This Bang Bang Chicken Salad is creamy, slightly spicy, and ready in just minutes, perfect for a quick lunch, light dinner, or game-day spread. It’s a salad-friendly twist on Bang Bang Salmon, which you will also want to try! Shredded rotisserie chicken makes this salad a breeze, and the crunch from celery and green onions keeps every bite interesting. If you love bold, spicy chicken salads, you’ll also enjoy my Sriracha Chicken Pasta Salad.
Ingredients & Substitutions
- Chicken: Using shredded rotisserie or cooked shredded chicken makes this recipe come together super fast! Have you checked out all of my delicious rotisserie chicken recipes yet? Cooked chicken breast or thighs both work.
- Bang Bang Sauce: I love my homemade sauce for a fresher, spicier flavor. But store-bought bang bang sauce works, too.
- Celery: 1 medium rib, diced (about 1/2 cup) for crunch. Can swap with cucumber or bell pepper if preferred.
- Green Onion: I like the mild onion flavor.
- Seasoned Salt: Look for seasoned salt (like Lawry’s). Can substitute with kosher salt plus a pinch of garlic powder.
FAQs
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! Prepare up to 1 day in advance and store in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The celery will stay crisp if added right before serving.
Can I use leftover cooked chicken?
Absolutely! Any shredded chicken works, including leftover roasted or poached chicken.
Can I make it less spicy?
Use less Bang Bang sauce or swap half of it for mayonnaise or Greek yogurt to mellow the heat.
Can I customize this salad?
Yes! Add extra spice with sriracha or red pepper flakes, make it creamier by stirring in mayonnaise or Greek yogurt, or give it an Asian-inspired twist with toasted sesame seeds and a drizzle of soy sauce.
Serving Ideas
- Serve on brioche buns or slices of white bread for a quick, satisfying sandwich.
- Pair with crispy fried wonton strips or tortilla chips for a fun, crunchy twist.
- Serve alongside a simple side salad or roasted vegetables for a balanced meal.
- Use as a filling for wraps (in homemade flour tortillas) or pita pockets for a portable lunch option.
How to Store Bang Bang Chicken Salad
Refrigerator: Keep in an airtight container for up to 3 days. (Tip: If possible, add the celery just before serving to keep it crisp.)
Freezer: Not recommended, as the sauce may separate and the celery will lose its crunch.
Bang Bang Recipes
Bang Bang Chicken
Yes, we all know about Bang Bang Shrimp, but with the sauce being a sweet and spicy delight, it’s a shame not to use it on other foods! This crispy chicken is perfectly complimented with Bang Bang sauce and an easy dinner you will want to eat again and again!
Bang Bang Chicken Skewers
Bang Bang Chicken Skewers is a quick, easy, and flavorful recipe made with seasoned cubed chicken brushed with homemade bang bang sauce, cooked in an air fryer. They make for a delicious appetizer or main course and can also be made in the oven!
Bang Bang Chicken Bowl
This Bang Bang Chicken Bowl is cubes of chicken tossed in a creamy, spicy Bang Bang sauce served over rice with crispy vegetables. Then, each bowl is topped with avocado, cilantro, and sesame seeds for a burst of freshness and texture.
Bang Bang Chicken Salad
Ingredients
- 2 cups rotisserie chicken, or cooked chicken, shredded
- ½ cup (112 g) bang bang sauce, store-bought or homemade
- 1 medium rib celery, diced (about ½ cup)
- 1 green onion, thinly sliced
- ¼ teaspoon seasoned salt
- ⅛ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, add the shredded chicken and Bang Bang sauce. Stir until the chicken is evenly coated.
- Add the diced celery, sliced green onion, seasoned salt, and black pepper. Mix well to combine.
- Serve immediately on sandwich rolls, in lettuce wraps, or spooned over a bed of greens for a salad.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Did you make this recipe?
You can tag me at @iamhomesteader.
What the Test Kitchen had to say about this recipe:
Autumn
Quick, creamy, and just the right amount of spice. This is perfect for lunch!
Elizabeth
I am not a fan of the more traditional chicken salad, but this is fantastic! I love the bang bang sauce in there. I would love it with tortilla chips.
Stephanie
This is great! I loved the crunch from the celery and fresh flavor from the green onions.
Bella
Easy, flavorful, and versatile. Great on sandwiches or salad.
