Fresh, crunchy, and drizzled with a creamy, spicy-sweet dressing, Bang Bang Chicken Salad is the kind of dish that makes you fall in love with salads all over again. Juicy pieces of chicken tossed with crisp vegetables and topped with a sauce that’s both fiery and velvety create a perfect harmony of flavors and textures. It’s a salad that doesn’t feel like “just a salad” — it feels like a meal worth savoring.

Behind the Recipe

This recipe was born out of a craving for something refreshing yet indulgent. Inspired by the famous Bang Bang shrimp sauce, I wanted to recreate those bold flavors in a lighter, wholesome way. Chicken was the perfect choice — lean, satisfying, and a great canvas for the creamy chili-garlic dressing. What started as a quick lunch experiment quickly became one of my go-to dishes for busy weeknights and casual gatherings.

Recipe Origin or Trivia

The term “Bang Bang” comes from a popular street food dish in China where chicken was pounded with a stick to tenderize it. Later, American restaurants popularized “Bang Bang Shrimp” with a creamy chili sauce. Today, the Bang Bang style has expanded into everything from tacos to salads, always showcasing that addictive combination of sweet heat and creamy richness. This salad is a modern twist that celebrates global flavors in a fresh, healthy form.

Why You’ll Love Bang Bang Chicken Salad

This one is a total game-changer — here’s why it’s about to become a favorite:

Versatile: Perfect as a light lunch, hearty dinner, or even meal prep option.
Budget-Friendly: Uses simple ingredients like chicken breast and fresh veggies.
Quick and Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes with minimal prep.
Customizable: Adjust the spice level or switch up the veggies to your taste.
Crowd-Pleasing: The creamy, spicy sauce makes even salad skeptics happy.
Make-Ahead Friendly: Prep components ahead and assemble when ready to eat.
Great for Leftovers: Store the chicken and dressing separately for easy reassembly.

Chef’s Pro Tips for Perfect Results

For salad that’s fresh and bold every time:

Grill or pan-sear the chicken for smoky flavor before slicing.
Chill the veggies before tossing for maximum crunch.
Whisk the dressing until smooth and creamy — no lumps!
Toss the salad with half the dressing first, then drizzle more on top.
For extra kick, add a squeeze of lime over the finished dish.

Kitchen Tools You’ll Need

No fancy gadgets here — just kitchen basics:

Mixing Bowls: For tossing the dressing and salad.
Whisk: To emulsify the sauce to creamy perfection.
Skillet or Grill Pan: To cook the chicken evenly.
Cutting Board and Knife: For chopping vegetables and slicing chicken.
Tongs: Handy for tossing the salad.

Ingredients in Bang Bang Chicken Salad

Every element comes together to make this salad exciting and satisfying.

1. Chicken Breasts (boneless, skinless): 1 pound — Lean protein base of the salad.
2. Mixed Greens (romaine, spinach, arugula): 5 cups — Adds freshness, color, and crunch.
3. Red Bell Pepper (sliced): 1 medium — Sweet and crisp contrast to the spice.
4. Carrot (shredded): 1 large — Adds vibrant crunch.
5. Cucumber (sliced): 1 medium — Refreshing and cooling against the dressing.
6. Red Cabbage (shredded): 1 cup — Provides color and extra crunch.
7. Green Onions (sliced): 2 — Mild onion flavor that brightens the dish.
8. Greek Yogurt (plain): 1/2 cup — Creamy base for the Bang Bang sauce.
9. Mayonnaise: 2 tablespoons — Adds richness and smooth texture to the dressing.
10. Sweet Chili Sauce: 3 tablespoons — Sweet heat foundation of the sauce.
11. Sriracha or Hot Sauce: 1–2 tablespoons — Adjust to your spice preference.
12. Garlic Powder: 1/2 teaspoon — Adds savory depth.
13. Honey: 1 teaspoon — Balances the spice with sweetness.
14. Salt and Black Pepper: To taste — Rounds out the flavors.
15. Olive Oil: 1 tablespoon — For cooking the chicken.

Ingredient Substitutions

Don’t worry if you’re missing a few things — here are easy swaps:

Chicken Breasts: Use chicken thighs or even grilled shrimp.
Greek Yogurt: Swap with sour cream for a tangier flavor.
Sweet Chili Sauce: Use honey mixed with hot sauce for a quick substitute.
Mixed Greens: Try kale, iceberg, or romaine hearts.

Ingredient Spotlight

Sweet Chili Sauce: The secret behind the Bang Bang dressing, it combines sweetness, mild heat, and stickiness that ties everything together.
Greek Yogurt: Keeps the sauce creamy but lighter than an all-mayo base, while adding protein.

Instructions for Making Bang Bang Chicken Salad

This salad comes together quickly — here’s how to make it step by step:

1. Preheat Your Equipment:
Heat a skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat and add olive oil.

2. Combine Ingredients:
In a small bowl, whisk together Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, garlic powder, honey, salt, and pepper until smooth.

3. Prepare Your Cooking Vessel:
Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Cook in the skillet for 6–7 minutes per side until golden and fully cooked. Let rest before slicing.

4. Assemble the Dish:
In a large bowl, combine mixed greens, bell pepper, carrot, cucumber, red cabbage, and green onions.

5. Cook to Perfection:
Slice the cooked chicken and arrange it over the salad.

6. Finishing Touches:
Drizzle half the Bang Bang dressing over the salad, toss gently, and top with the remaining sauce.

7. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve immediately, garnished with lime wedges or sesame seeds if desired.

Texture & Flavor Secrets

This salad is all about contrasts: juicy chicken, crisp vegetables, and a creamy, spicy-sweet dressing that clings to every bite. The freshness of cucumber and greens balances the richness of the sauce, while the cabbage and carrots add crunch.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

A few extra touches make all the difference:

Marinate the chicken in a spoonful of the sauce for 15 minutes before cooking.
Slice chicken thinly across the grain for tenderness.
Double the dressing recipe — it’s addictive and keeps well in the fridge.

What to Avoid

To keep the salad fresh and vibrant:

Don’t overdress — it can make the greens soggy.
Avoid overcooking the chicken; it should stay juicy.
Skip bagged coleslaw mix with dressing — fresh veggies make it shine.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 4
Calories per serving: 360
Note: These are approximate values.

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

This salad is best assembled fresh, but you can prep in parts. Store cooked chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The dressing can be made ahead and refrigerated for 5 days. Keep veggies chopped but undressed until ready to serve.

How to Serve Bang Bang Chicken Salad

Serve as a main meal for lunch or dinner, or portion into meal prep containers. Pair with crusty bread, a side of roasted sweet potatoes, or even spoon into lettuce wraps for a fun twist.

Creative Leftover Transformations

Give leftovers a new spin:

Wrap in tortillas for a spicy chicken wrap.
Use as a topping for a rice or quinoa bowl.
Spoon into pita pockets for a handheld meal.

Additional Tips

Sprinkle toasted sesame seeds or crushed peanuts on top for crunch.
Add avocado slices for creaminess.
Toss in mango chunks for a fruity twist.

Make It a Showstopper

Serve this salad layered on a large platter for a colorful presentation. Garnish with extra dressing drizzles, lime wedges, and a sprinkle of sesame seeds to wow your guests.

Variations to Try

Shrimp Version: Swap chicken for grilled shrimp for a seafood twist.
Spicy Kick: Add jalapeños or chili flakes to the dressing.
Asian-Inspired: Toss in edamame, shredded napa cabbage, and sesame oil.
Low-Carb: Replace carrots and cabbage with zucchini ribbons.
Vegetarian: Use crispy tofu instead of chicken.

FAQ’s

Q1: Can I make this salad ahead?

A1: Yes, but keep components separate until serving for best freshness.

Q2: Is this salad spicy?

A2: It has a mild to medium kick, but you can adjust by adding more or less sriracha.

Q3: Can I use rotisserie chicken?

A3: Absolutely — it’s a great shortcut for busy days.

Q4: Can I use low-fat yogurt?

A4: Yes, though the sauce will be slightly thinner.

Q5: What’s the best lettuce mix to use?

A5: A combination of romaine, spinach, and arugula works beautifully.

Q6: How long does the dressing last?

A6: Up to 5 days refrigerated in a sealed container.

Q7: Can I make this dairy-free?

A7: Yes, use dairy-free yogurt or replace with all mayo.

Q8: What if I don’t like spicy food?

A8: Reduce or omit the sriracha — the sweet chili sauce still adds flavor.

Q9: Can I grill the chicken instead of pan-searing?

A9: Definitely, grilling adds smoky depth.

Q10: Is this gluten-free?

A10: Yes, as long as you use gluten-free chili sauce and condiments.

Conclusion

Bang Bang Chicken Salad is proof that salads can be bold, exciting, and utterly delicious. With juicy chicken, crisp vegetables, and a creamy, spicy dressing that ties it all together, this dish delivers on flavor and freshness. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll want to keep it on repeat all year long.