Bang Bang Chicken Casserole: The Ultimate Comfort Food Recipe

Bang Bang Chicken Casserole: Get ready to experience a flavor explosion in every bite! Imagine tender chicken, perfectly cooked rice, and a creamy, spicy sauce that will leave you craving more. This isn’t just another casserole; it’s a culinary adventure that brings the vibrant tastes of Asian-inspired cuisine right to your dinner table.

While the exact origins of “Bang Bang” sauce are debated, it’s widely believed to have been popularized by Bonefish Grill, who put their own spin on the flavors found in some Chinese and Thai dishes. The name itself suggests the “bang” of flavor you get from the sweet and spicy combination. This Bang Bang Chicken Casserole takes that beloved sauce and transforms it into a comforting and convenient meal.

What makes this casserole so irresistible? It’s the perfect balance of textures and tastes. The creamy sauce coats every piece of chicken and rice, creating a symphony of flavors that dance on your palate. People love this dish because it’s incredibly easy to make, perfect for busy weeknights, and satisfying enough to please even the pickiest eaters. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to introduce your family to new and exciting flavors without spending hours in the kitchen. So, are you ready to discover your new favorite comfort food? Let’s get cooking!

Ingredients:

• For the Chicken:
  • 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon paprika
  • Salt and pepper to taste
• For the Bang Bang Sauce:
  • 1 cup mayonnaise
  • 1/2 cup sweet chili sauce
  • 2 tablespoons sriracha (adjust to your spice preference)
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon honey
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• For the Casserole:
  • 1 (12 oz) package egg noodles
  • 1 cup frozen broccoli florets, thawed
  • 1 cup shredded carrots
  • 1/2 cup chopped green onions
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
  • 2 tablespoons melted butter

Preparing the Chicken:

1. First, let’s get the chicken ready. In a large bowl, toss the cubed chicken with olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Make sure the chicken is evenly coated with the spices.
2. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken and cook until it’s cooked through and lightly browned, about 6-8 minutes. Be sure to stir occasionally to ensure even cooking and prevent burning. The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165°F (74°C). Once cooked, remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.

Making the Bang Bang Sauce:

1. Now, let’s whip up that delicious Bang Bang sauce! In a medium bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, rice vinegar, honey, and garlic powder. Taste and adjust the sriracha to your liking – if you prefer a milder sauce, use less; if you like it spicy, add more!
2. Once the sauce is smooth and well combined, set it aside. We’ll be using it later to coat the chicken and create that signature Bang Bang flavor.

Cooking the Noodles and Assembling the Casserole:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This will give it enough time to heat up while we prepare the rest of the casserole.
2. While the oven is preheating, cook the egg noodles according to the package directions. Be sure to cook them al dente, as they will continue to cook in the oven. Once cooked, drain the noodles well and set aside.
3. In a large bowl, combine the cooked chicken, cooked egg noodles, thawed broccoli florets, shredded carrots, and chopped green onions.
4. Pour the Bang Bang sauce over the chicken and noodle mixture. Gently toss everything together until the chicken and noodles are evenly coated in the sauce. This is where the magic happens!
5. Transfer the mixture to a greased 9×13 inch baking dish. Spread it out evenly in the dish.
6. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the casserole.
7. In a small bowl, combine the panko breadcrumbs and melted butter. Toss to coat the breadcrumbs evenly.
8. Sprinkle the buttered panko breadcrumbs over the cheese layer. This will create a nice, crispy topping.

Baking the Casserole:

1. Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the breadcrumbs are golden brown.
2. Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. This will allow the cheese to set slightly and prevent it from being too runny.

Serving Suggestions:

This Bang Bang Chicken Casserole is delicious on its own, but you can also serve it with a side salad or some extra steamed vegetables. For an extra touch, garnish with some additional chopped green onions or a drizzle of sriracha. Enjoy!

Tips and Variations:

• Spice Level: Adjust the amount of sriracha in the Bang Bang sauce to control the spice level. If you’re sensitive to heat, start with a small amount and add more to taste.
• Vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables to the casserole, such as bell peppers, mushrooms, or peas.
• Cheese: You can use different types of cheese, such as mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or a blend of cheeses.
• Chicken: You can use leftover cooked chicken or rotisserie chicken instead of cooking the chicken from scratch.
• Noodles: If you don’t have egg noodles, you can use other types of pasta, such as penne, rotini, or bow tie pasta.
• Make Ahead: You can assemble the casserole ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Add the breadcrumb topping just before baking.
• Freezing: This casserole can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before baking.

Detailed Ingredient Notes:

Chicken:

I prefer using chicken breasts for this recipe because they are lean and cook quickly. However, you can also use chicken thighs if you prefer. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly, as chicken thighs take longer to cook than chicken breasts. When cutting the chicken into cubes, try to make them as uniform in size as possible so that they cook evenly.

Bang Bang Sauce:

The Bang Bang sauce is the star of this casserole, so it’s important to get it right. The combination of mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, rice vinegar, and honey creates a sweet, spicy, and tangy flavor that is simply irresistible. I recommend using a good quality mayonnaise for the best flavor. You can find sweet chili sauce in most Asian grocery stores or in the international aisle of your local supermarket. The amount of sriracha you use will depend on your spice preference, so start with a small amount and add more to taste. The rice vinegar adds a nice tanginess to the sauce, and the honey helps to balance out the flavors. Don’t skip the garlic powder, as it adds a subtle but important flavor to the sauce.

Egg Noodles:

Egg noodles are the traditional choice for this casserole, but you can use other types of pasta if you prefer. Just be sure to cook the noodles al dente, as they will continue to cook in the oven. Overcooked noodles will become mushy and unappetizing. I recommend using a wide egg noodle for the best texture.

Broccoli and Carrots:

I like to use frozen broccoli florets and shredded carrots for convenience, but you can also use fresh broccoli and carrots if you prefer. If using fresh broccoli, be sure to cut it into small florets so that it cooks evenly. If using fresh carrots, you can either shred them yourself or buy pre-shredded carrots. Thawing the broccoli before adding it to the casserole helps to prevent it from making the casserole watery.

Green Onions:

Green onions add a fresh, mild onion flavor to the casserole. Be sure to chop them finely so that they distribute evenly throughout the casserole.

Cheddar Cheese:

I like to use shredded cheddar cheese for this casserole because it melts well and has a nice, sharp flavor. You can use other types of cheese if you prefer, such as mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or a blend of cheeses. Be sure to shred the cheese yourself for the best melting results. Pre-shredded cheese often contains cellulose, which can prevent it from melting properly.

Panko Breadcrumbs:

Panko breadcrumbs are Japanese-style breadcrumbs that are larger and flakier than traditional breadcrumbs. They create a nice, crispy topping for the casserole. You can find panko breadcrumbs in most grocery stores. If you can’t find panko breadcrumbs, you can use regular breadcrumbs, but the topping won’t be as crispy.

Melted Butter:

The melted butter helps to bind the panko breadcrumbs together and creates a golden brown, crispy topping. I recommend using unsalted butter so that you can control the amount of salt in the casserole.

Conclusion:

This Bang Bang Chicken Casserole isn’t just another weeknight dinner; it’s a flavor explosion waiting to happen, and trust me, you absolutely need to experience it! The creamy, spicy sauce, the tender chicken, and the satisfying crunch of the topping all come together in perfect harmony. It’s comfort food elevated, a dish that’s both incredibly easy to make and unbelievably delicious. If you’re looking for a recipe that will impress your family and friends without requiring hours in the kitchen, this is it.

Why is this a must-try? Because it delivers on flavor, convenience, and pure satisfaction. It’s the kind of meal that everyone will rave about, and you’ll be secretly thrilled at how simple it was to create. Forget complicated recipes with endless ingredients; this casserole is all about maximizing taste with minimal effort. Plus, it’s incredibly versatile!

Serving Suggestions and Variations:

Want to take your Bang Bang Chicken Casserole to the next level? Here are a few ideas:

* Spice it up! If you’re a fan of heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of your favorite hot sauce to the sauce mixture. A little goes a long way!
* Veggie Boost: Sneak in some extra veggies by adding chopped broccoli florets, bell peppers, or even some spinach to the casserole before baking. It’s a great way to add nutrients and texture.
* Rice or Noodles? While this recipe is fantastic on its own, you can also serve it over a bed of fluffy rice or your favorite noodles. Egg noodles work particularly well!
* Cracker Topping Alternatives: Not a fan of Ritz crackers? No problem! Try using crushed potato chips, panko breadcrumbs, or even fried onions for a different textural element.
* Make it Lighter: For a healthier version, use Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise in the sauce and opt for whole-wheat crackers for the topping. You can also use chicken breast instead of chicken thighs to reduce the fat content.
* Individual Servings: Prepare the casserole in individual ramekins for a more elegant presentation. This is perfect for dinner parties or special occasions.
* Leftovers Reinvented: If you happen to have any leftovers (which is unlikely!), use them to make Bang Bang Chicken sliders or wraps. Simply shred the chicken and mix it with a little extra sauce, then pile it onto slider buns or tortillas.

I’m so excited for you to try this recipe! It’s become a staple in my own kitchen, and I know it will become one of your favorites too. The beauty of this Bang Bang Chicken Casserole lies in its simplicity and adaptability. Feel free to experiment with different variations and make it your own.

Now, it’s your turn! Head to the kitchen, gather your ingredients, and get ready to create a culinary masterpiece. Don’t be afraid to get creative and put your own spin on the recipe.

Once you’ve made it, I’d love to hear about your experience. Did you make any modifications? What did your family think? Share your photos and stories in the comments below! Let’s create a community of Bang Bang Chicken Casserole enthusiasts! Happy cooking!

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