Description
This Bang Bang Chicken Casserole is a creamy, spicy, and cheesy baked dish combining tender cooked chicken, pasta, and fresh vegetables with a zesty bang bang sauce. Perfect for a quick and comforting weeknight dinner, this casserole delivers bold flavors and a satisfying crunch from the panko topping.
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 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 casserole ingredients: In a large bowl, mix the cooked pasta, shredded chicken, steamed broccoli florets, diced red bell pepper, and half of the shredded mozzarella cheese. Pour in the bang bang sauce and stir until everything is evenly coated.
- Assemble casserole: Transfer this mixture into the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese evenly on top and then add a layer of panko breadcrumbs if using, to create a crunchy topping.
- Bake: Place the casserole uncovered into the preheated oven. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly around the edges and the top is golden brown.
- Rest and garnish: Remove the casserole from the oven and allow it to sit for 5 minutes to set. Just before serving, sprinkle chopped green onions over the top as a fresh garnish.
Notes
- For a healthier version, substitute mayonnaise with a low-fat or yogurt-based alternative.
- You can use any short pasta such as penne, rotini, or rigatoni for this casserole.
- The panko breadcrumb topping is optional but adds a nice crunchy texture to the finished dish.
- Adjust the level of spiciness by modifying the amount of sriracha to suit your taste.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
