How to Make Bang Bang Chicken & Shrimp Fast

If you’re craving a meal that’s packed with flavor yet comes together in a flash, you need to try Bang Bang Chicken & Shrimp. This vibrant dish combines the crispy, tender textures of chicken and shrimp with a creamy, spicy sauce that’s simply addictive. Whether you’re cooking for a busy weeknight or want to impress friends without spending hours in the kitchen, this recipe delivers a delicious punch in under 30 minutes.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and easy: Ready in less than 30 minutes, perfect for hectic schedules and last-minute dinners.
• Flavor-packed: Every bite bursts with a delicious blend of spicy, sweet, and tangy notes that satisfy your taste buds.
• Versatile protein duo: Combines both chicken and shrimp, adding variety and richness to the dish.
• Simple ingredients: Uses pantry staples and fresh produce with no complicated prep work.
• Family-friendly: A recipe that appeals to both kids and adults who love flavorful meals.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Creating Bang Bang Chicken & Shrimp is delightfully straightforward. Each ingredient plays a key role in bringing together a rich combination of taste, texture, and color that makes this dish stand out.

• Chicken breast: Tender and lean, it cooks quickly and soaks up the sauce beautifully.
• Shrimp: Adds a sweet, briny flavor and cooks in just minutes for perfect texture.
• Mayonnaise: Forms the creamy base of the famous Bang Bang sauce, providing smoothness.
• Sriracha sauce: Brings a spicy kick and vibrant color to the sauce.
• Honey: Balances heat with natural sweetness for a harmonious flavor profile.
• Garlic powder: Adds depth and a savory warmth without overwhelming the dish.
• Lime juice: Injects a fresh, zesty brightness to lift the flavors.
• Green onions: Fresh and slightly pungent, perfect for garnish and added crispness.
• Vegetable oil: For quick frying to get that crispy outer layer.
• Salt and pepper: Essential for seasoning to bring all ingredients together.

Variations for Bang Bang Chicken & Shrimp

Feel free to customize Bang Bang Chicken & Shrimp to fit your taste preferences or dietary needs. This recipe is extremely adaptable and easy to tweak with just a few swaps or additions.

• Make it gluten-free: Use gluten-free flour or cornstarch for dredging to ensure no gluten.
• Swap proteins: Try tofu or cauliflower for a vegetarian-friendly version that still delivers crunch.
• Milder sauce option: Reduce the sriracha or replace with sweet chili sauce for less heat.
• Add veggies: Toss in bell peppers or snap peas for extra color and nutrients.
• Spice it up: Sprinkle crushed red pepper flakes or add a dash of cayenne pepper for a fiery punch.

How to Make Bang Bang Chicken & Shrimp

Step 1: Prepare the proteins

Start by cutting the chicken into bite-sized pieces and deveining the shrimp. Season both lightly with salt, pepper, and garlic powder for balanced flavor.

Step 2: Coat and fry chicken and shrimp

Lightly dredge the chicken and shrimp in flour or cornstarch. Heat vegetable oil in a skillet over medium heat, then fry the chicken first until golden and cooked through, about 4-5 minutes per side. Remove and set aside. Next, quickly fry the shrimp until pink and slightly crispy, about 2 minutes per side.

Step 3: Make the Bang Bang sauce

In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sriracha, honey, and fresh lime juice until smooth and creamy. Adjust the spice and sweetness to your liking.

Step 4: Combine and toss

Once proteins are cooked, toss the chicken and shrimp in the Bang Bang sauce until evenly coated. Garnish with thinly sliced green onions for freshness and crunch.

Pro Tips for Making Bang Bang Chicken & Shrimp

• Use room temperature mayo: It blends more easily with sriracha and honey for a silky sauce.
• Don’t overcrowd the pan: Fry proteins in batches to keep them crispy instead of steaming.
• Pat dry proteins: Dry chicken and shrimp before dredging to ensure extra crispiness.
• Adjust spice level: Start with less sriracha and add more to suit your heat preference.
• Serve immediately: The sauce is best enjoyed fresh to keep the crisp texture of the proteins.

How to Serve Bang Bang Chicken & Shrimp

Garnishes

Top your dish with extra sliced green onions or chopped cilantro to add a fresh herbal note. A sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds can also enhance the crunch and add a subtle nutty flavor.

Side Dishes

Bang Bang Chicken & Shrimp pairs beautifully with steamed jasmine rice, a simple crunchy slaw, or roasted vegetables. These sides help balance the creamy, spicy sauce with lightness and texture variety.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve the proteins piled on crispy lettuce leaves for an easy wrap-style meal. Alternatively, place over a bed of noodles tossed with sesame oil and scallions for a delightful Asian-inspired bowl.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover Bang Bang Chicken & Shrimp in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep the sauce separated if you want to preserve the crisp texture better.

Freezing

This dish freezes well but is best to freeze the chicken and shrimp before adding sauce. Store in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months and thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating and saucing.

Reheating

Reheat gently in a skillet over medium heat to regain some crispness, then toss with freshly made Bang Bang sauce. Avoid microwaving if you want to preserve texture, as it can turn proteins soggy.

FAQs

Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?

Yes, frozen shrimp works great—just thaw thoroughly and pat dry before cooking to avoid excess moisture.

Is Bang Bang Chicken & Shrimp spicy?

The recipe has a pleasant kick from sriracha but isn’t overwhelmingly hot; you can easily adjust the heat to your taste.

What can I substitute for mayonnaise in the sauce?

Greek yogurt or a vegan mayo are good substitutes, though they will slightly change the sauce’s flavor and creaminess.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Absolutely. Use gluten-free flour or cornstarch for coating the chicken and shrimp to keep it safe for gluten-sensitive diets.

How do I know when the chicken is cooked through?

Cook chicken pieces until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) or until the juices run clear and the meat is no longer pink inside.

Final Thoughts

Bang Bang Chicken & Shrimp is one of those recipes you’ll want to keep handy for any night you need a quick, flavorful meal that feels special. With its crispy proteins and creamy, spicy sauce, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that you can whip up effortlessly. Give it a try and watch it become a favorite in your recipe rotation!

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