Name: Crockpot Bang Bang Chicken
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 240 min
Total time: 250 min
Ingredients: 2-3 pounds chicken drumsticks; 1 cup sweet chili sauce; 1 cup mayonnaise; 2 teaspoons sriracha; 1 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; 3-4 green onions green onions

Crockpot Bang Bang Chicken is the game-changing dinner you never knew you needed. With just 10 minutes of prep and a few simple ingredients, your slow cooker does all the heavy lifting, delivering tender, sweet, and spicy drumsticks that are absolutely packed with flavor. Trust me, your taste buds—and your busy weekday schedule—will thank you!

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If you’re tired of spending hours in the kitchen but love restaurant-quality meals, this recipe is for you. Plus, the effortless broil at the end gives you perfectly caramelized drumsticks without any extra effort. Pair these bold, saucy drumsticks with rice or a simple salad, and you’ve got a dinner the whole family will love.

Why This Crockpot Bang Bang Chicken Is a Game-Changer

Hands-off cooking: Toss everything in the slow cooker, and walk away. Your crockpot handles the hard part.
Time-saving prep: Unlike traditional bang bang chicken recipes, there’s no frying or marinating required upfront—just mix, pour, and go.
Perfectly tender results: The slow cooker locks in moisture and infuses the chicken with bold, sweet heat.
Fewer dishes: Your slow cooker means fewer pots and pans, making cleanup a breeze.
Versatile for busy schedules: Prep in the morning, cook during the day, and broil quickly before serving for a meal that fits any timing.

Equipment You’ll Need for This Crockpot Bang Bang Chicken

To make this easy recipe happen, here’s what you’ll need:

Slow cooker: Any slow cooker or crockpot will work. I use a 6-quart model for the best results. Set it to HIGH for 4 hours or LOW for 5 hours depending on your schedule.
Wire rack and sheet pan: A wire rack helps the chicken crisp up under the broiler, but it’s optional—placing them directly on a sheet pan works too.
Mixing bowls: You’ll need two bowls—one for the sauce and one to reserve for serving.

Pro tip: If you like extra-crispy chicken, add an extra 2-3 minutes to the broiling time, watching closely to avoid burning.

Simple Ingredients for Crockpot Bang Bang Chicken

Here’s what makes this dish so flavorful and easy to pull off. Bonus: many of these ingredients are pantry staples!

Chicken drumsticks: I’ve found that 2-3 pounds of drumsticks are the perfect fit for a standard slow cooker. Bone-in chicken thighs are another great option.
Sweet chili sauce: I recommend Frank’s Red Hot brand for the perfect sweet and tangy kick, but any sweet chili sauce will work.
Mayonnaise: The creamy base for that signature bang bang sauce. Feel free to swap with light mayo to reduce calories.
Sriracha: Brings the heat! Add more or less depending on your spice preference. For extra fire, try a few dashes of Tabasco or red pepper flakes.
Green onions: The garnish that ties everything together. Slice thinly for a fresh pop of flavor and color!

Shopping shortcut: Pre-chopped green onions and pre-measured sauces (hello, squeeze bottles!) make prep even faster.

Crockpot Bang Bang Chicken Recipe Details

Servings: 5
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 4 hours
Total time: 4 hours 10 minutes

How to Make Crockpot Bang Bang Chicken

Place 2-3 pounds of chicken drumsticks into your slow cooker.
In a bowl, mix 1 cup of mayonnaise, 1 cup of sweet chili sauce, 2 teaspoons of sriracha, 1 teaspoon of salt, and 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper until smooth.
Reserve half the sauce in a separate bowl and refrigerate for serving later.
Pour the remaining sauce over the chicken in the slow cooker. Ensure the drumsticks are evenly coated.
Cover and cook on HIGH for 3.5-4 hours or LOW for 5 hours.
Preheat your oven to broil.
Transfer the cooked drumsticks to a wire rack placed on a sheet pan (or directly onto the sheet pan).
Broil for about 5 minutes, until the chicken develops a golden-brown, caramelized finish. Watch closely to prevent burning.
Garnish with green onions and serve with the reserved cold bang bang sauce on the side.

Optional: Serve over white or jasmine rice to soak up the flavorful sauce!

Jake’s Tips for the Best Crockpot Bang Bang Chicken

Make it spicier: Double the sriracha or add red pepper flakes for an extra kick.
Marinate for more flavor: If you’ve got time, let the chicken sit in half the sauce overnight in the fridge.
Use boneless chicken: Boneless thighs or breasts cook beautifully too—just skip the broiling step for faster serving.
Save leftovers smartly: Store extra chicken and sauce in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven at 350°F until warmed through.
Batch cook: Double the recipe and freeze half for an easy, ready-made dinner.

Easy Crockpot Bang Bang Chicken Variations

Switch the protein: Try shrimp, beef ribs, or even tofu using the same sauce.
Mix up the sauce: Add a tablespoon of peanut butter for a creamy peanut bang bang twist.
Add veggies: Toss in bell peppers, broccoli, or snap peas during the last hour of cooking.
Make it low-carb: Serve over cauliflower rice or a crunchy slaw instead of traditional rice.

Crockpot Bang Bang Chicken FAQs

Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen drumsticks. Just extend the cooking time by about an hour. Be sure to check for doneness before serving.

Can I make this recipe less spicy?

Absolutely! Cut back on the sriracha or skip it altogether. The sweet chili sauce will still provide plenty of flavor.

What’s the best slow cooker for this recipe?

Any 6-quart slow cooker works great. Choose a model with a warm setting if you want to keep the chicken ready-to-serve for a longer period.

How do I know the chicken is fully cooked?

The internal temperature should reach 165°F. Use a meat thermometer for accurate results.

Can I skip the broiling step?

You can, but broiling adds that irresistible caramelized finish. If you’re short on time, serve directly from the crockpot with the reserved sauce.

This Crockpot Bang Bang Chicken proves you don’t need a ton of time or effort to create an unforgettable meal. It’s perfect for busy weeknights, family gatherings, or meal prep. What’s your favorite kitchen hack for saving time on dinner? Let me know in the comments!