Go Back
bang bang chicken salad

Crunchy Bang Bang Chicken Salad

Delicious Crunchy Bang Bang Chicken Salad recipe with step-by-step instructions.
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 5 minutes
Total Time 12 minutes
Servings 6.5 cups
Calories 850 kcal

Ingredients
  

For the dressing::

  • 1/2 cup yogurt (I prefer Fage 5% for a thick, creamy base)
  • 1/3 cup mayonnaise (I always use Hellmann's)
  • 2 tbsp chili sauce
  • 2 tbsp sriracha (adds essential heat and tang)
  • 1.5 tbsp lime juice
  • 3/4 tsp ginger
  • 1/2 tsp onion powder
  • 1/4 tsp red pepper
  • 1/2 tsp fish sauce

For the salad::

  • 4 cups chicken breast (shredded into bite-sized pieces for better texture)
  • 1/2 cup carrots (julienned into thin 2-inch strips)
  • 1/2 cup red bell pepper (diced into 1/4-inch pieces)
  • 1/4 cup scallions
  • 2 tbsp cilantro

For serving::

  • sesame seeds (toasted in a dry pan for best aroma)
  • crudites
  • crackers (I like Mary's Gone Crackers for extra crunch)

Instructions
 

  • Shred the chicken breast into bite-sized pieces and set aside. Julienne the carrots into thin 2-inch strips, dice the red bell pepper into 1/4-inch pieces, and slice the scallions. Roughly chop the cilantro and set aside separately. Toast the sesame seeds in a dry pan over medium heat for 2-3 minutes, shaking occasionally, until fragrant—this brings out their nutty flavor and gives them better texture.
  • In a medium bowl, whisk together the yogurt, mayonnaise, chili sauce, sriracha, lime juice, ginger, onion powder, red pepper, and fish sauce. Mix until completely smooth and well combined. Taste the sauce and adjust the heat or tang to your preference—I like to add a touch more sriracha if I want extra kick, but the current balance should give you that signature bang bang flavor.
  • Add the shredded chicken, julienned carrots, diced red bell pepper, and sliced scallions to the sauce. Gently fold everything together until the chicken and vegetables are evenly coated. Reserve about half of the chopped cilantro to mix in now, saving the rest for garnish. I recommend folding gently rather than stirring vigorously to keep the chicken tender and prevent it from breaking apart.
  • Transfer the bang bang chicken salad to a serving bowl or divide among plates. Top with the remaining cilantro, any reserved scallions, and the toasted sesame seeds for a final flourish. Arrange crudités and crackers on the side for serving.