Is there anything more satisfying than a dish that's at once creamy, spicy, sweet, and savory? I’d wager not many, and that's precisely why I’m so excited to share this recipe for Bang Bang Chicken with you! Originally a Szechuan dish, Bang Bang Chicken has evolved into a beloved international favorite, and I totally get why. It’s a simple meal that punches well above its weight in the flavor department. You might want to whip this up for a weeknight dinner - it's that quick and effortless - but it tastes like a weekend treat. It’s a perfect blend for those days when you want something with a bit of zing that doesn't take an age to put together.

Bang Bang Chicken is notably versatile, but I love serving it over a bed of crisp lettuce or with a side of refreshing cucumber salad to balance out the heat. It's pure perfection with a side of steamed jasmine rice to soak up that delightful sauce or, for a low-carb twist, try it with cauliflower rice. If you’re feeling a tad more indulgent, crispy shoestring fries make a surprisingly scrumptious partner.

Servings: 4

Ingredients:

- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- Salt and cracked black pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons sweet chili sauce
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 2 teaspoons rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon hot sauce (more or less to taste)
- 2 green onions, thinly sliced for garnish
- Sesame seeds, for garnish

Directions:

1. Season the chicken pieces with salt and pepper to taste.

2. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook until golden brown on all sides and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.

3. While the chicken is cooking, whisk together mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, honey, rice vinegar, and hot sauce in a bowl. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.

4. Add the cooked chicken back into the skillet and pour the sauce over it. Toss to coat all of the chicken pieces evenly in the sauce.

5. Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, until everything is heated through and the sauce thickens slightly.

6. Serve the chicken garnished with green onions and sesame seeds.

Variations & Tips:

- For an extra crunch, coat your chicken pieces lightly in cornstarch before cooking. This will give them a beautifully crispy exterior.
- Bang Bang Tofu, anyone? Substitute firm tofu cut into cubes for a plant-based rendition that’s just as satisfying.
- If you have more time, marinate the chicken in some of the sauce for an hour before cooking for deeper flavor.
- If you're sensitive to spice, start with less hot sauce and adjust upward to find your perfect heat level.
- Got leftovers? They make fantastic wraps for lunch the next day – just add some fresh veggies and wrap it up in a tortilla.

There you have it: a no-fuss way to have a bang-up dinner on the table in no time. Enjoy!

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