Bang Bang Chicken Dip

Imagine the creamy, spicy goodness of a dip that combines all the flavors of classic Bang Bang Chicken in a scoopable, shareable form. This Bang Bang Chicken Dip delivers an irresistible combination of tender chicken, creamy cheese, and that signature sweet-spicy bang bang sauce that will have your guests coming back for more. Perfect for game days, parties, or anytime you need a crowd-pleasing appetizer that’s sure to impress. You’ll learn how to create this addictive dip that balances creamy textures with bold flavors in just a few simple steps.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Bang Bang Chicken Dip is about to become your new go-to party appetizer for so many reasons. First, it strikes that perfect balance between creamy and spicy, with the signature bang bang sauce providing a sweet heat that’s completely addictive without overwhelming your palate. The contrast between the smooth, melty cheese blend and chunks of tender chicken creates a textural experience that keeps you coming back for more.

What makes this dip truly special is its versatility. It’s equally delicious served with crispy tortilla chips, toasted baguette slices, or even fresh vegetables for dipping. Plus, it comes together in under 30 minutes with ingredients you can easily find at any grocery store. The make-ahead potential is another huge bonus—prepare it earlier in the day, then just pop it in the oven when guests arrive for a stress-free entertaining option that always impresses.

Ingredients

For this irresistible Bang Bang Chicken Dip, you’ll need:

• 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded (about 8 oz of rotisserie chicken works perfectly)
• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup sour cream
• ½ cup mayonnaise
• ¼ cup sweet chili sauce (the key flavor component in bang bang sauce)
• 2 tablespoons sriracha sauce (adjust to your heat preference)
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 3 green onions, thinly sliced (reserve some for garnish)
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro (optional, for garnish)

The sweet chili sauce provides that distinctive bang bang flavor, while the sriracha adds the perfect amount of heat. Feel free to adjust the sriracha according to your spice tolerance.

Pro Tips

Master the Chicken Preparation: For the best-tasting Bang Bang Chicken Dip, avoid using canned chicken. Instead, use rotisserie chicken for convenience and flavor, or poach boneless chicken breasts in seasoned water until just cooked through (about 15 minutes), then shred with two forks. This ensures your chicken stays moist and tender in the final dip.

Perfect the Cheese Blend: The key to that irresistible cheesy pull is to reserve about ¼ cup of the mozzarella cheese for topping. Fold the rest into the mixture while it’s still warm to ensure even melting, then sprinkle the reserved cheese on top during the last few minutes of baking for that Instagram-worthy cheese stretch when serving.

Balance the Flavors: The signature bang bang flavor comes from balancing sweet, creamy, and spicy elements. Always taste your dip mixture before baking and adjust accordingly. If it’s too spicy, add a bit more honey or cream cheese. If it needs more kick, add extra sriracha. This customization makes the Bang Bang Chicken Dip perfectly suited to your audience’s preferences.

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Ensure your cream cheese is softened to room temperature—this prevents lumps in your dip. Shred your cooked chicken into bite-sized pieces, neither too chunky nor too fine. The perfect texture allows the chicken to hold the sauce while still being easy to scoop.

Step 2: Create the Base
In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, sour cream, and mayonnaise. Beat with an electric mixer or wooden spoon until smooth and well-combined. This creamy base is the foundation of your Bang Bang Chicken Dip, so take your time to ensure it’s perfectly blended without lumps.

Step 3: Add the Signature Flavors
Now for the star of the show—stir in the sweet chili sauce, sriracha, honey, and garlic powder. This combination creates that distinctive bang bang flavor profile that balances sweet, spicy, and tangy notes. Mix thoroughly until the sauce is a uniform color, tasting and adjusting seasonings as needed.

Step 4: Incorporate Chicken and Cheese
Fold in the shredded chicken, ¾ cup of the mozzarella cheese, ¼ cup of the cheddar cheese, and most of the sliced green onions (save some for garnish). Gently combine everything to ensure the chicken is evenly coated with the creamy bang bang mixture without breaking it down too much.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Transfer the mixture to a 1.5-quart baking dish and spread it evenly. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and cheddar cheese on top. Bake for 20-25 minutes until the edges are bubbling and the top is golden brown. For an extra golden top, broil for the final 1-2 minutes, watching carefully to prevent burning.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Remove your Bang Bang Chicken Dip from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes. Garnish with the reserved green onions and chopped cilantro if using. Serve warm with tortilla chips, crackers, or toasted baguette slices. The slight cooling period allows the dip to set slightly while still maintaining that perfect dippable consistency.

Variations

Buffalo Bang Bang Chicken Dip: For buffalo wing lovers, add ¼ cup of buffalo sauce to the mixture and reduce the sweet chili sauce to ¼ cup. This creates a hybrid dip that combines the best of buffalo chicken dip with the sweet-spicy notes of Bang Bang Chicken Dip. Top with crumbled blue cheese before baking for an authentic buffalo chicken experience.

Vegetarian Bang Bang Dip: Replace the chicken with 2 cups of chopped cauliflower florets that have been roasted until tender (about 20 minutes at 425°F) and 1 cup of drained, rinsed chickpeas. The cauliflower absorbs the bang bang flavors beautifully while providing a satisfying texture, making this variation perfect for vegetarian guests without sacrificing the essence of the original dip.

Keto-Friendly Version: For a lower-carb option, replace the sweet chili sauce with 2 tablespoons of sugar-free maple syrup mixed with 1 teaspoon of chili flakes, and ensure your sriracha has no added sugar. Serve with sliced bell peppers, cucumber rounds, and celery sticks instead of chips or bread for a keto-compliant Bang Bang Chicken Dip that doesn’t compromise on flavor.

Storage and Serving

This Bang Bang Chicken Dip can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of milk or cream to restore its creamy consistency, then microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until heated through. Alternatively, reheat in the oven at 325°F for about 15 minutes until bubbling.

For the ultimate game day spread, serve your Bang Bang Chicken Dip alongside a variety of dipping options. Sturdy tortilla chips are classic, but don’t overlook toasted pita triangles, pretzel crisps, or even crisp vegetable crudités for a refreshing contrast to the rich dip. For an impressive presentation, serve the dip in a hollowed-out bread bowl with the torn bread pieces arranged around it.

Make this dip the centerpiece of a DIY appetizer bar by pairing it with complementary flavors. Offer pickled vegetables, sliced avocado, and lime wedges on the side to allow guests to customize each bite. The tangy acidity of pickled vegetables cuts through the richness, while avocado adds another creamy element that pairs beautifully with the spicy notes in the Bang Bang Chicken Dip.

FAQs

Can I make Bang Bang Chicken Dip ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dip mixture up to 24 hours in advance and store it covered in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, let it sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before baking to ensure even cooking.

What if I don’t have sweet chili sauce?
You can make a quick substitute by combining ¼ cup honey or apricot jam with 1-2 teaspoons of red pepper flakes and 1 tablespoon of rice vinegar. This creates a similar sweet-spicy profile essential for authentic Bang Bang Chicken Dip.

Can I make this in a slow cooker?
Yes! Combine all ingredients except the topping cheese in a slow cooker and cook on low for 2-3 hours. Add the remaining cheese on top during the last 15 minutes, and keep it on the warm setting for serving.

Is there a dairy-free version?
You can substitute dairy-free cream cheese, dairy-free sour cream, and dairy-free cheese alternatives to make this dip without dairy. The taste will be slightly different but still delicious.

How spicy is this dip?
As written, the Bang Bang Chicken Dip has a medium heat level. For a milder version, reduce the sriracha to 1 tablespoon or less. For extra heat, increase the sriracha to 3-4 tablespoons or add a diced jalapeño to the mix.

Conclusion

This Bang Bang Chicken Dip is comfort food at its finest — a creamy, spicy, utterly addictive appetizer that transforms the beloved flavors of bang bang chicken into a shareable dip that disappears within minutes of hitting the table. It’s the kind of dish that brings people together, creating those moments of shared enjoyment that make gatherings memorable. Whether you’re hosting a big game day party or just looking for a special treat to elevate your next movie night, this dip delivers big flavor with minimal effort. Go ahead and double the recipe—you’ll thank yourself when everyone’s asking for more!

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