Crock Pot Bang Bang Chicken

Introduction

Crock Pot Bang Bang Chicken is a flavorful, creamy, and mildly spicy dish that combines tender shredded chicken with a sweet and spicy sauce. The slow cooker does all the work, infusing the chicken with incredible flavor while keeping it juicy and tender. This dish is perfect for busy weeknights, meal prep, or a crowd-pleasing dinner. Served over rice or in wraps, it’s a versatile meal that can be tailored to your preferences. With its tangy and sweet bang bang sauce, this dish is sure to become a family favorite.

I made this dish for the first time when I needed something simple yet delicious for a family dinner. The kitchen was filled with the rich scent of the sauce as it slowly cooked, and the end result was nothing short of amazing. The chicken was so tender, and the sauce was the perfect balance of sweet and spicy. What I love most about this recipe is how easy it is to make. Just throw everything into the crockpot, and let it do its magic. It’s a great option for when you need to feed a hungry crowd without spending hours in the kitchen.

You can serve it in so many ways—over steamed rice, inside soft tortillas, or even on a salad for a lighter option. For a little extra crunch, top it with chopped green onions or crispy fried onions. Whether you’re feeding the family or prepping meals for the week, this Crock Pot Bang Bang Chicken is sure to become a go-to!

Perfect for:

• Weeknight dinners
• Meal prepping
• Family gatherings
• Game day parties
• Asian-inspired meals

Why You’ll Love This Crock Pot Bang Bang Chicken

Here’s why Crock Pot Bang Bang Chicken will be a hit in your home:

• Tender Chicken: The slow cooking process ensures the chicken is super tender and easily shredded, making it perfect for sandwiches, wraps, or bowls.
• Sweet and Spicy Sauce: The creamy sauce is a combination of sweet, tangy, and spicy flavors, with a hint of heat that balances perfectly with the chicken.
• Easy to Make: With minimal prep and the slow cooker doing most of the work, this recipe is incredibly easy to make and requires very little hands-on time.
• Versatile: You can serve the chicken in so many ways, from over rice to in lettuce wraps or tacos.
• Family-Friendly: The flavors are bold but not overwhelming, making it a great choice for even picky eaters.

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Total Time: 6-7 hours
• Preparation Time: 10 minutes
• Cooking Time: 6-7 hours (on low) or 3-4 hours (on high)
• Servings: 4-6 servings
• Calories per serving: Approximately 300-350 calories
• Key Nutrients: Protein: 30g, Carbs: 10g, Fat: 20g

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients to make your Crock Pot Bang Bang Chicken:

• 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 1/4 cup sweet chili sauce
• 1 tablespoon sriracha (adjust based on spice preference)
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 2 tablespoons chopped green onions (for garnish)
• Cooked rice, for serving (optional)
• 1 tablespoon sesame seeds (optional)

Ingredient Highlights

• Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs are ideal for this dish. The slow cooking method ensures the chicken becomes fall-apart tender and full of flavor.
• Mayonnaise: This is the base of the creamy bang bang sauce. It gives the sauce its smooth and rich texture.
• Sweet Chili Sauce: Provides sweetness and a hint of heat to the sauce, making it the perfect balance for the creamy mayo.
• Sriracha: Adds heat to the dish. You can adjust the amount depending on how spicy you like your food.
• Rice Vinegar: Adds a touch of acidity that helps balance the sweetness of the sauce.
• Honey: Adds sweetness and enhances the flavor profile of the sauce.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Here’s how to make Crock Pot Bang Bang Chicken:

Prepare the Chicken and Sauce:

1. Prepare the Chicken: Place the chicken breasts or thighs into the bottom of your Crock Pot.
2. Make the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, rice vinegar, honey, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper until smooth and well combined.
3. Pour the Sauce Over the Chicken: Pour the prepared sauce evenly over the chicken in the Crock Pot, making sure the chicken is well-coated.

Cook and Shred the Chicken:

4. Cook: Cover the Crock Pot and cook on low for 6-7 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is fully cooked and easily shreds with a fork.
5. Shred the Chicken: Once the chicken is done cooking, remove it from the Crock Pot and shred it using two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the Crock Pot and stir to coat it in the sauce.

Serve:

6. Serve: Spoon the chicken over cooked rice or serve in lettuce wraps, tacos, or as a filling for sandwiches. Garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds for added flavor and texture.
7. Optional: Serve with extra sriracha or sweet chili sauce for additional heat and sweetness.

How to Serve Crock Pot Bang Bang Chicken

Crock Pot Bang Bang Chicken is incredibly versatile and can be served in various ways:

• Over Rice: Serve the shredded chicken over a bed of steamed white rice, brown rice, or jasmine rice for a filling meal.
• In Lettuce Wraps: For a lighter, low-carb option, spoon the chicken into butter lettuce leaves for a refreshing wrap.
• In Tacos or Wraps: Use the chicken as a filling for soft flour tortillas or wraps for a delicious hand-held meal.
• As a Sandwich Filling: Serve the chicken in a soft sandwich bun, topped with crunchy slaw or pickles for added texture.
• With Veggies: Serve the chicken with roasted or steamed vegetables on the side to complete the meal.

Additional Tips for Crock Pot Bang Bang Chicken

Here are some tips to ensure your Crock Pot Bang Bang Chicken turns out perfectly every time:

• Adjust the Spice Level: If you prefer a milder dish, reduce the amount of sriracha or omit it entirely. For more heat, add extra sriracha or some red pepper flakes.
• Use Chicken Thighs: For even more tenderness and flavor, try using boneless, skinless chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts.
• Make it Ahead: This recipe is perfect for meal prepping. Once the chicken is cooked, it can be stored in the fridge for up to 4-5 days or frozen for up to 3 months.
• Serve with Toppings: Top the chicken with extra garnishes like cilantro, chopped peanuts, or a drizzle of extra sauce for added flavor.
• Slow Cooker Size: Ensure you are using a Crock Pot that can comfortably hold 2 pounds of chicken. A 4-6 quart slow cooker is ideal for this recipe.

Recipe Variations for Crock Pot Bang Bang Chicken

Here are 10 variations you can try for Crock Pot Bang Bang Chicken:

• Spicy Mango Bang Bang Chicken: Add some diced mango to the sauce for a fruity twist that complements the heat.
• Bang Bang Chicken Bowls: Layer the chicken with your favorite vegetables, rice, and a dollop of sauce for a delicious rice bowl.
• Bang Bang Chicken Salad: Serve the chicken over a bed of mixed greens, adding cucumbers, carrots, and avocado for a fresh, crunchy salad.
• Crispy Bang Bang Chicken: After shredding the chicken, toss it in some breadcrumbs and fry or bake for a crispy texture.
• Bang Bang Chicken Pasta: Serve the shredded chicken and sauce over cooked pasta for a creamy, spicy pasta dish.
• Bang Bang Chicken Sliders: Use small slider buns to make fun, bite-sized sandwiches with the chicken.
• Garlic Butter Bang Bang Chicken: Add a bit of garlic butter to the sauce for a rich, buttery flavor.
• Bang Bang Chicken with Coconut Rice: Serve the chicken over coconut rice for an extra tropical flair.
• Honey Mustard Bang Bang Chicken: Replace the sweet chili sauce with honey mustard for a tangy variation.
• Vegetarian Bang Bang “Chicken”: Use plant-based chicken or tofu in place of the meat for a vegetarian or vegan option.

Freezing and Storage for Crock Pot Bang Bang Chicken

• Freezing: This dish freezes well. Let the chicken cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe bag or container. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. Reheat by thawing overnight in the fridge and reheating in the microwave or on the stovetop.
• Storage: Store leftover Bang Bang Chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4-5 days.

Special Equipment for Crock Pot Bang Bang Chicken

Here are some special equipment items that can make preparing your Crock Pot Bang Bang Chicken easier:

• Crock Pot: A slow cooker is essential for this recipe, allowing the chicken to cook low and slow for perfect tenderness.
• Whisk: A small whisk is perfect for combining the sauce ingredients evenly.
• Forks for Shredding: Two forks work best for shredding the chicken once it’s cooked.
• Measuring Spoons and Cups: Ensure accurate measurements for the ingredients, especially for the sauces and seasonings.
• Tongs or Serving Spoons: Tongs or large serving spoons make it easier to transfer the chicken to serving plates or bowls.

Frequently Asked Questions for Crock Pot Bang Bang Chicken

1. Can I use frozen chicken?
   Yes, you can use frozen chicken in this recipe. However, you may need to increase the cooking time by 1-2 hours if starting with frozen chicken.
2. Can I adjust the sweetness?
   Yes, you can reduce the honey or sweet chili sauce if you prefer a less sweet dish, or add more for extra sweetness.
3. Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
   Yes, chicken thighs will work great in this recipe. They tend to be more flavorful and juicy.
4. Can I cook this on high instead of low?
   Yes, you can cook the chicken on high for 3-4 hours if you’re short on time.
5. Can I make this gluten-free?
   Yes, ensure the sweet chili sauce and sriracha are gluten-free (some brands may contain gluten).

Print

Conclusion

Crock Pot Bang Bang Chicken brings the perfect blend of sweet and spicy with minimal prep work. The tender, juicy chicken is coated in a creamy, zesty sauce that packs a punch, making it an ideal choice for a quick weeknight dinner or meal prep for the week ahead. The slow cooking process infuses the chicken with incredible flavor, and the best part is that you can adjust the spice level to your liking.

Whether you serve it over rice, stuff it into wraps, or pile it onto sliders, this dish is bound to become a favorite. It’s versatile, simple, and absolutely delicious!

I’d love to see how your Crock Pot Bang Bang Chicken turns out! Snap a photo, share it on social media, and don’t forget to tag me—I’m excited to see your tasty creations! Happy cooking!