Bang Bang Chicken – Crispy, Spicy Sichuan-Style Chicken Bites
Bang Bang Chicken is a classic Sichuan dish made with tender poached chicken, tossed in a spicy sesame-chili sauce, and served chilled over crisp veggies or noodles. A nutty, spicy, and satisfying cold appetizer or light meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 2–4 servings 1x
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tbsp Chinese sesame paste (or tahini + sesame oil)
- 1 ½ tbsp chili oil with sediment
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar or black vinegar
- 1 tsp sugar or honey
- 1–2 tbsp water (to thin sauce)
- Optional: 1/4 tsp ground Sichuan peppercorns
- Garnish: sliced cucumber, roasted peanuts, scallions, cilantro
Instructions
- Poach chicken in simmering water or broth for 12–15 minutes. Let rest, then shred into strips.
- In a bowl, whisk together sesame paste, chili oil, soy sauce, vinegar, sugar, and water until smooth.
- Layer cucumbers or lettuce on a plate. Add shredded chicken. Drizzle sauce over top.
- Garnish with peanuts, scallions, and cilantro. Serve chilled or at room temperature.
Notes
Use rotisserie chicken for a shortcut. Add cold noodles for a fuller meal. Adjust spice and sweetness to taste.