Low Carb Bang Bang Chicken – Creamy, Spicy One-Skillet Dinner

Low Carb Bang Bang Chicken is a creamy, bold-flavored skillet dish that’s ready in under 30 minutes. Tender, bite-sized pieces of chicken breast are coated in a tangy, spicy sauce made with mayonnaise, chili sauce, lime juice, garlic, and paprika, then finished with fresh green onions for color and flavor. This Low Carb Bang Bang Chicken is perfect for busy weeknights or low-carb meal planning because it delivers all the indulgence of a classic takeout-style dish without the extra carbs. The sauce clings beautifully to the chicken, creating a rich, satisfying texture, while optional jalapeños add a touch of heat for those who like it spicy. Serve over cauliflower rice, steamed vegetables, or enjoy on its own for a simple, keto-friendly dinner that the whole family will love.

Introduction

If you love creamy, tangy, and slightly spicy chicken dishes, Low Carb Bang Bang Chicken is your new weeknight hero. Made entirely in one skillet, it minimizes cleanup while maximizing flavor. The combination of mayonnaise, chili sauce, and lime juice creates a sauce that’s rich, tangy, and slightly sweet, clinging perfectly to every tender bite of chicken.

This recipe is naturally low carb and keto-friendly, making it a great choice for anyone watching their carbohydrate intake. Even better, it’s fast: from prep to table in just 25 minutes, giving you a flavorful dinner with minimal effort. The fresh green onions and optional jalapeños add brightness and heat, rounding out the dish for a perfect balance of creamy, savory, and spicy flavors.

Low Carb Bang Bang Chicken stands out because it’s indulgent without being heavy, satisfying without being overly complicated, and packed with protein and flavor in a single skillet.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Ready in just 25 minutes for a fast weeknight dinner
  • One-skillet method with minimal cleanup
  • Creamy, tangy, and slightly spicy sauce
  • Low carb and keto-friendly
  • Easily adjustable spice level
  • Perfect for meal prep and leftovers

Ingredients Breakdown (Serves 4)

Chicken

  • 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces

Sauce

  • ½ cup mayonnaise
  • 2 tablespoons chili sauce (adjust for heat)
  • 1 tablespoon lime juice
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Garnish

  • Fresh green onions, chopped
  • Optional: sliced jalapeños

Ingredient Notes

Chicken Breasts (1 pound) – Lean and tender, perfect for absorbing the creamy sauce.
Mayonnaise (½ cup) – Forms a rich, velvety base for the sauce.
Chili Sauce (2 tbsp) – Adds sweetness, tang, and a touch of heat; adjust to preference.
Lime Juice (1 tbsp) – Brightens the sauce and balances richness.
Garlic, Onion Powder, Paprika – Build layers of aromatic, savory flavor.
Green Onions & Jalapeños – Provide freshness and optional spice contrast.

Tools & Equipment Needed

  • Large skillet or frying pan
  • Sharp knife and cutting board
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Mixing bowl
  • Spatula or wooden spoon

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare Chicken

Cut 1 pound chicken breasts into evenly sized bite-sized pieces.

2. Make Sauce

In a mixing bowl, combine ½ cup mayonnaise, 2 tablespoons chili sauce, 1 tablespoon lime juice, minced garlic, 1 teaspoon onion powder, 1 teaspoon paprika, and salt and pepper. Stir until smooth and set aside.

3. Cook Chicken

Heat a small amount of oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add chicken pieces, season lightly with salt and pepper, and cook 5–7 minutes until browned and cooked through.

4. Add Sauce

Reduce heat to low. Pour the prepared sauce over the chicken and stir until fully coated. Let simmer for 2–3 minutes until the sauce is heated through and flavors meld.

5. Garnish & Serve

Remove from heat and garnish with chopped green onions and optional sliced jalapeños. Serve warm over cauliflower rice, steamed vegetables, or enjoy on its own.

Tips & Variations

  • Adjust spice by increasing chili sauce or adding red pepper flakes.
  • Keep it low carb by serving over cauliflower rice, zucchini noodles, or steamed vegetables.
  • For extra creaminess, stir in an additional tablespoon of mayonnaise before serving.
  • Add color and texture by including bell peppers or snap peas in the skillet.
  • Make it paleo-friendly by using compliant mayonnaise and sugar-free chili sauce.

Flavor Profile

Low Carb Bang Bang Chicken is creamy, tangy, and slightly spicy. The mayonnaise gives a rich, velvety texture, while chili sauce adds sweetness and heat. Lime juice adds a fresh, zesty lift. Paprika and onion powder provide depth and warmth, and the green onions and jalapeños finish the dish with crunch, color, and optional spice.

The chicken remains tender and juicy, perfectly coated with the sauce that clings to each piece for maximum flavor in every bite.

Nutritional Overview (Per Serving – Estimated)

Calories: 360 kcal
Protein: 28 g
Carbs: 4 g
Fat: 26 g
Saturated Fat: 5 g
Unsaturated Fat: 19 g
Fiber: 0 g
Sugar: 2 g
Cholesterol: 95 mg
Sodium: 480 mg

Dietary Notes: Low carb, keto-friendly, gluten-free, nut-free, dairy-free.

Make-Ahead & Meal Prep Tips

  • Chop chicken ahead of time and store in the fridge for up to 1 day.
  • Sauce can be mixed and stored separately in the fridge for easy assembly.
  • Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
  • Reheat gently on low heat to maintain sauce consistency and prevent separation.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs?
Yes, but cook until fully done; thighs may require an extra minute or two.

How spicy is this dish?
Moderate heat by default. Increase chili sauce or add red pepper flakes for more kick.

Can I make this dairy-free?
This recipe is already dairy-free as written.

Can I freeze leftovers?
Yes, but sauce may separate slightly when thawed; stir gently to recombine.

What can I serve with it?
Low-carb options include cauliflower rice, steamed broccoli, zucchini noodles, or salad.

Cooking Timeline

Prep TimeCook TimeTotal TimeServings
10 minutes15 minutes25 minutes4 servings

Serving Suggestions

Serve Low Carb Bang Bang Chicken straight from the skillet over cauliflower rice or steamed vegetables. Garnish with green onions and optional jalapeños for a pop of color and mild heat. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or meal prep for the week.

Recipe Variations

  1. Extra Spicy – Add sliced jalapeños or red pepper flakes into the sauce.
  2. Veggie Boost – Add bell peppers, snap peas, or zucchini to the skillet.
  3. Creamier Sauce – Stir in an extra tablespoon of mayonnaise or a splash of cream.
  4. Keto Bowl – Serve with mashed cauliflower, avocado slices, and fresh cilantro.

Ingredient Spotlight: Chili Sauce

Chili sauce provides a sweet, tangy, and slightly spicy base for the sauce. Choose one with minimal added sugar to keep it low carb. Store in a cool, dry place and adjust the amount to control heat levels in the dish.

Pro Cooking Tips

  • Cut chicken into uniform pieces for even cooking.
  • Cook over medium heat to prevent browning too quickly.
  • Simmer sauce gently to prevent separation.
  • Stir in sauce at low heat to evenly coat the chicken without breaking the emulsion.

Storage & Freezing Guide

  • Refrigerator: Up to 4 days in an airtight container.
  • Freezer: Can freeze cooked chicken with sauce for up to 2 months (texture may change).
  • Reheat gently over low heat, adding a splash of water if sauce thickens too much.

Nutrition Estimate Table (Per Serving)

NutrientAmount
Calories360 kcal
Protein28 g
Carbs4 g
Fat26 g
Fiber0 g

Dietary Notes: Low carb, keto-friendly, gluten-free, dairy-free, nut-free.

Expanded Conclusion

Low Carb Bang Bang Chicken is a creamy, spicy, and satisfying one-skillet dinner that’s ready in under 30 minutes. With tender chicken coated in a bold, tangy sauce and finished with fresh green onions, it’s perfect for weeknight dinners, low-carb meal prep, or a quick family-friendly meal. This recipe proves that low carb can be indulgent, flavorful, and simple—all in one skillet.

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Low Carb Bang Bang Chicken – Creamy, Spicy One-Skillet Dinner

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This Low Carb Bang Bang Chicken is creamy, spicy, and packed with bold flavor—all made in one skillet in under 30 minutes. Tender chicken bites are coated in a rich, tangy sauce and finished with fresh green onions for the perfect easy weeknight dinner without the carbs.

  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise
  • 2 tablespoons chili sauce (adjust for heat)
  • 1 tablespoon lime juice
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Fresh green onions, chopped (for garnish)
  • Optional: sliced jalapeños

Instructions

  1. Cut chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces.
  2. In a bowl, combine mayonnaise, chili sauce, lime juice, garlic, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir until smooth and set aside.
  3. Heat a skillet over medium heat with a small amount of oil.
  4. Add chicken, season lightly, and cook 5–7 minutes until browned and cooked through.
  5. Reduce heat to low. Pour sauce over chicken and stir to coat. Simmer 2–3 minutes until heated through.
  6. Remove from heat, garnish with green onions and optional jalapeños, and serve warm.

Notes

  • Increase chili sauce or add red pepper flakes for extra spice.
  • Serve over cauliflower rice or steamed vegetables to keep low carb.
  • Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge up to 4 days. Reheat gently to maintain sauce texture.
  • Author: lily
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Skillet
  • Cuisine: American

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