Hey there, fellow food lovers! Are you ready to spice up your dinner routine? Today, I’m sharing a recipe that will set your taste buds ablaze—Bang Bang Chicken Thighs! This dish is perfect for anyone who craves something spicy, flavorful, and incredibly easy to make. Whether you’re a fan of quick family dinners or looking for a new addition to your weeknight dinner ideas, this recipe checks all the boxes. Plus, it’s a great way to enjoy healthy chicken thigh recipes without sacrificing flavor. Let’s dive in!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy to prepare, perfect for 30-minute meals
- Packed with bold, spicy flavors that will leave you wanting more
- Can be served in various ways—over rice, in lettuce wraps, or even as a salad topper
- Uses simple ingredients you might already have in your pantry
- Customizable heat level to suit your spice preference
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious Bang Bang Chicken Thighs recipe. Don’t worry—it’s not as intimidating as it looks!
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust for spice preference)
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons sweet chili sauce
- 1 tablespoon sriracha (optional, for extra heat)
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- Fresh cilantro, for garnish
- Cooked rice or lettuce wraps, for serving
Full ingredient list with measurements is provided in the printable recipe card below.
How to Make the Recipe
Let’s walk through the steps to make these mouthwatering Bang Bang Chicken Thighs. It’s simpler than you think!
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels.
- Mix salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper in a small bowl. Rub the mixture all over the chicken thighs.
- In a large oven-safe skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat.
- Sear the chicken thighs for 4-5 minutes on each side until golden brown.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha (if using), and lime juice until smooth.
- Adjust the sauce to your liking by adding more sriracha or sweet chili sauce as desired.
- Move the skillet to the oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
- Brush a generous amount of the bang bang sauce over the chicken thighs 5 minutes before they are done.
- Return the chicken to the oven to finish cooking and allow the sauce to caramelize.
- Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes after removing it from the oven.
- Slice the chicken thighs into strips for easier serving.
- Serve over cooked rice or in lettuce wraps, drizzling with remaining bang bang sauce and garnishing with fresh cilantro.
- Enjoy the explosion of flavors!
Pro Tips for Making the Recipe
Here are a few tips to make this recipe even better:
- If you’re a fan of spicy food, don’t shy away from adding more sriracha or cayenne pepper. You can always adjust the heat level to your liking.
- For an extra crispy texture, make sure to pat the chicken thighs dry before seasoning. This step is crucial for achieving that golden-brown sear.
- Let the chicken rest before slicing—it helps retain the juices and keeps the meat tender.
How to Serve
Bang Bang Chicken Thighs are versatile and can be served in multiple ways. Here are my favorites:
- Over Rice: Serve the chicken thighs over a bed of fluffy white or brown rice. The creamy sauce pairs perfectly with the grains.
- In Lettuce Wraps: For a low-carb or keto-friendly option, place the chicken strips in crisp lettuce leaves and drizzle with extra sauce.
- As a Salad Topper: Slice the chicken thinly and add it to a fresh green salad. The bang bang sauce makes a great dressing!
Make Ahead and Storage
One of the best things about this recipe is that it’s great for meal prep. Here’s how to store it:
- Refrigerate: Cooked chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave until warmed through.
- Freeze: If you want to freeze the chicken, do so before adding the sauce. Thaw and cook as instructed, then toss in the sauce before serving.
There you have it—a spicy, flavorful, and easy-to-make recipe that’s perfect for quick family dinners or weeknight meals. If you’re looking for more delicious ideas, check out my Crockpot Buffalo Chicken Dip or my Best Buffalo Chicken Dip Recipe. Both are crowd-pleasers that are easy to make and full of flavor. Happy cooking, and don’t forget to share your creations with me in the comments below!
Bang Bang Chicken Thighs
Ingredients
Chicken and Seasonings
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- to taste salt and pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 0.5 teaspoon cayenne pepper adjust for spice preference
- 0.25 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons sweet chili sauce
- 1 tablespoon sriracha optional, for extra heat
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- Fresh cilantro for garnish
- Cooked rice or lettuce wraps for serving
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Pat chicken thighs dry and season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper.
- Heat olive oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Sear chicken thighs for 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown.
- Whisk together mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha (if using), and lime juice. Adjust sauce to taste.
- Bake chicken in the oven for 15-20 minutes, or until internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). Brush with Bang Bang sauce 5 minutes before finishing.
- Let chicken rest for 5 minutes, then slice into strips. Serve over rice or in lettuce wraps with remaining sauce and garnish with fresh cilantro.
