Crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside, and slathered in a tangy, spicy bang bang sauce—these chicken thighs are a dream come true for anyone who loves flavor-forward meals. Perfectly seasoned and fried to golden perfection, each bite delivers a satisfying crunch followed by creamy heat that lingers just enough to keep you coming back for more.
Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or just need to spice up your weeknight dinner rotation, this dish is a surefire hit. It pairs beautifully with steamed rice, noodles, or even a fresh slaw for a well-balanced plate. And the best part? It’s quick to make and guaranteed to impress.
Full Recipe
Ingredients:
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6 boneless, skinless chicken thighs
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1/2 cup cornstarch
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1/2 cup all-purpose flour
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1 teaspoon paprika
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1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
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1/2 teaspoon salt
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1/4 teaspoon black pepper
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2 large eggs
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Vegetable oil, for frying
For the Bang Bang Sauce:
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1/2 cup mayonnaise
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1/4 cup sweet chili sauce
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2 tablespoons sriracha
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1 tablespoon honey
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1 tablespoon rice vinegar
Directions:
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In a medium bowl, combine cornstarch, flour, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
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In another bowl, beat the eggs.
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Dip each chicken thigh in the egg mixture, then dredge in the flour mixture until fully coated.
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Heat about 1 inch of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat until hot.
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Fry chicken thighs for about 6–8 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through. Internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).
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In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, honey, and rice vinegar until smooth.
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Drizzle sauce generously over fried chicken thighs or toss them directly in the sauce for full coating.
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Serve hot with a sprinkle of green onions, over rice or with a side of your favorite veggies.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes
Kcal: 490 kcal | Servings: 4 servings
A Flavor Explosion: What Makes Bang Bang Chicken Thighs So Special
Bang Bang Chicken Thighs have quickly become a favorite in kitchens across the world, and it’s easy to understand why. This dish isn’t just your ordinary fried chicken—it’s a bold and exciting fusion of textures and flavors. Combining a golden, crispy coating with a creamy, spicy sauce, Bang Bang Chicken Thighs deliver the perfect harmony of crunch, heat, and tang.
Originally inspired by Asian flavors, the “bang bang” concept has been adapted over time to suit Western palates, often involving a creamy chili-based sauce that has since become a viral sensation in both home kitchens and restaurants. What makes this variation with chicken thighs so popular is not only the unforgettable flavor profile but also how incredibly easy it is to prepare. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner, date night, or casual get-together, this dish always impresses.
The History and Evolution of Bang Bang Chicken
The term “Bang Bang Chicken” has roots in traditional Chinese cuisine, where cold poached chicken is shredded and served with a spicy sesame sauce. The name “bang bang” originally came from the sound of wooden mallets tenderizing the chicken. Over time, this dish evolved, particularly in the United States, where food bloggers and restaurant chains gave it a bold new twist—typically using fried chicken instead of poached, and sweet chili-mayo sauces instead of sesame-based dressings.
This evolution turned the dish into a hot-ticket item for those who crave spicy comfort food with a creamy twist. Modern adaptations like the version featuring crispy chicken thighs are not just easier to cook at home—they’re also loaded with more flavor, thanks to the juicy texture and richness of dark meat.
Why Chicken Thighs? The Cut That Makes a Difference
While many recipes call for chicken breasts, this recipe opts for chicken thighs—and for good reason. Thighs are more flavorful, tender, and juicy compared to leaner white meat. They’re also less likely to dry out during frying, making them a perfect candidate for soaking up that luscious bang bang sauce.
Dark meat also brings a depth of richness to the dish that balances the zesty and creamy sauce beautifully. The fat content helps retain moisture and enhances the crispy crust when fried, making every bite more satisfying.
The Sauce is the Star
What truly sets Bang Bang Chicken apart from other fried chicken recipes is the sauce. A magical mix of mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, honey, and rice vinegar, this sauce delivers a trifecta of sweet, spicy, and tangy flavors. It’s creamy, but not heavy—zesty, but not overwhelming.
The sauce isn’t just a finishing touch; it’s the heart of the dish. Whether you drizzle it over the chicken or toss the pieces in it until fully coated, the sauce transforms crispy fried chicken into something unforgettable. It clings to every crevice of the crust, enhancing the texture and delivering bold flavor with each mouthful.
Texture Contrast: Why Crunch Matters
Texture plays a critical role in food satisfaction, and this dish absolutely nails the contrast. The combination of a super crispy fried coating and the creamy sauce creates a mouthwatering duality that keeps you coming back for more.
Using both cornstarch and flour in the breading mixture ensures an ultra-crispy, light texture. Cornstarch helps to draw out moisture and develop that golden crust, while the flour provides structure. This combination makes the chicken irresistibly crunchy without being greasy or overly heavy.
How to Customize the Heat Level
One of the best things about this dish is how easily you can adjust the spice level. While sriracha and sweet chili sauce bring in the heat, the mayonnaise and honey balance it out. Want it spicier? Add more sriracha or toss in a pinch of red pepper flakes. Prefer it milder? Simply reduce the chili elements and add more honey or mayo for a gentler bite.
The flexibility of the sauce means you can tweak it based on your personal taste or dietary needs. You can even use low-fat mayo or Greek yogurt as a base if you’re aiming for a lighter version.
Serving Suggestions to Complete the Meal
Bang Bang Chicken Thighs can be the main star of your dinner table, but pairing it with complementary sides makes the experience even better. Here are a few ideas to round out the meal:
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Steamed white or jasmine rice: Helps balance the spice and makes it a hearty, satisfying dish.
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Garlic noodles or sesame soba: Add extra umami and elevate the Asian-inspired vibes.
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Crisp coleslaw or Asian cucumber salad: These refreshing, crunchy sides add contrast and cut through the richness.
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Roasted vegetables or stir-fried greens: Keeps the meal balanced and nutritious.
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Warmed bao buns or sliders: Turn it into a crowd-pleasing party food!
You can also serve it over a bed of lettuce or wrapped in lettuce cups for a low-carb option that still delivers full flavor and texture.
Perfect for Meal Prep and Leftovers
Bang Bang Chicken Thighs don’t just shine fresh out of the skillet—they hold up well for leftovers, too. Store any extra chicken and sauce separately in airtight containers. To reheat, simply place the chicken in a hot oven or air fryer to re-crisp the exterior, and warm the sauce gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.
This makes the dish a great choice for weekly meal prep, quick lunches, or even unexpected guests. You can double the recipe and still enjoy every bite days later.
Tips for Frying Success at Home
If frying at home makes you nervous, don’t worry—this recipe is beginner-friendly. Here are a few pro tips:
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Always use a thermometer to monitor oil temperature (350–375°F is ideal).
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Don’t overcrowd the skillet—fry in batches for even cooking.
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Let the fried chicken rest on a wire rack instead of paper towels to keep it crispy.
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Make the sauce while the chicken cooks to save time.
You don’t need a deep fryer to pull this off. A simple cast-iron or heavy-bottomed skillet works beautifully, and minimal oil is needed to get that deep golden finish.
Conclusion
Bang Bang Chicken Thighs are more than just a trendy recipe—they’re a flavorful, satisfying dish that brings joy to the table. Whether you’re cooking for a busy weeknight dinner or entertaining friends, this recipe is guaranteed to be a hit. The combination of crispy fried chicken and bold, creamy sauce delivers both comfort and excitement on the plate.
What makes this dish especially great is its versatility. It fits into a variety of cuisines, works well with countless side dishes, and can easily be adjusted for different heat preferences. Plus, it uses ingredients that are easy to find and takes less than 30 minutes from start to finish.
Once you’ve made these once, you’ll find yourself craving them again and again—and the best part is, they’re just as fun to make as they are to eat. Whether you’re a seasoned home cook or just getting started, Bang Bang Chicken Thighs are a recipe that deserves a permanent spot in your kitchen repertoire.