Crispy, golden brown chicken thighs smothered in a creamy, sweet, and spicy Bang Bang sauce—this dish is an explosion of flavor! The chicken is perfectly seasoned and fried to a light, crunchy texture, making every bite irresistibly satisfying. The sauce blends the creamy richness of mayonnaise with the tangy sweetness of chili sauce and a kick of heat from Sriracha, creating a perfect balance that keeps you coming back for more. This Bang Bang Chicken Thighs recipe is quick, easy, and incredibly delicious, making it perfect for a weeknight dinner or a fun weekend meal. Serve it over rice, alongside a fresh salad, or as a bold appetizer. The combination of textures and flavors makes this dish a family favorite and an absolute must-try for spicy food lovers!
Full recipe:
Ingredients:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 cup cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- Vegetable oil, for frying
Bang Bang Sauce:
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup sweet chili sauce
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 teaspoon Sriracha
- 1 teaspoon rice vinegar
Directions:
- In a bowl, soak chicken thighs in buttermilk for 30 minutes.
- In a separate bowl, mix cornstarch, salt, black pepper, paprika, and cayenne pepper.
- Heat vegetable oil in a deep skillet over medium-high heat.
- Dredge each chicken thigh in the cornstarch mixture, ensuring an even coating.
- Fry the chicken thighs for 5-6 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through. Remove and drain on a paper towel.
- In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, honey, Sriracha, and rice vinegar.
- Drizzle the Bang Bang sauce over the crispy chicken thighs or serve on the side for dipping.
Prep Time: 35 minutes | Cooking Time: 12 minutes | Total Time: 47 minutes
Kcal: 430 kcal | Servings: 4 servings
Bang Bang Chicken Thighs – A Crispy, Spicy, and Irresistible Dish
Bang Bang Chicken Thighs are a delicious fusion of crispy, golden-fried chicken and a creamy, sweet, and spicy sauce that creates an explosion of flavors in every bite. This dish is inspired by the famous Bang Bang Shrimp, a signature appetizer from the popular restaurant Bonefish Grill. Over time, home cooks and food bloggers have adapted the concept, swapping shrimp for chicken to create an equally addictive, heartier meal.
The term “Bang Bang” comes from the unique balance of sweet, spicy, and creamy flavors in the sauce, which coats the crispy chicken perfectly. It delivers the ideal crunch, juiciness, and a bold, tangy kick, making it a restaurant-quality meal you can enjoy at home.
Whether you’re looking for a crowd-pleasing appetizer, a quick weeknight dinner, or a dish that satisfies your crispy chicken cravings, this recipe is a game-changer. It’s easy to make, requires minimal ingredients, and guarantees a mouthwatering experience every time!
Why Bang Bang Chicken Thighs Are the Best Choice
1. Perfectly Crispy and Juicy
One of the standout features of this dish is its texture contrast—the chicken is crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. Thanks to the buttermilk marinade, the chicken stays moist and juicy, while the cornstarch coating ensures a light, crunchy exterior. Unlike traditional flour-based coatings, cornstarch gives fried chicken that delicate, shattering crispiness that holds up even after being drizzled with sauce.
2. The Iconic Bang Bang Sauce
The signature Bang Bang Sauce is the star of this dish. It’s an irresistible combination of:
- Mayonnaise: Adds richness and creaminess
- Sweet Chili Sauce: Provides a tangy, slightly sweet element
- Honey: Enhances the sweetness and adds depth
- Sriracha: Brings just the right amount of heat
- Rice Vinegar: Adds a hint of acidity to balance the flavors
This sauce is incredibly versatile, making it perfect not just for chicken but also as a dip for fries, a drizzle for tacos, or even a spread for sandwiches.
3. A Crowd-Pleasing Dish
Whether you’re serving family, friends, or guests at a party, this dish is always a hit. The combination of spicy, sweet, creamy, and crunchy flavors makes it universally loved. Plus, it’s an excellent choice for game nights, casual dinners, or special occasions when you want something impressive yet easy to prepare.
4. Easy to Make with Simple Ingredients
Despite its gourmet taste, this recipe requires just a few pantry staples. Most of the ingredients are already available in a typical kitchen, and the cooking process is straightforward. From marinating the chicken to frying and drizzling with sauce, it’s a meal that can be made in under an hour!
5. Budget-Friendly and Better Than Takeout
Crispy fried chicken is a staple in many restaurants, but making it at home allows you to control the quality, portion size, and cost. Instead of spending money on takeout, this homemade version is fresher, more flavorful, and customizable to suit your spice preferences. Plus, you can make extra sauce and store it for future meals!
Tips for Making the Best Bang Bang Chicken Thighs
1. Use Buttermilk for Extra Tenderness
Soaking the chicken in buttermilk tenderizes the meat, making it extra juicy. If you don’t have buttermilk, you can make a quick substitute by adding 1 tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice to 1 cup of milk and letting it sit for 5-10 minutes.
2. Double-Coat for Extra Crunch
For a crispier texture, double-coat the chicken by dipping it back into the buttermilk after dredging it in cornstarch, then coating it again before frying. This ensures maximum crunch and helps the coating stick better.
3. Don’t Overcrowd the Pan
Frying too many pieces at once lowers the oil temperature, resulting in soggy chicken. Cook in small batches to maintain the ideal frying heat and achieve that golden, crispy crust.
4. Adjust the Heat Level to Your Taste
If you love extra heat, add more Sriracha or even a pinch of cayenne to the Bang Bang Sauce. If you prefer a milder flavor, reduce the spice and balance it with a touch more honey.
5. Air Fryer or Oven-Baked Option
For a healthier alternative, you can air fry or bake the chicken instead of deep-frying.
- Air Fryer: Cook at 400°F (200°C) for 15 minutes, flipping halfway through.
- Oven-Baked: Place on a wire rack over a baking sheet and bake at 425°F (220°C) for 25-30 minutes until golden brown and crispy.
Ways to Serve Bang Bang Chicken Thighs
This dish is incredibly versatile and can be served in multiple ways:
Classic Style: Enjoy it with rice, mashed potatoes, or roasted vegetables.
Bang Bang Chicken Tacos: Shred the chicken and serve it in tortillas with shredded cabbage and extra sauce.
Salad Topper: Chop up the crispy chicken and toss it over a fresh salad for a flavorful protein boost.
Bang Bang Chicken Sandwich: Serve it in a toasted brioche bun with lettuce, tomato, and pickles.
Rice Bowl: Serve the chicken over jasmine or coconut rice, drizzling extra sauce for a delicious meal.
Healthier Variations of Bang Bang Chicken Thighs
While this dish is indulgent, there are ways to make it lighter without sacrificing flavor:
Use Greek Yogurt: Swap mayo for Greek yogurt in the sauce for a healthier, protein-packed alternative.
Opt for Baking or Air Frying: Reduce oil by using an air fryer or oven instead of deep frying.
Choose Leaner Cuts: You can use chicken breast instead of thighs for a lower-fat version.
Use a Sugar-Free Sweetener: Replace honey with a sugar-free alternative like monk fruit or stevia.
Conclusion
Bang Bang Chicken Thighs are a must-try recipe for anyone who loves crispy, flavorful chicken with a bold, spicy-sweet twist. It’s a dish that’s easy to make, packed with texture and flavor, and perfect for any occasion. The crunchy coating and creamy sauce create an addictive combination that will have everyone asking for seconds. Whether you’re making it for a casual dinner, a party, or just satisfying a craving for crispy fried chicken, this recipe is guaranteed to deliver. Give it a try, and you’ll see why Bang Bang Chicken Thighs are one of the best homemade comfort foods ever!