Skillet Bang Bang Chicken Thighs Recipe

Sizzling Skillet Bang Bang Chicken Thighs Recipe for Dinner Joy

Spice up your dinner routine with these mouthwatering bang bang chicken thighs that promise a flavor explosion on every bite.

Tender chicken sizzles with a perfect blend of creamy and spicy sauce that will make taste buds dance.

The bang bang sauce brings a zesty kick that elevates simple chicken thighs into a restaurant-worthy meal.

Each succulent piece of chicken absorbs the tangy, slightly sweet marinade, creating a dish that’s impossible to resist.

The skillet method ensures a crispy exterior while keeping the meat incredibly juicy and tender.

Minimal ingredients, maximum flavor – this recipe turns an ordinary weeknight dinner into a memorable culinary experience.

Skillet Sizzle: Bang Bang Chicken Thighs

  • Spice Up Your Meal: Discover a zesty chicken dish that brings explosive flavor with its creamy, tangy bang bang sauce and perfectly crispy chicken thighs.
  • Quick Kitchen Magic: Prepare this restaurant-style meal in just a few simple steps, making it ideal for busy weeknights when you want something delicious without spending hours cooking.
  • Family Crowd-Pleaser: Kids and adults will love the sweet-spicy combination that transforms ordinary chicken into an exciting dinner experience with minimal ingredients and maximum taste.
  • Versatile Comfort Food: Easily adaptable to different side dishes, this recipe works wonderfully for casual dinners, game nights, or when you need a satisfying protein-packed meal that doesn't require complicated techniques.

Everything for Bang Bang Chicken Thighs

Main Protein:
  • Chicken Thighs: Boneless cuts with rich flavor and tender texture that absorb seasonings well.
Seasoning Blend:
  • Salt, Pepper, Garlic Powder: Classic seasoning mix that enhances the natural taste of chicken and provides depth of flavor.
  • Cornstarch: Helps create a crispy exterior and helps the seasonings adhere to the chicken.
Sauce Ingredients:
  • Mayonnaise: Creamy base that provides a smooth and rich foundation for the bang bang sauce.
  • Sriracha: Spicy hot sauce that adds a vibrant kick and heat to the sauce.
  • Sweet Chili Sauce: Offers a sweet and tangy element that balances the spiciness.
  • Honey: Adds natural sweetness and helps create a glossy sauce coating.
Garnish:
  • Green Onions: Fresh herb that provides a mild onion flavor and bright color to the finished dish.
Cooking Fat:
  • Olive Oil: Used for sautéing the chicken and creating a golden, crispy exterior.

Directions for Skillet Bang Bang Chicken

Step 1: Prep the Chicken

Sprinkle salt, pepper, and garlic powder generously over chicken thighs.

Dust each piece thoroughly with cornstarch, ensuring a complete and even coating that will create a crispy exterior.

Step 2: Sizzle and Cook

Pour olive oil into a skillet and heat over medium temperature.

Carefully place chicken thighs in the pan, allowing them to develop a gorgeous golden-brown crust.

Cook until the chicken is completely done, with no pink remaining in the center.

Step 3: Whip Up Bang Bang Sauce

Create the signature sauce by combining:
  • Mayonnaise
  • Sriracha
  • Sweet chili sauce
  • Honey

Whisk these ingredients in a bowl until smooth and well-blended, creating a creamy, spicy, and slightly sweet sauce.

Step 4: Dress and Garnish

Generously drizzle the bang bang sauce over the freshly cooked chicken thighs.

Sprinkle chopped green onions on top for a pop of color and fresh flavor.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Transfer the saucy chicken thighs to a serving plate.

Pair with your favorite side dish – rice, roasted vegetables, or a crisp salad work wonderfully.

Serve immediately while the chicken is hot and sauce is tangy.

Hints for Perfect Skillet Chicken Thighs

  • Dust chicken thighs evenly with cornstarch for an extra crispy, golden exterior that locks in moisture and creates a delightful crunch.
  • Adjust the sriracha and sweet chili sauce ratio to match your spice tolerance, creating a personalized bang bang sauce that's just right for your taste buds.
  • Maintain medium heat while cooking chicken to ensure even browning and prevent burning, resulting in perfectly cooked, juicy thighs.
  • Chop green onions just before serving to maximize their vibrant flavor and add a bright, fresh garnish that elevates the entire dish.

Bang Bang Chicken with Your Favorite Sauces

  • Low-Carb Lettuce Wrap Version: Replace cornstarch coating with almond flour or crushed pork rinds for a keto-friendly option, serving chicken in crisp lettuce leaves instead of traditional plating.
  • Gluten-Free Adaptation: Use gluten-free cornstarch or arrowroot powder for coating, ensuring all sauce ingredients are certified gluten-free for sensitive individuals.
  • Spicy Herb Remix: Add chopped fresh cilantro and red pepper flakes to the bang bang sauce for an extra zesty flavor profile, increasing heat and herbal complexity.
  • Air Fryer Alternative: Cook chicken thighs in air fryer at 375°F for 12-15 minutes instead of skillet method, maintaining crispy exterior while reducing oil usage.

Serving Bang Bang Chicken Thighs Hot

  • Spicy Comfort Plate: Pair these zesty chicken thighs with fluffy white rice to soak up the delicious bang bang sauce.
  • Asian-Inspired Feast: Serve alongside stir-fried vegetables like bok choy, bell peppers, and crispy edamame for a complete meal.
  • Fresh and Light Companion: Create a cool cucumber salad with rice vinegar and sesame seeds to balance the chicken's spicy kick.
  • Easy Weeknight Dinner Hack: Wrap the chicken in warm tortillas with shredded cabbage for a quick and satisfying bang bang chicken taco night.

Best Storage for Skillet Chicken Leftovers

  • Store leftover chicken thighs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Cool completely before sealing to prevent moisture buildup.
  • Wrap individual chicken thighs tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 2 months. Label with the date for easy tracking.
  • Preheat oven to 350°F. Place chicken on a baking sheet, cover with foil to prevent drying. Warm for 10-15 minutes until heated through, reaching an internal temperature of 165°F.

FAQs

  • What makes bang bang sauce unique?

Bang bang sauce combines creamy mayonnaise with spicy sriracha, sweet chili sauce, and honey, creating a tangy, sweet, and spicy flavor profile that perfectly complements the crispy chicken.

  • Is cornstarch important for this recipe?

Cornstarch helps create a crispy, golden exterior on the chicken thighs by forming a light, crunchy coating that locks in moisture and provides a delightful texture.

  • Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

While chicken thighs are preferred for their juiciness and flavor, you can substitute chicken breasts, but be careful not to overcook them to maintain tenderness.

  • How spicy is this dish?

The spice level can be adjusted by controlling the amount of sriracha sauce. Start with a small amount and add more to suit your personal heat preference.

Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon
Skillet Bang Bang Chicken Thighs Recipe

Skillet Bang Bang Chicken Thighs Recipe


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.8 from 17 reviews

  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 4-6 1x

Description

Sizzling Bang Bang Chicken Thighs deliver a flavor explosion that tantalizes taste buds with spicy, creamy perfection. Crispy edges and juicy meat create a memorable meal you’ll crave again and again.


Ingredients

Scale

Protein:

  • 46 boneless, skinless chicken thighs

Coating and Seasoning:

  • 1/4 cup cornstarch or flour
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • salt
  • pepper

Cooking and Sauce Ingredients:

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1/3 cup mayonnaise
  • 2 tablespoons sriracha
  • 2 tablespoons sweet chili sauce
  • 1 tablespoon honey
  • 1 teaspoon rice vinegar

Instructions

  1. Generously season chicken thighs with salt, pepper, and garlic powder, ensuring complete coverage.
  2. Dust seasoned thighs thoroughly with cornstarch, creating a light, even coating that will produce a crispy exterior.
  3. Warm olive oil in a skillet over medium heat, carefully placing chicken thighs to sear and cook for 6-8 minutes per side until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F.
  4. Prepare bang bang sauce by combining mayonnaise, sriracha, sweet chili sauce, and honey in a mixing bowl, whisking until smooth and well-integrated.
  5. Once chicken is cooked through and crispy, transfer to serving plate and liberally drizzle with prepared bang bang sauce.
  6. Sprinkle freshly chopped green onions across the glazed chicken thighs for added color and zesty flavor.
  7. Serve immediately while hot, accompanied by your preferred side dish to complete the meal.

Notes

  • Choose bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs for extra flavor and juiciness, ensuring they remain tender during cooking.
  • Pat chicken thighs completely dry before seasoning to help achieve a crispy, golden-brown exterior when searing.
  • Adjust spice levels in bang bang sauce by increasing or decreasing sriracha amount to suit personal heat preferences.
  • For a gluten-free version, replace cornstarch with arrowroot powder or rice flour when coating chicken thighs.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner
  • Method: Frying
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 45753
  • Calories: 2
  • Sugar: 0.01 g
  • Sodium: 0.1 mg
  • Fat: 0.1 g
  • Saturated Fat: 0.02 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 0.08 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 0.1 g
  • Fiber: 0 g
  • Protein: 0.2 g
  • Cholesterol: 0.3 mg
Michael Reyes

Michael Reyes

Founder & Lead Recipe Developer

Expertise

  • Southwestern and Latin American cuisine
  • Developing easy single-serving recipes
  • Food styling and food photography

Education

Santa Fe Community College

  • Program: Culinary Arts Certificate
  • Focus: Practical, hands-on learning in essential kitchen skills, including food safety, hygiene, knife techniques, and kitchen organization.

Michael’s love for cooking runs deep, rooted in the bold, colorful flavors of his New Mexico upbringing.
After earning his Culinary Arts Certificate from Santa Fe Community College, he spent years sharpening his skills in kitchens that celebrated traditional Southwestern and Latin American dishes.
He believes cooking should feel approachable and fun, never complicated. When he’s not stirring up new recipe ideas, Michael’s out hiking scenic trails, chatting with farmers at local markets, or chasing the perfect sunset shot for inspiration.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe rating 5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star