Are you craving a crispy, juicy, and flavor-packed dish that’s both easy to prepare and bound to impress your family or guests? Look no further! This Skillet Bang Bang Chicken Thighs recipe combines tender chicken thighs with a sweet, spicy, and tangy sauce that will have you licking your plate clean. It’s quick enough for a weeknight dinner yet delicious enough for a special occasion. Follow along with our detailed guide to mastering this dish and enjoy a restaurant-quality meal right from your own kitchen! Read on for everything you need to know about preparing this irresistible recipe.
What are “Skillet Bang Bang Chicken Thighs”?
Skillet Bang Bang Chicken Thighs is a simple but bold dish that features juicy, pan-seared chicken thighs cooked to perfection and topped with a signature Bang Bang sauce. The sauce, a fusion of mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, and Sriracha, brings the perfect balance of creamy, spicy, and sweet flavors. Cooking the chicken in a skillet ensures a beautifully crispy exterior while locking in all the juices for tender and flavorful meat. If you're looking to spice up your usual chicken thigh recipe with minimal effort and maximum flavor, this dish is a must-try!
Ingredients List for Skillet Bang Bang Chicken Thighs
To create this delectable dish, you'll need the following ingredients:
For the Chicken Thighs:
- 6 boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or vegetable oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
For the Bang Bang Sauce:
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons sweet chili sauce
- 1 tablespoon honey (optional for extra sweetness)
- 1 tablespoon Sriracha (adjust to taste for spice level)
- 1 teaspoon lime juice or rice vinegar (for tanginess)
- 1 clove garlic, minced
Ingredients List for Garnish (Optional)
- Fresh cilantro or green onions, chopped
- Sesame seeds
- Extra lime wedges for serving
These ingredients come together to create a delightful contrast of spicy, tangy, and creamy flavors that will elevate your chicken thighs from good to unforgettable.
Substitutions and Variations
While the classic recipe calls for the ingredients listed above, feel free to experiment and adapt the dish to your taste preferences. Here are a few substitutions and variations you might consider:
- Chicken Breasts: If you prefer chicken breasts over thighs, you can easily swap them in. However, be sure to adjust cooking time since breasts tend to cook faster and can dry out more quickly.
- Greek Yogurt: For a lighter version of the Bang Bang sauce, you can replace the mayonnaise with Greek yogurt. This will still provide creaminess but with fewer calories and more protein.
- Spiciness Level: For a milder dish, reduce the amount of Sriracha or use a less spicy chili sauce. If you love heat, feel free to increase the Sriracha or add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes.
- Coconut Sugar or Agave: Swap out honey for coconut sugar or agave syrup for a different sweet profile, or simply omit the sweetness for a more tangy, savory sauce.
- Herb Variations: Instead of cilantro or green onions, you can garnish the dish with fresh parsley, basil, or mint to add different herbal notes.
- Baking Instead of Skillet Cooking: While skillet-cooked chicken thighs are extra crispy, you can bake them for a hands-off approach. Simply season the thighs and bake in a 400°F (200°C) oven for 20-25 minutes, or until internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Ready to dive in? Follow these easy steps to cook Skillet Bang Bang Chicken Thighs to perfection!
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken Thighs
Start by patting the chicken thighs dry with paper towels. This helps achieve that golden, crispy exterior when cooking. Next, in a small bowl, combine the salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder. Rub this seasoning mixture evenly over both sides of each chicken thigh.
Step 2: Heat the Skillet
Place a large cast-iron or nonstick skillet over medium-high heat and add 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Allow the oil to heat up until it shimmers, which should take about 1-2 minutes.
Step 3: Sear the Chicken
Carefully lay the seasoned chicken thighs in the hot skillet in a single layer. Let them cook undisturbed for 5-7 minutes on one side, allowing a golden-brown crust to form. Flip the thighs and cook for an additional 5-7 minutes on the other side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
Step 4: Prepare the Bang Bang Sauce
While the chicken is cooking, whisk together the mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, Sriracha, honey (if using), lime juice, and minced garlic in a bowl. Taste and adjust seasoning as necessary—add more Sriracha for extra heat or more lime juice for brightness.
Step 5: Combine and Serve
Once the chicken thighs are cooked through and crispy, remove them from the skillet and place them on a serving platter. Drizzle the Bang Bang sauce generously over the top, and garnish with fresh cilantro, green onions, and sesame seeds. Serve with lime wedges for an extra pop of flavor.
How to Cook Skillet Bang Bang Chicken Thighs: A Step-by-Step Guide
Cooking Skillet Bang Bang Chicken Thighs requires just a few simple steps:
- Season the Chicken: Make sure to evenly coat the chicken thighs with the spice mixture for maximum flavor.
- Sear in a Hot Skillet: The key to crispy chicken thighs is starting with a hot skillet and letting the chicken cook undisturbed for the first few minutes to develop a crispy exterior.
- Prepare the Sauce While Cooking: Multitask by whipping up the Bang Bang sauce while the chicken is searing in the pan. This way, you can serve the dish as soon as the chicken is ready.
- Combine and Garnish: Pour the sauce over the cooked chicken, add your garnish, and you’re ready to serve!
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Not Patting Chicken Dry: If the chicken is too wet, it won't sear properly and you’ll end up with soggy skin. Always dry the chicken thoroughly before seasoning and cooking.
- Overcrowding the Skillet: Avoid placing too many chicken thighs in the skillet at once, as this can steam the chicken instead of crisping it. If needed, cook in batches.
- Overcooking the Chicken: Keep an eye on the internal temperature with a meat thermometer. Once it reaches 165°F (75°C), remove the chicken from the heat to avoid drying it out.
- Forgetting to Adjust Spice Level: If you're sensitive to spice, start with a smaller amount of Sriracha and taste the sauce before adding more.
Serving and Presentation Tips
The way you present your Skillet Bang Bang Chicken Thighs can take the dish to the next level. Here are some tips:
- Serve Family Style: Arrange the chicken thighs on a large platter, drizzle with sauce, and top with garnishes. This allows everyone to grab their own portion.
- Side Dish Pairings: Serve with fluffy white rice, coconut rice, or a refreshing side salad to complement the rich flavors of the chicken. You could also try roasted vegetables or stir-fried greens.
- Extra Sauce on the Side: Keep extra Bang Bang sauce on the table for those who want more of that irresistible flavor.
Presentation Ideas for Skillet Bang Bang Chicken Thighs
For an Instagram-worthy presentation, try these ideas:
- Layered Presentation: Stack the chicken thighs on top of rice or noodles and drizzle with sauce for a layered, gourmet look.
- Use a Wooden Board: Serve the chicken on a rustic wooden cutting board, topped with sauce and sprinkled with herbs and sesame seeds for a chic and casual style.
- Add Color: Brighten up the plate with colorful garnishes like thinly sliced radishes, bell peppers, or carrot ribbons.
Skillet Bang Bang Chicken Thighs Recipe Tips
- Marinate for Extra Flavor: If you have time, let the chicken thighs sit with the seasoning for 30 minutes or even overnight to enhance the flavor.
- Use a Meat Thermometer: This ensures you don’t undercook or overcook the chicken. Once it reaches 165°F (75°C), it’s perfectly done.
- Preheat the Skillet: Make sure your skillet is properly heated before adding the chicken to ensure you get that perfect golden-brown crust.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I make this recipe with bone-in chicken thighs?
A: Yes! Bone-in chicken thighs can be used, but they will require a longer cooking time. Make sure to cook them until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
Q: How spicy is Bang Bang sauce?
A: The sauce has a mild to moderate level of spiciness, depending on how much Sriracha you use. Feel free to adjust the heat level to suit your taste.
Q: Can I make the sauce ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! You can prepare the Bang Bang sauce in advance and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Q: What should I serve with Bang Bang Chicken Thighs?
A: Rice, noodles, or a light salad make excellent side dishes. You can also serve it with stir-fried vegetables or roasted potatoes.
Conclusion
This Skillet Bang Bang Chicken Thighs recipe is your ticket to a delicious, crowd-pleasing meal that’s packed with bold flavors. Whether you’re preparing it for a casual family dinner or a special gathering, the crispy chicken paired with the creamy, spicy Bang Bang sauce will leave everyone asking for seconds. Plus, it’s versatile enough for customization, so you can tweak the recipe to suit your preferences. Ready to impress? Grab your ingredients and try this recipe today!
PrintSkillet Bang Bang Chicken Thighs Recipe
This Skillet Bang Bang Chicken Thighs recipe features juicy chicken thighs cooked to perfection in a skillet, smothered in a creamy, spicy bang bang sauce. With simple ingredients and easy steps, it's an irresistible dish that brings bold flavors to your dinner table.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: skillet
- Cuisine: Asian-inspired
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
- 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
- ¼ cup mayonnaise
- 2 tbsp sweet chili sauce
- 1 tbsp Sriracha
- 1 tsp honey
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Chopped green onions and sesame seeds (optional for garnish)
Instructions
- Prep the chicken: Season chicken thighs with salt and pepper.
- Cook the chicken: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Place chicken thighs skin side down, cook for 6-7 minutes until crispy. Flip and cook the other side for another 6-8 minutes until fully cooked.
- Make the bang bang sauce: In a bowl, mix mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, Sriracha, and honey.
- Combine and serve: Once chicken is cooked, remove from heat and brush with the bang bang sauce. Garnish with green onions and sesame seeds if desired. Serve hot.
Notes
- Adjust the spice level by adding more or less Sriracha.
- Use boneless chicken thighs if preferred, but adjust the cooking time accordingly.
- Pair with rice or steamed veggies for a complete meal.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken thigh with sauce
- Calories: 380 kcal
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 480mg
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