If you’re craving a dish that combines creamy, spicy, and satisfying all in one comforting meal, then this Bang Bang Chicken Casserole Recipe is going to become your new best friend in the kitchen. It’s everything you love about Bang Bang Chicken – that perfect balance of sweet chili sauce and sriracha heat – wrapped up in a cheesy, baked pasta casserole loaded with vibrant veggies and tender chicken. This recipe turns simple ingredients into a flavorful, crowd-pleasing dinner that warms you from the inside out.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Bang Bang Chicken Casserole Recipe lies in its straightforward ingredients, each playing a crucial role. From the protein-packed chicken to the colorful vegetables, the creamy sauce, and melty mozzarella, these ingredients come together for a dish that’s as nourishing as it is delicious.
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast (shredded or chopped): Provides tender, juicy protein that’s the star of the casserole.
- 8 oz penne or rotini pasta: These pasta shapes trap the sauce perfectly for every bite.
- 1 cup broccoli florets (lightly steamed or blanched): Adds a fresh, green crunch and nutritional boost.
- 1 red bell pepper (diced): Brings sweetness and vibrant color to enliven the dish.
- ½ cup shredded carrots: Introduces subtle sweetness and a pop of orange.
- ¾ cup mayonnaise: Creates the creamy base of the iconic Bang Bang sauce.
- ½ cup sweet chili sauce: Infuses the casserole with signature sweet heat.
- 2 tablespoons sriracha (adjust to taste): Adds a controllable spicy kick that livens up every bite.
- 1 tablespoon honey: Balances the heat with gentle sweetness.
- 2 cloves garlic (minced): Delivers aromatic depth and flavor.
- 1½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts into gooey, irresistible topping and filling.
- ¼ cup chopped green onions: Sprinkles freshness and a mild onion crunch as garnish.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential for seasoning and rounding out the flavors.
- Cooking spray: Keeps the casserole dish perfectly non-stick for easy serving.
How to Make Bang Bang Chicken Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Pasta
Kick things off by preheating your oven to 375°F and lightly greasing a 9×13-inch casserole dish with cooking spray. This helps your Bang Bang Chicken Casserole Recipe bake evenly and slide out easily after. Then, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook your pasta until it’s just al dente — slightly firm but tender enough to soak up the sauce without turning mushy.
Step 2: Whip Up the Bang Bang Sauce
In a large mixing bowl, blend together mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, honey, and minced garlic. This vibrant mixture is the heart and soul of the Bang Bang Chicken Casserole Recipe, marrying creaminess, heat, and a touch of sweetness that makes every bite unforgettable.
Step 3: Combine the Ingredients
Next, stir your shredded chicken, cooked pasta, broccoli florets, diced red bell pepper, shredded carrots, and half of the shredded mozzarella directly into the Bang Bang sauce. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper, adjusting to suit your taste buds. This step ensures every mouthful is packed with flavor and texture.
Step 4: Assemble and Bake
Pour your mixture into the prepared casserole dish and then sprinkle the remaining mozzarella on top. Bake for about 20 to 25 minutes, or until the casserole is hot and bubbling, and the cheese is melted to golden, gooey perfection.
How to Serve Bang Bang Chicken Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
Once out of the oven, sprinkle chopped green onions across the top for a fresh, slightly sharp contrast to the rich casserole. If you want extra crunch, toasted panko breadcrumbs can be added before baking, giving the top a delightful crisp texture.
Side Dishes
This Bang Bang Chicken Casserole Recipe pairs beautifully with simple sides like a crisp green salad dressed in a light vinaigrette or steamed jasmine rice to complement the spicy, creamy flavors without overpowering them. Roasted vegetables or even garlic bread can round out the meal as well.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve this casserole in individual ramekins or small cast iron skillets for personal portions that look as adorable as they taste. Or sprinkle fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lime on top for a bright, zesty finish that elevates the fusion vibe.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Bang Bang Chicken Casserole can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making for an even tastier next-day meal.
Freezing
This recipe freezes well too. Just cover the casserole securely before popping it into the freezer. For best results, freeze uncooked if possible, then thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking as usual.
Reheating
When it’s time to enjoy leftovers, reheat in the oven at 350°F covered with foil to prevent drying out, or microwave individual portions until warmed through. Adding a splash of water or broth before reheating helps keep the casserole moist.
FAQs
Can I use frozen vegetables in this recipe?
Absolutely! Frozen broccoli and bell peppers work well if fresh aren’t available—just thaw and drain any excess water before mixing into the casserole to avoid sogginess.
Is it possible to make this casserole dairy-free?
You can swap the mozzarella for a dairy-free cheese alternative and use a plant-based mayonnaise to keep it creamy while accommodating dairy sensitivities.
How spicy is the Bang Bang Chicken Casserole Recipe?
The heat level mainly comes from the sriracha and sweet chili sauce, which you can adjust to your liking. Start with less sriracha and add more if you want additional kick.
What pasta shapes work best?
Penne and rotini are great here because they hold the sauce nicely, but you can use fusilli, rigatoni, or even small shells based on what you have on hand.
Can I add other proteins or vegetables?
Definitely! Shrimp or tofu are tasty protein swaps, and veggies like snap peas or mushrooms can add interesting flavors and textures to personalize your casserole.
Final Thoughts
Now that you’ve got this Bang Bang Chicken Casserole Recipe in your culinary arsenal, you’re ready to enjoy a dish that’s bursting with bold flavors, comforting textures, and that undeniable fusion flair. Whether for a busy weeknight or a casual gathering, it’s sure to delight your taste buds and maybe even inspire your next dinner party. Grab your ingredients, preheat that oven, and get ready to fall in love with this cozy, spicy casserole!
Print
Bang Bang Chicken Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Asian-American Fusion
Description
This Bang Bang Chicken Casserole is a spicy, creamy, and comforting baked dish featuring tender cooked chicken combined with pasta, fresh vegetables, and a flavorful Bang Bang sauce made from mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, and honey. Topped with melted mozzarella cheese and garnished with green onions, it’s perfect for an easy weeknight dinner with a delightful Asian-American fusion twist.
Ingredients
Chicken and Pasta
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast (shredded or chopped)
- 8 oz penne or rotini pasta
Vegetables
- 1 cup broccoli florets (lightly steamed or blanched)
- 1 red bell pepper (diced)
- ½ cup shredded carrots
Bang Bang Sauce
- ¾ cup mayonnaise
- ½ cup sweet chili sauce
- 2 tablespoons sriracha (adjust to taste)
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
Other Ingredients
- 1½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ¼ cup chopped green onions
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Cooking spray
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish using cooking spray to prevent sticking and ensure easy serving.
- Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook until al dente according to package directions. Drain the pasta well and set aside.
- Make Bang Bang Sauce: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, honey, and minced garlic until smooth and well combined.
- Combine Ingredients: Add the shredded chicken, cooked pasta, broccoli florets, diced red bell pepper, shredded carrots, and half of the shredded mozzarella cheese to the bowl with the sauce. Stir everything together until well coated. Season generously with salt and pepper to taste.
- Assemble Casserole: Transfer the mixture into the greased casserole dish, spreading it out evenly. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese evenly over the top.
- Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the casserole is hot, bubbly, and the cheese is fully melted and golden.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from the oven and sprinkle chopped green onions over the top before serving to add freshness and color.
Notes
- For an extra crunchy topping, consider sprinkling panko breadcrumbs over the cheese before baking.
- This casserole can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator; if baking from chilled, add an additional 5–10 minutes to the baking time to ensure it’s heated through.
- Adjust the amount of sriracha according to your preferred level of spice to make it milder or hotter.
