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
Scale
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.
