Bang Bang Chicken Thighs
Easy Bang Bang Chicken Thighs Recipe (In Just 22 Minutes!)
Looking for a fast, tasty dinner that feels a little fancy without being hard to make? You’ve got to try these Bang Bang Chicken Thighs! This dish is juicy, creamy, spicy, and full of flavor. It’s ready in under 30 minutes and only needs one skillet!
🍗 What Is Bang Bang Chicken?
It’s a popular dish where chicken is cooked until golden, then coated in a creamy, sweet-and-spicy sauce called bang bang sauce. It tastes like something from a restaurant, but you can make it easily at home.
🕒 Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Done in under 30 minutes
- Uses simple ingredients
- Perfect for weeknights or dinner guests
- The sauce is so good, you’ll want to put it on everything!
🛒 Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Chicken:
- 6 boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp paprika
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
For the Sauce:
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- ¼ cup sweet chili sauce
- 1–2 tbsp Sriracha (spicy!)
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tbsp honey
- Green onions and sesame seeds (for garnish)
👩🍳 How To Make It (Step-by-Step)
1. Season the Chicken
Pat the chicken dry with paper towels. Mix the salt, pepper, and paprika, and rub it all over the chicken. Let it sit for 10 minutes.
2. Cook the Chicken
Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add chicken thighs, smooth side down. Don’t touch them! Let each side cook for about 6–7 minutes, or until the inside reaches 165°F (75°C).
3. Make the Bang Bang Sauce
In a bowl, mix mayonnaise, chili sauce, sriracha, vinegar, and honey until smooth. Adjust the spice to your liking.
4. Coat and Serve
Remove chicken and let it rest for 3 minutes. Add the sauce to the skillet and simmer for a minute. Put the chicken back in and coat with the sauce. Garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds.
💡 Helpful Tips
- Use a cast iron skillet for the best sear.
- Want extra flavor? Marinate chicken in soy sauce for 30 minutes before cooking.
- Make extra sauce – it’s delicious on veggies, rice, or shrimp!
- If cooking for a group, serve the sauce on the side so everyone can choose how spicy they want it.
🥗 What to Serve With It
- Jasmine rice – perfect for soaking up the sauce
- Asian slaw – crunchy and fresh!
- Steamed veggies like broccoli or snap peas
- Or serve it over salad for a lighter option
🍽 Meal Prep & Storage Tips
- Make the sauce ahead – it lasts up to a week in the fridge.
- Store leftovers for 3–4 days.
- Reheat gently in a skillet with a splash of water.
🔄 Recipe Variations
- Use chicken breasts instead (just adjust cooking time)
- Add bell peppers or onions to the pan
- Make it gluten-free with tamari instead of soy sauce
- Go keto by using sugar-free chili sauce
❓FAQs
Q: What is bang bang sauce?
A: A creamy, sweet and spicy sauce made with mayo, sweet chili sauce, and sriracha.
Q: Is this dish spicy?
A: It’s medium spicy. You can use less sriracha if you prefer mild flavor.
Q: Can I use store-bought bang bang sauce?
A: Yes! But homemade is super easy and tastes better.
Q: What can I eat it with?
A: Rice, noodles, steamed veggies, or even salad.
Q: Can I make this ahead?
A: Best fresh, but leftovers taste great for 2–3 days.
⭐ Final Thoughts
This Bang Bang Chicken Thighs recipe is a total crowd-pleaser. It’s fast, flavorful, and flexible. Whether you’re cooking for your family or trying to impress guests, it’s always a hit. Try it once, and you’ll be adding it to your weekly rotation for sure!