Bang Bang Chicken Casserole Recipe
Meet your newest obsession: Bang Bang Chicken Casserole. This irresistible, crowd-pleasing dish magically blends creamy comfort with a slap of sweet heat, all tucked into a bubbly, golden pasta bake. Succulent shredded chicken joins forces with a sassy, flavor-stacked sauce—and the best part? It’s outrageously simple to whip up on a busy night. If you’re craving something indulgent yet secretly nourishing, this Bang Bang Chicken Casserole recipe delivers on every level, becoming an instant family favorite from the first forkful.
Ingredients You’ll Need
With just a handful of everyday staples and a couple of sauces you probably already adore, each ingredient in Bang Bang Chicken Casserole plays a key role. The result? Layers of taste and a beautiful casserole with the perfect balance of creamy, tangy, and spicy notes.
- Cooked shredded chicken: Tender rotisserie or leftover chicken soaks up every bit of that flavorful sauce.
- Penne pasta: The ideal shape to hold all the creamy, spicy sauce in each bite.
- Olive oil: Just a drizzle to help sauté veggies and develop their natural sweetness.
- Red bell pepper: Gives a juicy crunch and a pop of cheerful color to the casserole.
- Green onions: Add fresh bite and brightness to the warm, savory base.
- Plain Greek yogurt: Makes the sauce thick and creamy with a healthy, tangy twist.
- Mayonnaise: Adds that signature richness and brings all the sauce flavors together.
- Sweet chili sauce: The sweet-and-spicy backbone behind the classic “bang bang” flavor.
- Sriracha sauce: Turns up the heat just enough to keep things exciting—adjust to your spice level.
- Rice vinegar: A touch of acidity to balance out the creaminess and bring each flavor forward.
- Garlic powder: Brings subtle depth without overpowering the other ingredients.
- Onion powder: Another layer of savory goodness supporting the overall taste.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts to gooey perfection, holding the casserole together.
- Grated Parmesan cheese: Offers salty punch and a lovely golden crust on top.
- Salt and black pepper: Essential seasoning to make every other flavor shine.
- Chopped cilantro or green onions (for garnish): Adds freshness and a final burst of color before serving.
How to Make Bang Bang Chicken Casserole
Step 1: Prep the Oven and Pasta
Preheat your oven to 375°F so it’s all set for baking duty. Meanwhile, cook your penne pasta in a large pot of salted water just until al dente—don’t overdo it! Remember, the pasta will keep cooking in the casserole, and you want it to stay pleasantly firm. Drain and set aside while you get everything else ready.
Step 2: Sauté the Veggies
In a large skillet, warm the olive oil over medium heat. Toss in your diced red bell pepper and green onions, stirring gently for 3 to 4 minutes. You’re looking for the veggies to soften and become fragrant—this step infuses the casserole with fresh sweetness and bright flavor right from the start.
Step 3: Whisk Together the Creamy Bang Bang Sauce
Now comes the fun part! In a big mixing bowl, whisk together the Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, Sriracha, rice vinegar, garlic powder, onion powder, and just enough salt and black pepper to taste. Take a taste and adjust the Sriracha if you want to kick up the heat. You’re aiming for a smooth, creamy, zippy sauce loaded with personality.
Step 4: Mix, Mix, Mix!
Pile in the cooked pasta, shredded chicken, sautéed veggies, and half the mozzarella cheese into your sauce bowl. Stir everything together until the chicken and pasta are generously coated and the veggies are evenly distributed. This is when the ingredients unite to create the magic in Bang Bang Chicken Casserole.
Step 5: Assemble and Bake
Grease your 9×13-inch baking dish, then spread the entire mixture in an even layer. Sprinkle on the rest of the mozzarella and all the Parmesan cheese for that crave-worthy, golden crust. Pop the casserole in the oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until it’s bubbling around the edges and the cheese on top has melted into gorgeous, savory puddles.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Once your Bang Bang Chicken Casserole is baked to perfection, top it off with a generous scattering of chopped cilantro or fresh green onions. The bright garnish brings out the dreamy flavors and invites everyone to dig in!
How to Serve Bang Bang Chicken Casserole
Garnishes
Elevate your Bang Bang Chicken Casserole with a finishing touch of chopped cilantro for fresh zest, or extra green onions if you’re a fan of their mild tang. Toasted sesame seeds or a squeeze of lime juice can also add a punchy flourish at the table.
Side Dishes
This casserole pairs beautifully with simple sides like a crisp green salad to balance the richness or quick-steamed broccoli for extra veg. If you’re looking to make it a cozy, carb-loaded night, warm garlic bread is never a bad idea!
Creative Ways to Present
For something a little different, scoop Bang Bang Chicken Casserole into individual ramekins for a charming dinner party presentation. Or, serve it family-style straight from the bubbling dish with a sprinkle of extra fresh herbs so everyone can help themselves to hearty portions.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, let the casserole cool to room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container. Kept in the refrigerator, Bang Bang Chicken Casserole stays fresh and tasty for up to 4 days—making it perfect for meal-prep lunches or easy weeknight dinners.
Freezing
To freeze, assemble the casserole as directed but skip the baking step. Tightly wrap the unbaked dish and freeze for up to 2 months. When a craving strikes, thaw it overnight in the fridge, then bake as usual, adding a few extra minutes for perfectly bubbly results.
Reheating
For best results, reheat individual portions in the microwave in short bursts, stirring in between to distribute heat. To reheat a larger portion, cover with foil and warm in a 350°F oven until hot throughout—this keeps the pasta from getting too dry and revives all that creamy texture.
FAQs
Can I use a different type Main Course
Absolutely! While penne is classic for Bang Bang Chicken Casserole, feel free to use rotini, rigatoni, or even elbow macaroni. Just make sure to cook it al dente so it holds up well during baking.
Is there a way to make this casserole lighter?
Definitely. You can swap all of the mayo for extra Greek yogurt, or use light mayonnaise. It keeps the sauce creamy while reducing some calories and fat.
How spicy is Bang Bang Chicken Casserole?
The heat is customizable! Using 2 tablespoons of Sriracha will give a bold kick, but you can tone it down—or amp it up—by adjusting the amount. Sweet chili sauce mellows out the spice, keeping it family-friendly.
Can I make this ahead for a potluck?
Yes! You can assemble Bang Bang Chicken Casserole up to a day in advance, cover, and refrigerate. Bake just before serving, or reheat gently if you baked it earlier; it’s a guaranteed hit at any gathering.
What protein can I substitute for chicken?
If you want to shake things up, cooked shrimp or tofu would work wonderfully and soak up the zippy sauce. For a vegetarian twist, add more sautéed veggies or even chickpeas.
Final Thoughts
There’s nothing quite like gathering around the table to share a bubbly, irresistible Bang Bang Chicken Casserole. Loaded with flavor, rich in texture, and endlessly adaptable, this recipe is proof that big comfort doesn’t have to mean big effort. Give it a try—your taste buds (and your hungry crew) will thank you!
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Bang Bang Chicken Casserole Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
A delicious and creamy Bang Bang Chicken Casserole that combines tender shredded chicken, penne pasta, and a flavorful sauce made with Greek yogurt, sweet chili, and Sriracha, all baked to perfection with a cheesy topping.
Ingredients
For the Casserole:
- 3 cups cooked shredded chicken
- 8 ounces penne pasta
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1/2 cup chopped green onions
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- salt and black pepper to taste
- chopped cilantro or green onions for garnish
For the Sauce:
- 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup sweet chili sauce
- 2 tablespoons Sriracha sauce
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F.
- Cook the pasta: Cook the pasta until al dente, then drain and set aside.
- Sauté vegetables: Sauté the red bell pepper and green onions in olive oil until softened.
- Prepare the sauce: Whisk together Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, Sriracha, rice vinegar, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
- Combine ingredients: Mix pasta, chicken, sautéed vegetables, and half of the cheeses in the sauce.
- Bake: Transfer the mixture to a baking dish, top with remaining cheese, and bake for 20-25 minutes.
- Garnish and serve: Garnish with cilantro or green onions before serving.
Notes
- Adjust Sriracha for desired heat level.
- Rotisserie chicken can be used for convenience.
- To lighten the dish, replace mayonnaise with more Greek yogurt.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 1/2 cups
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 570mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
