Q: Can I use a different type of pasta?

A: Yes, you can use any type of pasta you like! Penne, spaghetti, or linguine all work well with the sauce.

Q: How do I make this dish spicier?

A: To increase the heat, add more sriracha or incorporate chili flakes into the sauce. You can also use a hotter sweet chili sauce or add a dash of cayenne pepper.

Q: Can I make this dish ahead of time?

A: While the pasta is best served fresh, you can make the sauce and cook the chicken in advance. Just combine everything when you're ready to serve and reheat if necessary.

Q: Is this dish gluten-free?

A: To make this dish gluten-free, simply use gluten-free pasta. The sauce itself is naturally gluten-free.

Bang Bang Chicken Pasta Recipe

Description

Bang Bang Chicken Pasta is a deliciously creamy and spicy dish that combines tender chicken with pasta in a flavorful, tangy sauce. Inspired by the popular Bang Bang Chicken appetizer, this recipe features a rich blend of sweet chili sauce, sriracha, and mayonnaise for a perfect balance of heat and creaminess. Easy to make and highly customizable, it’s the ideal dish for a quick weeknight dinner or a special meal to impress your guests. Enjoy a fusion of bold flavors in every bite!

Ingredients

Scale

1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast (cut into bite-sized pieces)
12 oz pasta (linguine, spaghetti, or penne works well)
2 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp garlic powder
Salt and pepper to taste
1 cup mayonnaise
1/4 cup sweet chili sauce
2 tbsp sriracha sauce (adjust based on desired spice level)
1 tbsp rice vinegar
1 tsp honey (optional, for added sweetness)
2 tbsp chopped green onions (for garnish)
1 tbsp sesame seeds (for garnish, optional)

Instructions

Step 1: Start by cooking your pasta according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside. Make sure to reserve about a cup of pasta water for later, as it will help thin the sauce and bind it to the pasta.
Step 2: Season your chicken pieces with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the chicken pieces and cook until golden and fully cooked through (about 6-8 minutes). Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
Step 3: In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium-low. Add the mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, rice vinegar, and honey (if using). Stir everything together until the sauce is smooth and well combined. Taste the sauce and adjust the heat level by adding more sriracha if you want extra spice.
Step 4: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the sauce. Toss to coat the pasta evenly in the creamy, spicy sauce. Add the cooked chicken back to the pan and toss again, ensuring the chicken is coated with the sauce.
Step 5: If the sauce seems too thick, gradually add some of the reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency. Once the pasta and chicken are well combined, serve immediately, garnishing with chopped green onions and sesame seeds if desired.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Dinner
Cuisine: Americans

Nutrition

Calories: 500-600 (depending on the pasta and portion size)
Sodium: 800mg
Fat: 30g
Carbohydrates: 50g
Protein: 30g

Keywords: Bang Bang Chicken Pasta Recipe