Bang Bang Chicken Thighs: A Deliciously Spicy Recipe You Need to Try

I just want to start by saying—thank you for being here. Whether you’re a longtime spicy food lover or just starting to explore bold new flavors in the kitchen, I’m so glad you’ve found your way to this fiery, finger-licking recipe. These Bang Bang Chicken Thighs are a showstopper—juicy, crispy, and drenched in a creamy, spicy-sweet sauce that you’ll want to drizzle on everything!

If you’re looking for a weeknight dinner that’s anything but boring, or a way to impress friends with something beyond your average chicken dish, this recipe is it. Make sure to subscribe to my recipe newsletter below to get this (and other must-try meals!) sent straight to your inbox.

What Are Bang Bang Chicken Thighs?

Bang Bang Chicken Thighs are inspired by the iconic Bang Bang Shrimp—a popular dish made famous by Bonefish Grill. But here, we’re taking the flavor profile and applying it to juicy, tender chicken thighs for a more filling and deeply satisfying meal.

The star of the show is the sauce: a creamy blend of mayo, sweet chili sauce, and sriracha that delivers the perfect balance of sweet heat. When it hits the crispy chicken… magic happens!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Big on flavor – That creamy, spicy, slightly sweet Bang Bang sauce is unforgettable.
• Budget-friendly – Chicken thighs are affordable and packed with flavor.
• Quick & easy – Ready in under 30 minutes with minimal prep.
• Versatile – Serve them over rice, in tacos, or with a side salad.

What Do Bang Bang Chicken Thighs Taste Like?

Think of the flavor as a bold, craveable punch of creamy heat. The chicken is lightly crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and coated in a sauce that’s rich, tangy, sweet, and spicy all at once. Every bite is juicy and satisfying—like your favorite takeout, but made at home and even better.

Benefits of Making Bang Bang Chicken Thighs

• Healthier than takeout – You control the oil, the sugar, and the heat.
• Family-friendly – Easily adjust the spice level for kids or sensitive palates.
• Meal prep winner – The sauce keeps well, and the chicken reheats beautifully.

Ingredients

Here’s everything you’ll need to make your Bang Bang Chicken Thighs:

For the Chicken:

• 6 boneless, skinless chicken thighs
• 1/2 cup buttermilk
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 3/4 cup cornstarch or all-purpose flour (for coating)
• 2–3 tbsp oil, for pan-frying

For the Bang Bang Sauce:

• 1/2 cup mayonnaise (preferably Kewpie or full-fat)
• 1/4 cup Thai sweet chili sauce
• 1–2 tbsp sriracha (adjust to taste)
• 1 tbsp honey or maple syrup (optional for added sweetness)
• Juice of 1/2 lime (for brightness)

Tools You’ll Need

• Mixing bowls
• Large skillet or frying pan
• Tongs
• Whisk
• Paper towels
• Meat thermometer (optional, but helpful)

Ingredient Substitutions & Additions

• Chicken thighs: Boneless breasts or tofu can work in a pinch.
• Buttermilk: Substitute with milk + 1 tsp lemon juice.
• Flour: Swap cornstarch for a gluten-free flour blend for a GF version.
• Mayo: Use Greek yogurt for a tangier, lighter sauce.
• Want it spicier? Add extra sriracha or a pinch of cayenne.
• Add crunch: Top with chopped scallions or crushed peanuts.

How to Make Bang Bang Chicken Thighs

Follow these steps to achieve perfectly crispy chicken and luscious sauce:

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

In a bowl, combine chicken thighs, buttermilk, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Let it marinate for at least 15 minutes (or up to 4 hours in the fridge).

Step 2: Make the Sauce

While the chicken marinates, whisk together all the sauce ingredients in a bowl. Taste and adjust sriracha or sweetness to your liking. Set aside.

Step 3: Coat the Chicken

Remove the chicken from the marinade, letting excess drip off. Dredge each piece in flour or cornstarch, pressing lightly to coat.

Step 4: Pan-Fry to Perfection

Heat oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Cook chicken thighs 4–5 minutes per side until golden and cooked through (internal temp should be 165°F).

Step 5: Toss or Drizzle the Sauce

Once cooked, you can either drizzle the sauce over the chicken or toss the thighs in the sauce for maximum coverage.

What to Serve with Bang Bang Chicken Thighs

• Steamed jasmine rice – A perfect base to soak up that sauce!
• Crunchy slaw – Toss cabbage with lime juice and sesame oil for a fresh side.
• Roasted veggies – Try broccoli or bell peppers for a colorful plate.
• Soft taco shells – Make Bang Bang Chicken tacos!

Tips for Making the Best Bang Bang Chicken Thighs

• Don’t overcrowd the pan – Cook in batches to keep that crispy texture.
• Pat the chicken dry before dredging to help the coating stick.
• Use a wire rack if baking instead of frying—it keeps the chicken crispy.
• Double the sauce – Trust me, you’ll want extra for dipping!

Storage Instructions

• Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Reheat: Warm in the oven at 350°F to restore crispiness, or in a skillet over low heat.
• Freezer: Freeze cooked chicken (without sauce) for up to 1 month.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I bake instead of fry the chicken?

Absolutely! Bake at 425°F for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway through. Spray with oil to help crisp up.

Is this recipe very spicy?

You control the heat! Start with less sriracha and add more to taste.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes! You can prep the sauce and marinate the chicken up to a day in advance.

What’s the best mayo to use?

Kewpie mayo is fantastic here for its richness, but any good quality mayo works.

Conclusion

These Bang Bang Chicken Thighs are everything: crispy, juicy, spicy, and totally addictive. It’s the kind of dish that turns a basic weeknight dinner into something unforgettable. I promised you versatile, and here’s proof—serve them with rice, in tacos, or even chopped up in a salad!

If you try this recipe, please leave a review and tag me on Pinterest—I absolutely love seeing your creations!

More Recipes Featuring Spicy Chicken

• Spicy Honey Garlic Chicken Bites
• Sweet Chili Chicken Lettuce Wraps
• Crispy Korean Chicken Wings
• Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese

Nutritional Information (per serving – based on 6 servings)

• Calories: ~390
• Protein: 28g
• Fat: 22g
• Carbohydrates: 18g
• Sugar: 7g
• Sodium: 520mg

Print