Bang Bang Chicken Salad: 30-Minute Meal Prep (Print Version)
Bang Bang Chicken Salad delivers spicy, creamy flavor in 30 minutes. High-protein, meal-prep friendly, and ready for the whole week.
# Recipe Info:
Prep Time: 15 Minutes minutes
Cook Time: 15 Minutes minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 4 Servings
Difficulty: Beginner
Cuisine: Asian American
Dietary: Dairy-Free
# Ingredients:
→ Juicy Grilled Protein
01 -
1 1/2 lbs boneless skinless chicken breasts
02 -
1 tbsp olive oil
03 -
1 tsp garlic powder
04 -
1 tsp smoked paprika
05 -
Salt and pepper to taste
→ Crisp Garden Base
06 -
6 cups shredded romaine lettuce
07 -
1 cup shredded red cabbage
08 -
1 cup shredded carrots
09 -
1/2 cup thinly sliced cucumber
10 -
3 green onions, thinly sliced
→ Fiery Bang Bang Drizzle
11 -
1/3 cup mayonnaise
12 -
3 tbsp sweet chili sauce
13 -
1 tbsp sriracha
14 -
1 tbsp rice vinegar
15 -
1 tsp sesame oil
→ Crunchy Finishing Touches
16 -
1/4 cup chopped roasted peanuts
17 -
2 tbsp toasted sesame seeds
18 -
1/4 cup fresh cilantro leaves
# Instructions:
01 -
Pat 1 1/2 lbs boneless skinless chicken breasts dry with paper towels. Drizzle with 1 tbsp olive oil, then evenly coat with 1 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp smoked paprika, and salt and pepper to taste. This seasoning blend is the flavor foundation of your Bang Bang Chicken Salad: 30-Minute Meal Prep Delight.
02 -
Heat a grill pan or outdoor grill to medium-high heat (around 400°F). Cook the seasoned chicken breasts for 6-7 minutes per side until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Avoid pressing down on the chicken to keep it juicy and perfectly charred on the outside.
03 -
For the best Bang Bang Chicken Salad: 30-Minute Meal Prep Delight, transfer the grilled chicken to a cutting board and let it rest for 5 minutes. This locks in the juices. Then slice or chop into bite-sized pieces, ensuring even portions across all 4 servings.
04 -
In a small bowl, whisk together 1/3 cup mayonnaise, 3 tbsp sweet chili sauce, 1 tbsp sriracha, 1 tbsp rice vinegar, and 1 tsp sesame oil until completely smooth and creamy. Taste and adjust the sriracha for more heat if desired. Set aside for drizzling.
05 -
In a large salad bowl, combine 6 cups shredded romaine lettuce, 1 cup shredded red cabbage, 1 cup shredded carrots, 1/2 cup thinly sliced cucumber, and 3 thinly sliced green onions. Toss gently to distribute the vegetables evenly across all four portions of this vibrant salad base.
06 -
Divide the crisp vegetable base evenly among 4 bowls or meal prep containers. Top each portion with the sliced grilled chicken. This Bang Bang Chicken Salad: 30-Minute Meal Prep Delight is perfect for portioning ahead, so keep the sauce separate if storing for the week.
07 -
Generously drizzle the prepared Bang Bang sauce over each assembled bowl. Use as much or as little as you prefer — the creamy, spicy sauce is what makes this Bang Bang Chicken Salad: 30-Minute Meal Prep Delight truly irresistible. Store extra sauce in an airtight jar for up to 5 days.
08 -
Finish each bowl with 1/4 cup chopped roasted peanuts, 2 tbsp toasted sesame seeds, and 1/4 cup fresh cilantro leaves divided evenly among servings. These crunchy toppings add incredible texture and freshness. Serve immediately for maximum crunch, or add toppings just before eating if meal prepping.
# Notes:
01 -
🔥 Heat Control Tip: Adjust the sriracha in the Bang Bang sauce to suit your spice preference. Start with 1/2 tbsp for a milder version, or add an extra teaspoon for serious heat lovers.
02 -
🥗 Meal Prep Storage: Store the salad base, sliced chicken, sauce, and crunchy toppings in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Assemble just before eating to keep everything fresh and crisp.
03 -
🔄 Substitution Ideas: Swap chicken breasts for shrimp or tofu for a delicious variation. Greek yogurt can replace mayonnaise for a lighter Bang Bang sauce, and sunflower seeds work great in place of peanuts for a nut-free option.
04 -
🍽️ Serving Suggestion: For a heartier meal, serve this salad over a bed of cooked rice noodles or alongside warm steamed jasmine rice. A wedge of lime squeezed over the top right before eating adds a bright, zesty finish.
# Tools You'll Need:
01 -
grill pan or skillet
02 -
cutting board
03 -
chef's knife
04 -
large mixing bowl
05 -
small mixing bowl
06 -
whisk
07 -
meat thermometer
08 -
tongs
09 -
grater or food processor
# Nutrition Facts (Per Serving):
Calories: 480 kcal
Total Fat: 28 g
Total Carbohydrate: 18 g
Protein: 42 g