If you are craving a dish that combines bold flavors, juicy chicken, and a delightful spicy-sweet sauce, then look no further than this fabulous Skillet Bang Bang Chicken Thighs Recipe. It brings together tender boneless chicken thighs seared to perfection and smothered in a creamy, tangy bang bang sauce that dances on your taste buds with every bite. This recipe is the perfect quick and delicious meal to impress family or friends, plus it comes together in under 30 minutes making it an approachable weeknight winner you will want to keep in your cooking rotation.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients for this Skillet Bang Bang Chicken Thighs Recipe is simple but essential. Each component plays a crucial role, from seasoning the chicken perfectly to creating that irresistible sauce that gives the dish its signature kick and creamy texture.
- Boneless, skinless chicken thighs (1 1/2 pounds): These provide juicy, flavorful meat that stays tender after cooking.
- Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Enhances the natural flavor of the chicken to make it pop.
- Black pepper (1/4 teaspoon): Adds just the right amount of subtle heat.
- Garlic powder (1/2 teaspoon): Brings a rich, savory depth perfect for complementing the sauce.
- Smoked paprika (1/2 teaspoon): Delivers a smoky warmth that elevates the overall flavor profile.
- Cornstarch (2 tablespoons): Gives the chicken a light, crispy coating once seared in the skillet.
- Vegetable oil (2 tablespoons): Ideal for high-heat searing to get that beautiful golden crust.
- Mayonnaise (1/3 cup): Creates a creamy base for the bang bang sauce, balancing spice and sweetness.
- Sweet chili sauce (2 tablespoons): Supplies a perfect blend of sweet and spicy that’s essential to bang bang flavor.
- Sriracha (1 tablespoon): Adjust this to taste for your preferred heat level.
- Honey (1 teaspoon): Adds a touch of natural sweetness to mellow the spice.
- Rice vinegar (1 teaspoon): Brings acidity and tang to brighten the sauce.
- Chopped green onions and sesame seeds (optional): Fresh garnishes that provide a pop of color and texture.
How to Make Skillet Bang Bang Chicken Thighs Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Bang Bang Sauce
Start by whisking together mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, honey, and rice vinegar in a small bowl. This sauce balances creamy, sweet, tangy, and spicy notes perfectly. Set it aside while you get the chicken ready.
Step 2: Season and Coat the Chicken
Pat your chicken thighs dry to ensure they sear nicely. Season both sides evenly with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika. Sprinkle cornstarch on each piece and lightly pat it in to create a thin coating that will crisp up beautifully in the skillet.
Step 3: Sear the Chicken
Heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat in a large skillet. Place the chicken thighs in one layer and let them cook undisturbed for about 5 to 6 minutes per side. You want a golden brown crust to develop and the inside to reach 165°F. This searing locks in the juiciness while adding texture.
Step 4: Add the Bang Bang Sauce
Turn the heat to low and spoon the prepared bang bang sauce over the cooked chicken. Gently toss or spoon the sauce around to coat each piece fully. Let the chicken simmer with the sauce for 1 to 2 minutes to warm it through, allowing the flavors to meld perfectly.
Step 5: Slice and Serve
Once sauced, slice the chicken thighs for easy eating or serve whole. Garnish with freshly chopped green onions and sesame seeds if you like a visual and textural boost. This step finishes the dish with contrast and extra flavor.
How to Serve Skillet Bang Bang Chicken Thighs Recipe
Garnishes
Adding garnishes like chopped green onions and sesame seeds can truly amplify the dish by bringing fresh, crunchy, and nutty notes that complement the rich bang bang sauce. They also make the plate look irresistible.
Side Dishes
This chicken pairs wonderfully with simple sides that soak up the sauce and balance the spice. Think steamed jasmine rice, fluffy noodles, or a crisp cabbage slaw with a tangy dressing. These choices round out the meal with texture and freshness.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve your skillet bang bang chicken thighs sliced over a colorful bed of quinoa or roasted vegetables. You can also shred the chicken and use it as a topping for tacos or lettuce wraps for a playful, handheld option. Drizzle extra bang bang sauce to elevate each presentation.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers from this Skillet Bang Bang Chicken Thighs Recipe, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will keep well for up to 3 days, making them perfect for quick lunches or dinners.
Freezing
You can freeze cooked chicken thighs with the bang bang sauce in a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag for up to 2 months. Just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. Freezing may slightly change the texture, so reheat gently.
Reheating
Reheat leftover chicken in a skillet over low heat to maintain that crispy exterior while warming the sauce. Avoid the microwave if possible to keep the best texture, but if you must, cover the dish and heat in short intervals.
FAQs
Can I use bone-in chicken thighs for this recipe?
Yes, bone-in thighs can be used but they will take longer to cook through. Adjust the cooking time accordingly and make sure the internal temperature reaches 165°F for safety.
Is there a dairy-free option for the bang bang sauce?
The original sauce is already dairy-free since it uses mayonnaise as its base. Just be sure to use a dairy-free mayo if you have dietary restrictions.
How spicy is this Skillet Bang Bang Chicken Thighs Recipe?
The level of spiciness depends mostly on the sriracha and sweet chili sauce. You can adjust the sriracha up or down depending on your heat tolerance to make it milder or fiery.
Can I make the bang bang sauce ahead of time?
Absolutely! The sauce can be made up to 3 days in advance and refrigerated. This not only saves time but also allows the flavors to marry even more deeply.
What can I use instead of cornstarch?
If you don’t have cornstarch, you can substitute with an equal amount of all-purpose flour or arrowroot powder to still get that crispy coating on the chicken.
Final Thoughts
There is something wonderfully comforting and exciting about whipping up this Skillet Bang Bang Chicken Thighs Recipe. The blend of crispy seared chicken and that creamy, spicy-sweet sauce makes every bite feel like a celebration. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or feeding a crowd, this recipe comes through with flavor, ease, and satisfaction every time. Grab your skillet, gather the ingredients, and enjoy digging into one of my all-time favorite dishes!
Print
Skillet Bang Bang Chicken Thighs Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
Description
Skillet Bang Bang Chicken Thighs feature tender, juicy chicken thighs coated in a flavorful cornstarch crust, seared to golden perfection, and tossed in a creamy, spicy Bang Bang sauce made with mayo, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, honey, and rice vinegar. This quick and easy Asian-inspired dish is perfect for a weeknight meal and garnished with green onions and sesame seeds for a fresh finish.
Ingredients
Chicken:
- 1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
Bang Bang Sauce:
- 1/3 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons sweet chili sauce
- 1 tablespoon sriracha (adjust to taste)
- 1 teaspoon honey
- 1 teaspoon rice vinegar
For Garnish:
- Chopped green onions (optional)
- Sesame seeds (optional)
Instructions
- Make the Bang Bang Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, honey, and rice vinegar until smooth. Set aside to allow the flavors to meld.
- Prepare the Chicken: Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels. Season both sides evenly with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika. Sprinkle cornstarch over the chicken and pat lightly to coat each piece thoroughly. This coating will help achieve a crispy texture when seared.
- Sear the Chicken: Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken thighs in a single layer without crowding the pan. Cook for 5 to 6 minutes on each side until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through, reaching an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
- Toss with Sauce: Reduce the heat to low. Spoon the prepared Bang Bang sauce over the chicken in the skillet and gently toss or turn to coat each piece evenly. Allow to cook for 1 to 2 more minutes to warm the sauce and blend flavors.
- Garnish and Serve: Slice the chicken thighs if desired. Garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds. Serve immediately with rice, noodles, or a fresh slaw for a complete meal.
Notes
- For a crispier texture, finish the chicken under the broiler for 2 minutes after saucing.
- The Bang Bang sauce works excellently as a dip or drizzle for fresh vegetables.
- Serve with complementary sides like rice, noodles, or a fresh slaw for a balanced and satisfying meal.
