Skillet Bang Bang Chicken Thighs Recipe

If you love bold, zesty flavors, then Skillet Bang Bang Chicken Thighs are about to become your new favorite dish! This recipe takes tender, juicy chicken thighs and sears them in a skillet until crispy, then tosses them in a creamy, spicy, and sweet Bang Bang sauce that's packed with flavor. Perfect for weeknight dinners, this quick and easy recipe is a delicious way to elevate your chicken game. Plus, it's a versatile dish that can be served over rice, alongside vegetables, or wrapped in lettuce for a low-carb option. Keep reading to discover how to make this irresistible meal right at home!

this Recipe

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What Is Skillet Bang Bang Chicken?

Skillet Bang Bang Chicken Thighs combine crispy, pan-seared chicken thighs with a homemade version of the famous Bang Bang sauce—a creamy, spicy, and slightly sweet sauce typically made with mayonnaise, sriracha, and sweet chili sauce. The chicken thighs are cooked in a skillet for maximum crispiness, then coated in this sauce, making each bite a perfect balance of heat and sweetness. While this dish is quick and easy, it’s also loaded with flavor and texture, making it perfect for any occasion.

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Ingredients List for Skillet Bang Bang Chicken Thighs

Here’s what you’ll need to make this flavorful dish:

For the Chicken:

• 6 boneless, skinless chicken thighs
• 2 tablespoon olive oil (for cooking)
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper

For the Bang Bang Sauce:

• ½ cup mayonnaise (or Greek yogurt for a lighter version)
• ¼ cup sweet chili sauce
• 2 tablespoon sriracha (adjust to your heat preference)
• 1 tablespoon honey (optional, for added sweetness)
• 1 teaspoon lime juice (optional for brightness)

For Garnish:

• 2 green onions, thinly sliced
• Sesame seeds (optional, for extra texture)
• Chopped cilantro (optional, for a fresh pop)

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Substitutions and Variations

Skillet Bang Bang Chicken Thighs can be easily customized to suit your preferences. Here are a few ideas for substitutions and variations:

• Boneless Chicken Breasts: If you prefer white meat, swap the chicken thighs for boneless chicken breasts. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time, as chicken breasts tend to cook a little faster.
• Greek Yogurt: For a lighter version of Bang Bang sauce, replace the mayonnaise with Greek yogurt. This will give the sauce a tangy flavor while keeping it creamy.
• Air Fryer Option: Instead of cooking the chicken in a skillet, you can air-fry the chicken thighs at 400°F for 18-20 minutes, flipping halfway through for crispy, healthier results.
• Spice Level: Adjust the heat by adding more or less sriracha. If you want even more heat, you can add a dash of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the Bang Bang sauce.
• Keto/Low-Carb: Replace sweet chili sauce with a sugar-free version, and use full-fat mayonnaise or Greek yogurt for a keto-friendly dish.

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Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Let’s dive into the step-by-step guide to making these Skillet Bang Bang Chicken Thighs:

Step 1: Season the Chicken Thighs

• Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels. This helps them crisp up nicely in the skillet.
• In a small bowl, mix together the garlic powder, smoked paprika, onion powder, salt, and black pepper.
• Rub the seasoning mixture all over the chicken thighs, ensuring each piece is well coated.

Step 2: Sear the Chicken

• Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
• Once the oil is hot, place the chicken thighs in the skillet, smooth side down. Sear the chicken for about 5-7 minutes per side, or until the chicken is cooked through and golden brown on the outside. The internal temperature should reach 165°F.
• Once the chicken is done, remove it from the skillet and set it aside on a plate.

Step 3: Make the Bang Bang Sauce

• In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, honey (if using), and lime juice. Taste and adjust the seasoning or heat level to your preference.

Step 4: Coat the Chicken in Sauce

• Return the chicken thighs to the skillet (no need to clean the pan). Pour the Bang Bang sauce over the chicken, making sure each piece is well coated.
• Let the chicken simmer in the sauce for about 2-3 minutes, allowing the sauce to heat through and cling to the chicken.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

• Once the chicken is fully coated in the sauce, remove it from the heat.
• Garnish with chopped green onions, sesame seeds, and cilantro, if desired.
• Serve immediately with rice, noodles, or your favorite side dish.

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

Skillet Bang Bang Chicken Thighs come together quickly, and with just a few easy steps, you'll have a restaurant-quality dish on your table. The key is to get a good sear on the chicken thighs so they’re crispy on the outside and juicy inside. The Bang Bang sauce is the perfect finishing touch, coating the chicken with a creamy, spicy, and sweet flavor that everyone will love.

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Common Mistakes to Avoid

To ensure your Skillet Bang Bang Chicken Thighs turn out perfectly, avoid these common mistakes:

• Skipping the sear: Searing the chicken thighs is essential for a crispy, golden exterior. Don’t rush this step, and make sure your pan is hot before adding the chicken.
• Overcrowding the pan: If you crowd the skillet with too much chicken, it will steam instead of searing. Work in batches if necessary to give each piece plenty of space.
• Overcooking the chicken: Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken is cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F. Overcooking can lead to dry, tough chicken.

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Serving and Presentation Tips

For the best experience, serve Skillet Bang Bang Chicken Thighs fresh from the skillet while the sauce is still hot and clinging to the crispy chicken. Here are a few serving and presentation ideas:

• Serve with rice: White or jasmine rice is a perfect base to soak up the extra Bang Bang sauce. You can also serve it with coconut rice for added flavor.
• Add a side of vegetables: Pair the chicken with sautéed or steamed vegetables like broccoli, snap peas, or bok choy for a well-rounded meal.
• Serve in lettuce wraps: For a lighter, low-carb option, serve the chicken in lettuce wraps with extra sauce drizzled on top.

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How to Serve Skillet Bang Bang Chicken Thighs

Skillet Bang Bang Chicken Thighs are incredibly versatile. Here are some ways to serve them:

• Over rice or noodles: Spoon the chicken and sauce over a bed of steamed rice or rice noodles to make a complete meal.
• Tacos or wraps: Shred the chicken and serve it in soft tortillas or lettuce wraps with shredded cabbage, cilantro, and a drizzle of extra sauce for Bang Bang Chicken Tacos.
• Salad topper: Slice the chicken and serve it on top of a fresh green salad with cucumbers, carrots, and a drizzle of extra Bang Bang sauce as a dressing.

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Presentation Ideas for Skillet Bang Bang Chicken Thighs

While this dish is packed with flavor, here are a few ways to make it look just as amazing as it tastes:

• Garnish with fresh herbs: Add chopped cilantro or Thai basil to the top of the chicken for a bright, fresh finish.
• Sprinkle sesame seeds: A few black or white sesame seeds add a nice visual contrast and a slight nutty flavor.
• Serve on a platter: Arrange the chicken thighs on a large platter and drizzle any remaining sauce over the top before serving family-style.

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Skillet Bang Bang Chicken Thighs Recipe Tips

Here are a few additional tips to make sure your Skillet Bang Bang Chicken Thighs turn out perfectly every time:

• Adjust the sauce: If the Bang Bang sauce is too spicy, you can dial back the sriracha and add more sweet chili sauce or honey. For more heat, increase the sriracha or add crushed red pepper flakes.
• Make ahead: You can prepare the Bang Bang sauce in advance and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. This makes for a quicker assembly when you’re ready to cook the chicken.
• Use a heavy-bottomed skillet: A cast-iron skillet or stainless-steel pan will give you the best sear on the chicken thighs.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Yes, you can use chicken breasts. Simply pound them to an even thickness and adjust the cooking time, as chicken breasts may cook faster than thighs.

Can I make this dish in the oven?

You can bake the chicken thighs in the oven at 400°F for about 25-30 minutes, then coat them in the Bang Bang sauce once cooked. However, skillet-searing will give you the crispiest results.

How do I store and reheat leftovers?

Store any leftover chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F or in a skillet over medium heat to maintain the crispiness of the chicken.

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Conclusion

Skillet Bang Bang Chicken Thighs are a quick and flavorful dish that delivers a perfect balance of crispy, juicy chicken and creamy, spicy sauce. This easy-to-follow recipe is sure to become a go-to for weeknight dinners, family meals, or even when you're entertaining guests. Pair it with rice, vegetables, or a salad, and don’t forget to customize the heat and sweetness to your liking! So grab your skillet, whip up some Bang Bang sauce, and get ready to enjoy this irresistible chicken dish!

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