If you’re on the lookout for a vibrant, flavorful, and utterly addictive dish, this Bang Bang Chicken Salad Recipe is exactly what you need. It masterfully combines tender shredded chicken with a creamy, spicy peanut dressing that brings the perfect balance of heat and sweetness. Fresh vegetables add crunch and color, making every bite delightful and refreshing. Whether you want a quick lunch or a light dinner, this salad is a total game changer that’s as easy to make as it is delicious.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are simple yet essential—they come together beautifully to create a salad bursting with texture, flavor, and color. Each component plays a role, from the creamy peanut butter in the dressing to the crisp freshness of the veggies, ensuring every mouthful is a happy one.
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded: Provides tender protein that absorbs the dressing perfectly.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Adds a smooth base to sauté the chicken and deepen its flavor.
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar: Brings a subtle tang that balances the richness.
- 2 teaspoons soy sauce: Offers savory depth and umami notes.
- 1 tablespoon honey: Delivers a touch of natural sweetness to the sauce.
- 2 teaspoons sriracha sauce: Gives the salad its signature spicy kick.
- 1 tablespoon creamy peanut butter: Creates a luscious, nutty dressing base.
- 1 tablespoon mayonnaise: Adds creaminess and smooth texture to the dressing.
- 4 cups mixed salad greens: Provides a fresh, crisp foundation for the chicken and toppings.
- 1/2 cucumber, sliced: Adds refreshing crunch and coolness.
- 1/4 red onion, thinly sliced: Brings sharpness and a mild bite.
- 1/4 cup shredded carrots: Contributes sweetness and vibrant color.
- 2 tablespoons chopped cilantro: Infuses a fragrant, herbal freshness.
- 1/4 cup chopped peanuts: Offers satisfying crunch and a nutty finish.
- 1/2 teaspoon sesame seeds: Adds a subtle toasty aroma and texture.
How to Make Bang Bang Chicken Salad Recipe
Step 1: Sauté the Chicken
Start by heating the olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Adding the shredded chicken, sauté it just until warmed through. This quick step infuses the chicken with a light richness and ensures it’s perfectly tender before mixing with the fresh salad components.
Step 2: Prepare the Bang Bang Dressing
In a small bowl, whisk together rice vinegar, soy sauce, honey, sriracha, creamy peanut butter, and mayonnaise. Whisk vigorously until the dressing is silky smooth. This sauce is the heart and soul of the Bang Bang Chicken Salad Recipe, balancing spicy, sweet, tangy, and creamy flavors in every bite.
Step 3: Assemble the Salad
Lay mixed salad greens in a large bowl as your fresh base. Arrange cucumber slices, red onion, shredded carrots, and chopped cilantro artfully over the greens. This colorful mix not only adds depth of flavor but also makes the salad visually exciting.
Step 4: Combine and Dress
Place the warm shredded chicken over your vibrant veggie bed and drizzle the peanut dressing evenly on top. Sprinkle chopped peanuts and sesame seeds to introduce a crunchy texture and nutty aroma. Gently toss everything together to coat all ingredients in that luscious sauce, making each bite a harmonious blend of flavors and textures.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Serve immediately to enjoy the delightful contrast of warm chicken and crisp vegetables, all wrapped up in the creamy, zingy peanut dressing. This makes the Bang Bang Chicken Salad Recipe an ideal dish for any time you want something quick, tasty, and satisfying.
How to Serve Bang Bang Chicken Salad Recipe
Garnishes
Adding a sprinkle of extra chopped peanuts or a few sprigs of fresh cilantro as garnish raises the flavor and visual appeal. These little touches add freshness and crunch that make your salad feel next-level and special.
Side Dishes
Pair this salad with light sides like steamed jasmine rice or a simple spring roll to round out the meal without overpowering the vibrant flavors. Even a chilled cucumber soup complements the dish beautifully on warmer days.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the Bang Bang Chicken Salad Recipe in lettuce cups or crisp tortillas to create handheld, bite-sized delights. Alternatively, layer the salad in clear glass jars for a stunning picnic presentation that showcases the colorful ingredients.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover salad and dressing separate when storing. Store the mixed greens and veggies in an airtight container in the fridge, and keep the chicken and dressing in separate containers to maintain their textures and flavors.
Freezing
Since the salad relies on fresh vegetables and mayonnaise-based dressing, freezing isn’t recommended. However, you can freeze cooked shredded chicken for future use, then prepare the salad fresh when ready to serve.
Reheating
If you have leftover chicken, gently reheat it in a pan with a teaspoon of olive oil to keep it moist and flavorful. Add it to freshly tossed salad ingredients just before eating to keep everything crisp and delicious.
FAQs
Can I use rotisserie chicken for this recipe?
Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken works perfectly and saves prep time. Just shred the meat and follow the remaining steps for a quick meal.
Is this salad spicy?
The sriracha in the dressing gives the salad a nice kick, but you can adjust the amount up or down depending on your heat preference.
Can I make this salad vegan?
You can easily swap the chicken for cooked tofu or chickpeas and replace mayonnaise with a vegan alternative. The dressing’s peanut butter base still delivers plenty of creamy flavor.
What other nuts can I use instead of peanuts?
Cilantro makes a great substitute for peanuts if you have allergies, or try toasted cashews for a different nutty crunch.
How long does this salad stay fresh?
When stored correctly, the components last about 2 days in the refrigerator. It’s best enjoyed fresh for the perfect texture and flavor.
Final Thoughts
This Bang Bang Chicken Salad Recipe is one of those dishes that feels like a celebration in your mouth every time you eat it. The combination of creamy, spicy, sweet, and crunchy textures is irresistible and comes together so quickly. I hope you give it a try soon and discover how wonderfully fresh and satisfying a salad can be when packed with so much flavor and heart.
Print
Bang Bang Chicken Salad Recipe
- Prep Time: 0h 10m
- Cook Time: 0h 5m
- Total Time: 0h 15m
- Yield: 2 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian Fusion
Description
A vibrant and flavorful Bang Bang Chicken Salad featuring warm shredded chicken tossed in a creamy peanut butter dressing with a hint of sriracha, served over a bed of fresh mixed greens, cucumber, red onion, carrots, cilantro, and topped with crunchy peanuts and sesame seeds. This quick and easy salad combines savory, spicy, and tangy flavors with a satisfying crunch, perfect for a light lunch or dinner.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Dressing
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 2 teaspoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 2 teaspoons sriracha sauce
- 1 tablespoon creamy peanut butter
- 1 tablespoon mayonnaise
Salad
- 4 cups mixed salad greens
- 1/2 cucumber, sliced
- 1/4 red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup shredded carrots
- 2 tablespoons chopped cilantro
- 1/4 cup chopped peanuts
- 1/2 teaspoon sesame seeds
Instructions
- Heat chicken: Heat a large pan over medium heat and add the olive oil. Once warm, add the shredded chicken and sauté for 2-3 minutes until heated through, then remove it from the pan and set aside.
- Prepare dressing: In a small mixing bowl, combine rice vinegar, soy sauce, honey, sriracha sauce, creamy peanut butter, and mayonnaise. Whisk thoroughly until the dressing is smooth and free of lumps.
- Assemble salad base: In a large salad bowl, arrange the mixed salad greens as the base. Layer the sliced cucumber, thinly sliced red onion, shredded carrots, and chopped cilantro evenly over the greens.
- Add chicken and dressing: Place the warm shredded chicken on top of the salad. Drizzle the prepared peanut butter dressing evenly over the chicken and vegetables.
- Finish and serve: Sprinkle the chopped peanuts and sesame seeds over the salad for added texture and flavor. Toss gently to coat everything with the dressing, then serve immediately.
Notes
- Use cooked chicken—rotisserie or leftover roasted chicken works well.
- Adjust sriracha to taste for desired spice level.
- For a lighter dressing, substitute mayonnaise with Greek yogurt.
- Chilling the salad greens prior to assembly enhances freshness.
- Peanut allergies? Substitute peanut butter with sunflower seed butter and omit peanuts.
