Let me tell you, Bang Bang Chicken Thighs are a game-changer! The moment you take a bite, you’re hit with this delightful crunch from the crispy coating, followed by the juicy tenderness of the chicken. It’s like a flavor explosion! The combination of spices in the coating, paired with that creamy, spicy bang bang sauce, brings an irresistible zing that you just can’t resist. Trust me, once you try these, you’ll want to make them again and again. They’re perfect for a cozy dinner or even for impressing friends at a party. Plus, they’re so easy to whip up—you’ll be wondering why you didn’t make them sooner! So, let’s dive into this mouthwatering recipe and get those chicken thighs sizzling!
Ingredients List
- 4 chicken thighs
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 cup sweet chili sauce
- 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon sriracha (adjust to taste)
How to Prepare Bang Bang Chicken Thighs
Alright, let’s get cooking! Preparing these bang bang chicken thighs is a fun and straightforward process that’ll have your taste buds dancing in no time. We’ll break it down step-by-step so you can rock this dish like a pro!
Marinating the Chicken
First things first, we want to marinate those chicken thighs in buttermilk for at least 1 hour. This step is crucial because it helps tenderize the meat and infuses it with flavor. You can even let them soak overnight if you want to plan ahead! Just pop the chicken in a bowl with the buttermilk, cover it, and let it chill in the fridge.
Preparing the Coating
Next, while your chicken is soaking up all that goodness, let’s whip up the coating! In a large bowl, mix together the flour, cornstarch, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper until it’s well combined. You want a nice, even mix here—this is what gives your chicken that amazing crispy crust! If the mixture feels a bit too fluffy, just add a sprinkle of flour until you get the right consistency.
Cooking the Chicken
Now it’s time for the fun part—frying! Heat about 1 inch of oil in a large pan over medium-high heat. You want the oil hot but not smoking—around 350°F (175°C) is perfect. Carefully coat each marinated chicken thigh in the flour mixture and place it in the oil. Fry them for about 6-7 minutes on each side until they’re golden brown and cooked through. You’ll know they’re done when they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). Don’t rush this step; let that crispy coating do its thing!
Making the Sauce
While the chicken is frying, let’s make that bang bang sauce! In a separate bowl, combine the sweet chili sauce, mayonnaise, and sriracha. Adjust the sriracha to your spice preference—if you love heat, go wild! This sauce is what ties it all together and gives your chicken that punchy flavor.
Final Toss and Serving
Once your chicken is beautifully crispy and golden, it’s time for the final toss! Place the fried chicken thighs in a large bowl, drizzle the bang bang sauce over the top, and gently toss until they’re well coated. Serve these beauties hot, maybe over a bed of rice or alongside a fresh salad. Trust me, your friends and family will be raving about this dish!
Tips for Success
Alright, here are my top tips to ensure your bang bang chicken thighs turn out perfectly every time!
- Don’t Rush the Marinate: Giving your chicken enough time in the buttermilk is key. The longer it marinates, the more tender and flavorful it’ll be. If you can, aim for at least 4 hours or even overnight!
- Get the Oil Right: Make sure your oil is hot enough before adding the chicken. If it’s not hot enough, the chicken will absorb too much oil and get greasy instead of crispy. Use a thermometer if you have one—it makes a huge difference!
- Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Fry in batches if needed! Overcrowding can lower the oil temperature, resulting in soggy chicken. Give each piece room to fry up beautifully!
- Customize the Sauce: Feel free to adjust the bang bang sauce to your taste! Add more sriracha for heat or a touch of honey for sweetness. You can also mix in a bit of lime juice for a zesty twist!
- Let Them Rest: After frying, let the chicken rest for a few minutes before tossing it in the sauce. This helps maintain that crispy coating while allowing the flavors to meld.
By keeping these tips in mind, you’ll be well on your way to making bang bang chicken thighs that are sure to impress. Enjoy the process and happy cooking!
Nutritional Information
Here’s the estimated nutritional breakdown for each serving of these amazing bang bang chicken thighs. Keep in mind that these values can vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes, but this should give you a good idea of what you’re savoring!
- Calories: 350
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
- Sodium: 600mg
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Sugar: 5g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 20g
This flavorful dish is not only satisfying but also packs a punch with protein, making it a fantastic option for a hearty meal. So go ahead, indulge a little—you deserve it!
FAQ Section
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Absolutely! While I love the juicy texture of chicken thighs, you can definitely use chicken breasts. Just keep an eye on the cooking time, as they may cook a bit faster.
How can I make this dish spicier?
If you want to amp up the heat, add extra sriracha to the bang bang sauce or incorporate some crushed red pepper flakes into the coating. You can also try using spicy mayonnaise for an extra kick!
Can I make the sauce ahead of time?
Yes! The bang bang sauce can be made a day in advance. Just store it in the fridge in an airtight container. This way, the flavors meld beautifully, and you save time on cooking day!
What can I serve with bang bang chicken thighs?
These delicious chicken thighs pair perfectly with a side of jasmine rice, a fresh cucumber salad, or even some steamed veggies. You could also serve them in a wrap for a fun twist!
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! If you use gluten-free flour and ensure that your sweet chili sauce and sriracha are gluten-free, this dish can easily fit into a gluten-free diet. Enjoy without worry!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: With just a bit of marinating and frying, you can have a delicious meal ready in no time!
- Flavor Explosion: The combination of spices and the bang bang sauce delivers a punchy flavor that’s simply irresistible.
- Juicy and Crispy: You’ll get the perfect balance of tender chicken and a crunchy coating that’s hard to beat.
- Gluten-Free Option: Just swap in gluten-free flour, and you’re good to go—everyone can enjoy this dish!
- Customizable: You can easily adjust the spice levels in the sauce to suit your taste buds!
- Impressive Dish: Perfect for dinner parties or family meals, this dish is sure to impress your guests!
Serving Suggestions
When it comes to serving bang bang chicken thighs, the possibilities are endless! Here are a few delicious ideas that complement this flavorful dish perfectly:
- Jasmine Rice: Serve the chicken over a bed of fluffy jasmine rice to soak up that tasty bang bang sauce.
- Fresh Cucumber Salad: A light, refreshing cucumber salad adds a nice crunch and balances the heat of the chicken.
- Stir-Fried Vegetables: Whip up some quick stir-fried veggies like bell peppers, broccoli, and snap peas for a colorful side.
- Asian Slaw: A tangy slaw with cabbage and carrots tossed in a sesame dressing pairs beautifully with the crispy chicken.
- Wrap It Up: For a fun twist, slice the chicken and wrap it in a tortilla with some greens and extra sauce for a tasty sandwich.
Whatever you choose, these sides will perfectly enhance the flavors of your bang bang chicken thighs and make for a well-rounded meal!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Got leftovers? No problem! Storing your bang bang chicken thighs properly will keep them delicious for days. First, let them cool down to room temperature, then place them in an airtight container. They’ll be good in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just make sure they’re sealed tight to lock in all that flavor!
When it’s time to reheat, I recommend using the oven for the best results. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and place the chicken thighs on a baking sheet. Cover them loosely with foil to prevent them from drying out. Heat for about 15-20 minutes, or until they’re warmed through. You can also pop them under the broiler for a couple of minutes at the end to bring back that crispy texture—just keep an eye on them so they don’t burn!
If you’re in a hurry, you can use the microwave, but be careful! Heat them in short bursts of about 30 seconds, checking in between to make sure they don’t turn rubbery. Enjoy those leftovers just as much as the first serving!
Imprimer
Bang Bang Chicken Thighs: 3 Steps to Flavor Bliss
- Temps Total: 1 hour 20 minutes
- Rendement: 4 servings 1x
- Alimentation: Sans Gluten
Description
Bang Bang Chicken Thighs are spicy, crispy, and flavorful. They make a great main dish for any meal.
Ingrédients
- 4 chicken thighs
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 cup flour
- 1/2 cup cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
- 1/4 cup sweet chili sauce
- 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon sriracha
Instructions
- Marinate chicken thighs in buttermilk for at least 1 hour.
- In a bowl, mix flour, cornstarch, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
- Coat chicken thighs in the flour mixture.
- Heat oil in a pan over medium-high heat.
- Fry chicken thighs until golden brown and cooked through.
- In a separate bowl, mix sweet chili sauce, mayonnaise, and sriracha.
- Toss fried chicken in the sauce before serving.
Notes
- Adjust spice level by adding more or less sriracha.
- Serve with rice or salad for a complete meal.
- Temps De Préparation: 1 hour
- Temps De Cuisson: 20 minutes
- Catégorie: Main Dish
- Méthode: Frying
- Cuisine: Asian
La Nutrition
- Taille D'Une Portion: 1 chicken thigh
- Calories: 350
- Sucre: 5g
- De Sodium: 600mg
- La graisse: 20g
- Graisses Saturées: 5g
- Les Graisses Insaturées: 10g
- Les Gras Trans: 0g
- Les hydrates de carbone: 30g
- La fibre: 1g
- La protéine: 20g
- Le taux de cholestérol: 70mg
Mots-clés: bang bang chicken thighs, spicy chicken, fried chicken
