If you’re searching for a meal that balances bold flavor, easy prep, and crave-worthy results, Skillet Bang Bang Chicken Thighs is your new go-to recipe. Juicy chicken thighs, pan-seared to perfection, get glazed in a zippy, creamy Bang Bang sauce that’s sweet, spicy, and utterly irresistible. With just a handful of pantry staples and a skillet, you’ll have a weeknight dinner that tastes like pure comfort but with a restaurant-worthy twist. It’s the kind of dish you’ll return to again and again, whether you’re cooking for family or impressing a crowd.
Ingredients You’ll Need
What makes Skillet Bang Bang Chicken Thighs so special is how each simple ingredient plays a role in creating layers of flavor and texture. From the tender chicken to the punchy sauce, every component brings something essential to the table.
- Chicken Thighs: Boneless, skinless thighs stay juicy and soak up all the flavors beautifully.
- Salt: Enhances every savory note in the chicken and sauce.
- Black Pepper: Adds a touch of warmth and depth to the seasoning.
- Garlic Powder: Infuses the meat with a subtle, aromatic background flavor.
- Paprika: Gives a gentle smokiness and a pop of color to the chicken.
- Olive Oil: Ensures the chicken sears up golden and delicious in the skillet.
- Mayonnaise: The base of the Bang Bang sauce, lending creaminess and body.
- Sweet Chili Sauce: Brings a tangy sweetness and mild heat that makes the sauce addictive.
- Sriracha: Adds a customizable kick, so you can make it as spicy as you like.
- Honey: Balances the heat with a touch of natural sweetness.
- Rice Vinegar: Brightens up the sauce and ties all the flavors together.
- Chopped Green Onions (optional): Fresh and crisp, these make a perfect garnish.
- Sesame Seeds (optional): Add crunch and a subtle nuttiness on top.
- Lime Wedges (optional): A squeeze of lime lifts and freshens every bite.
How to Make Skillet Bang Bang Chicken Thighs
Step 1: Whisk Up the Bang Bang Sauce
Start by making the star of the show: the Bang Bang sauce. In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, honey, and rice vinegar until silky smooth. This dreamy sauce is what gives Skillet Bang Bang Chicken Thighs their addictive flavor, so don’t skip it! Adjust the sriracha for your ideal level of heat.
Step 2: Season the Chicken Thighs
Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels—this helps them sear up nice and golden. Sprinkle salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika evenly on both sides. This quick seasoning ensures every bite is packed with flavor from the inside out.
Step 3: Sear the Chicken
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once shimmering, add the chicken thighs in a single layer. Let them cook undisturbed for 5 to 6 minutes per side, until deeply golden and cooked through. The key here is not to rush—this is what gets you that irresistible crust!
Step 4: Finish with the Bang Bang Sauce
Once the chicken is cooked through (aim for 165°F/74°C on a meat thermometer), dial the heat down to low. Spoon the Bang Bang sauce over the chicken thighs right in the skillet. Toss to coat every piece evenly and let the sauce warm through for a minute or two, just until glossy and bubbling gently. Remove from heat—your Skillet Bang Bang Chicken Thighs are ready to shine!
Step 5: Serve and Garnish
Transfer the saucy chicken thighs to a platter or straight onto plates. Sprinkle with chopped green onions and sesame seeds for crunch and color, and add a few lime wedges if you love a citrusy burst. Now, get ready to dig in!
How to Serve Skillet Bang Bang Chicken Thighs
Garnishes
The finishing touches make all the difference! A shower of green onions brings freshness, while sesame seeds add a subtle crunch. Lime wedges on the side let everyone add their own zing, elevating each bite of Skillet Bang Bang Chicken Thighs with a bright, tangy pop.
Side Dishes
This chicken is a flavor bomb, so it pairs perfectly with simple sides. Steamed jasmine rice or fluffy white rice will soak up every drop of that luscious sauce. For a lighter touch, try crisp lettuce leaves or shredded cabbage—both add crunch and let the Bang Bang flavors shine. Noodles or a fresh cucumber salad are also fantastic partners.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re feeling playful, turn Skillet Bang Bang Chicken Thighs into lettuce wraps for a fun, hands-on meal. Or slice the chicken and pile it into rice bowls with pickled veggies and avocado. For parties, chop the thighs and skewer them for easy appetizers—don’t forget a little extra sauce for dipping!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Got leftovers? Lucky you! Let the chicken cool to room temperature, then store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. The flavors of Skillet Bang Bang Chicken Thighs actually deepen overnight, making tomorrow’s lunch even more irresistible.
Freezing
You can freeze cooked Skillet Bang Bang Chicken Thighs for up to two months. Place the cooled chicken (without garnish) in a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for best results.
Reheating
To reheat, warm the chicken gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of water if the sauce looks thick. Alternatively, microwave in short bursts, covering the dish to keep things moist. Add fresh garnishes after reheating to revive those vibrant flavors and textures.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Absolutely! Just be mindful that breasts cook a bit faster and can dry out more easily, so keep an eye on them and pull them off the heat as soon as they’re cooked through.
Is there a dairy-free alternative for the sauce?
Yes! Swap the mayonnaise for your favorite vegan mayo to make the Bang Bang sauce dairy-free, and the rest of the recipe is naturally free from dairy.
How spicy are Skillet Bang Bang Chicken Thighs?
The heat level is totally customizable—just adjust the amount of sriracha in the sauce. Start with less if you’re spice-shy, or add more for extra kick!
Can I prep the sauce ahead of time?
Definitely! The Bang Bang sauce can be made up to three days ahead and stored in the fridge. Just give it a good stir before using.
What’s the best way to make this dish lighter?
For a lighter version, swap in Greek yogurt for the mayonnaise and serve the chicken with crisp lettuce wraps or a big, crunchy salad. You’ll still get all the flavor with a fresher feel!
Final Thoughts
There’s just something magical about Skillet Bang Bang Chicken Thighs—the way the sauce clings to the juicy chicken, the pop of heat and sweetness in every bite, and the ease of pulling it all together in one pan. I hope you’ll give this recipe a try soon and fall in love with its bold flavors and weeknight-friendly simplicity. Happy cooking!
