Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts for this Bang Bang Chicken Bake with Creamy Sweet Chili Recipe?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs add extra juiciness and flavor due to their higher fat content. Just keep in mind they might need a few more minutes in the oven to cook through completely.

How spicy is the Bang Bang Chicken Bake with Creamy Sweet Chili Recipe?

The spice level is mild to moderate because the sweet chili sauce provides a sweet warmth rather than intense heat. You can always bump up the spice by adding red pepper flakes or cayenne powder if you want more kick.

Can I prepare the sauce ahead of time?

Yes, the creamy sweet chili sauce can be made a day ahead and kept covered in the refrigerator. This actually helps deepen the flavor. Just give it a quick stir before spreading over the chicken.

What sides complement this Bang Bang Chicken Bake with Creamy Sweet Chili Recipe?

Rice is a classic pairing, especially jasmine or basmati. I also love serving it with stir-fried or steamed veggies like broccoli or snap peas for a fresh crunch. For a lighter side, a simple cucumber salad helps balance the richness.

Bang Bang Chicken with Creamy Sweet Chili

Description

Easy Bang Bang Chicken Bake is a flavorful and simple oven-baked dish featuring tender chicken breast coated in a creamy, sweet chili sauce. This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or family dinners, delivering bold, spicy, and tangy flavors with minimal effort. It combines a crispy topping and a rich sauce that makes every bite irresistible.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken

4 boneless skinless chicken breasts (about 1 1/2 pounds)
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1 tablespoon olive oil

Bread Crumb Topping

3/4 cup panko breadcrumbs
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 tablespoon melted butter

Bang Bang Sauce

1/2 cup mayonnaise
1/4 cup sweet chili sauce
1 tablespoon sriracha sauce (adjust to taste)
1 teaspoon lime juice

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Instructions

Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit (200 degrees Celsius) to ensure it's nice and hot for baking the chicken evenly and achieving a crispy topping.
Prepare the chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels, then season both sides with salt and black pepper. Drizzle olive oil over the chicken breasts and rub it in to help keep them moist during baking.
Mix the breadcrumb topping: In a small bowl, combine panko breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, and melted butter. Stir well until the mixture is evenly combined and crumbly.
Prepare the Bang Bang sauce: In another bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, and lime juice until smooth and creamy. Adjust the amount of sriracha according to your preferred spice level.
Assemble the dish: Place the seasoned chicken breasts in a lightly greased baking dish. Spread a generous layer of the Bang Bang sauce over each chicken breast. Then evenly sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture on top, pressing lightly to adhere.
Bake the chicken: Bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes until the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit) and the topping is golden and crispy.
Rest and serve: Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes after baking to lock in the juices. Serve warm, optionally garnished with chopped green onions or cilantro for freshness.

Notes

Use panko breadcrumbs for extra crunch instead of regular breadcrumbs.
Adjust the sriracha in the Bang Bang sauce to control the spice level.
For a lower fat version, substitute mayonnaise with Greek yogurt.
Make sure to rest the chicken after baking for juicy results.
Serve with steamed rice or a side salad for a complete meal.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 chicken breast (about 6 ounces)
Calories: 410 kcal
Sugar: 6 g
Sodium: 650 mg
Fat: 28 g
Saturated Fat: 6 g
Unsaturated Fat: 20 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 12 g
Fiber: 1 g
Protein: 30 g
Cholesterol: 90 mg