Get ready for a yummy meal with Easy Crock Pot Bang Bang Chicken! This dish is a mix of tender chicken cooked slow in a tasty, spicy sauce made with mayo, sweet chili, and a hint of garlic.
What I love most is how easy it is to make. Just pop everything in the crock pot and let it do the work! Serve it over rice or noodles, and you have a cozy dinner! 🍚
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are great for this dish as they stay tender and soak up the sauce well. You can substitute with thighs for a richer flavor or even use pre-cooked chicken to save time.
Mayonnaise: This gives the sauce its creamy mouthfeel. If you’re looking for lighter options, you could use Greek yogurt or a vegan mayonnaise for a healthier take.
Sweet Thai Chili Sauce: The star of this dish, adding sweetness and heat. If you can’t find it, mix regular chili sauce with a bit of sugar for a similar flavor.
Sriracha: For heat lovers, sriracha adds a nice kick. Adjust the amount to your taste, or swap it with any hot sauce you have on hand.
Garlic Powder: For a quick flavor boost, but fresh minced garlic can be used if you prefer a stronger garlic taste.
How Do I Cook the Chicken So It Stays Tender?
To keep the chicken from being dry, cook it on low heat for the full recommended time. This allows the flavors to meld and the chicken to become super tender. Here are a few tips:
- Stick to the timings: 4-6 hours on low or 2-3 hours on high works best.
- Avoid opening the lid too often; each peek lets heat out!
- Shred the chicken right in the crock pot after it’s cooked to help it soak in all that yummy sauce.
Have fun making this dish, and enjoy your creamy, spicy bang bang chicken!
Easy Crock Pot Bang Bang Chicken
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 1/2 cup sweet Thai chili sauce
- 1 tablespoon sriracha sauce (adjust to taste for heat)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar or lime juice (optional, for a touch of acidity)
- 2 green onions, thinly sliced (for garnish)
- Sesame seeds (for garnish)
- Cooked rice or noodles for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This easy crock pot recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare and requires about 4-6 hours to cook on low or 2-3 hours on high. After cooking, you’ll spend a few more minutes shredding the chicken and garnishing it before serving. It’s a low-maintenance but totally delicious meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Chicken:
Start by placing the chicken breasts in the bottom of your crock pot. Make sure they are spread out evenly to cook thoroughly.
2. Make the Sauce:
In a medium bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sweet Thai chili sauce, sriracha, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and rice vinegar or lime juice if you’re using it. Whisk until smooth and creamy.
3. Combine and Cook:
Pour the sauce over the chicken, ensuring each piece is well coated. Cover the crock pot and set it to cook on low for 4-6 hours or high for 2-3 hours, until the chicken is tender and fully cooked.
4. Shred the Chicken:
Once the chicken is done, use two forks to shred it right in the crock pot. Stir well to mix the chicken with all the delightful sauce.
5. Serve and Garnish:
Serve the bang bang chicken over cooked rice or noodles for a great meal. Top with sliced green onions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds for an added touch.
Enjoy your creamy, spicy, and utterly delicious crock pot bang bang chicken! It’s perfect for a cozy dinner or meal prep for the week!
FAQ for Easy Crock Pot Bang Bang Chicken
Can I Use Frozen Chicken in This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken! However, it’s best to thaw it completely in the refrigerator overnight or by placing it in a sealed bag submerged in cold water before cooking. This ensures even cooking and proper texture.
What If I Don’t Have Sweet Thai Chili Sauce?
No worries! If you can’t find sweet Thai chili sauce, you can make a quick substitute by mixing equal parts of regular chili sauce and sugar or honey to achieve a similar sweet and spicy flavor.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of water or broth to keep it moist.
Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the sauce and put the chicken in the crock pot the night before. Just cover it and keep it in the fridge. In the morning, you can place it straight in the crock pot and let it cook while you’re out!
