If you’re anything like me, you know the thrill of biting into a tender, juicy piece of chicken that’s bursting with flavor. That’s exactly what you get with these Bang Bang Chicken Thighs. This dish combines the irresistible crispiness of seared chicken with a rich, creamy, and slightly spicy sauce that clings to every bite. It’s one of those recipes I keep coming back to—whether I’m cooking for guests or just making a weeknight dinner feel a little more special.

The best part? It’s a perfect balance of indulgent and easy. You don’t need any fancy ingredients, and the prep is super straightforward. That luscious sauce made with mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, and a dash of sriracha is like magic on the plate. Paired with fluffy rice and sprinkled with scallions, it’s comfort food with a kick.

Why You’ll Love These Bang Bang Chicken Thighs

Bold, layered flavor from the tangy-sweet sauce with a hint of heat.
Perfectly juicy chicken that’s seared for a golden crust and baked to tender perfection.
Quick and easy – ready in under 40 minutes with minimal prep.
Crowd-pleaser – ideal for both family dinners and entertaining.
Customizable heat level by adjusting the sriracha to your taste.

What Cut of Chicken Works Best for Bang Bang Chicken Thighs?

For this recipe, boneless, skinless chicken thighs are my go-to. They’re naturally juicy, cook quickly, and hold up well to searing and baking. Plus, their rich flavor pairs perfectly with the creamy Bang Bang sauce.

That said, if you prefer white meat, chicken breasts can work too—just be careful not to overcook them. You might want to pound them slightly to even thickness for consistent cooking. If you’re feeling adventurous, bone-in, skin-on thighs will give you ultra-crispy skin, though they require a bit more cooking time.

Options for Substitutions

Chicken: Swap thighs with chicken breast or even tofu for a vegetarian option. Shrimp also works beautifully with this sauce.
Mayonnaise: Use Greek yogurt for a tangier, lighter version, or vegan mayo for a plant-based take.
Sweet chili sauce: If you don’t have it, mix honey with a splash of rice vinegar and a pinch of red pepper flakes.
Sriracha: Any hot sauce can do the trick. Adjust quantity based on your heat preference.
Rice: Serve over quinoa, cauliflower rice, or noodles for a twist.

Ingredients for These Bang Bang Chicken Thighs

Each ingredient in this recipe plays a delicious role—nothing is here by accident. Here’s a breakdown of what you’ll need and why it matters:

Boneless, skinless chicken thighs
These are the heart of the dish—tender, flavorful, and quick to cook without drying out.
Salt and black pepper
A simple seasoning to bring out the chicken’s natural flavor before the sauce steals the show.
Garlic powder
Adds a subtle, savory base layer that works beautifully with the Bang Bang sauce.
Olive oil or neutral cooking oil
Needed for searing the chicken to golden perfection before baking.
Mayonnaise
The creamy backbone of the Bang Bang sauce—rich and smooth, it ties everything together.
Sweet chili sauce
Delivers a perfect balance of sweetness and gentle heat that makes the sauce irresistible.
Sriracha
Adds just the right punch of spice to balance the creaminess of the mayo.
Honey
Rounds out the sauce with a natural sweetness that enhances every bite.
Green onions (scallions)
For a fresh, crisp finish on top that contrasts beautifully with the creamy sauce.
Cooked white rice
The perfect, fluffy base to soak up all that saucy goodness and make this a complete meal.

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Start by patting the chicken thighs dry with paper towels. This helps them sear properly without steaming. Season both sides generously with salt, black pepper, and a touch of garlic powder.

Step 2: Sear for Flavor

Heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, place the chicken thighs smooth-side down. Sear for about 3–4 minutes until beautifully browned, then flip and sear the other side for 2–3 minutes. You’re not cooking them through just yet—just developing flavor and crust.

Step 3: Make the Bang Bang Sauce

In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, and honey until smooth. Adjust the spice level to your liking. You can double the sauce if you love things extra creamy!

Step 4: Bake to Finish

Once the chicken is seared, spoon half of the Bang Bang sauce over the top of each thigh. Transfer the skillet to a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) and bake for 15–18 minutes, or until the internal temperature hits 165°F (74°C).

Step 5: Serve It Right

Remove the chicken from the oven and spoon the remaining sauce over the top. Serve hot over freshly cooked white rice, then garnish with chopped green onions for color and crunch.

How Long to Cook the Bang Bang Chicken Thighs

Cooking time will depend slightly on the thickness of your chicken thighs, but generally, after a quick sear on the stovetop:

Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 15 to 18 minutes
This ensures the chicken reaches a safe internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) while staying juicy and tender.

If you’re using bone-in thighs, add an extra 5–7 minutes and always use a meat thermometer for accuracy.

Tips for Perfect Bang Bang Chicken Thighs

Dry the chicken well before seasoning—it helps you get that beautiful golden crust when searing.
Don’t overcrowd the pan while searing. Work in batches if needed to avoid steaming the meat.
Make the sauce ahead of time for convenience and to let the flavors meld.
Double the sauce if you like things extra creamy or want some on the side for dipping.
Use an oven-safe skillet to sear and bake in one pan—it saves on dishes and retains more flavor.
Let it rest for a few minutes after baking before serving—this keeps the juices inside the meat.
Add a squeeze of lime just before serving for a fresh pop of acidity that balances the rich sauce.
Taste the sauce before baking and tweak it—some like it sweeter, some hotter.

Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

Even simple recipes like Bang Bang Chicken Thighs can go sideways if you miss a step or rush the process. Keep these in mind:

Skipping the sear: Searing locks in flavor and creates that irresistible golden crust. Don’t skip it!
Using cold chicken straight from the fridge: Let it sit out for 15 minutes before cooking. Cold meat doesn’t sear evenly.
Overcrowding the skillet: This causes steaming instead of searing. Give each piece room to breathe.
Not tasting the sauce: Adjust for sweetness or heat before baking. Everyone’s palate is different!
Overcooking the chicken: Use a meat thermometer—dry chicken is a tragedy.
Under-seasoning the chicken itself: The sauce is bold, but seasoning the meat is still key.
Using low-fat mayo: It can break in the oven and give a grainy texture.
Adding all the sauce before baking: Save half for post-bake drizzling—this keeps the texture creamy and fresh.

What to Serve With Bang Bang Chicken Thighs?

Steamed Broccoli

A bright, crisp contrast to the creamy sauce, plus it’s super quick to make.

Glazed Carrots

Their natural sweetness plays beautifully with the spicy Bang Bang flavors.

Asian Slaw

Crunchy, tangy, and fresh—adds texture and cuts through the richness.

Jasmine or Basmati Rice

The classic choice for soaking up that sauce and making it a complete meal.

Stir-Fried Noodles

A heartier option that turns this into a full-on feast.

Cucumber Salad

Cool and refreshing, it balances the heat and richness.

Baby Bok Choy

Lightly sautéed or steamed with garlic—it adds an elegant green note.

Crispy Spring Rolls

Fun, crunchy, and perfect if you’re serving this at a gathering or as part of an Asian-inspired spread.

Storage Instructions

Bang Bang Chicken Thighs store surprisingly well, making them a great choice for meal prep or leftovers.

Refrigerator: Store cooled chicken in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Keep the leftover sauce separate if possible to preserve its creamy texture.
Freezer: You can freeze the cooked chicken (without sauce) for up to 2 months. Reheat gently in the oven or skillet, then drizzle with fresh sauce to revive the flavor.
Reheating: Warm in a 300°F (150°C) oven for 10–15 minutes, or microwave on medium power in 30-second intervals. Add a splash of water or broth to keep things moist, and always reheat the sauce separately for the best texture.

Estimated Nutrition (Per Serving)

Here’s a general estimate based on a single serving (1 chicken thigh with sauce, without rice):

Calories: ~350 kcal
Protein: 22g
Fat: 24g
Carbohydrates: 10g
Sugar: 8g
Fiber: <1g
Sodium: ~480mg

Note: Nutritional values can vary depending on the specific brands of ingredients used and portion sizes.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Bang Bang sauce made of?

Bang Bang sauce is a creamy, sweet, and spicy blend made from mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, and honey. It’s rich, flavorful, and incredibly easy to make.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes! You can sear and bake the chicken, then store it in the fridge. When ready to serve, reheat gently and spoon fresh sauce over the top to keep the texture perfect.

Is this recipe spicy?

It has a mild kick from sriracha, but the sweetness of the chili sauce and the richness of the mayo balance it out. You can adjust the spice by adding more or less sriracha.

Can I grill the chicken instead?

Absolutely. Grill the thighs until fully cooked, then toss or drizzle them with the Bang Bang sauce right before serving. It adds a smoky twist that’s delicious in summer.

What can I use instead of mayo?

Try Greek yogurt for a lighter, tangy alternative. Vegan mayo also works great if you’re going dairy-free or plant-based.

How do I know when the chicken is done?

The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C). You can also cut into the thickest part—the juices should run clear, and the center should be opaque.

Can I use store-bought Bang Bang sauce?

Sure, but homemade gives you better control over flavor and spice. Plus, it’s so simple to make—it only takes 2 minutes and tastes fresher.

What’s the best way to make this dish low-carb?

Skip the rice and serve it over cauliflower rice, zucchini noodles, or with a green veggie like steamed broccoli or sautéed greens.

Conclusion

Bang Bang Chicken Thighs hit that rare sweet spot between easy and impressive. They’re bold, creamy, spicy, and downright addictive. Whether you’re spicing up a weeknight dinner or hosting a casual dinner party, this dish delivers big flavor with minimal effort.

What I love most is how customizable it is—you can tweak the heat, the sauce, even the side dishes, and it still comes out crave-worthy every single time. Trust me, once you’ve tried it, you’ll be adding it to your regular rotation.