Skillet Bang Bang Chicken Thighs Recipe: Juicy, Flavorful, and Easy to Make

I tried this Bang Bang Chicken Thighs recipe last week, and wow—my family went crazy for it! Crispy chicken, sweet and spicy sauce—it’s like a flavor party in every bite. I knew I had to share it with you!

It’s made in just one skillet, and the whole thing comes together in under 30 minutes. No fancy steps, no stress—just simple cooking with big, bold taste. And trust me, you’ll want to lick the spoon after making that sauce!

Want dinner that’s easy but tastes like takeout? This chicken is crispy, juicy, and dripping in sweet, spicy goodness. It’s so good, I’ve made it twice this week!

Grab your skillet, and let’s get cooking. You’ll have the best chicken thighs ever—right in your own kitchen. Ready? Let’s do this!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Meal Prep-Friendly: Stays delicious even when reheated.

Crispy Yet Juicy: The chicken thighs are seared to perfection while staying moist inside.

Bang Bang Sauce Magic: A creamy, sweet, and spicy sauce coats every bite.

Quick and Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes!

Versatile: Serve over rice, in tacos, or as a protein-packed snack.

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.

What You Need to Know Before You Start

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Servings: 4

Difficulty Level: Beginner-friendly but packed with restaurant-style flavor.

Required Kitchen Tools

• Large skillet (preferably cast iron or non-stick)
• Mixing bowls
• Whisk
• Tongs
• Cutting board & knife

Ingredients for Skillet Bang Bang Chicken Thighs

For the Chicken:

• 1 ½ lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs (cut into bite-sized pieces)
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
• ¼ cup cornstarch (for crispiness)
• 2 tablespoons oil (for frying – use vegetable or avocado oil)

For the Bang Bang Sauce:

• ⅓ cup sweet chili sauce (adds sweetness and a mild heat)
• ¼ cup mayonnaise (makes it creamy)
• 1 tablespoon sriracha (adjust for spice level)
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar (for tanginess)
• 1 teaspoon honey (balances the flavors)

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.

Nutrition Information (Per Serving)

Nutrient	Amount per Serving
Calories	385 kcal
Protein	29g
Carbohydrates	18g
Fat	22g
Saturated Fat	3.5g
Sugar	9g
Sodium	730mg

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.

Conclusion

Skillet Bang Bang Chicken Thighs are your new weeknight hero—crispy, juicy, and dripping in that sweet and spicy sauce. It’s quick, easy, and totally customizable. Whether you serve it over rice, in tacos, or on a salad, this dish will make your dinner table the happiest place on earth.

Go ahead—gather your ingredients, fire up that skillet, and let the Bang Bang magic happen!

Happy Cooking!