If you’re craving big flavor without lots of fuss, Bang Bang Chicken Casserole is about to be your new dinnertime hero. This crowd-pleaser brings together tender chicken, al dente pasta, crunchy veggies, and, of course, the signature creamy-spicy-sweet Bang Bang sauce—all bubbling together under a gooey layer of mozzarella. The beauty of this recipe lies in how each component is amped up with bold taste and vibrant color, yet it’s still incredibly simple to pull together. Whether you’re feeding a group, prepping ahead, or giving leftovers a tasty new twist, Bang Bang Chicken Casserole will have everyone coming back for second helpings and asking for the recipe!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Bang Bang Chicken Casserole is built on a foundation of everyday pantry staples and colorful produce, each bringing their own magic to the dish. These easy-to-find ingredients deliver the perfect balance of creamy, spicy, sweet, and savory flavors in every bite.
- Cooked chicken breast (2 cups): Use rotisserie or leftover chicken for easy shredding and big flavor.
- Penne or rotini pasta (8 oz): These sturdy shapes soak up the sauce and don’t get mushy.
- Broccoli florets (1 cup): Lightly steamed for vibrant crunch and color.
- Red bell pepper (1, diced): Adds sweetness and a pop of red.
- Shredded carrots (½ cup): Delivers subtle sweetness and a lovely orange hue.
- Mayonnaise (¾ cup): The creamy base that unites the Bang Bang sauce.
- Sweet chili sauce (½ cup): Brings irresistible tang and just the right amount of sweetness.
- Sriracha (2 tablespoons, adjust to taste): Infuses the signature kick; feel free to dial it up or down.
- Honey (1 tablespoon): Balances out the heat and rounds out the sauce.
- Garlic (2 cloves, minced): Puts a savory backbone in the sauce.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese (1½ cups): Melts to gooey perfection on top and within the casserole.
- Chopped green onions (¼ cup): For a fresh, crisp garnish.
- Salt and pepper: Adjust to taste for perfect seasoning.
- Cooking spray: Keeps the casserole from sticking and helps with easy cleanup.
How to Make Bang Bang Chicken Casserole
Step 1: Prep the Oven and Dish
First things first: set your oven to preheat at 375°F. Meanwhile, lightly grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish with cooking spray. This keeps your Bang Bang Chicken Casserole from sticking and makes serving (and cleaning up) a breeze.
Step 2: Cook the Pasta
Bring a big pot of salted water to a boil and cook your penne or rotini until just al dente—remember, the pasta will finish cooking in the oven, so you don’t want it too soft. Drain well and set aside to cool off a bit while you prep the sauce.
Step 3: Mix the Bang Bang Sauce
In a large bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, honey, and minced garlic. This creamy, tangy, spicy-sweet concoction is what makes Bang Bang Chicken Casserole pop with flavor. Adjust the sriracha to suit your spice tolerance; the sauce should have a little kick, but not overwhelm.
Step 4: Combine the Filling
Now comes the fun part! Stir your shredded or chopped chicken, cooked pasta, steamed broccoli, diced red bell pepper, carrots, and half of the mozzarella cheese right into the bowl with the Bang Bang sauce. Give everything a big toss until well coated—you want every little nook and cranny infused with that addictive sauce. Taste and add salt and pepper if needed.
Step 5: Assemble and Top
Spoon the mixture into your prepared casserole dish, spreading it evenly from corner to corner. Sprinkle the rest of the mozzarella over the top. If you like a little crunch, this is the also the time to add a handful of panko breadcrumbs before baking.
Step 6: Bake and Finish
Slide your Bang Bang Chicken Casserole into the oven and bake for about 20–25 minutes, or until everything is bubbling, hot, and the cheesy top is beautifully melted and golden. Just before serving, shower the top with freshly chopped green onions for that signature pop of fresh flavor and color.
How to Serve Bang Bang Chicken Casserole
Garnishes
For that restaurant-worthy finish, top your Bang Bang Chicken Casserole with a handful of sliced green onions right before bringing it to the table. For extra crunch, try a scattering of toasted sesame seeds or a sprinkle of panko breadcrumbs that have been browned in a little butter.
Side Dishes
This casserole is truly a meal on its own, but a crisp, simple salad or a side of roasted green beans makes a fresh, vibrant plate. If you want a little extra Asian-inspired flair, serve with steamed edamame or fluffy jasmine rice to soak up every last bit of the Bang Bang sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
For family-style coziness, scoop big, cheesy helpings straight from the casserole dish. For something more playful, serve individual portions in small ramekins or mini baking dishes at a party. Or try spooning leftovers into lettuce cups for a lighter, handheld lunch the next day—Bang Bang Chicken Casserole is as versatile as it is delicious!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, store leftover Bang Bang Chicken Casserole in an airtight container in the fridge. It keeps well for up to 3 days and actually gets even a bit more flavorful as the sauce mingles with the other ingredients overnight.
Freezing
This casserole can absolutely be frozen. Wrap tightly or store in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. For best results, freeze before baking and then bake straight from the freezer (just add extra time), or freeze leftovers and thaw overnight before reheating.
Reheating
To reheat, cover the casserole with foil and warm it in a 350°F oven until hot and bubbly, or microwave individual servings with a splash of water to keep the pasta tender. Add a fresh sprinkle of cheese and green onions to liven up leftovers.
FAQs
Can I make Bang Bang Chicken Casserole ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble the casserole up to a day ahead and store it in the refrigerator, covered. When you’re ready to bake, pop it in the oven, adding an extra 5–10 minutes since it will be starting cold.
What’s the best way to make it less spicy?
If you prefer things on the mild side, simply reduce the amount of sriracha in the sauce or swap it for a milder hot sauce. The sweet chili sauce lends plenty of tang on its own, so you won’t lose that classic Bang Bang flavor.
Can I use a different meat or make it vegetarian?
Absolutely! Try cooked shrimp, turkey, or even rotisserie pork instead of chicken. For a vegetarian version, add extra broccoli, roasted cauliflower, or even tofu for that satisfying bite, just keeping the sauce and seasoning the same.
Which pasta shapes work best for Bang Bang Chicken Casserole?
Penne and rotini are recommended because they hold the sauce beautifully, but rigatoni, ziti, or even shells will work in a pinch—just avoid very thin or flimsy pasta.
Can I double the recipe for a party or potluck?
Definitely! Simply double all the ingredients and use two casserole dishes, or a larger pan if you have one. It’s a potluck star, and the irresistible Bang Bang flavor will ensure your dish is the first to disappear.
Final Thoughts
Don’t be surprised if Bang Bang Chicken Casserole becomes your new go-to comfort food after just one bite! The blend of creamy sauce, tender chicken, sweet heat, and gooey cheese is pure magic in a pan. Gather your ingredients, invite a friend (or three), and get ready to share some smiles around the casserole dish—you’re going to love this one!
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
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Bang Bang Chicken Casserole is a flavorful and spicy twist on a classic casserole dish, featuring tender chicken, pasta, and a creamy, sweet, and spicy Bang Bang sauce. Baked to perfection with a cheesy topping, this dish is sure to become a family favorite.
Ingredients
For the Casserole:
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast (shredded or chopped)
- 8 oz penne or rotini pasta
- 1 cup broccoli florets (lightly steamed or blanched)
- 1 red bell pepper (diced)
- ½ cup shredded carrots
- ¾ cup mayonnaise
- ½ cup sweet chili sauce
- 2 tablespoons sriracha (adjust to taste)
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ¼ cup chopped green onions
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Cooking spray
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F and lightly grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish with cooking spray.
- Cook the pasta: Cook the pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Make the Bang Bang sauce: In a large mixing bowl, combine mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, honey, and garlic. Stir in the shredded chicken, cooked pasta, broccoli, bell pepper, carrots, and half of the shredded mozzarella. Season with salt and pepper.
- Assemble the casserole: Pour the mixture into the prepared casserole dish and top with the remaining mozzarella cheese.
- Bake: Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until hot and bubbly and the cheese is melted. Garnish with chopped green onions before serving.
Notes
- For added crunch, sprinkle panko breadcrumbs on top before baking.
- This casserole can be made ahead and refrigerated; add 5–10 minutes to the baking time if chilled.
- Adjust sriracha based on your heat preference.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 510
- Sugar: 10 g
- Sodium: 650 mg
- Fat: 28 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 36 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 29 g
- Cholesterol: 75 mg
