If you’re craving something creamy, spicy, and downright comforting, this Bang Bang Chicken Casserole Recipe is exactly what your dinner table needs. Bursting with bold flavors and a perfect balance of heat and tang, this casserole brings together tender chicken, cheesy pasta, and a luscious sauce that will have everyone coming back for seconds. Whether you’re feeding family or impressing friends, this dish feels fancy but is surprisingly easy to make, making it a new staple you’ll want to share again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Bang Bang Chicken Casserole Recipe shines because of its simple yet essential ingredients. Each item plays a key role in building layers of flavor, texture, and color—from the spicy kick of sriracha to the gooey mildness of melted cheeses.
- 2 cups cooked chicken: Use shredded or chopped chicken for tender bites throughout the casserole.
- 8 ounces penne or rotini pasta: These shapes hold the creamy sauce beautifully, making every forkful satisfying.
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese: Offers a melty, stretchy texture that’s downright irresistible.
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese: Adds a sharp and tangy contrast that deepens the flavor profile.
- 1/2 cup sour cream: Brings creaminess and a subtle tang to the sauce.
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise: Provides richness and smoothness, blending all the flavors together.
- 1/4 cup sweet chili sauce: Balances heat with sweetness for that signature bang bang flavor.
- 2 tablespoons sriracha: Adjust this to your preferred spice level for a fiery kick.
- 2 teaspoons lime juice: Adds a fresh brightness that lifts the entire dish.
- 2 green onions, chopped: Sprinkle in some mild onion flavor and vibrant green color.
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder: Infuses a warm, aromatic base note without overpowering.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential seasonings to enhance all the layers of taste.
- 1/4 cup panko breadcrumbs (optional): For a crunchy, golden topping if you want extra texture.
- Chopped cilantro or parsley for garnish: Adds a fresh herbal finish that’s as beautiful as it is flavorful.
How to Make Bang Bang Chicken Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the creamy bang bang sauce
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the sour cream, mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, lime juice, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until smooth and well combined. This sauce is the heart of your casserole, providing the perfect balance of creamy, spicy, and tangy notes that make this dish unforgettable.
Step 2: Combine pasta, chicken, and green onions with sauce
Add your cooked pasta, shredded chicken, and chopped green onions to the sauce mixture. Gently stir until everything is evenly coated. This ensures that every bite is rich with flavor and features a lovely distribution of textures.
Step 3: Add cheeses and transfer to baking dish
Fold in the mozzarella and cheddar cheese, but be sure to reserve a handful of mozzarella for the topping. Then, spread this cheesy, creamy mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, smoothing it out evenly so it bakes perfectly.
Step 4: Top and bake the casserole
Sprinkle the reserved mozzarella and panko breadcrumbs evenly over the top if you’re using them. Pop the dish into your preheated oven and bake uncovered for 20 to 25 minutes. You’re looking for a bubbly sauce with a golden, slightly crispy top that signals it’s ready to come out.
Step 5: Rest and garnish
Once out of the oven, let your Bang Bang Chicken Casserole rest for about 5 minutes. This helps it settle and makes serving easier. Just before serving, sprinkle with chopped cilantro or parsley and drizzle extra sriracha if you want more kick.
How to Serve Bang Bang Chicken Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley are perfect for adding a vibrant pop of color and a fresh note that balances the spice and creaminess of the casserole. A little extra sriracha drizzle on top amps up the visual appeal and heat level instantly.
Side Dishes
This casserole is hearty on its own but pairs wonderfully with crisp, refreshing sides. Think a simple green salad with a tangy vinaigrette, steamed vegetables like broccoli or snap peas, or even some roasted carrots to bring a touch of sweetness.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, turn this casserole into individual servings by baking it in small ramekins. You can also top each portion with a fried egg for extra richness or serve alongside a cool cucumber salad to add a refreshing crunch contrasting the creamy baked goodness.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This Bang Bang Chicken Casserole Recipe keeps well for up to 3 days, making it great for quick lunches or dinners later in the week.
Freezing
You can freeze the casserole before baking — just assemble it in a freezer-safe dish, cover tightly, and freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to eat, bake it straight from frozen, adding extra time to ensure it’s heated through and bubbly.
Reheating
For the best texture, reheat individual portions in the oven at 350°F until warmed through and the top is crisp again, about 15 minutes. Microwave reheating works too but may result in a softer topping and less vibrant flavors.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! Penne or rotini are ideal because they hold the sauce well, but any short pasta shape like rigatoni or fusilli will work perfectly in this Bang Bang Chicken Casserole Recipe.
Is it possible to make this dish gluten-free?
Yes. Simply choose gluten-free pasta and substitute the panko breadcrumbs with gluten-free crumbs or omit them entirely for a naturally gluten-free dish.
How spicy is this casserole?
The heat level can be tailored to your liking by adjusting the amount of sriracha. Start with less and add more for that signature bang bang spice at the table or in the mix.
Can I use fresh chicken instead of cooked chicken?
Cooked chicken is best for convenience and even mixing, but you can use raw chicken by cooking it through before adding it to the casserole. Just make sure to shred or chop it into bite-sized pieces.
What can I substitute for sour cream?
You can replace sour cream with Greek yogurt for a tangy, protein-rich alternative that keeps the creamy texture intact in your Bang Bang Chicken Casserole Recipe.
Final Thoughts
This Bang Bang Chicken Casserole Recipe is pure comfort food with a fiery twist that is sure to become a household favorite. Its creamy sauce, melty cheese, and bold spicy-sweet sauce make it an inviting meal to enjoy any night of the week. Give it a try and watch it disappear from the plate faster than you can say “bang bang!”
Print
Bang Bang Chicken Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Asian-American
Description
This Bang Bang Chicken Casserole is a creamy, spicy, and flavorful baked dish combining tender cooked chicken, pasta, and a rich blend of cheeses and sauces. Perfect for a comforting weeknight meal, it offers a delightful balance of heat from sriracha and sweet chili sauce while being easy to prepare and bake to golden perfection.
Ingredients
Chicken and Pasta
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or chopped
- 8 ounces penne or rotini pasta, cooked and drained
Cheese and Dairy
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
Sauces and Seasonings
- 1/4 cup sweet chili sauce
- 2 tablespoons sriracha (adjust to taste)
- 2 teaspoons lime juice
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Vegetables and Garnish
- 2 green onions, chopped
- 1/4 cup panko breadcrumbs (optional topping)
- Chopped cilantro or parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the casserole evenly.
- Make the Sauce: In a large mixing bowl, combine sour cream, mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, lime juice, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Stir the mixture until it becomes smooth and well blended.
- Combine Pasta and Chicken: Add the cooked pasta, cooked chicken, and chopped green onions into the sauce mixture. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are evenly coated with the sauce.
- Add Cheese: Fold in the mozzarella and cheddar cheeses, reserving a handful of cheese for topping later.
- Assemble the Casserole: Transfer the entire mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Spread it out evenly to ensure consistent baking.
- Top and Bake: Sprinkle the remaining cheese and panko breadcrumbs (if using) evenly over the top of the casserole. Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake uncovered for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the top is bubbly and golden brown.
- Rest and Garnish: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes to allow it to set. Garnish with chopped cilantro or parsley and an additional drizzle of sriracha if desired before serving.
Notes
- Rotisserie chicken works great for this recipe, saving time.
- Adjust the spice level by increasing or reducing the amount of sriracha according to your taste.
- For a gluten-free version, substitute regular pasta and panko breadcrumbs with gluten-free alternatives.
