Grilled Bang Bang Chicken Salad Recipe

If you're a fan of bold flavors, healthy meals, and a good grilling session, you're in for a treat. This recipe for Grilled Bang Bang Chicken Salad takes tender, juicy grilled chicken coated in a tangy, creamy, and slightly spicy bang bang sauce and pairs it with crisp, crunchy veggies for a salad that's both refreshing and indulgent.

Whether you're looking to elevate your summer barbecues or simply want a new go-to meal prep option, this dish hits all the marks.

Here's exactly how to make this delicious grilled dish, plus tips to customize it for your personal taste.

What Makes Bang Bang Chicken Salad Special?

This recipe is a harmonious balance of bold flavors, textures, and health-conscious eating. Here's why you'll love it:

• Packed with Protein and Nutrition: The grilled chicken serves as an excellent lean protein source, and the variety of fresh veggies ensures a nutrient-rich balance.
• Bang Bang Sauce: This creamy, sweet, and spicy sauce takes the chicken and salad to the next level. It’s a blend of Asian-inspired ingredients that explode with flavor in every bite.
• Perfect for Grilling Season: Fire up the grill and enjoy that smoky flavor that perfectly complements the zesty sauce.

This dish is not just a salad; it’s an experience for your taste buds.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s what you’ll need to create this magical Grilled Bang Bang Chicken Salad. Most ingredients are simple pantry and refrigerator staples:

For the Chicken

• 2–3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon pepper

For the Bang Bang Sauce

• 1/2 cup mayonnaise (or Greek yogurt for a lighter option)
• 2 tablespoons sweet chili sauce
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 1 teaspoon sriracha (adjust based on spice preference)
• Juice of 1/2 lime
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder

For the Salad Base

• 4 cups mixed greens (spinach, arugula, or romaine all work well)
• 1 cup shredded carrots
• 1 cup sliced red cabbage
• 1 cup cucumber, thinly sliced
• 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1/4 cup green onions, finely chopped
• 1/4 cup fresh cilantro leaves, optional, for garnish

Step-by-Step Instructions

Now, let's grill up this delicious masterpiece!

1. Prep Your Chicken

Start by marinating your chicken. Brush the chicken breasts with olive oil, then season them evenly with paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (or up to 2 hours). This helps infuse flavor and tenderize the meat.

2. Fire Up the Grill

Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (around 400–450°F). Lightly oil the grates to prevent sticking. Place the marinated chicken on the grill and cook for about 6–7 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Remove the chicken from the grill and allow it to rest for 5 minutes before slicing into bite-sized pieces.

3. Whip Up the Bang Bang Sauce

While the chicken is grilling or resting, mix up the signature bang bang sauce. Combine the mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, honey, sriracha, lime juice, and garlic powder in a small bowl. Whisk until smooth and set aside.

4. Assemble the Salad

Create a base with your mixed greens in a large salad bowl or serving plate. Layer on the shredded carrots, sliced red cabbage, cucumber, cherry tomatoes, and green onions. Lay the sliced, grilled chicken on top of the veggies.

5. Drizzle and Garnish

Now for the fun part—drizzle the bang bang sauce generously over the grilled chicken and salad. Add a sprinkle of fresh cilantro for a burst of herbaceous flavor, if desired. This garnish ties all the flavors together beautifully.

6. Serve and Enjoy

Serve your grilled bang bang chicken salad immediately for the best balance of warm chicken and crisp, fresh veggies. Pair with a slice of crusty bread or enjoy as is!

Tips to Customize and Perfect Your Salad

• Make It Extra Crunchy: Add toasted almonds or sesame seeds for added texture.
• Go Low-Carb: Swap out honey in the sauce for a keto-friendly sweetener and pair with lettuce wraps instead of mixed greens.
• Spice it Up: Like it extra spicy? Add more sriracha or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes to the sauce.
• Meal Prep Hero: Grill multiple chicken breasts, double the dressing recipe, and prep your veggies in advance for easy lunch assembly throughout the week.

Why It’s Perfect for Healthy Eaters and Foodies

This Grilled Bang Bang Chicken Salad isn’t just another healthy recipe. It’s designed to bring flavor forward while staying mindful of balanced eating. The smokiness from the grilled chicken combined with the creamy, slightly spicy sauce hits all the right notes for foodies who love dynamic dishes.

Plus, it’s incredibly versatile—whether you’re hosting BBQs, enjoying a quiet dinner at home, or breaking meal monotony during the workweek, you’ll turn to this recipe again and again.

Serve Up Your Own Bang Bang Chicken Salad Today

Once you take that first bite of your Grilled Bang Bang Chicken Salad, you’ll realize what you’ve been missing—a recipe that balances big, bold flavor with the simplicity of fresh, wholesome ingredients. This dish is guaranteed to impress your guests or, quite frankly, yourself.

Now that you know how to create this crowd-pleaser, it's time to hit the grill and make it for your next meal. Trust us—it’ll quickly become a staple for healthy eaters and grill enthusiasts alike. Serve it up today for a bold new take on salad!