Bang Bang Chicken Thighs Recipe

Bang Bang Chicken Thighs are a crispy, tender chicken dish coated in a rich, spicy sauce. The chicken is seasoned with a blend of spices, fried to perfection, and topped with a creamy, slightly spicy sauce. The combination of crispy chicken and creamy sauce creates a mouthwatering contrast that’s hard to resist.

Preparation time for Bang Bang Chicken Thighs is about 10 minutes, with marinating taking 1 hour or longer for best results. Cooking time is approximately 15 minutes, making this a quick and easy meal that you can whip up in under 30 minutes.

Bang Bang Chicken Thighs are a crowd favorite. The crispy texture on the outside and the creamy, spicy sauce create a perfect balance of flavors. It’s a simple recipe that doesn’t require much effort but delivers a deliciously satisfying meal every time. The combination of seasonings and the buttermilk marinade ensures the chicken remains juicy, while the sauce adds an exciting kick to each bite.

Why You’ll Love This Bang Bang Chicken Thighs

• Packed with Flavor: Bang Bang Chicken Thighs are bursting with bold, tangy flavors that will keep you coming back for more. The rich, creamy sauce perfectly complements the savory chicken, making each bite deliciously satisfying.
• Quick and Easy: This recipe is simple to make, requiring minimal prep and cook time. It’s perfect for busy nights when you want a flavorful meal without the hassle. Just cook, coat, and enjoy!
• Tender and Juicy: Chicken thighs are naturally more tender and juicy than chicken breasts, ensuring each bite is moist and flavorful. The crispy outside and succulent inside make this dish irresistible.
• Versatile and Customizable: You can easily adjust the heat and spice level to suit your taste. Whether you love it mild or crave a fiery kick, Bang Bang Chicken Thighs are flexible and perfect for any preference.

Ingredient Notes for Bang Bang Chicken Thighs

• Chicken Thighs: Tender, juicy, and flavorful, chicken thighs are perfect for this recipe. Their higher fat content makes them ideal for cooking at high heat without drying out.
• All-Purpose Flour: This is used to coat the chicken for a crispy texture. It helps lock in the moisture, giving your chicken a golden-brown crunch.
• Paprika: Adds a subtle smokiness and a warm color to the chicken. It also enhances the overall flavor profile, balancing out the richness of the thighs.
• Salt & Black Pepper: Essential for seasoning, salt brings out the natural flavors of the chicken, while black pepper adds a bit of heat and depth.
• Garlic Powder: Garlic powder gives a savory boost, complementing the spices in the recipe. It’s a key ingredient for that extra flavor punch.
• Onion Powder: Onion powder offers a mild sweetness and savory depth, enhancing the overall taste of the chicken.
• Buttermilk: Used for marinating the chicken, buttermilk helps tenderize the meat. It also adds a tangy flavor that balances the richness of the fried coating.

Bang Bang Chicken Thighs Variation

While the classic Bang Bang Chicken Thighs recipe is delicious on its own, there are several variations you can try. For a bit of crunch, you can coat the chicken thighs in breadcrumbs or panko before searing them. This will add an extra crispy layer to the outside. You can also experiment with different hot sauces to adjust the heat level to your liking. For a sweeter twist, add a bit of honey to the sauce to balance the heat with some sweetness.

Another great variation is to make a healthier version by grilling the chicken thighs instead of pan-frying them. You can also use boneless, skinless chicken breasts if you prefer a leaner cut of meat. Add some veggies like bell peppers or broccoli to the mix for a complete meal.

How to Serve Bang Bang Chicken Thighs

Bang Bang Chicken Thighs are versatile and can be served in many ways. For a complete meal, serve the chicken with steamed rice or noodles. You can also make a simple side salad with fresh greens, cucumbers, and carrots to balance out the richness of the chicken.

If you’re serving them as an appetizer, try pairing them with a dipping sauce on the side, like extra bang bang sauce or a tangy soy sauce. They’re also great served with roasted vegetables or a creamy coleslaw for added crunch.

Storage Options

If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge. Bang Bang Chicken Thighs will stay fresh for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm them up in a pan over low heat, adding a splash of water to keep them moist. You can also reheat in the microwave, but be sure to cover the chicken to prevent it from drying out.

For longer storage, you can freeze the chicken after cooking. Place the chicken in a freezer-safe bag or container and store it for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw the chicken overnight in the fridge and then warm it up in a pan.

FAQs About Bang Bang Chicken Thighs

How do I make Bang Bang Chicken Thighs at home?
To make Bang Bang Chicken Thighs at home, season and bake or fry the chicken thighs until crispy. Then toss them in a creamy, spicy sauce made with mayo, sriracha, and honey for a delicious kick.

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs for this recipe?
Yes, you can substitute chicken breasts for thighs, but the texture may be less juicy. Chicken thighs are preferred for their rich flavor and tenderness, making them ideal for Bang Bang Chicken Thighs.

Is Bang Bang Chicken spicy?
Bang Bang Chicken Thighs have a moderate spice level due to the sriracha in the sauce. You can adjust the spice by adding more or less sriracha based on your heat tolerance.

What can I serve with Bang Bang Chicken Thighs?
Bang Bang Chicken Thighs pair well with rice, steamed vegetables, or a fresh salad. You can also serve them with dipping sauces for an extra burst of flavor.