cup | 200 kcal |
| Rice vinegar | 2 tbsp | 3 kcal |
| Honey | 1 tbsp | 60 kcal |
| Mayonnaise | ¼ cup | 360 kcal |
| Sriracha sauce | 2 tbsp | 30 kcal |
| Soy sauce | 1 tbsp | 10 kcal |
| Garlic powder | ½ tsp | 2 kcal |
| Salt & pepper | To taste | 0 kcal |
| Olive oil | 1 tbsp | 120 kcal |
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
1. Prepare the Chicken
Cut chicken breasts into bite-sized strips. Season lightly with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
2. Cook the Chicken
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Cook chicken strips until golden brown and fully cooked, about 5–7 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
3. Prepare the Salad Base
In a large bowl, combine chopped lettuce, sliced red bell pepper, cucumber, shredded carrots, and green onions. Toss gently to mix.
4. Make the Bang Bang Dressing
In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, Sriracha sauce, honey, rice vinegar, and soy sauce until smooth and creamy. Adjust the spice level by adding more or less Sriracha.
5. Assemble the Salad
Place the cooked chicken strips on top of the salad base. Drizzle generously with the bang bang dressing. Sprinkle with chopped almonds or peanuts for extra crunch.
6. Serve
Toss lightly to combine before serving, or leave the chicken and dressing on top for presentation. Serve immediately for maximum freshness.
Tips for Customizing the Recipe
- Protein Options: Swap chicken for shrimp, tofu, or grilled salmon.
- Vegetable Variations: Add avocado, cherry tomatoes, or snap peas for extra flavor.
- Spice Level: Adjust Sriracha in the dressing for more or less heat.
- Nut-Free Version: Omit nuts or replace with crispy fried wonton strips.
- Make it Lighter: Use Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise in the dressing.
Nutritional Information
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | ~455 kcal |
| Protein | ~35 g |
| Carbohydrates | ~20 g |
| Fat | ~28 g |
| Fiber | ~4 g |
| Sugar | ~10 g |
| Sodium | Moderate (depends on soy sauce) |
Serving Suggestions
- Serve as a light lunch with a side of whole-grain bread or crackers.
- Pair with brown rice or quinoa to make it more filling.
- Garnish with extra fresh herbs like cilantro or basil for a flavor boost.
- Add a lime wedge on the side for extra zest.
Bang Bang Chicken Salad: A Perfect Balance of Crunch, Spice, and Freshness
4
servings15
minutes10
minutes455
kcalIngredients
1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into strips
4 cups lettuce (romaine or mixed greens)
1 red bell pepper, sliced
1 medium cucumber, sliced
1 cup shredded carrots
2 tbsp green onions, chopped
¼ cup almonds or peanuts, chopped
2 tbsp rice vinegar
1 tbsp honey
¼ cup mayonnaise
2 tbsp Sriracha sauce
1 tbsp soy sauce
½ tsp garlic powder
1 tbsp olive oil
Salt & pepper, to taste
Directions
- Prepare the Chicken
- Season chicken strips with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
- Cook the Chicken
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Cook chicken until golden and fully cooked, about 5–7 minutes. Let cool slightly.
- Prepare the Salad Base
- In a large bowl, combine lettuce, bell pepper, cucumber, shredded carrots, and green onions.
- Make the Bang Bang Dressing
- In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, Sriracha, honey, rice vinegar, and soy sauce until smooth.
- Assemble the Salad
- Place cooked chicken on top of the salad. Drizzle with bang bang dressing. Sprinkle chopped almonds or peanuts for crunch.
- Serve
- Toss lightly before serving, or leave chicken and dressing on top for presentation. Serve immediately.
Recipe Video
Notes
- For best flavor, cook the chicken until golden and fully cooked before adding to the salad.
Adjust the spice level by adding more or less Sriracha in the dressing.
Use Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise for a lighter, healthier version.
FAQs
1. Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes! Prepare the vegetables and dressing separately and store in the fridge. Cook the chicken just before serving or reheat slightly. Combine everything right before eating to keep the salad crisp.
2. Can I use pre-cooked chicken?
Absolutely. Rotisserie chicken or leftover grilled chicken works well. Just slice it and add it to the salad when assembling.
3. How can I make the dressing lighter?
Swap mayonnaise for Greek yogurt or use half mayonnaise and half yogurt to reduce fat while keeping creaminess.
4. Can I make this salad nut-free?
Yes. Simply omit the almonds or peanuts or replace them with crunchy tortilla strips or crispy wontons.
5. How spicy is the bang bang dressing?
The heat comes from Sriracha. Adjust the amount to your taste—start with less and add more for a spicier kick.
Conclusion
Bang Bang Chicken Salad combines freshness, crunch, and a creamy, spicy kick in one satisfying dish. It’s perfect for quick lunches, family dinners, or meal prep, offering both nutrition and indulgence. With simple ingredients and customizable options, this salad can be adapted to suit any taste, making it a versatile and delicious addition to your recipe collection. Enjoy a refreshing, flavorful meal that delights both the eyes and the palate.
