Sizzling Bang Bang Chicken Thighs Recipe: Sweet & Spicy Magic

Tender chicken thighs coated in a bang bang sauce burst with flavor that dances across your taste buds.

Crispy edges and a tangy-sweet glaze make this dish irresistibly delicious.

The secret lies in the perfectly balanced bang bang sauce, which brings an explosion of zesty goodness to every bite.

Marinating the chicken ensures deep, rich flavors penetrate the meat completely.

Each piece promises a delightful crunch and mouth-watering kick that transforms an ordinary meal into something extraordinary.

Juicy on the inside and gloriously crisp on the outside, these chicken thighs will become your new favorite weeknight dinner sensation.

Prepare to be amazed by a recipe that delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort.

Bang Bang Chicken Thighs Flavor Boosts

• Spice Up Your Meal: Packed with bold, zesty flavors that transform ordinary chicken into a restaurant-worthy dish without complicated techniques.
• Quick Kitchen Magic: Requires minimal ingredients and cooking steps, making it perfect for busy weeknights or spontaneous dinner cravings.
• Family Crowd-Pleaser: Offers a crowd-pleasing taste that appeals to both kids and adults, with a mild heat level that's not overwhelming.
• Versatile Dinner Solution: Easily adaptable for different serving styles – great over rice, in tacos, or alongside simple salads for a complete meal.

Bang Bang Chicken Thighs Ingredients List

• Chicken Thighs: Juicy and flavorful meat that serves as the primary protein for this delicious dish.

• Salt, Black Pepper, Paprika: A classic blend of spices that enhances the chicken's natural flavor and creates a well-rounded taste profile.

• Cooking Oil: Helps prevent sticking and provides a medium for even cooking of the chicken thighs.

• Bang Bang Sauce: A creamy, spicy sauce that adds a tangy and exciting flavor to the chicken, creating the signature dish's taste.

• Green Onions: Fresh, mild onion that adds a bright, crisp finish and visual appeal to the completed dish.

Cooking Instructions for Bang Bang Chicken Thighs

Step 1: Prepare Flavor Blend

Combine salt, black pepper, and paprika in a mixing bowl.

Massage the seasoning blend thoroughly into the chicken thighs, ensuring every inch gets coated with the zesty spice mixture.

Step 2: Sizzle and Crisp

Warm vegetable oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat.

Carefully place chicken thighs into the pan, allowing them to develop a golden-brown crust.

Cook each side until the meat turns a beautiful golden color and reaches a safe internal temperature of 165°F.

Step 3: Craft Spicy Sauce

Remove chicken from the skillet and set aside, covering loosely with foil to keep warm.

In the same pan, pour in bang bang sauce, using a wooden spoon to scrape up all the delicious browned bits from the bottom.

Let the sauce simmer and reduce for 1-2 minutes, developing a rich, intense flavor.

Step 4: Glaze and Serve

Gently return chicken thighs to the skillet, rolling them in the vibrant sauce to create a luscious, glossy coating.

Sprinkle freshly chopped green onions over the top for a burst of color and fresh flavor.

Transfer to serving plates and enjoy immediately while hot and saucy.

Tips for Bang Bang Chicken Thighs Perfection

• Mix spices in advance and store in an airtight container for quick, consistent flavoring anytime you cook chicken.
• Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches exact 165°F without overcooking, keeping meat juicy and safe.
• If bang bang sauce becomes too thick, thin with a splash of water or chicken broth to maintain perfect consistency.
• Adjust chili sauce or sriracha quantity to make the dish milder or hotter based on personal heat preference.
• Cook extra chicken thighs and store in refrigerator for quick protein addition to salads, wraps, or grain bowls within 3-4 days.

Bang Bang Chicken Thighs Flavor Variations

• Spicy Thai Chicken: Replace paprika with red curry powder and add sriracha to bang bang sauce for extra heat.
• Mediterranean Style: Swap chicken thighs with chicken breasts, use olive oil, and season with oregano, garlic powder, and lemon zest.
• Low-Carb Option: Substitute bang bang sauce with a lighter yogurt-based sauce and serve over cauliflower rice instead of regular rice.
• Gluten-Free Adaptation: Use gluten-free mayonnaise in bang bang sauce and ensure all seasonings are certified gluten-free.

Serving Bang Bang Chicken Thighs with Flair

• Zesty Dinner Plate: Serve the bang bang chicken thighs over fluffy white rice or cauliflower rice for a complete meal that soaks up the delicious sauce.
• Crisp Companion Sides: Pair with Asian-inspired coleslaw or steamed edamame to add fresh crunch and balance the rich, spicy chicken flavors.
• Garnish Elegance: Sprinkle extra chopped green onions, toasted sesame seeds, or crushed red pepper flakes on top for added texture and visual appeal.
• Quick Lunch Transform: Pack leftovers in a meal prep container with quinoa and quick pickled vegetables for an easy next-day lunch that reheats beautifully.

Storage Suggestions for Bang Bang Chicken Thighs

• Store leftover bang bang chicken thighs in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. Cool the chicken completely before sealing to prevent moisture buildup.
• Wrap individual portions in plastic wrap, then place in freezer-safe bags. Frozen chicken maintains best quality for 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Warm chicken in a skillet over medium-low heat to retain moisture. Add a splash of water or extra sauce to prevent drying out. Alternatively, use the microwave with a damp paper towel covering the chicken to keep it juicy.
• Keep extra bang bang sauce in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to a week. Stir before using to recombine any separated ingredients.

FAQs

• What exactly is bang bang sauce?

Bang bang sauce is a creamy, spicy condiment made with mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, and sometimes honey, creating a tangy and slightly hot flavor profile that perfectly coats the chicken.

• Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Yes, you can substitute chicken breasts, but be careful not to overcook them. Chicken breasts are leaner and can dry out faster, so reduce cooking time and monitor internal temperature closely.

• Is this dish spicy?

The spice level depends on the amount of sriracha you add to the bang bang sauce. You can easily adjust the heat by increasing or decreasing the sriracha quantity to suit your personal preference.

Bang Bang Chicken Thighs Recipe

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4.5 from 30 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Spicy Korean-inspired bang bang chicken thighs deliver a flavor explosion that dances across taste buds with irresistible zest. Crispy exterior meets succulent meat, creating a mouthwatering dish you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

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Chicken & Proteins:

• 6 boneless skinless chicken thighs

Seasonings:

• 1 teaspoon (5 grams) kosher salt
• 1/2 teaspoon (2.5 grams) black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon (2.5 grams) paprika

Cooking & Sauce Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) vegetable oil
• 1 cup (240 milliliters) bang bang sauce (homemade or store-bought)

Garnish:

• Green onions, chopped

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Instructions

1. Prepare a zesty seasoning blend by combining salt, ground black pepper, and paprika in a small mixing bowl.
2. Thoroughly coat chicken thighs with the prepared spice mixture, ensuring even coverage on all surfaces.
3. Warm a large nonstick skillet over medium heat, adding a thin layer of oil to prevent sticking.
4. Carefully place seasoned chicken thighs into the heated skillet, allowing them to develop a golden-brown crust.
5. Cook chicken for approximately 5-6 minutes on each side, monitoring the internal temperature until it reaches 165°F for safe consumption.
6. Transfer cooked chicken to a clean plate and loosely cover with aluminum foil to retain heat and moisture.
7. In the same skillet, pour bang bang sauce, using a spatula to scrape and incorporate any flavorful browned bits from the bottom.
8. Simmer the sauce for 1-2 minutes, allowing it to reduce and intensify in flavor.
9. Gently return chicken thighs to the skillet, thoroughly coating each piece with the vibrant sauce.
10. Sprinkle freshly chopped green onions over the glazed chicken for a pop of color and fresh flavor.
11. Serve immediately while the chicken remains hot and sauce is glossy.

Notes

• Perfectly crisp chicken requires patting the meat dry before seasoning to help spices adhere and create a golden-brown exterior.
• For gluten-free adaptation, use tamari instead of regular soy sauce in bang bang sauce and confirm all other ingredients are gluten-free certified.
• Customize heat levels by adjusting chili sauce quantity – less for mild, more for spicy lovers who enjoy intense flavor profiles.
• Swap chicken thighs with chicken breasts or tofu for dietary preferences while maintaining similar cooking techniques and sauce consistency.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Asian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 460
• Sugar: 5 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 30 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 24 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 12 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 34 g
• Cholesterol: 110 mg