If you’re craving a meal that packs a punch with creamy, spicy, and crunchy layers, the Bang Bang Chicken Casserole Recipe is exactly what you need in your dinner rotation. This dish is comfort food reimagined with tender chicken, perfectly cooked pasta, vibrant veggies, and a luscious bang bang sauce that ties everything together. It’s the kind of casserole that feels like a big, warm hug on a plate but also dazzles your taste buds with just the right kick. Whether you’re feeding a family or want an easy crowd-pleaser, this recipe balances flavors and textures beautifully, making every bite as exciting as the last.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple and fresh ingredients is the heart of this Bang Bang Chicken Casserole Recipe. Each component plays a crucial role, lending creaminess, zing, crunch, or color to this wholesome dish. From the sweet red bell peppers to the spicy sriracha in the sauce, every element enhances the final flavor profile.
- 2 cups cooked chicken: Use shredded or diced chicken for even mixing and hearty bites throughout the casserole.
- 8 oz pasta (penne or rotini): These shapes hold sauce beautifully and add just the right chewy texture.
- 1 cup broccoli florets: Lightly steamed or blanched to keep them crisp and vibrant.
- ½ cup red bell pepper, diced: Adds sweetness and a pop of color that brightens the dish.
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts perfectly to create that gooey, irresistible topping.
- ½ cup panko breadcrumbs (optional): For a crunchy golden crust that contrasts wonderfully with creamy interior.
- 2 tablespoons chopped green onions: A fresh, sharp finish for garnish.
- For the bang bang sauce: ½ cup mayonnaise, ¼ cup sweet chili sauce, 1 tablespoon sriracha (adjust to spice preference), 1 tablespoon honey, and 1 teaspoon rice vinegar or lime juice (optional) — this combo delivers the creamy, spicy, and slightly tangy flavor that defines the dish.
How to Make Bang Bang Chicken Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Sauce
Start by heating your oven to 375°F (190°C) and greasing a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking. Next, whisk together the bang bang sauce ingredients until you achieve a smooth and creamy mixture that perfectly balances spicy, sweet, and tangy flavors. This sauce is the magic glue that brings the casserole together.
Step 2: Mix the Main Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, shredded chicken, broccoli florets, diced red bell pepper, and half of the shredded mozzarella cheese. Pour in the bang bang sauce and gently fold everything until every bit is evenly coated in that luscious sauce, ensuring every serving bursts with flavor.
Step 3: Assemble in the Baking Dish
Transfer the saucy mixture into your prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly for consistent cooking. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella on top, then add the panko breadcrumbs if you’re using them, to create a satisfyingly crunchy topping that will brown beautifully in the oven.
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
Bake the casserole uncovered for 20 to 25 minutes until it’s bubbly and golden on top. This step allows the mozzarella to melt and mingle with the sauce while the panko crisps up to add irresistible texture contrast. Once done, let it rest for 5 minutes — this short wait lets everything settle so it’s easier to serve and even more delicious.
How to Serve Bang Bang Chicken Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
Finish your Bang Bang Chicken Casserole Recipe with a sprinkle of chopped green onions. Their fresh, mild onion flavor not only adds a pleasing pop of color but also cuts through the richness, lifting the overall taste experience.
Side Dishes
This casserole shines as a star on its own, but pairing it with a crisp, simple side salad or steamed greens adds freshness and balance. Lightly dressed arugula or a cucumber salad complements the bold flavors without overwhelming your palate.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to impress at a potluck or family dinner, serve the casserole in individual ramekins for a charming personal touch. Alternatively, garnish with a drizzle of extra bang bang sauce on top or scatter some sesame seeds for a delightful visual and tasty twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After enjoying your casserole, store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh for up to 3 days, making for easy lunches or quick dinners that retain much of the original flavor and texture.
Freezing
You can freeze the Bang Bang Chicken Casserole Recipe by assembling it as directed, then covering tightly with foil or plastic wrap and placing it in the freezer. It keeps well for up to 2 months. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge before baking for best results.
Reheating
Warm your leftovers in the oven at 350°F until heated through to preserve the casserole’s texture. Microwave reheating also works but may soften the crunchy topping. Adding a few extra minutes under the broiler can refresh that crisp golden finish.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of cheese in the Bang Bang Chicken Casserole Recipe?
Absolutely! While mozzarella offers great meltability and mild flavor, feel free to use a blend of cheddar or Monterey Jack for extra richness or a sharper taste—it all depends on your preference.
How spicy is the bang bang sauce in this casserole?
The sauce has a gentle kick thanks to sriracha balanced by sweet chili sauce and honey. You can easily adjust the heat by adding more or less sriracha, making it mild or boldly spicy according to your taste.
Is it necessary to steam the broccoli before adding it?
Steaming or blanching the broccoli helps keep it tender yet still crisp, preventing it from turning mushy during baking. If you prefer softer veggies, you can skip this step, but don’t overcook them.
Can I make this casserole vegetarian?
Yes, just swap the chicken for hearty veggies like mushrooms, cauliflower, or extra broccoli and use vegetarian-friendly mayo and sauces. The bang bang flavors still shine beautifully even without meat.
What type of pasta works best for this casserole?
Penne and rotini are ideal because their shapes hold onto the bang bang sauce well, ensuring each bite is flavorful. However, elbow macaroni or fusilli can work fine too if that’s what you have on hand.
Final Thoughts
I genuinely hope you give this Bang Bang Chicken Casserole Recipe a try because it’s one of those dishes that brings smiles to the table every single time. It’s comforting, exciting, and surprisingly easy to prepare—all qualities that make it your new weeknight favorite. So gather your ingredients, dive in, and get ready for a deliciously saucy, cheesy, and vibrant meal that feels like a celebration in every bite!
Print
Bang Bang Chicken Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Bang Bang Chicken Casserole is a flavorful and creamy baked pasta dish combining tender cooked chicken, pasta, and vibrant vegetables, all smothered in a spicy-sweet bang bang sauce and topped with melted mozzarella and crunchy panko breadcrumbs. Perfect for a comforting family dinner, this easy casserole blends spicy, sweet, and tangy flavors in a one-dish meal that’s sure to impress.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced
- 8 oz pasta (penne or rotini), cooked and drained
- 1 cup broccoli florets (lightly steamed or blanched)
- ½ cup red bell pepper, diced
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup panko breadcrumbs (optional topping)
- 2 tablespoons chopped green onions (for garnish)
Bang Bang Sauce
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- ¼ cup sweet chili sauce
- 1 tablespoon sriracha (or more to taste)
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 teaspoon rice vinegar or lime juice (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Dish: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
- Make the Bang Bang Sauce: In a medium bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, honey, and rice vinegar or lime juice until smooth and well combined.
- Combine Pasta and Vegetables: In a large bowl, combine the cooked and drained pasta, shredded chicken, lightly steamed broccoli florets, diced red bell pepper, and half of the shredded mozzarella cheese. Pour the bang bang sauce over and mix thoroughly to coat all ingredients evenly.
- Assemble the Casserole: Transfer the mixture into the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese evenly on top and optionally add the panko breadcrumbs for a crunchy topping.
- Bake Until Bubbling and Golden: Bake the casserole uncovered for 20 to 25 minutes until the cheese melts, the topping is golden brown, and the casserole is bubbly.
- Rest and Garnish: Remove from the oven and let it sit for 5 minutes to settle. Before serving, sprinkle with chopped green onions for a fresh and colorful garnish.
Notes
- You can substitute the chicken with tofu or a plant-based alternative to make this dish vegetarian-friendly.
- If you prefer less heat, reduce or omit the sriracha from the bang bang sauce.
- For added flavor, consider adding garlic powder or smoked paprika to the sauce.
- Panko breadcrumbs are optional but add a nice crunchy texture on top.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated and reheated in the oven or microwave for a quick meal.
