This Bang Bang Chicken Bake is the ultimate one-pan dinner! Tender, juicy chicken, fluffy rice, and veggies are baked together and topped with a creamy, spicy-sweet bang bang sauce that’s totally irresistible. It’s quick to prep, full of flavor, and guaranteed to wake up your weeknight dinner routine.
This Bang Bang Chicken and Rice Bake is one of those recipes that makes you feel like a dinner queen. Everything cooks together in one dish, so there’s barely any cleanup when you’re done. And the payoff? A creamy, crave-worthy meal with just the right balance of heat, sweetness, and tang.
It’s comforting, flavorful, and has just enough kick to keep things exciting (without being over the top). Plus, that drizzle of bang bang sauce at the end? Chef’s kiss.
Why I LOVE this recipe!
- All in one pan – Everything bakes together for an easy, low-effort dinner with minimal dishes.
- Big flavor, simple ingredients – You only need a few pantry staples to get that restaurant-style bang bang flavor.
- Customizable heat level – Add a little or a lot of sriracha, it’s totally up to you!
- Family-approved – Creamy, comforting, and just spicy enough to keep everyone happy!
What is Bang Bang Chicken?
Bang Bang Chicken is a popular dish known for its creamy, sweet, and spicy sauce made from mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, and sriracha. Traditionally, it’s served with crispy fried chicken, but this baked version transforms those same bold flavors into a cozy, comforting one-pan meal.
Recipe Notes
This Bang Bang Chicken Bake recipe is as simple as promised! Just mix, layer, and bake for a family-friendly dinner that’s both easy and satisfying.
In this section, I’ll walk you through a few tips and tricks to make sure your chicken and rice come out perfectly tender and your sauce hits all the right notes of creamy, spicy, and sweet.
Make sure to scroll to the bottom for the FULL recipe card.
Ingredients + Substitutions
- Chicken breast – Diced into 1-inch cubes; you can swap for chicken thighs if you prefer darker meat.
- Garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and salt – The seasoning base for flavorful chicken.
- Sesame oil – Adds a nutty depth. Substitute olive oil if that’s what you have.
- Rice – Jasmine rice cooks beautifully in the oven, but basmati or long-grain white rice also work.
- Chicken broth – Keeps the rice tender and flavorful; vegetable broth can be used instead.
- Peas and carrots – Frozen and thawed for convenience; any mixed veggies work here.
- Bang bang sauce – A blend of mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, and lime juice for that signature tangy heat.
- Green onions – Optional garnish that adds freshness and color.
Make sure to see the recipe card at the bottom of this post for the full quantities and ingredients list.
Recipe Variations
If you love this recipe as much as we do and want some quick ways to change it up for variety, these little tips will do the trick!
- Bang Bang Shrimp Bake: Swap the chicken for shrimp and reduce the baking time to about 25 minutes.
- Bang Bang Chicken Thighs: Feel free to use boneless, skinless chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts!
Recipe Step by Step
I am going to highlight a few key steps in the recipe here, but make sure to jump down to the recipe card for comprehensive instructions on how to make this bang bang chicken bake.
Preheat oven to 375˚F. Make the bang bang sauce by whisking together the mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, and lime juice.
Place diced chicken in a 9×13 inch baking dish. Add garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and drizzle with sesame oil. Use a spoon or your hands to work the seasoning through until it is coating all of the chicken. Spread the chicken out evenly over the bottom of the dish.
Spread the rice over the chicken, then drizzle with half the bang bang sauce, and pour the broth over top.
Bake for 35-45 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the liquid has absorbed. Once done, drizzle the rest of the bang bang sauce over the top and garnish with sliced green onions.
Recipe Tips
- Spread the rice evenly – Make sure your rice is evenly spread in the baking dish so it cooks uniformly. This helps prevent any crunchy spots.
- Cover the dish tightly with foil during baking – It traps steam and ensures the rice turns out perfectly soft and fluffy.
- If you like extra heat – Feel free to drizzle a bit more sriracha or sprinkle red pepper flakes before serving. It gives the sauce a fun spicy kick!
- Let it rest – Make sure to let the casserole rest for about 5 minutes before serving so the sauce thickens slightly and flavors meld together.
Recipe Short Cuts
If you need to make this recipe, but are extra short on time, here are a few ideas that can help make this recipe even faster!
- Prep ahead – Whisk the sauce a day ahead and store it in the fridge.
- Make ahead – You can meal prep the bang bang chicken and rice bake by making it and then, portioning into separate containers, and reheating as you need it throughout the week!
Freezer Meal Instructions
Making this bang bang chicken recipe into a freezer meal is simple! Follow the steps below and you can store this recipe in the freezer for up to 6 months.
To freeze before cooking
- Combine the chicken, seasonings, and sesame oil.
- Add the rice, veggies, and broth to a freezer-safe bag or dish.
- Seal tightly, label, and freeze flat.
How to Freeze Bang Bang Chicken After Cooking
- Let the baked dish cool completely.
- Portion into freezer-safe containers.
- Freeze up to 6 months and reheat in the oven or microwave until warmed through.
What to Serve with Bang Bang Chicken
Since this protein-based dinner has the delicious flavors of creamy, sweet, and spicy bang bang sauce, it pairs well with many of your favorite simple side dishes.
Choose one or several of these side dishes to create a wholesome, well-rounded dinner. There are both classic options and some healthy options to keep it light.
Side Dish Ideas
Bang Bang Chicken Bake Leftovers
If you have leftovers after making this recipe, then it is your lucky day! They save and reheat well, and can make the start of another delicious dish.
To save leftovers, separate into meal sized portions and then place in an airtight container and store:
- in the refrigerator for 3-4 days
- in the freezer up to a month
Recipe FAQ’s
Can you cook bang bang chicken in the oven?
Yes, and that’s exactly what makes this recipe so easy! Baking the chicken and rice together in the oven means everything cooks evenly and absorbs all those delicious Bang Bang flavors, no frying or multiple pans needed.
Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
You can, but it will need a longer cooking time and use a bit more broth to fully soften.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! You can assemble the dish up to a day in advance, cover it tightly, and refrigerate. When ready to bake, just pop it in the oven and add a few extra minutes to the cook time.
More EASY Chicken Recipes
If you enjoyed this recipe, I really hope you will take a moment to grab a few more easy recipes for another busy night!
You can check out all of my easy chicken recipes here, or see a few of our readers favorite recipes below.
- Tuscan Garlic Chicken
- Jalapeño Popper Chicken Casserole
- Crockpot Marry Me Chicken
- Teriyaki Chicken Casserole
Bang Bang Chicken and Rice Bake
Ingredients
- 1½ pounds chicken breast, diced into 1 inch cubes
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 teaspoons toasted sesame oil
- 1 cup rice, I used jasmine
- 1½ cups chicken broth
- 12 ounces frozen peas and carrots, thawed
For the Bang Bang Sauce
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/2 cup sweet chili sauce
- 1 tablespoon sriracha, or other hot sauce
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
Garnish (optional)
- Sliced green onions
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375˚F.
- Make the bang bang sauce by whisking together the mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, and lime juice.
- Place diced chicken in a 9×13 inch baking dish. Add garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and drizzle with sesame oil. Use a spoon or your hands to work the seasoning through until it is coating all of the chicken.
- Spread the chicken out evenly over the bottom of the dish.Spread the rice over the chicken, then drizzle with half the bang bang sauce, and pour the broth over top.
- Bake for 35-45 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the liquid has absorbed.
- Once done, drizzle the rest of the bang bang sauce over the top and garnish with sliced green onions.
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