Bang Bang Chicken
Shredded chicken with sesame and chili sauce
Spice Level
Price Range
$6-10 USD
Category
Cold Dish
About Bang Bang Chicken
Bang Bang Chicken (Bang Bang Ji) is a cold chicken dish where cooked chicken is shredded and pounded with a stick (bang bang), then dressed with a complex sauce of chili oil, sesame paste, soy sauce, and sugar. The pounding tenderizes the meat and helps it absorb the sauce.
Food Gallery
See what Bang Bang Chicken really looks like
History & Background
Originated in Leshan, Sichuan. The name comes from the sound of the stick (bang bang) used to tenderize the chicken.
Key Ingredients
The Honest Review
No fluff. No hype. What you actually need to know.
“This is a safe choice for spice-wary foreigners. It is mild, nutty from sesame, and refreshing as a cold dish. The chicken is tender and the sauce is flavorful without being fiery. It is not the most exciting Sichuan dish, but it is reliable and pleasant. Good for balancing out a table of very spicy dishes.”
Tips for Foreigners
- A great choice if you want Sichuan flavor without too much spice
- The sesame paste makes it creamy and nutty
- Served cold - refreshing in summer
- Good for kids or anyone who cannot handle spicy food
What to Actually Expect
- Tender, shredded chicken in a creamy sauce
- Mild spice level - mostly flavor, not heat
- Nutty sesame flavor with a hint of sweetness
- A cold dish, refreshing and light
What to Avoid
- Do not expect a bold, spicy flavor - this is a mild dish
- Do not order if you want an authentic 'Sichuan heat' experience
- Do not skip it just because it is mild - the flavor is genuinely good
- Do not expect large pieces of chicken - it is finely shredded
Where to Try Bang Bang Chicken
- Sichuan restaurants
- Cold dish specialty shops
- Food courts
Quick Facts
- Category
- Cold Dish
- Spice Level
- Mild
- Price Range
- $6-10 USD
- Must Try
- Worth trying if you have time
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