I always get excited when I make cold, spicy, flavor-packed dishes. They’re easy, bold, and perfect for meal prep or quick dinners. One recipe I keep coming back to is the bonbon chicken recipe.
It’s a classic Sichuan dish with tender shredded chicken, a nutty sesame sauce, and a spicy kick. I first tasted it at a street market and knew I had to recreate it at home. The mix of heat, tang, and savory depth makes every bite unforgettable.
I love how versatile it is too—I can serve it with rice, noodles, or as a salad. This dish never fails to impress and always hits the spot when I crave something light but satisfying.
How To Prepare Bonbon Chicken Recipe?
Recipe Overview
- Preparation Time: 20 minutes
- Cooking Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Course: Appetizer / Main Course
- Difficulty: Easy
- Cuisine: Sichuan, Chinese
- Yield: 2 servings
Equipment Needed
- Medium saucepan
- Whisk or fork
- Sharp knife
- Cutting board
- Serving plate
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 slices fresh ginger
- 1 scallion, cut into sections
- Water, enough to cover the chicken
For the Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons light soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon black vinegar (Chinkiang vinegar)
- 1.5 tablespoons sugar
- 2 tablespoons chili oil
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 2 teaspoons Sichuan peppercorn powder
- 1 tablespoon sesame paste (or tahini)
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic
- 1 teaspoon minced fresh ginger
- Salt, to taste
For Serving:
- 1 cucumber, thinly sliced
- Chopped scallions, for garnish
- Fresh cilantro, for garnish (optional)
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Poach the Chicken
Place the chicken breasts in a saucepan with enough water to cover them. Add the ginger slices and scallion sections. Bring to a boil over medium heat, then reduce to a simmer and cook for about 10 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through. Remove the chicken from the pot and let it cool.
2. Shred the Chicken
Once cooled, use your hands or two forks to shred the chicken into thin strips. Set aside.
3. Prepare the Sauce
In a mixing bowl, combine the soy sauce, black vinegar, sugar, chili oil, sesame oil, Sichuan peppercorn powder, sesame paste, minced garlic, and minced ginger. Whisk until the mixture is smooth and well blended. Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt if necessary.
4. Assemble the Dish
Arrange the cucumber slices on a serving plate to form a base. Place the shredded chicken on top of the cucumbers. Drizzle the prepared sauce over the chicken evenly. Garnish with chopped scallions and cilantro if using.
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)
- Calories: Approximately 513 kcal
- Protein: 50g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fat: 27g
- Sodium: 2472mg
- Cholesterol: 145mg
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 10g
Note: Nutritional values are approximate and may vary based on specific ingredients used.
Serving Suggestions
When I serve bonbon chicken recipe, I like to keep things light and refreshing. Since the dish is chilled and packed with bold flavors, it pairs beautifully with simple sides.
I often lay it over a bed of thin cucumber slices or cold rice noodles to soak up that spicy sesame sauce. Sometimes, I spoon it onto lettuce leaves for a fun, low-carb wrap situation.
If I’m turning it into a fuller meal, I’ll add a side of steamed jasmine rice or a crisp Asian-style slaw. For a party or potluck,
it works perfectly as a make-ahead appetizer—just chill it well and drizzle the sauce right before serving. However I plate it, I always make sure there’s extra sauce—it’s that good.
Tips and Variations
- Adjusting Spice Level: If you prefer a milder flavor, reduce the amount of chili oil and Sichuan peppercorn powder.
- Alternative Proteins: This recipe can also be made with poached chicken thighs for a juicier texture.
- Vegetarian Version: Replace chicken with tofu or shredded mushrooms for a vegetarian alternative.
- Noodle Salad: Toss the shredded chicken and sauce with cooked and cooled noodles for a hearty salad.
- Absolutely!
- The bonbon chicken recipe isn’t just big on flavor—it also comes with some incredible essential health benefits. I’ve broken them down step by step so you can see how each ingredient adds something good to your body and not just your taste buds:
Health Benefits of Bonbon Chicken Recipe
· 1. Lean Protein from Chicken
- I use skinless chicken breast because it’s high in lean protein. It helps build muscle, keeps me full longer, and supports metabolism without too much fat.
· 2. Ginger for Digestion
- I always add fresh ginger when poaching the chicken. It improves digestion, reduces inflammation, and helps with nausea. Plus, it adds amazing flavor.
· 3. Garlic Boosts Immunity
- Garlic is one of my favorite natural immune boosters. It has antibacterial and antiviral properties and supports heart health too.
· 4. Sesame Paste = Healthy Fats
- Sesame paste or tahini gives the sauce its creamy texture. It’s full of healthy fats, vitamins B and E, and calcium. Great for skin, heart, and brain.
· 5. Vinegar Aids Blood Sugar Control
- Chinese black vinegar adds that essential tang. It also helps stabilize blood sugar and improve nutrient absorption.
· 6. Chili Oil Activates Metabolism
- Spicy chili oil does more than bring heat. It can increase metabolism, curb appetite, and boost endorphins—aka the happy hormones.
· 7. Cucumbers = Hydration & Fiber
- I layer the dish over fresh cucumber slices. They’re hydrating, low-calorie, and good for digestion. I also find they balance out the spice perfectly.
· 8. Sichuan Pepper for Circulation
- That numbing tingle from Sichuan pepper isn’t just for fun—it also improves blood circulation and reduces inflammation.
- This dish is proof that healthy food doesn’t have to be boring. When I want something nourishing and bold, Bonbon Chicken checks every box.
Note
For an authentic flavor, sourcing traditional Sichuan ingredients like black vinegar and Sichuan peppercorns is recommended. These ingredients contribute to the unique taste profile that characterizes Bon Bon Chicken.
Ho To Store?
When I make bonbon chicken reipe ahead of time, storing it right keeps the flavors fresh and the texture perfect. I always let the chicken and sauce cool completely before packing.
Then I store the shredded chicken and sauce separately in airtight containers in the fridge. That way, the chicken doesn’t get soggy.
The chicken stays good for up to 3 to 4 days when properly refrigerated. I only mix the sauce in right before serving so everything tastes bold and fresh. If I have leftover sauced chicken, I try to eat it within 2 days since the cucumbers can lose their crunch.
Freezing isn’t ideal for this dish because the texture changes, especially with the sauce and veggies. So I keep it in the fridge and enjoy it while it’s fresh.
Conclusion
I’ve always loved how Bonbon Chicken Recipe (or Bang Bang Chicken) brings bold flavors together with such simple ingredients. The tender poached chicken, the punchy, nutty, spicy sauce, and the cool crunch of cucumber—it all comes together beautifully.
Whether I serve it as a chilled appetizer in summer or a light main dish with noodles or rice, it never disappoints. What makes this recipe really special for me is how versatile it is.
I can tweak the heat, swap in tofu when I want something meatless, or even toss it with cold noodles for a more filling meal. And the fact that it’s packed with protein and made with wholesome ingredients just makes it even better.
If you’ve never tried Bonbon Chicken before, trust me—it’s worth it. And if you already love it, I hope my version brings a new twist to your table. Give it a go, and let me know how it turns out for you!