Calories: 520
Protein: 42g
Crispy chicken and salads are one of the best combinations when you are trying to eat healthier without feeling restricted. People always say you do not have to eat salad to lose weight, and technically that is true, but adding fresh salads into your diet can make healthy eating way easier. You get more volume, more crunch, more freshness, and you can eat a big satisfying bowl without feeling weighed down.
This Bang Bang Chicken Salad is loaded with crispy air fryer chicken breast coated in crushed cornflakes, crunchy vegetables, fresh lime juice, and a creamy spicy bang bang sauce made with mayo, sweet chili sauce, and gochujang. It tastes like comfort food while still being packed with protein and fresh ingredients.
Let’s make salads great again.cowboy butter chicken sandwich is creamy, herby, tangy, and balanced in every bite.
Why This Bang Bang Chicken Salad Works
- Crispy air fryer chicken adds crunch without deep frying
- Fresh vegetables keep the salad light and refreshing
- Bang bang sauce is creamy, sweet, spicy, and easy to make
- High protein and very filling
- Great for meal prep and easy lunches
- Big volume meal that helps keep you satisfied longer
Helpful Equipment / Tools
- Air fryer
- Mixing bowls
- Tongs or chopsticks
- Mandoline slicer or sharp knife
- Cutting board
Lower Calorie Tips
- Use light mayo for a lighter bang bang sauce
- Add extra cabbage and cucumber for more volume
- Use chicken breast for leaner protein
- Serve with extra lime for brightness without extra calories
Make Ahead / Storage
- Store the vegetables and sauce separately for best texture
- Reheat chicken in the air fryer for 2 to 3 minutes to crisp back up
- Bang bang sauce stays good in the fridge for up to 5 days
What To Serve With Bang Bang Chicken Salad
- Crispy air fryer potatoes
- Fresh fruit
- Jasmine rice
- Avocado slices
- Extra lime wedges
~Recipe~
Ingredients
Method
- Season the chicken with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika.
- Coat the chicken in flour, then egg, then crushed cornflakes, pressing the coating firmly onto the chicken.
- Spray lightly with oil and place into the air fryer basket.
- Air fry at 385°F for 16 minutes, flipping halfway through cooking. Cook until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
- Mix the mayo, sweet chili sauce, and gochujang together in a bowl until smooth and creamy.
- In a large bowl, add the cabbage, cucumber, carrots, and red bell pepper.
- Squeeze fresh lime juice over the vegetables.
- Add the crispy chicken and drizzle the bang bang sauce over the top.
- Toss everything together until evenly coated.
- Finish with fresh chopped cilantro and serve immediately.
Notes
Lower Calorie Tips: Add extra cabbage and cucumber for more volume
Lower Calorie Tips: Use chicken breast for leaner protein
Lower Calorie Tips: Serve with extra lime for brightness without extra calories
Make Ahead / Storage: Store the vegetables and sauce separately for best texture
Make Ahead / Storage: Reheat chicken in the air fryer for 2 to 3 minutes to crisp back up
Make Ahead / Storage: Bang bang sauce stays good in the fridge for up to 5 days
Can I make this salad lower calorie?: Yes, using light mayo and loading up on extra vegetables makes this salad lighter while still being filling.
Can I meal prep this recipe?: Yes, just keep the sauce separate until serving so the salad stays fresh and crunchy.
Ingredients
For the Crispy Chicken
- 2 chicken breasts, cut into strips or chunks
- 1 cup flour
- 2 eggs, beaten
- 2 cups crushed cornflakes
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- Garlic powder, to taste
- Paprika, to taste
- Avocado Oil spray
For the Salad
- 2 cups shredded cabbage
- 1 cucumber, sliced thin
- 1 cup shredded carrots
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced thin
- Juice of 1 lime
- Fresh cilantro, chopped
For the Bang Bang Sauce
- 1/2 cup Japanese mayo, regular mayo, or light mayo
- 3 tablespoons sweet chili sauce
- 1 tablespoon gochujang
Instructions
Make the Crispy Air Fryer Chicken
- Season the chicken with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika.
- Coat the chicken in flour, then egg, then crushed cornflakes, pressing the coating firmly onto the chicken.
- Spray lightly with oil and place into the air fryer basket.
- Air fry at 385°F for 16 minutes, flipping halfway through cooking. Cook until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
Make the Bang Bang Sauce
Mix the mayo, sweet chili sauce, and gochujang together in a bowl until smooth and creamy.
Assemble the Salad
- In a large bowl, add the cabbage, cucumber, carrots, and red bell pepper.
- Squeeze fresh lime juice over the vegetables.
- Add the crispy chicken and drizzle the bang bang sauce over the top.
- Toss everything together until evenly coated.
- Finish with fresh chopped cilantro and serve immediately.
FAQ
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breast?
Yes, chicken thighs work great and stay extra juicy in the air fryer.
Is bang bang sauce spicy?
It has a mild spicy kick from the gochujang, but the mayo and sweet chili sauce balance it out.
Can I make this salad lower calorie?
Yes, using light mayo and loading up on extra vegetables makes this salad lighter while still being filling.
Can I meal prep this recipe?
Yes, just keep the sauce separate until serving so the salad stays fresh and crunchy.
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