If you’re craving something flavorful, vibrant, and super quick, the Bang Bang Chicken & Shrimp is your new go-to recipe. This dish combines tender chicken and succulent shrimp tossed in a creamy, spicy sauce that packs a punch without taking hours in the kitchen. Perfect for a weeknight dinner, this Bang Bang Chicken & Shrimp recipe is loaded with bold flavors and can be ready in under 30 minutes, making it both satisfying and convenient.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Speedy preparation: It’s designed to come together quickly, ideal for busy weeknights when time is tight.
- Bold flavor profile: The creamy, spicy sauce offers the perfect balance of heat and sweetness, pleasing a variety of taste buds.
- Protein-packed: Combining chicken and shrimp provides a delicious protein duo that keeps you full and energized.
- Easy ingredient list: You likely already have most of the ingredients in your pantry or fridge, no fancy shopping necessary.
- Versatile meal: It works wonderfully on rice, noodles, or even as a salad topping, fitting many dinner styles.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This quick and easy Bang Bang Chicken & Shrimp recipe relies on simple, fresh ingredients that come together to create layers of flavor and texture. Each component, from tender chicken to the subtly spicy sauce, plays a key role in delivering an enjoyable and colorful dish.
- Chicken breasts or thighs: Choose boneless, skinless pieces for quick cooking and juicy, tender meat.
- Shrimp: Use peeled and deveined shrimp for convenience and fast cooking, adding a sweet, briny contrast.
- Mayonnaise: This creamy base balances the spice and gives the sauce a silky texture.
- Sriracha sauce: Adds heat and a slight tang to make the dish lively and exciting.
- Honey or sugar: Brings just the right touch of sweetness to mellow out the spice.
- Garlic powder: Enhances the savory depth without overpowering other flavors.
- Lime juice or vinegar: Adds fresh acidity to brighten the sauce and keep it balanced.
- Salt and pepper: To season and bring all the ingredients together.
- Vegetable oil or olive oil: For sautéing the chicken and shrimp to a perfect golden finish.
- Chopped green onions or cilantro (optional): For color and fresh herbaceous notes at the end.
Variations for Bang Bang Chicken & Shrimp
One of the joys of this Bang Bang Chicken & Shrimp recipe is how easily it adapts to what you have on hand or your dietary preferences. Feel free to tweak the protein, sauce spice level, or even the cooking method to make this your own.
- Swap proteins: Use just chicken, just shrimp, or even toss in some tofu or vegetables for a vegetarian spin.
- Adjust spice: Increase or decrease the Sriracha or substitute with milder chili sauces according to your heat tolerance.
- Make it gluten-free: Use gluten-free mayo and ensure your sauces are labeled gluten-free to keep it safe.
- Add crunch: Toss in chopped roasted peanuts or crushed tortilla chips on top for extra texture.
- Use different greens: Serve over kale, spinach, or shredded cabbage instead of traditional rice or noodles for a low-carb option.
How to Make Bang Bang Chicken & Shrimp
Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients
Start by patting dry your chicken and shrimp to help them brown nicely. Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces for quick, even cooking. Make the sauce by mixing mayonnaise, Sriracha, honey, garlic powder, and lime juice in a small bowl until smooth.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
Heat a splash of oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces and cook for about 5-7 minutes until golden and cooked through, stirring occasionally to ensure even cooking. Once cooked, transfer the chicken to a plate.
Step 3: Cook the Shrimp
In the same skillet, add a little more oil if needed and toss in the shrimp. Cook for 2-3 minutes on each side until pink and opaque. Shrimp cooks quickly, so be careful not to overcook to keep them tender.
Step 4: Combine and Toss with Sauce
Return the chicken to the pan with the shrimp, reduce heat to low, and pour the creamy Bang Bang sauce over the top. Stir gently until everything is well coated and heated through, about 1-2 minutes.
Step 5: Serve and Garnish
Transfer the Bang Bang Chicken & Shrimp to serving dishes. Sprinkle with chopped green onions or cilantro for a fresh pop of color and flavor.
Pro Tips for Making Bang Bang Chicken & Shrimp
- Dry ingredients for searing: Patting the chicken and shrimp dry helps achieve a nicely browned surface without steaming.
- Don’t overcook shrimp: They cook so fast and become rubbery when overcooked, so keep a close eye while sautéing.
- Adjust sauce quantities: Feel free to tweak the balance of mayo, Sriracha, and honey to match your preferred spice and sweetness level.
- Use fresh lime juice: It brightens the sauce more than bottled varieties and adds a fresh zing.
- Serve immediately: This dish shines when served fresh and warm, so plan to eat it right after cooking for the best taste and texture.
How to Serve Bang Bang Chicken & Shrimp
Garnishes
Fresh herbs like chopped cilantro or green onions provide a vibrant contrast to the creamy sauce. You can also add thinly sliced red chili or sesame seeds for some extra flair and texture.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs wonderfully with fluffy white rice, brown rice, or jasmine rice to soak up the flavorful sauce. For a low-carb twist, serve it over cauliflower rice or spiralized zucchini noodles. Light stir-fried or steamed veggies like broccoli, snap peas, or bell peppers make great accompaniments to round out the meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Turn your Bang Bang Chicken & Shrimp into a vibrant bowl by layering it over noodles with crunchy veggies and drizzling extra sauce on top. You can also stuff it into lettuce wraps for a refreshing handheld option, perfect for casual dinners or gatherings.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Because of the creamy sauce, it might thicken or separate slightly, but a gentle reheat and stir will bring it back together.
Freezing
While you can freeze Bang Bang Chicken & Shrimp, the shrimp texture might change slightly upon thawing. For best results, freeze the chicken and sauce separately, and add freshly cooked shrimp after reheating.
Reheating
Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave at medium power. Add a splash of water or lime juice if the sauce becomes too thick, and stir frequently to warm evenly without drying out the proteins.
FAQs
Can I make Bang Bang Chicken & Shrimp gluten-free?
Yes! Just ensure you use gluten-free mayonnaise and sauces, and confirm that your Sriracha or chili sauce is gluten-free as well.
What can I substitute for shrimp if I don’t like seafood?
You can easily omit shrimp or replace them with extra chicken, tofu, or even thinly sliced vegetables like mushrooms for a vegetarian alternative.
How spicy is Bang Bang Chicken & Shrimp?
The spiciness depends on the amount of Sriracha you use, so feel free to adjust it to your heat preference, from mild to fiery.
Can I prepare the sauce ahead of time?
Absolutely, the sauce can be made a day in advance and refrigerated. Just give it a good stir before combining with the cooked meats.
What type of rice works best with this dish?
Jasmine or basmati rice complement the flavors beautifully, but any white or brown rice will work well to absorb the creamy, spicy sauce.
Final Thoughts
If you need a delicious, vibrant dinner that comes together quickly, this Bang Bang Chicken & Shrimp recipe is a fantastic choice. Its bold flavors, simple ingredients, and speedy prep make it a weeknight hero you will want to revisit again and again. Grab your skillet and get ready to savor a dinner that tastes like a celebration every time!