Low Carb Bang Bang Chicken

If you’re looking for a dish that’s bold, creamy, and packs just the right amount of heat—all while keeping it low carb then this Low Carb Bang Bang Chicken is about to become your new go-to recipe. With tender chicken, a rich, flavorful sauce, and a few simple garnishes, it’s the perfect combination of comfort food and healthy eating.

Whether you’re meal prepping for the week, feeding a hungry family, or hosting friends for a casual dinner, this recipe is fast, easy, and totally satisfying. In just 35 minutes, you can have a dish that feels gourmet but requires minimal effort.

Why This Recipe Stands Out

Bang Bang Chicken is a classic favorite in many households, but often, traditional versions are loaded with sugar, breading, or carb-heavy ingredients. This version is intentionally low carb, swapping out unnecessary fillers while keeping all the flavor you crave. Here’s why it’s special:

• Quick and Easy: Ready in just 35 minutes from start to finish.
• Low Carb Friendly: Perfect for keto or low-carb meal plans.
• Flavor Explosion: Creamy, zesty, and spicy without being overwhelming.
• Customizable Heat: Adjust the chili sauce or add jalapeños to suit your spice tolerance.
• Family Approved: Kid-friendly if you tone down the spice, but adults can enjoy the full kick.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• One-pan cooking for minimal cleanup.
• Uses simple pantry staples that you likely already have.
• Creamy, zesty sauce clings perfectly to every bite of chicken.
• Works great for meal prep—reheats beautifully.
• Gluten-free, naturally low carb, and packed with protein.
• Can be served over a variety of bases: cauliflower rice, zucchini noodles, or a fresh salad.

Ingredients Breakdown

This recipe serves 4 people and uses everyday ingredients. Everything is grouped for clarity:

Main Ingredient:

• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts

Bang Bang Sauce:

• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 2 tablespoons chili sauce (adjust for heat preference)
• 1 tablespoon lime juice
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste

Garnish:

• Fresh green onions, chopped
• Optional: sliced jalapeños for extra heat

Tools & Equipment Needed

Having the right tools ensures a smooth cooking process and perfect results:

• Sharp chef’s knife for cutting chicken
• Cutting board
• Medium mixing bowl for the sauce
• Skillet or non-stick frying pan
• Wooden spoon or silicone spatula for stirring
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Serving dish

Optional: Tongs for flipping chicken easily and keeping pieces intact.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Cooking this dish is straightforward, but following each step carefully ensures maximum flavor and texture.

1. Prepare the Chicken

Start by cutting 1 pound of chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces. Uniform pieces cook evenly and make it easier for the sauce to coat each piece. Pat them dry with a paper towel to ensure a nice sear when cooking.

2. Make the Sauce

In a medium mixing bowl, combine:

• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 2 tablespoons chili sauce
• 1 tablespoon lime juice
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste

Mix well until smooth and creamy. Set aside. This sauce is the star of the dish, so take your time to ensure it’s well combined.

3. Cook the Chicken

Heat a skillet over medium heat and add a small drizzle of oil. Place the chicken pieces into the skillet and season with salt and pepper. Cook 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is browned and cooked through.

4. Add Sauce

Lower the heat to low, then pour the sauce over the chicken. Stir carefully so that every piece is coated with the creamy, spicy mixture.

5. Heat Thoroughly

Allow the chicken and sauce to cook together for another 2–3 minutes. This ensures the sauce warms evenly and clings perfectly to the chicken, melding all the flavors.

6. Garnish

Remove the skillet from the heat. Sprinkle with chopped green onions and optional sliced jalapeños for added heat and color.

7. Serve

Transfer to a serving dish and enjoy immediately while warm. This dish pairs beautifully with low-carb sides like cauliflower rice, roasted vegetables, or a crisp salad.

Tips & Variations

Adjusting Spice Levels

• Mild: Reduce chili sauce and omit jalapeños.
• Spicy: Increase chili sauce or add fresh sliced jalapeños.

Vegetarian/Vegan Option

• Substitute chicken with tofu or tempeh. Ensure tofu is pressed to remove excess water before cooking.
• Use vegan mayonnaise in the sauce.

Gluten-Free Option

• This recipe is naturally gluten-free. Just double-check your chili sauce to ensure no hidden wheat ingredients.

Seasonal & Pantry Substitutions

• Lime juice can be swapped for lemon juice.
• Paprika can be replaced with smoked paprika for a deeper flavor.

Flavor Profile & Pairings

Taste and Texture:

• Creamy and slightly tangy from the mayo and lime.
• Sweet and spicy undertones from chili sauce.
• Tender, juicy chicken with a lightly crisp exterior.

Best Side Dishes:

• Cauliflower rice for a low-carb base
• Steamed broccoli or asparagus
• Zucchini noodles for a lighter presentation

Nutritional Overview (Per Serving)

• Calories: 350 kcal
• Protein: 30 g
• Fat: 22 g
• Carbohydrates: 5 g
• Fiber: 1 g

Dietary Considerations:

• Keto-friendly
• Gluten-free
• Can be made dairy-free by using plant-based mayonnaise

Make-Ahead & Meal Prep Tips

• Chicken: Can be cooked ahead and refrigerated for up to 3 days.
• Sauce: Prepare in advance and store separately; add to chicken when ready to serve.
• Reheating: Gently reheat in a skillet over low heat to maintain creaminess. Avoid microwave if possible to prevent sauce separation.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes, boneless chicken thighs work beautifully and add extra juiciness. Adjust cooking time to ensure they are cooked through.

Q2: Can I make this recipe spicy without chili sauce?
Absolutely. Use sriracha, hot paprika, or even cayenne powder for different heat levels.

Q3: Is this recipe freezer-friendly?
Cooked chicken with sauce can be frozen, but fresh garnishes like green onions are best added after thawing.

Q4: Can I serve this cold in a salad?
Yes! Chill the chicken and toss with fresh greens for a creamy, spicy salad option.

Cooking Timeline (At a Glance)

Task	Time
Prep Chicken	10–15 min
Make Sauce	5 min
Cook Chicken	5–7 min
Combine & Heat	2–3 min
Garnish & Serve	2 min
Total Time	35 min

Serving Suggestions

• Serve over a bed of cauliflower rice for a complete low-carb meal.
• Add roasted vegetables on the side for color and nutrition.
• Garnish with extra green onions for freshness and visual appeal.

Recipe Variations

1. Creamy Avocado Bang Bang Chicken: Add mashed avocado to the sauce for extra creaminess and healthy fats.
2. Crispy Oven-Baked Version: Coat chicken lightly with almond flour and bake before tossing with sauce.
3. Bang Bang Chicken Lettuce Wraps: Serve in large lettuce leaves for a fun, handheld meal.
4. Bang Bang Chicken Bowls: Layer chicken with cauliflower rice, sautéed peppers, and a drizzle of extra sauce.

Ingredient Spotlight

Chicken Breasts:

• Look for firm, pink, and unblemished breasts.
• Store in the coldest part of the fridge and use within 2 days of purchase.

Chili Sauce:

• Provides the signature sweet and spicy flavor.
• Can be adjusted for heat or swapped for sriracha or hot sauce if preferred.

Pro Cooking Tips

• Pat chicken dry before cooking for a better sear.
• Use low heat when combining sauce to prevent separation.
• Cut chicken uniformly to ensure even cooking.

Storage & Freezing Guide

• Refrigeration: Store cooked chicken in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: Freeze sauce and chicken separately in freezer-safe containers for up to 1 month.
• Thawing: Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently on the stovetop.

Nutrition Estimate Table (Per Serving)

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	350 kcal
Protein	30 g
Fat	22 g
Carbs	5 g
Fiber	1 g
Gluten-Free	Yes
Dairy-Free	Optional
Low-Carb/Keto	Yes

Expanded Conclusion

Low Carb Bang Bang Chicken is more than just a recipe—it’s a celebration of flavor, texture, and simplicity. Creamy, zesty, and customizable, it’s perfect for busy weeknights, meal prep, or impressing guests with minimal effort.

Take the plunge, try this recipe, and discover why it’s destined to become a staple in your kitchen. Serve it, savor it, and share it with the people you love. Once you taste that creamy, spicy sauce coating every tender piece of chicken, you’ll understand why this dish has earned its spot as an ultimate low-carb comfort food.

Print