Skillet Bang Bang Chicken Thighs

Get ready for a flavor explosion! If you’re a fan of crispy chicken coated in a creamy, spicy, and slightly sweet sauce, then this Bang Bang Chicken recipe is about to become your new obsession. The crunchy exterior gives way to juicy, tender chicken, and that signature bang bang sauce adds just the right amount of zing to make each bite irresistible. Whether you’re looking to spice up a weeknight dinner or impress your guests at your next gathering, this recipe will definitely do the trick. Trust me, you’re going to want to make this one again and again!

Why You’ll Love Bang Bang Chicken

This recipe isn’t just another chicken dish—it’s an experience. Here’s why you’ll be obsessed with it:

• Flavor-packed: From the crispy chicken to the bold and creamy sauce, every bite is bursting with flavor.
• Quick and Easy: You can make this dish in about 30 minutes, so it’s perfect for those busy nights when you want something delicious but don’t have hours to spend in the kitchen.
• Crowd-Pleasing: The balance of sweet, spicy, and savory makes this dish a guaranteed hit with family, friends, or even picky eaters.
• Customizable: If you want to adjust the level of heat, just tweak the amount of chili paste or hot sauce. You can make it as spicy or mild as you like.
• Satisfying: Crispy, juicy, and packed with that rich sauce—Bang Bang Chicken is a satisfying dish that’ll keep everyone coming back for more.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this Bang Bang Chicken:

• Chicken Breast or Thighs: Choose your favorite cut of chicken for that crispy, tender texture.
• Cornstarch: This is what helps the chicken get extra crispy when fried.
• Egg: It helps the cornstarch adhere to the chicken.
• Flour: A light dusting helps create that perfect golden coating.
• Salt & Pepper: Seasoning is key for adding flavor to the chicken.
• Vegetable Oil: For frying the chicken to crispy perfection.
• Mayonnaise: The base for the creamy sauce.
• Sweet Chili Sauce: Adds that perfect balance of sweet and tangy.
• Sriracha or Chili Paste: For a little kick and heat.
• Garlic Powder: A hint of garlic flavor takes the sauce to the next level.
• Rice Vinegar: A splash of acidity to round out the flavors of the sauce.

(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions

Let’s get started on making this incredibly flavorful Bang Bang Chicken:

Prepare the Chicken

Start by cutting your chicken breasts (or thighs) into bite-sized pieces. Season them with a pinch of salt and pepper.

Coat the Chicken

In one bowl, whisk together the egg. In a separate bowl, combine the flour and cornstarch. Dip each chicken piece into the egg mixture, then dredge it in the flour-cornstarch mixture, making sure it’s evenly coated.

Fry the Chicken

Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, carefully add the chicken pieces, working in batches if necessary. Fry until golden brown and crispy, about 3-4 minutes per side. Remove the chicken and set it on a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.

Make the Bang Bang Sauce

While the chicken is frying, it’s time to make the sauce. In a bowl, mix together the mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha or chili paste, garlic powder, and rice vinegar. Stir until smooth and creamy.

Coat the Chicken in Sauce

Once the chicken is crispy and golden, transfer it to a large mixing bowl. Pour the sauce over the chicken and toss until every piece is generously coated in the creamy, spicy goodness.

Serve and Enjoy

Serve your Bang Bang Chicken over rice, with a side of vegetables, or simply on its own. You can also garnish with green onions, sesame seeds, or chopped cilantro for a pop of color and extra flavor.

Nutrition Facts

Here’s an approximate breakdown for a serving of Bang Bang Chicken:

• Servings: 4
• Calories per serving: 450 calories
• Total Fat: 25g
  • Saturated Fat: 3g
• Cholesterol: 100mg
• Sodium: 600mg
• Total Carbohydrates: 40g
  • Dietary Fiber: 1g
  • Sugars: 18g
• Protein: 25g
• Vitamin A: 4%
• Vitamin C: 4%
• Calcium: 3%
• Iron: 10%

Preparation Time

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes

How to Serve Bang Bang Chicken

This dish is versatile, and you can serve it in several ways:

• With Steamed Rice: Serve it over a bed of fluffy white or brown rice to soak up all that flavorful sauce.
• On a Salad: Toss the crispy chicken with fresh greens and vegetables for a lighter option.
• With Noodles: If you’re craving something more filling, serve the chicken with your favorite noodles, like rice noodles or even pasta.

Additional Tips

• Make it Extra Crispy: For even crispier chicken, use a double dredging technique. Dip the chicken back into the egg and coat it with the flour-cornstarch mixture a second time before frying.
• Adjust the Spice: You can adjust the heat level by adding more or less sriracha or chili paste depending on how spicy you like your food.
• Leftovers: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. The chicken can lose some of its crispiness, but it will still taste delicious!

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use boneless, skinless chicken thighs instead of breasts?

A1: Yes! Chicken thighs will be even juicier and still get that crispy coating. It’s a great option if you prefer dark meat.

Q2: Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

A2: While the chicken is best served fresh and crispy, you can prep the sauce and coat the chicken ahead of time. Just fry the chicken when you’re ready to serve.

Q3: Can I bake the chicken instead of frying it?

A3: Yes! For a lighter option, you can bake the chicken at 400°F for about 20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and crispy.

Q4: How can I make this recipe gluten-free?

A4: You can use a gluten-free flour blend and cornstarch to coat the chicken, making it a gluten-free version of this dish.

Q5: Can I adjust the spice level of the Bang Bang sauce?

A5: Absolutely! You can add more or less sriracha or chili paste to control the heat. For a milder version, simply reduce the amount of chili paste.

Q6: What if I don’t have sweet chili sauce?

A6: You can substitute it with a mixture of honey and hot sauce for a similar sweet and spicy flavor.

Q7: Can I make the sauce in advance?

A7: Yes! The sauce can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge for up to a week. Just give it a good stir before using.

Q8: Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?

A8: While fresh chicken works best for frying, you can use frozen chicken as long as it’s fully thawed and patted dry before coating and frying.

Q9: How do I store leftovers?

A9: Store leftover Bang Bang Chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat in the oven or skillet to restore some of the crispiness.

Q10: Can I make this dish spicier?

A10: Definitely! Add more sriracha or chili paste to the sauce to increase the heat level to your liking.

Conclusion

Bang Bang Chicken is the perfect combination of crispy, juicy chicken and a creamy, spicy sauce that will have everyone coming back for more. Whether you’re enjoying it as a weeknight dinner or serving it at a gathering, this dish is sure to impress with its bold flavors and satisfying texture. The best part? It’s quick, easy, and customizable to fit your taste buds. So grab your ingredients, fire up the skillet, and get ready to enjoy a dish that’s as fun to make as it is to eat. Once you try it, you’ll want to make it over and over again!

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