Skillet Bang Bang Chicken Thighs Recipe

Looking for a quick and flavorful weeknight meal? Skillet Bang Bang Chicken Thighs are your answer! This dish takes tender, juicy chicken thighs and coats them in a bold, sweet, and spicy sauce that's sure to tantalize your taste buds. Inspired by the popular "Bang Bang" sauce found in many Asian-fusion dishes, this recipe is cooked entirely in a skillet for a simple, one-pan meal that’s both satisfying and easy to make. Whether you're new to cooking or a seasoned pro, this dish will have you hooked from the first bite.

Read on to discover how to make the best Skillet Bang Bang Chicken Thighs from scratch, with step-by-step instructions, ingredient substitutions, and tips for perfecting this dish!

What Are Skillet Bang Bang Chicken Thighs?

Skillet Bang Bang Chicken Thighs are a variation of the famous "Bang Bang" chicken dish, known for its creamy, spicy, and slightly sweet sauce. The dish typically features crispy or grilled chicken tossed in a zesty sauce made from mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, and a touch of sriracha for heat. Cooking the chicken thighs in a skillet helps them develop a delicious crispy skin while staying juicy inside, and the sauce ties everything together for an irresistible meal.

Ingredients List for Skillet Bang Bang Chicken Thighs

Here’s what you need to make these flavor-packed chicken thighs:

• Boneless, Skinless Chicken Thighs – 6 thighs, trimmed of any excess fat.
• Cornstarch – ¼ cup, to help give the chicken a light, crispy exterior.
• Salt and Black Pepper – To season the chicken before cooking.
• Garlic Powder – 1 teaspoon, for a punch of flavor.
• Paprika – 1 teaspoon, for a mild smoky taste and color.
• Olive Oil – 2 to 3 tablespoons, for searing the chicken in the skillet.

For the Bang Bang Sauce:

• Mayonnaise – ⅓ cup, the creamy base of the sauce.
• Sweet Chili Sauce – ¼ cup, for sweetness and a touch of heat.
• Sriracha – 1 to 2 tablespoons, depending on how spicy you like it.
• Honey – 1 tablespoon, to balance out the heat with a bit of sweetness.
• Lime Juice – 1 tablespoon, for a tangy contrast to the creamy sauce.
• Garlic (minced) – 1 clove, for fresh garlic flavor in the sauce.

Optional Garnishes:

• Green Onions – Thinly sliced, for garnish.
• Sesame Seeds – For a crunchy, nutty finish.
• Fresh Cilantro – Chopped, to add brightness to the dish.

Substitutions and Variations

While this recipe is delicious as written, there are plenty of ways to customize it based on your preferences or what you have on hand:

• Chicken Breasts: If you prefer chicken breasts, you can substitute them for the thighs. However, note that chicken thighs are more tender and flavorful due to their higher fat content.
• Greek Yogurt: For a lighter sauce, swap the mayonnaise for plain Greek yogurt. It will still give you that creamy texture with fewer calories.
• Coconut Aminos or Soy Sauce: Add a teaspoon of soy sauce or coconut aminos to the sauce for a touch of umami.
• Lighter Version: You can bake the chicken thighs at 400°F for 20-25 minutes instead of pan-frying them if you want a healthier version of this dish.
• Extra Heat: Craving more spice? Add more sriracha, or sprinkle some red pepper flakes into the sauce.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

This dish is easy to pull together with minimal prep. Follow these step-by-step instructions to get perfectly cooked Skillet Bang Bang Chicken Thighs:

1. Season the Chicken Thighs: Start by patting the chicken thighs dry with paper towels. Season them generously with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. For extra crispiness, dredge each thigh lightly in cornstarch, shaking off any excess.
2. Heat the Skillet: Heat 2 to 3 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. When the oil is hot and shimmering, add the chicken thighs in a single layer, being careful not to overcrowd the pan. You may need to cook them in batches depending on the size of your skillet.
3. Sear the Chicken: Cook the chicken thighs for 5 to 6 minutes on each side until they develop a deep golden-brown crust and are cooked through. Use an instant-read thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Once cooked, remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside on a plate.
4. Prepare the Bang Bang Sauce: While the chicken is resting, make the sauce. In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, honey, lime juice, and minced garlic. Adjust the heat by adding more sriracha if you like it spicier.
5. Coat the Chicken: Once the chicken thighs have cooled slightly, drizzle or toss them with the prepared Bang Bang sauce, ensuring each piece is evenly coated.
6. Garnish and Serve: Transfer the sauced chicken to a serving plate. Garnish with green onions, sesame seeds, and fresh cilantro for a pop of flavor and color.

How to Cook Skillet Bang Bang Chicken Thighs: A Step-by-Step Guide

1. Season and Dredge the Chicken: Coat the chicken thighs in seasoning and cornstarch for extra crispiness.
2. Sear in a Hot Skillet: Brown the chicken in olive oil until crispy on the outside and cooked through.
3. Make the Sauce: Whisk together mayo, chili sauce, sriracha, honey, lime juice, and garlic for the perfect Bang Bang sauce.
4. Toss and Serve: Coat the chicken in the sauce and garnish with fresh herbs and seeds.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Overcrowding the Skillet: Cooking too many chicken thighs at once will steam the chicken instead of giving it a nice sear. Cook in batches if necessary.
• Not Adjusting Heat: The skillet should be hot enough to sear but not so hot that the chicken burns before it cooks through. Keep an eye on the temperature and adjust as needed.
• Undercooking the Chicken: Always check that your chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F for safe consumption.

Serving and Presentation Tips

For a well-rounded meal, serve Skillet Bang Bang Chicken Thighs with sides that complement the bold flavors. Consider pairing the chicken with:

• Steamed Jasmine Rice: A simple and neutral side that soaks up the delicious sauce.
• Stir-Fried Vegetables: Try broccoli, snow peas, or bell peppers for added crunch and color.
• Asian-Inspired Slaw: A crunchy slaw made with cabbage, carrots, and a tangy dressing adds a refreshing contrast to the richness of the chicken.

How to Serve Skillet Bang Bang Chicken Thighs

These chicken thighs are versatile and can be served in a variety of ways:

• Rice Bowls: Serve over a bed of jasmine rice with stir-fried veggies for a complete meal.
• Tacos: Shred the chicken and use it as a filling for soft tacos, topped with slaw and extra Bang Bang sauce.
• Wraps or Sandwiches: Pile the chicken into a wrap or sandwich bun with fresh greens and a drizzle of extra sauce.

Presentation Ideas for Skillet Bang Bang Chicken Thighs

For a polished presentation, plate the chicken thighs on a bed of rice or salad. Drizzle extra Bang Bang sauce on top, and sprinkle sesame seeds and sliced green onions over the dish for a colorful, flavorful garnish. Serve with lime wedges on the side for an extra burst of citrus.

Skillet Bang Bang Chicken Thighs Recipe Tips

• Make It in Advance: You can marinate the chicken in the seasoning mixture up to a day in advance for even more flavor.
• Extra Sauce: If you’re a sauce lover, double the Bang Bang sauce recipe. It works great as a dipping sauce for veggies or drizzling over rice.
• Leftovers: Skillet Bang Bang Chicken Thighs make fantastic leftovers! Store in an airtight container and reheat in a skillet or oven to retain the crispiness of the chicken.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I use bone-in chicken thighs?
A: Yes, you can, but the cooking time will be longer. Make sure to adjust the searing and baking times so the chicken cooks through properly.

Q: How do I make this recipe healthier?
A: You can bake or air-fry the chicken thighs instead of pan-frying them to cut down on oil. Also, substituting the mayo with Greek yogurt is a lighter option for the sauce.

Q: Can I prepare the Bang Bang sauce ahead of time?
A: Yes, the sauce can be made up to 2 days in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator until you’re ready to use it.

Q: Can I use a different cut of chicken?
A: Absolutely! Chicken breasts, drumsticks, or even wings would work with this recipe, though cooking times may vary depending on the cut.

Conclusion

Skillet Bang Bang Chicken Thighs are a perfect combination of bold flavors and simple cooking techniques. The sweet, spicy, and creamy sauce pairs beautifully with the crispy, seared chicken, making it a dish that’s sure to impress whether you're serving it for a family dinner or a casual gathering. With easy-to-find ingredients and a quick cooking process, this recipe will become one of your go-to meals for weeknight dinners. Try it out and get ready for a new favorite in your recipe rotation!

Print