Let’s talk about an utterly irresistible crowd-pleaser: Bang Bang Chicken Thighs. This dish takes succulent, oven-baked chicken thighs and bathes them in a creamy, tangy, and spicy sauce you’ll want to put on everything. It’s weeknight-friendly, always impresses at potlucks, and leaves everyone asking for seconds (and the recipe!). With an addictive sweet-heat kick and gloriously golden edges, these Bang Bang Chicken Thighs are about to become your go-to dinner hero.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Bang Bang Chicken Thighs work their magic with a handful of simple, vibrant ingredients. Each one brings unique flavor or texture, so don’t skip a thing! Trust me, it all adds up to bang-for-your-buck deliciousness.
- Boneless, skinless chicken thighs (6): Super juicy and perfect for soaking up that dreamy sauce.
- Olive oil (1 tablespoon): For a hint of richness and to help the spices stick.
- Garlic powder (1/2 teaspoon): Adds a mellow, savory depth without overpowering.
- Paprika (1/2 teaspoon): Gives a whisper of smokiness and a pop of color.
- Salt and pepper (to taste): Essential for bringing all the flavors into tasty harmony.
- Mayonnaise (1/3 cup): The creamy base for that luscious Bang Bang sauce.
- Sweet chili sauce (2 tablespoons): Sweet, tangy, and just the right amount of heat.
- Sriracha (1 tablespoon, adjust to taste): Brings the fiery personality—add more if you love extra spice!
- Honey (1 tablespoon): Balances the heat and a little goes a long way.
- Rice vinegar (1 teaspoon): For bright acidity that ties the sauce together beautifully.
How to Make Bang Bang Chicken Thighs
Step 1: Prep and Season the Chicken
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C) and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper—this makes clean up a breeze! Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels, which helps them crisp up in the oven. Next, arrange the chicken on the baking sheet, drizzle with olive oil, then generously season with the garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Gently rub everything together, making sure each thigh is wonderfully coated with spice and flavor.
Step 2: Bake the Chicken
Place the seasoned thighs in the oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes. You’re looking for golden, slightly crisp edges, and an internal temperature of 165°F. For extra golden, craggy bits, try broiling the chicken for the last 2 to 3 minutes—just keep a close eye so nothing burns!
Step 3: Whisk Up That Bang Bang Sauce
While the chicken bakes, stir together the mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, honey, and rice vinegar in a small bowl until the sauce is smooth and creamy. Tweak the sriracha level to match your spice preferences. This glossy, addictive sauce is the soul of Bang Bang Chicken Thighs!
Step 4: Saucing and Serving
When the chicken thighs are done and still hot from the oven, generously spoon or brush the Bang Bang sauce over each piece. The heat will help the sauce melt into every nook and cranny. For an extra flourish, scatter some chopped green onions or a sprinkle of sesame seeds right before serving.
How to Serve Bang Bang Chicken Thighs
Garnishes
A scatter of thinly sliced green onions or toasted sesame seeds adds freshness and crunch, making your Bang Bang Chicken Thighs look as fabulous as they taste. If you want to get fancy, throw on a handful of chopped cilantro for a burst of color and zing.
Side Dishes
These chicken thighs love good company—think steaming white rice, stir-fried noodles, or a big, crunchy Asian slaw. The tender spice pairs beautifully with cool cucumber ribbons or a simple salad for balance. Serving over a bed of greens turns this dish into a hearty, modern main.
Creative Ways to Present
Bang Bang Chicken Thighs are endlessly versatile! Try slicing leftovers and wrapping them in lettuce cups with extra sauce for a hands-on bite, or pile chicken over roasted sweet potatoes for a fun weeknight twist. They’re awesome chopped into tacos or grain bowls, too.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Bang Bang Chicken Thighs keep their flavor and juiciness in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Store any extra Bang Bang sauce separately, so you can drizzle it on fresh before reheating.
Freezing
These thighs freeze beautifully! Just cool completely and wrap in foil or freezer-safe bags. They’ll stay tasty for up to 2 months. Thaw them overnight in the fridge for best texture.
Reheating
To reheat Bang Bang Chicken Thighs, use the oven or toaster oven at 350°F until heated through, about 10–12 minutes. You can microwave in a pinch, but reheating in the oven keeps the edges crispier. Always add fresh sauce just before serving!
FAQs
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
You can substitute chicken breasts for thighs, but keep in mind breasts cook a little faster and aren’t quite as juicy. Just watch your timing so they stay moist, and follow the same steps.
Is there a way to make Bang Bang Chicken Thighs less spicy?
Absolutely! Simply dial back the sriracha in the sauce or skip it for a milder version. You’ll still get all the creamy, sweet, and tangy flavors without the heat.
Can I grill instead of bake?
Definitely! Grill your chicken thighs over medium-high heat for about 6–8 minutes per side, or until cooked through. Then sauce just before serving for those signature Bang Bang Chicken Thighs flavor fireworks.
What’s a good substitute for mayonnaise in the sauce?
Plain Greek yogurt is a great swap for mayonnaise if you’re after a lighter touch. The sauce will be tangier and a little less rich, but still perfect for Bang Bang Chicken Thighs.
Can I make the sauce in advance?
Yes, the Bang Bang sauce can be whisked together up to three days ahead and chilled in the fridge. Give it a quick stir before topping your chicken for that just-made silkiness.
Final Thoughts
Few dishes deliver joy like Bang Bang Chicken Thighs—simple, saucy, and convincingly crave-worthy. Give this recipe a go and see just how easy and delicious dinner can be. I can’t wait for you to dig in!
Print
Bang Bang Chicken Thighs Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
These Bang Bang Chicken Thighs are a delicious Asian-inspired dish featuring baked chicken thighs coated in a flavorful, spicy sauce. Perfect for a quick and easy weeknight dinner!
Ingredients
Chicken Thighs:
- 6 boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
Bang Bang Sauce:
- 1/3 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons sweet chili sauce
- 1 tablespoon sriracha (adjust to taste)
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 teaspoon rice vinegar
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Prepare the chicken: Pat the chicken thighs dry and place them on the baking sheet. Drizzle with olive oil, then season with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Rub to coat evenly.
- Bake the chicken: Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F and the edges are golden and slightly crisp.
- Make the Bang Bang sauce: While the chicken bakes, whisk together the mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, honey, and rice vinegar in a small bowl until smooth and creamy.
- Finish the dish: Once the chicken is done, spoon or brush the Bang Bang sauce over the thighs while hot. Garnish with chopped green onions or sesame seeds if desired. Serve immediately.
Notes
- Serve over rice, noodles, or a bed of greens.
- For extra crispiness, broil the chicken for 2–3 minutes after baking before saucing.
- The Bang Bang sauce also works great as a dipping sauce for veggies or shrimp.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken thigh with sauce
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 420mg
- Fat: 19g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 7g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 21g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
