Skillet Bang Bang Chicken Thighs Recipe: Juicy, Flavorful, and Easy to Make
Craving a dish that’s bursting with flavor yet simple enough for a weeknight dinner? Skillet Bang Bang Chicken Thighs will quickly become a family favorite! Juicy chicken thighs cooked to perfection in a skillet, all smothered in a creamy, spicy sauce that hits just the right notes.
What makes this recipe stand out is the balance of textures and flavors. The crisp sear on the chicken paired with the tangy, spicy Bang Bang sauce creates an irresistible combination. And the best part? It all comes together in under 30 minutes, making it ideal for busy cooks who want maximum flavor with minimal effort.
Imagine a dish that’s not only easy but leaves your kitchen smelling amazing with every sizzle. Whether you’re new to cooking or a seasoned home chef, this recipe is approachable and rewarding. You’ll be serving up restaurant-quality chicken in no time, with a sauce so good you’ll want to drizzle it on everything.
Ready to get started? Grab your skillet, and let’s dive into this Bang Bang Chicken Thighs recipe that’s bound to become a staple in your home!
Why This Recipe Works
If you love a bit of spice combined with creamy textures, this dish will quickly become a favorite. What makes Bang Bang Chicken Thighs unique is the famous Bang Bang sauce—a creamy, sweet, and slightly spicy combination of flavors that elevate the tender, juicy chicken thighs to a new level. Plus, cooking everything in one skillet makes clean-up a breeze, which is always a win!
In this post, we’ll guide you through every step, including tips, potential substitutions, and ways to store and reheat the dish to ensure you get the most out of this recipe.
What Is Bang Bang Sauce?
Let’s start with the star of this recipe—the Bang Bang sauce. Bang Bang sauce originates from a popular shrimp appetizer, but it works just as well with chicken. It typically consists of mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, and a bit of sriracha or other hot sauce for that kick. The balance of creamy, sweet, and spicy flavors is what makes this sauce irresistible.
Key ingredients in Bang Bang Sauce:
- Mayonnaise: Adds creaminess and richness.
- Sweet chili sauce: Brings sweetness with a hint of tang.
- Sriracha: The spice! Adjust based on your spice tolerance.
- Lime juice: Adds a fresh zing to balance the richness.
This sauce can also be made ahead of time, which means when it’s dinner time, you’ll have everything prepped and ready to go.
Ingredients for Skillet Bang Bang Chicken Thighs
For the Chicken:
- 6 boneless, skinless chicken thighs: You can also use chicken breasts, but thighs stay juicier and are more flavorful.
- 1 tsp kosher salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp paprika: Adds a subtle smoky flavor.
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
For the Bang Bang Sauce:
- ½ cup mayonnaise: Use full-fat mayo for the best texture and flavor.
- ¼ cup sweet chili sauce
- 1-2 tbsp sriracha (adjust to taste)
- 1 tbsp lime juice
Optional Garnishes:
- Chopped green onions
- Fresh cilantro
- Toasted sesame seeds
How to Make Skillet Bang Bang Chicken Thighs
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Seasoning the chicken is essential to infuse flavor from the get-go. In a small bowl, combine the salt, pepper, and paprika. Rub this mixture evenly over the chicken thighs.
Pro Tip: Let the chicken sit with the seasoning for 10-15 minutes to absorb the flavors. You can also prepare the chicken a few hours ahead and store it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to cook.
Step 2: Sear the Chicken
Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once hot, place the chicken thighs in the skillet. Cook for about 5 minutes on each side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
Pro Tip: Don’t overcrowd the skillet! Cooking the chicken in batches ensures each piece gets that nice, golden-brown sear.
Step 3: Make the Bang Bang Sauce
While the chicken cooks, you can prepare the Bang Bang sauce. In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, and lime juice. Taste and adjust the heat by adding more sriracha if you prefer it spicier.
Step 4: Coat the Chicken in Sauce
Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the skillet and set it aside on a plate. In the same skillet, pour in the prepared Bang Bang sauce and let it simmer for about 2 minutes. This allows the sauce to warm through and absorb some of the chicken drippings from the pan.
Return the chicken thighs to the skillet and spoon the sauce over them, making sure each piece is fully coated.
Step 5: Serve and Garnish
Garnish with green onions, cilantro, or toasted sesame seeds for a bit of extra texture and flavor. Serve the chicken over rice, or with a side of vegetables for a complete meal.
What to Serve with Skillet Bang Bang Chicken Thighs
This dish is versatile, and you can pair it with a variety of sides. Here are a few ideas to make this a well-rounded meal:
- Rice: White or brown rice soaks up the delicious sauce.
- Roasted vegetables: Try asparagus, Brussels sprouts, or green beans.
- Coleslaw: The cool, crunchy slaw complements the spicy sauce perfectly.
- Garlic knots: Bread lovers will appreciate this side to help scoop up every last bit of sauce.
- Sweet potato fries: A sweet, crispy contrast to the spicy chicken.
Storage and Reheating Instructions
Storing:
To store leftover Bang Bang chicken, let it cool completely before placing it in an airtight container. It will keep in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Reheating:
You can reheat the chicken either in the microwave or in a skillet. If using the microwave, be sure to cover the dish to retain moisture. If using a skillet, add a splash of water to keep the chicken juicy while it reheats over medium heat.
Can I Make the Sauce Ahead of Time?
Yes! One of the best parts about this recipe is that you can make the Bang Bang sauce ahead of time. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. This saves you time when it comes to assembling the dish.
Common Questions About Bang Bang Chicken
1. Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Absolutely. Chicken breasts work well, but they tend to be leaner and can dry out faster. If you opt for breasts, be sure to monitor the cooking time closely and remove them as soon as they hit 165°F to prevent overcooking.
2. Is Bang Bang sauce very spicy?
The spice level of Bang Bang sauce depends on how much sriracha you add. Start with a small amount and increase to your liking. For a milder version, you can reduce the sriracha or leave it out altogether.
3. Can I grill the chicken instead of cooking it in a skillet?
Yes, you can grill the chicken for a smokier flavor. Just follow the same seasoning steps and grill over medium-high heat for about 6-7 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 350 |
| Protein | 24g |
| Fat | 25g |
| Carbs | 6g |
| Fiber | 1g |
| Sugar | 4g |
Why Trust This Recipe?
At My Kitchen Talk, we believe in providing trustworthy, accurate, and easy-to-follow recipes that help home cooks feel confident in the kitchen. This recipe has been carefully tested to ensure that each step is clear and that the final result is always delicious.
We’re passionate about making cooking accessible to everyone, from beginners to experienced cooks. Whether you’re making Bang Bang Chicken Thighs for the first time or the tenth, you can trust that this recipe will guide you to success.
