Are you drooling over that spicy, creamy bang bang chicken but wondering what sides will make your meal complete? You’re not alone! I’ve been obsessed with this dish lately and tested dozens of pairings to find the absolute best companions for this flavor-packed favorite.
Whether you’re making bang bang chicken in the air fryer (my personal fave!), baking it in the oven, or going traditional, I’ve got you covered with sides that’ll make your dinner sing. From refreshing salads to carb-loaded comfort foods, let’s dive into what makes bang bang chicken even better!
What is Bang Bang Chicken?
Before we jump into the sides, let’s chat about what makes bang bang chicken so special. This dish originates from Sichuan province in China (also called bang bang ji) and has become a modern takeaway classic. The star of the show is the bang bang sauce – a perfect blend of:
- Mayo
- Asian sweet chili sauce
- Fresh lemon juice
- Sriracha (adjustable depending on how spicy you like it!)
The chicken is typically cut into bite-sized pieces seasoned with spices like garlic salt onion powder, paprika, and cayenne, then cooked until perfectly crispy. The result? Tender chicken with a crispy exterior, drizzled with that irresistible spicy-sweet-creamy sauce. Some recipes even add a drizzle of hot honey and fresh cilantro for extra pizzazz!
Best Sides to Serve with Bang Bang Chicken
Rice & Grain Options
Rice is a natural pairing for bang bang chicken, offering a neutral base that soaks up all that delicious sauce.
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Jasmine Rice: This aromatic rice has a slightly sticky texture that works beautifully with the spicy notes in bang bang chicken. Its subtle floral aroma enhances the dining experience without competing with the main dish.
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Garlic Fried Rice: For something with more personality, try garlic fried rice! This aromatic and savory side dish is made by stir-frying cooked rice with minced garlic, soy sauce, and seasonings. It’s popular in Asian cuisine and brings a rich, flavorful experience to complement the bang bang chicken.
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Brown Rice If you’re looking for a healthier option brown rice offers a chewier texture and nutty flavor that contrasts nicely with the tangy chicken. Plus, the extra fiber helps make the meal more filling!
Noodle Companions
Noodles provide an excellent alternative to rice and can absorb that yummy bang bang sauce.
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Sesame Noodles: These versatile noodles made with soy sauce, sesame oil, and garlic offer a savory umami taste. Their nutty profile creates a balanced meal experience with bang bang chicken.
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Soba Noodles: Made from buckwheat, these noodles provide a subtle earthy taste that stands up well to the bold flavors of bang bang chicken.
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Rice Noodles Light and delicate, these noodles soak up the sauce while providing a different texture from the chicken
Fresh & Vibrant Salads
Balance the rich, spicy chicken with something cool and crisp!
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Cucumber Salad: This refreshing side features thinly sliced cucumbers and red onions tossed in rice vinegar and sesame oil. It cleanses the palate between bites of the rich chicken and provides a satisfying texture contrast.
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Avocado Corn Salad: This nutrient-packed side combines creamy avocado, sweet corn, tangy lime dressing, and fresh cilantro for a flavor explosion. The red onion adds a pop of color and crunch, while the avocado provides creaminess that complements the bang bang sauce.
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Asian Slaw: Using red cabbage, carrots, and a soy-sesame dressing, this crunchy slaw adds fantastic texture contrast to the tender chicken pieces.
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Grilled Peach Salad: For something unexpected but delightful, try grilled peaches with arugula, basil, and a drizzle of balsamic glaze. The smoky sweetness pairs beautifully with the spicy chicken.
Veggie Sides
Add some nutritional balance with these veggie options:
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Roasted Vegetables: Combine bell peppers, zucchini, carrots, and broccoli seasoned with garlic, herbs, olive oil, salt, and pepper. High-heat roasting caramelizes their natural sugars, creating a sweet-savory complement to the chicken.
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Mango Pico De Gallo: This fruity twist on traditional salsa infuses diced mango with tomatoes, onions, cilantro, and lime juice. The sweet tropical flavors balance the spicy heat of the chicken while adding vibrant color to your plate.
Bread & Dumplings
Something to soak up that sauce is always welcome!
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Steamed Buns: These soft and fluffy Chinese bread rolls provide a neutral base that balances the spicy and savory flavors of bang bang chicken. Their light and pillowy texture makes them perfect for sopping up extra sauce.
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Garlic Bread: With its crispy exterior and buttery, herb-infused interior, garlic bread soaks up the spicy sauce beautifully while adding another dimension of flavor.
Appetizers that Pair Well
Start your meal right with these complementary appetizers:
- Spring Rolls: Crispy spring rolls filled with vegetables like carrots, cabbage, and bean sprouts served with sweet chili dipping sauce provide a satisfying crunch.
Extra Sauces for Dipping
Take your bang bang chicken experience to the next level with additional dipping options:
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Creamy Ranch: The tangy, herby profile of ranch made from mayonnaise and sour cream blended with herbs like dill and parsley complements the chicken beautifully.
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Extra Bang Bang Sauce: Sometimes more is more! Keep some extra bang bang sauce on the side for dipping.
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Sweet Chili Sauce: This versatile condiment offers a tangy and slightly heat-filled profile that adds depth to your meal.
Beverages to Serve with Bang Bang Chicken
Complete your meal with the perfect drink:
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Sparkling Water: Cleanses your palate between bites, enhancing the complex flavors.
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Chilled Ginger Beer: Offers a gingery kick that pairs well with the spiciness of the chicken.
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Crisp Lager: The carbonation contrasts with the creamy sauce while dampening the heat.
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Riesling: The fruity notes and acidity of this wine balance the richness of the dish.
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Lemonade: This timeless and invigorating beverage pairs exceptionally well with spicy dishes like bang bang chicken. Its revitalizing blend of tartness and sweetness balances the heat perfectly.
Quick & Easy Bang Bang Chicken Recipe
If you’re craving bang bang chicken right now, here’s my go-to air fryer recipe that’s ready in minutes:
Ingredients:
- 1-2 pounds chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
- Garlic salt, onion powder, paprika, cayenne, and black pepper for seasoning
- 1 cup mayo
- 3/4 cup Asian sweet chili sauce
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1/4-1/2 cup sriracha (depending on desired spice level)
- Hot honey for drizzling
- Fresh cilantro for garnish
Instructions:
- Lightly season chicken cubes with spices, cover with plastic wrap and set aside.
- Mix mayo, sweet chili sauce, lemon juice, and sriracha to make bang bang sauce.
- Coat chicken with half the sauce.
- Air fry at 400°F for 8 minutes, flip pieces, then cook another 6-8 minutes until internal temp reaches 165°F.
- Drizzle with hot honey and sprinkle with fresh cilantro.
- Serve with remaining sauce for dipping.
FAQs About Bang Bang Chicken Pairings
Can I serve bang bang chicken as an appetizer?
Absolutely! Smaller portions of bang bang chicken make excellent appetizers. Serve with toothpicks and extra dipping sauce.
What’s the best option if I want to keep the meal light?
Pair with cucumber salad or roasted vegetables for a lighter meal that doesn’t skimp on flavor.
Are there vegetarian alternatives to bang bang chicken?
Yes! Bang bang cauliflower is a popular vegetarian alternative that pairs with all the same sides.
Can I make this meal kid-friendly?
Definitely! Just reduce the sriracha in the sauce for less heat, and serve with kid favorites like plain rice or garlic bread.
Why These Sides Work So Well
The best sides for bang bang chicken either complement or contrast with its rich, spicy-sweet profile. Refreshing sides like cucumber salad provide relief from the heat, while neutral sides like rice or noodles absorb the delicious sauce. Textural contrasts like crunchy slaws or soft steamed buns keep each bite interesting.
I personally love the combo of bang bang chicken with jasmine rice and cucumber salad – the perfect balance of spicy, cool, and starchy satisfaction!
So there you have it – my ultimate guide to what to serve with bang bang chicken! Whether you’re planning a weeknight dinner or impressing guests, these pairings will elevate your meal from good to unforgettable. Which side are you excited to try first?
What is Bang Bang Sauce Made Of?
First, let’s talk about the star of the show: the Bang Bang sauce. This sauce is a perfect blend of mayo, lemon juice, Asian sweet chili sauce, and sriracha. It’s sweet with a hint of spice, creamy yet tangy. This sauce is so good, you’ll want to put it on everything!
Alternative Ways to Cook Your Chicken Bites
Now, let’s say you don’t have an air fryer or just prefer a different cooking method. No worries! You can also cook these delicious chicken bites on the grill or in the oven. If you choose the oven, set it to 400°F and bake until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. This ensures your chicken is cooked through and safe to eat. Grilling is another great option—just make sure to get that same internal temperature for perfectly cooked bites.
