Skillet Bang Bang Chicken Thighs Recipe

If you’re craving something bold, irresistible, and seriously crowd-pleasing, look no further than Skillet Bang Bang Chicken Thighs. This recipe is all about crispy-edged chicken with a golden exterior, generously coated in a zesty, creamy, slightly spicy sauce that packs serious flavor in every bite. Perfect for weeknights or impressing guests, these chicken thighs deliver that crave-worthy restaurant-style punch, but you’ll be amazed how simple they are to pull off right at home.

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

This dish comes together with a handful of pantry basics and a few standout ingredients that make all the difference. Every component builds on the last, making the most of bold flavors, juicy texture, and a beautiful, mouthwatering finish.

• Chicken thighs: Boneless, skinless thighs stay succulent and offer the perfect juicy bite for this bold sauce.
• Cornstarch: Coats the chicken to achieve that extra crispy, golden crust in the skillet—don’t skip it!
• Salt and pepper: A generous seasoning ensures the chicken is flavorful from the inside out.
• Oil (vegetable or canola): High heat oil is essential for searing and creating those gorgeous crispy edges.
• Mayonnaise: The creamy base for the iconic Bang Bang sauce—full-fat for richness, but you can use light mayo if you prefer.
• Sriracha: Brings the heat and gives that signature gentle kick—add more or less depending on your spice level.
• Sweet chili sauce: Adds the perfect sweet tang and that beautiful glossy finish to your Bang Bang sauce.
• Honey: Just a touch for balance and hint of sticky sweetness.
• Rice vinegar: A splash here brightens the sauce and makes the flavors pop on the palate.
• Green onions and sesame seeds: For an extra pop of color and fresh crunch when serving, never underestimate these garnishes!

How to Make Skillet Bang Bang Chicken Thighs

Step 1: Prep the Chicken

Lay out your boneless, skinless chicken thighs on a cutting board and pat them as dry as possible with paper towels—this step helps ensure a killer sear. Season both sides with salt and pepper, then lightly dredge each thigh in cornstarch. This little cornstarch trick transforms the exterior into a golden, crisp shell that’s just begging to soak up all that saucy flavor.

Step 2: Whip Up the Bang Bang Sauce

In a medium bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sriracha, sweet chili sauce, honey, and rice vinegar. Taste and adjust the spice or sweetness to your liking—remember, this is your custom signature sauce! It should be creamy, a little sweet, with just the right amount of heat and tang to make you come back for more.

Step 3: Sear the Chicken

Heat a generous glug of oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once shimmering, gently lay the coated chicken thighs in the pan, working in batches if necessary to avoid crowding. Sear until beautifully golden and cooked through, about 5–7 minutes per side. That irresistible crust is everything, so resist the urge to flip early!

Step 4: Sauce and Finish

Reduce the heat to medium-low, then spoon your Bang Bang sauce generously over the chicken thighs right in the skillet. Flip to coat, allowing the sauce to warm and lightly caramelize on the chicken. It should bubble ever so slightly and wrap each piece in a glossy, creamy glaze.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Transfer your finished Skillet Bang Bang Chicken Thighs to a platter and rain down those finely sliced green onions and sesame seeds. Serve hot while everything’s perfectly crispy, saucy, and wildly aromatic.

How to Serve Skillet Bang Bang Chicken Thighs

Garnishes

A sprinkle of fresh green onions and a scattering of toasted sesame seeds make these chicken thighs as eye-catching as they are flavorful. If you love extra crunch, consider adding a handful of thinly sliced radishes or a few sprigs of cilantro for an extra layer of freshness.

Side Dishes

Serve these Skillet Bang Bang Chicken Thighs alongside steamed jasmine rice to soak up every drop of that dreamy sauce. Garlic butter noodles, stir-fried veggies, or a quick cucumber salad are perfect complements for a balanced meal. Don’t forget a generous lime wedge for squeezing—just a touch of acidity takes every bite over the top.

Creative Ways to Present

Want to shake things up? Slice the chicken and pile it high inside warm bao buns or lettuce wraps for a playful, hands-on meal. Or, arrange the thighs over a colorful salad of crisp greens, shredded carrots, and cabbage, then drizzle with leftover Bang Bang sauce for the best grain bowl ever.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

To keep your Skillet Bang Bang Chicken Thighs fresh, store any cooled leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll keep beautifully for up to three days, making them perfect for meal prep or quick lunches.

Freezing

If you need to freeze, wrap the cooled chicken thighs individually before placing them in a zipper bag or freezer-safe container. While the sauce texture changes a bit after thawing, the flavor remains bold and delicious. Eat within two months for best results.

Reheating

Gently reheat your chicken thighs in a skillet over medium-low heat with a splash of water to keep them moist, or cover loosely and microwave until hot. If you reserved extra sauce, drizzle it on after heating for a fresh flavor pop.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Absolutely! Chicken breasts will work, though you’ll want to watch the cooking time carefully to avoid drying them out. Slice breasts into cutlets for faster cooking and even coating with sauce.

How spicy is this dish?

The heat level is moderate, with most of the warmth coming from sriracha and chili sauce. You can easily adjust the spice up or down by changing the amount of sriracha in the sauce—taste as you go!

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, just double-check that your sweet chili sauce and sriracha are certified gluten-free, and you’re all set! Cornstarch is naturally gluten-free and makes a wonderful crust.

What if I don’t have sweet chili sauce?

If you’re out of sweet chili sauce, you can mix a little honey and a dash of hot sauce as a substitute in a pinch. It won’t be identical, but you’ll keep that sweet-heat flavor profile alive.

Can I bake instead of pan-searing?

For sure! Arrange the dredged chicken thighs on a parchment-lined baking sheet, lightly spray with oil, and bake at 425°F until golden and cooked through. Finish with the sauce under the broiler for maximum flavor.

Final Thoughts

If you’re ready to bring some fun and flavor to your kitchen, Skillet Bang Bang Chicken Thighs are calling your name. This recipe is impossible to resist—tender, saucy, and popping with personality. Give it a try and prepare for rave reviews at your table!

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