Bang Bang Chicken Thighs Recipe

Spicy Bang Bang Chicken Thighs Recipe: Fiery Family Favorite

Crispy and juicy bang bang chicken thighs dance with a spicy-sweet sauce that’ll make your taste buds sing.

Unexpected flavor combinations burst through every bite of this crowd-pleasing dish.

Pantry staples become something magical when mixed just right.

Creamy mayonnaise blends seamlessly with chili sauce, creating a knockout coating.

Weeknight dinners get an exciting upgrade with minimal effort and maximum satisfaction.

Southern kitchens love this playful take on classic comfort food.

Come see how simple ingredients can create something extraordinary that everyone will devour.

What Makes Bang Bang Chicken Thighs Recipe So Addictive

  • Rapid Flavor Transformation: Turn simple chicken thighs into a mouthwatering dish with minimal ingredients and steps, creating a restaurant-quality meal at home.
  • Customize Heat Levels: Control the spiciness by adjusting Sriracha quantity, making it perfect for every palate from mild to wild spice lovers.
  • One-Pan Wonder: Minimize kitchen cleanup with a single skillet that handles cooking and saucing, saving time and reducing dishwashing hassle.
  • Versatile Meal Solution: Pair with rice, salad, or vegetables for a complete dinner that works for busy weeknights or casual weekend gatherings.

Bang Bang Chicken Thighs Recipe Ingredient Breakdown

Main Protein:
  • Chicken Thighs: Tender and flavorful cut of meat that serves as the primary protein for this dish.
Seasoning:
  • Salt, Black Pepper: Essential spices that enhance the natural flavor of the chicken.
Cooking Fat:
  • Olive Oil: Provides a healthy cooking medium and helps achieve a golden-brown exterior on the chicken.
Sauce Ingredients:
  • Mayonnaise: Creamy base that adds richness and helps bind the sauce together.
  • Sweet Chili Sauce: Provides a sweet and slightly spicy flavor profile to the dish.
  • Sriracha: Adds heat and depth to the sauce, allowing for customizable spice levels.
  • Honey: Brings a natural sweetness that balances the spicy elements of the sauce.
Garnish:
  • Green Onions, Cilantro: Fresh herbs that add brightness, color, and a final layer of flavor to the finished dish.

How To Cook Bang Bang Chicken Thighs Recipe Fast

Step 1: Prepare Chicken Thighs

Rinse chicken thighs under cool water and thoroughly pat them dry using paper towels. Sprinkle salt and black pepper across both sides of the chicken, ensuring an even coating for maximum flavor absorption.

Step 2: Sear Chicken in Skillet

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high temperature. Carefully place seasoned chicken thighs into the hot skillet. Cook for 5-7 minutes on each side until the exterior turns a beautiful golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Transfer cooked chicken to a clean plate.

Step 3: Whisk Bang Bang Sauce

In a mixing bowl, combine the following ingredients:
  • Mayonnaise
  • Sweet chili sauce
  • Sriracha
  • Honey

Blend these ingredients thoroughly until the sauce becomes smooth and well-integrated. Adjust spice levels by increasing or decreasing Sriracha quantity to suit personal preferences.

Step 4: Glaze Chicken with Sauce

Return chicken thighs to the skillet and generously pour Bang Bang sauce over them. Gently toss the chicken to ensure complete and even sauce coverage. Allow the chicken to simmer in the sauce for an additional 2-3 minutes, letting the flavors meld together.

Step 5: Present and Garnish

Plate steamed rice as a base, then arrange Bang Bang Chicken Thighs on top. Sprinkle freshly chopped green onions and cilantro over the dish for a vibrant, aromatic finish. Serve immediately while hot and enjoy the burst of flavors!

Tips For Getting Bang Bang Chicken Thighs Recipe Just Right

  • Master the Seasoning: Pat chicken thighs completely dry before adding salt and pepper to ensure crispy, flavorful exterior and better sauce adherence.
  • Control Sauce Spiciness: Adjust Sriracha quantity to personalize heat level, allowing everyone from mild-loving to spice-craving eaters to enjoy the dish.
  • Achieve Perfect Chicken Texture: Use medium-high heat and cook chicken thighs 5-7 minutes per side to guarantee golden brown crust and juicy interior without drying out.
  • Prevent Sauce Burning: After coating chicken, simmer sauce gently for 2-3 minutes to warm through without scorching, maintaining rich flavor and smooth consistency.
  • Enhance Presentation: Sprinkle freshly chopped green onions and cilantro just before serving to add vibrant color, fresh taste, and professional restaurant-style finish.

Tasty Twists For Bang Bang Chicken Thighs Recipe

  • Gluten-Free Bang Bang Chicken: Replace regular sweet chili sauce with gluten-free sweet chili sauce and use gluten-free mayonnaise to create a celiac-friendly version.
  • Spicy Korean-Style Variation: Swap Sriracha with gochujang sauce and add a splash of soy sauce for an authentic Korean flavor profile.
  • Low-Carb Cauliflower Rice Option: Substitute traditional rice with cauliflower rice to reduce carbohydrate intake while maintaining the dish's delicious taste.
  • Dairy-Free Alternative: Use vegan mayonnaise and coconut-based honey substitute to create a completely dairy-free version of the recipe.

Perfect Pairings For Bang Bang Chicken Thighs Recipe

  • Pair Spicy Sauce with Cooling Beverage: Complement the fiery Bang Bang sauce with a refreshing Thai iced tea or a cold lager beer to balance the heat and provide a smooth drinking experience.
  • Create Textural Contrast with Side Dish: Serve alongside crispy cucumber salad or Asian slaw to add crunch and freshness that cuts through the rich, saucy chicken.
  • Match Flavor Intensity with Coconut Rice: Prepare coconut rice as a base to absorb the tangy and spicy sauce, creating a harmonious flavor profile that enhances the overall meal experience.
  • Boost Nutritional Balance with Green Vegetable: Add steamed broccoli or stir-fried bok choy to introduce a light, green element that provides nutritional depth and visual appeal to the plate.

How To Keep Bang Bang Chicken Thighs Recipe Fresh

  • Store leftover chicken thighs in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep in the refrigerator for 3-4 days, ensuring the chicken remains fresh and tasty.
  • Wrap individual portions in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 2 months, maintaining the chicken's flavor and texture.
  • Place chicken on a microwave-safe plate, sprinkle a few drops of water to prevent drying. Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even warming.
  • Warm chicken in a skillet over medium-low heat. Add a splash of water or broth to keep the meat moist.

FAQs On Bang Bang Chicken Thighs Recipe

  • What is Bang Bang sauce made of?

Bang Bang sauce is a creamy, spicy condiment typically combining mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, Sriracha, and honey, creating a tangy and slightly sweet flavor profile that perfectly complements chicken.

  • Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Yes, you can substitute chicken thighs with chicken breasts. Just ensure they are cooked to the same internal temperature of 165°F and adjust cooking time since breasts might cook faster than thighs.

  • How spicy is Bang Bang sauce?

The spice level depends on the amount of Sriracha you add. Start with a small amount and gradually increase to match your personal heat tolerance. The honey and mayonnaise help balance the spiciness.

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Bang Bang Chicken Thighs Recipe

Bang Bang Chicken Thighs Recipe


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4.5 from 31 reviews

  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 2 1x

Description

Spicy bang bang chicken thighs deliver explosive flavor straight from Asian-inspired kitchens. Crispy exterior and creamy sauce create perfect harmony that will make dinner guests crave more when you serve this irresistible dish.


Ingredients

Scale

Chicken Proteins:

  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs

Seasonings:

  • Salt to taste
  • Black pepper to taste
  • 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) olive oil

Bang Bang Sauce:

  • 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) mayonnaise
  • 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) sweet chili sauce
  • 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) Sriracha sauce
  • 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) honey

Garnish:

  • 2 green onions, chopped
  • Fresh cilantro leaves

Serving:

  • Cooked rice

Instructions

  1. Prepare chicken thighs by thoroughly drying with paper towels and generously seasoning both sides with salt and pepper to enhance natural flavors.
  2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering and hot, carefully placing seasoned chicken thighs into the pan.
  3. Cook chicken thighs for approximately 5-7 minutes per side, ensuring a golden-brown exterior and internal temperature reaches 165°F, indicating complete cooking.
  4. Remove chicken from skillet and set aside on a clean plate while maintaining its warmth.
  5. Create Bang Bang sauce by whisking mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, Sriracha, and honey in a small mixing bowl until achieving a smooth, well-integrated consistency.
  6. Adjust sauce spiciness by modifying Sriracha quantity according to personal heat preference.
  7. Return cooked chicken thighs to the skillet and generously coat each piece with prepared Bang Bang sauce, gently tossing to ensure even coverage.
  8. Simmer chicken in sauce for an additional 2-3 minutes, allowing flavors to meld and sauce to warm through.
  9. Plate cooked rice as a base, arranging sauced chicken thighs on top.
  10. Garnish with freshly chopped green onions and cilantro to add vibrant color and complementary flavor profiles.
  11. Serve immediately while chicken remains hot and sauce is glossy.

Notes

  • Ensure chicken is thoroughly dried before seasoning to achieve a perfect golden-brown exterior with maximum crispiness.
  • Adjust Sriracha quantity based on personal spice tolerance, creating a customizable heat level for every palate.
  • Consider using boneless, skinless chicken thighs for quicker cooking and easier eating, reducing overall preparation time.
  • Swap honey with maple syrup or agave for alternative sweeteners, making the recipe suitable for different dietary preferences.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
  • Method: Sautéing
  • Cuisine: Asian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 2
  • Calories: 612
  • Sugar: 9g
  • Sodium: 820mg
  • Fat: 38g
  • Saturated Fat: 7g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 29g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 28g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 27g
  • Cholesterol: 120mg
Truc Tran (Kris)

Truc Tran (Kris)

Senior Food Editor

Expertise

Home Cooking, Meal Planning, Recipe Development, Baking and Pastry, Food Editor, Cooking-video Maker, Vietnamese Food Evaluation Expert

Education

  • Hospitality (Commercial Cookery) at TasTAFE
  • Culinary Arts at Kendall College (Australia Branch in Sydney)
  • Vietnamese Cuisine Head Chef at HNAAu School (Vietnam, International Joint Training Program)

Truc Tran (Kris), an experienced food writer and editor, is great at exploring and describing global cuisines, from simple street food to fancy dining. In her writing, she skillfully mixes different flavors, cooking methods, and culinary traditions, showing the unique character of various cultures through their food and drinks. On azcuisines.com, Kris highlights her knowledge, especially in Asian cuisine and worldwide traditional dishes.

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