Irresistible Bang Bang Chicken Thighs in Just 30 Minutes

Okay, listen up – if you’re craving something seriously delicious *and* want it FAST, you’ve GOT to try these Bang Bang Chicken Thighs! I’m talking crispy, juicy chicken coated in this crazy-good sweet and spicy sauce. It’s one of those meals that just hits all the right spots. Trust me.

I first had something similar at this tiny little hole-in-the-wall place downtown. I swear, the explosion of flavor almost knocked me off my chair! I knew I had to recreate it at home, but, you know, make it even *easier*. That’s how I landed on using chicken thighs – they stay so juicy! Plus, cutting them into bite-sized pieces means they cook super quick.

This recipe for Bang Bang Chicken Thighs is truly quick, easy, and packed with flavor. I’ve been tweaking it for ages (and I’ve been cooking for over 20 years now!), and I gotta say, it’s pretty much perfect. I’ve successfully fed this to my family and even to picky eaters at parties, so you can trust me when I say it’s gonna be a crowd-pleaser. Ready to get started?

Why You’ll Love These Bang Bang Chicken Thighs

Seriously, where do I even start? This recipe is a total game-changer. Here’s why you’re going to be obsessed:

• Super quick to make – we’re talking weeknight dinner champion!
• Easy cleanup? YES, please! Minimal dishes are my love language.
• IN-CRED-IBLY flavorful. That bang bang sauce is like a party in your mouth.
• Total family pleaser – even the picky eaters devour it.
• The perfect balance of sweet and spicy – it’s seriously addictive.
• Juicy chicken thighs? Always a win in my book!

Ingredients for Bang Bang Chicken Thighs

Alright, let’s gather our goodies! Here’s what you’ll need to whip up these amazing Bang Bang Chicken Thighs. Don’t worry, most of it’s probably already in your pantry!

• 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces – Trust me, thighs are the way to go for juicy chicken!
• 1 cup buttermilk – This is the secret to tender chicken.
• 1 cup cornstarch – For that super crispy coating.
• 1 teaspoon salt – Gotta have it!
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper – Freshly ground is best, if you’ve got it.
• 1/2 cup mayonnaise – Don’t skimp on the good stuff!
• 2 tablespoons sweet chili sauce – Adds the perfect amount of sweetness and a little kick!
• 1 tablespoon sriracha – Adjust to your spice level. I like it HOT!
• 1 tablespoon honey – For a touch of sweetness to balance everything out.
• 1 teaspoon rice vinegar – Adds a nice tang.
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder – Because everything’s better with garlic.
• 2 tablespoons chopped green onions, for garnish – Adds a pop of color and fresh flavor.

See? Nothing too crazy. Once you have all this, you’re ready to rock!

How to Make Bang Bang Chicken Thighs: Step-by-Step

Okay, here we go! Let’s get down to the nitty-gritty and make some seriously awesome Bang Bang Chicken Thighs. Don’t worry, I’ll walk you through it. It’s easier than you think!

1. Marinate the Chicken: In a bowl, toss those lovely chicken pieces in the buttermilk. Make sure they’re all coated! Let them soak for at *least* 30 minutes. The longer, the better, really! This is key for super tender chicken.

2. Get the Coating Ready: While the chicken’s doing its thing, grab another bowl and mix together the cornstarch, salt, and pepper. Give it a good whisk to make sure everything’s evenly distributed.

3. Dredge, Dredge, Dredge!: Now, take each piece of chicken and dunk it into the cornstarch mixture. Make sure it’s COMPLETELY coated. I mean, really pack it on there! This is what gives you that amazing crispy crust. For *extra* crispiness, you can even double dredge – dip it back in the buttermilk and then back in the cornstarch. Whoa!

4. Heat Up the Oil: Pour some oil (vegetable or canola works great) into a large skillet. You’ll want about half an inch of oil. Heat it over medium-high heat. How do you know when it’s ready? Flick a tiny bit of the cornstarch mixture in there. If it sizzles, you’re good to go!

5. Fry the Chicken: Carefully add the chicken to the hot oil in batches. Don’t overcrowd the pan, or the temperature will drop, and your chicken won’t get as crispy. Fry for about 5-7 minutes per side, until they’re golden brown and cooked all the way through. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C). Safety first, folks!

6. Drain the Excess Oil: Remove the fried chicken from the skillet and place it on a wire rack to drain off any extra oil. This helps keep them crispy! No one likes soggy chicken, right?

7. Make the Bang Bang Sauce: In yet ANOTHER bowl (sorry!), whisk together the mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, honey, rice vinegar, and garlic powder. Taste it and adjust the sriracha to your liking. More for more heat, less for a milder flavor. Easy peasy!

8. Coat and Serve: Pour that delicious bang bang sauce over the fried chicken and toss, toss, toss until every piece is evenly coated. Ooooh yeah! Garnish with chopped green onions and serve immediately. Trust me; you want to eat this while it’s hot and crispy!

And there you have it! Amazing Bang Bang Chicken Thighs, ready to devour. Told ya it was easy!

Tips for the Best Bang Bang Chicken Thighs

Want to take your Bang Bang Chicken Thighs to the next level? Of course, you do! Here are a few of my go-to tricks for guaranteed deliciousness:

• **Crispy Chicken is King:** Double dredging is your best friend! After the buttermilk, coat in cornstarch, back in the buttermilk, then *again* in cornstarch. It’s a little extra work, but WORTH. IT.
• **Spice It Your Way:** Taste that sauce! Sriracha’s your buddy for heat. Add a *tiny* bit at a time until it’s screaming (or whispering) your name in delicious, spicy goodness.
• **Sauce Too Thick?** A splash of water or rice vinegar will thin it right out. Nobody wants gluey chicken!
• **Don’t Overcrowd the Pan:** Trust me on this one. Frying in batches keeps the oil temp up, and that’s how you get that perfect crispy crust. Patience, grasshopper.

Follow these little tips, and you are guaranteed Bang Bang Chicken greatness!

Serving Suggestions for Your Bang Bang Chicken Thighs

Okay, so you’ve got your amazing Bang Bang Chicken Thighs… now what? Well, trust me, they’re fantastic on their own, but they’re even BETTER with some yummy sides! I usually go for a bed of fluffy rice to soak up all that glorious sauce. Noodles are great too! And hey, a side of garlic roasted vegetables never hurt anyone, right? Adds a little healthy balance to all that deliciousness!

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips for Bang Bang Chicken Thighs

Want to get ahead of the game? You totally can! You can marinate the chicken the night before – just keep it covered in the fridge. The sauce can also be made a day or two in advance. Just store it in an airtight container in the fridge.

Got leftovers? Lucky you! Store the chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. But here’s the trick: to reheat, pop it in the oven (or even better, the air fryer… if you have one!), not the microwave. This will help keep it crispy! Just a few minutes should do the trick. Enjoy!

Frequently Asked Questions About Bang Bang Chicken Thighs

Got questions? I’ve got answers! Here are a few things people often ask about my Bang Bang Chicken Thighs recipe:

Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?

You *can*, but honestly, I wouldn’t. Chicken thighs are just so much juicier and more flavorful! If you absolutely *must* use chicken breast, make sure you don’t overcook it, or it’ll be dry as a bone. Pound it out to an even thickness, maybe?

Can I bake the chicken instead of frying?

Okay, so baking it won’t give you *quite* the same crispy, golden-brown goodness as frying, but it’s definitely an option if you’re trying to be a bit healthier. I’d recommend baking at 400°F (200°C) for about 20-25 minutes, or until cooked through. Maybe try broiling it for the last couple of minutes to get it a little more crispy?

How long does the Bang Bang sauce last?

The sauce will keep in an airtight container in the fridge for about 3-4 days. Just give it a good stir before you use it, as it might separate a little.

Can I use an air fryer?

OH YES! Forgot to mention! Air frying is a great way to make these Bang Bang Chicken Thighs! Check out my air fryer zucchini fries recipe for some tips. The cooking time varies based on your air fryer, but, you’ll want to cook them at around 375F for 12-15 minutes.

Nutritional Information for Bang Bang Chicken Thighs

Okay, just a quick note: The nutrition info below is an estimate! It can totally change based on the exact ingredients (and brands!) you use. Don’t take it as gospel, okay?

Enjoy Your Bang Bang Chicken Thighs!

Alright, you’ve done it! You’ve made these seriously awesome Bang Bang Chicken Thighs! Now, the best part: EATING THEM! Don’t forget to leave a comment and let me know how they turned out! And hey, if you loved them (which I know you will!), share this recipe with your friends. Oh, and you can learn more about me here!

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