Skillet Bang Bang Chicken Thighs

Skillet Bang Bang Chicken Thighs are a crispy, flavorful dish where juicy chicken thighs are seared in a skillet and then coated in a creamy, spicy, and slightly sweet bang bang sauce. The sauce is made from a blend of mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, and a touch of sriracha, creating the perfect balance of heat and sweetness that coats every bite of the chicken. The result is crispy, tender chicken with an irresistible sauce that’s both indulgent and packed with flavor.

I first made these chicken thighs when I was looking for a dish that would be packed with flavor but still easy to prepare, and it quickly became a favorite. The chicken thighs are perfectly crispy on the outside while staying juicy on the inside, and the bang bang sauce adds a creamy, spicy kick that elevates the dish. What I love most about this recipe is how the sauce can be adjusted to suit your spice level, making it customizable for everyone’s taste. It’s a great dish for a weeknight dinner, a fun meal for a gathering, or even served with rice or veggies for a complete, satisfying meal.

Perfect for:

• Family dinners
• Weeknight meals
• Game day parties
• Barbecues
• Spicy food lovers

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Here are 10 reasons why Skillet Bang Bang Chicken Thighs will become your new favorite dinner:

• Bold Flavor: The combination of spicy, sweet, and tangy in the bang bang sauce is irresistible.
• Crispy Chicken: The chicken thighs are seared to golden perfection, with a crispy exterior and juicy interior.
• Quick and Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes, this recipe is perfect for busy weeknights.
• One-Pan Meal: Everything cooks in a single skillet, making cleanup a breeze.
• Versatile Sauce: The creamy, spicy sauce can be adjusted to suit your preferred heat level.
• Perfect for Meal Prep: Make extra for lunches or dinner throughout the week.
• Customizable: Add veggies or extra seasoning to tailor the dish to your taste.
• Comforting and Satisfying: The rich sauce and tender chicken make it a filling and satisfying meal.
• Great for All Ages: The balance of flavors is loved by both adults and kids.
• Perfect for Leftovers: The sauce stays delicious the next day, making it even better as leftovers.

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Preparation Time: 10 minutes
• Cooking Time: 20 minutes
• Servings: 4 servings
• Calories per serving: Approximately 400-450 calories
• Key Nutrients: Protein: 30g, Carbs: 18g, Fat: 25g

Ingredients

For the Chicken:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika

For the Bang Bang Sauce:

• ½ cup mayonnaise
• 2 tablespoons sweet chili sauce
• 1 tablespoon sriracha (adjust for desired spice level)
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 1 teaspoon rice vinegar
• 1 teaspoon soy sauce

Optional Garnish:

• Chopped green onions
• Sesame seeds
• Cilantro leaves

Ingredient Highlights

• Sweet Chili Sauce: Adds the perfect level of sweetness and heat to the sauce.
• Sriracha: Provides the signature spice and depth to the bang bang sauce.
• Honey: Balances the heat with a touch of sweetness in the sauce.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Cook the Chicken:

1. Prepare Chicken: Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels. Season both sides with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika.
2. Heat the Skillet: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
3. Cook Chicken: Add the chicken thighs to the skillet and cook for 6-7 minutes per side, until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.

Prepare the Bang Bang Sauce:

4. Mix Sauce Ingredients: In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, honey, rice vinegar, and soy sauce until smooth.

Coat the Chicken:

5. Toss in Sauce: Return the chicken to the skillet and pour the bang bang sauce over the top. Toss the chicken to coat evenly in the sauce. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, allowing the sauce to warm through and thicken slightly.

Serve:

6. Garnish and Serve: Remove from heat and garnish with chopped green onions, sesame seeds, and cilantro leaves, if desired. Serve immediately.

How to Serve

Here are 10 serving suggestions for Skillet Bang Bang Chicken Thighs:

• With Steamed Rice: Serve over white or brown rice to soak up the delicious sauce.
• In a Wrap: Add the chicken and sauce to a tortilla for a flavorful wrap.
• With Veggies: Pair with a side of roasted vegetables or a simple salad.
• With Noodles: Serve over Asian-style noodles for a satisfying, noodle bowl meal.
• For a Light Meal: Serve with a side of steamed broccoli or zucchini for a lighter option.
• As Part of a Feast: Serve alongside other appetizers or main dishes at a party or gathering.
• With Garlic Bread: Serve with garlic bread to dip into the sauce.
• With Crispy Fries: Pair with crispy fries or sweet potato fries for a fun twist.
• On a Bun: Serve the chicken in a burger bun for a delicious sandwich.
• As a Meal Prep: Portion into containers for quick lunches or dinners throughout the week.

Additional Tips

• Adjust the Heat: If you prefer a milder sauce, reduce the amount of sriracha or sweet chili sauce.
• Crispy Skin Option: For extra crispy skin, sear the chicken thighs on both sides and finish in the oven at 400°F (200°C) for 10 minutes.
• Use Chicken Breasts: Swap out the thighs for boneless, skinless chicken breasts if preferred.
• Rest the Chicken: Allow the chicken to rest for a few minutes after cooking to retain juiciness.

Recipe Variations

• Spicy Garlic Sauce: Add minced garlic to the sauce for a garlicky twist.
• Lemon Bang Bang Chicken: Add a splash of lemon juice to the sauce for a zesty kick.
• Honey Garlic Bang Bang Chicken: Use honey garlic sauce instead of sweet chili sauce for a sweeter flavor profile.
• BBQ Bang Bang Chicken: Replace sweet chili sauce with your favorite BBQ sauce for a smoky version.
• Crispy Chicken Tenders: Use chicken tenders for a bite-sized, crispy version of this dish.
• Vegan Bang Bang Chick’n: Replace the chicken with crispy tofu or plant-based chicken strips for a vegan version.
• Mango Bang Bang Chicken: Add diced mango to the sauce for a tropical twist.

Special Equipment

• Skillet: A cast-iron or non-stick skillet works best for achieving a crispy chicken exterior.
• Whisk: For mixing the sauce ingredients smoothly.
• Tongs: To flip and move the chicken thighs in the skillet.
• Basting Brush: Optional for spreading sauce on the chicken evenly.

FAQ Section

1. Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
   Yes, boneless, skinless chicken breasts can be used, but they may cook quicker, so adjust the cooking time accordingly.
2. Can I make the sauce ahead of time?
   Yes, you can prepare the sauce in advance and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days.
3. Is this dish gluten-free?
   Yes, as long as you use a gluten-free soy sauce, this dish can be made gluten-free.
4. How do I reheat the chicken?
   Reheat the chicken in a skillet over low heat, adding a little extra sauce to keep it moist.
5. Can I freeze the chicken?
   Yes, you can freeze the cooked chicken for up to 2 months. Reheat in a skillet when ready to serve.
6. Can I make this dish milder?
   Yes, reduce or omit the sriracha and sweet chili sauce for a less spicy version.
7. Can I serve this dish cold?
   While this dish is best served warm, it can be eaten cold if preferred, especially in wraps or salads.
8. How do I make the chicken extra crispy?
   Use a higher heat when cooking and avoid moving the chicken too much while it’s in the skillet.
9. Can I double the recipe?
   Yes, you can double the ingredients and use a larger skillet or cook in batches.
10. Can I add vegetables to the sauce?
    Yes, you can toss in sautéed vegetables like bell peppers, onions, or carrots with the chicken for added flavor.

Conclusion

Skillet Bang Bang Chicken Thighs are a deliciously crispy, juicy, and flavorful dish that combines tender chicken thighs with a spicy, sweet, and tangy sauce. The chicken thighs are seasoned and seared in a hot skillet until golden brown and crispy on the outside, while remaining juicy and tender on the inside.

The “Bang Bang” sauce is what makes this dish truly special. Typically made from a blend of mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, honey, and a touch of sriracha, it provides a perfect balance of sweetness, spice, and creaminess. Once the chicken thighs are cooked, they’re tossed in the sauce, ensuring that every bite is coated in this irresistible, creamy goodness. Serve the Skillet Bang Bang Chicken Thighs with a side of rice, veggies, or a simple salad to round out the meal. The crispy chicken paired with the bold sauce is a perfect combination for anyone craving a flavorful and satisfying dish.

I can’t wait to see how your Skillet Bang Bang Chicken Thighs turn out! Be sure to share your photos on Instagram and tag me—I’d love to see your delicious creations. Don’t forget to leave a comment and let me know how you made this dish your own!