Skillet Bang Bang Chicken Thighs

Imagine sinking your teeth into tender, juicy Skillet Bang Bang Chicken Thighs with a perfect balance of sweet, spicy, and savory flavors coating each bite. This restaurant-quality dish brings the beloved bang bang sauce—traditionally paired with shrimp—to succulent chicken thighs cooked to perfection in a single skillet. The crispy exterior gives way to moist, flavorful meat that’s enveloped in a creamy, slightly spicy sauce that will have everyone asking for seconds. You’ll learn how to create this impressive yet surprisingly simple dish that comes together in under 30 minutes for a weeknight dinner that feels like a special occasion.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Skillet Bang Bang Chicken Thighs are about to become your new favorite weeknight dinner hero. The magic of this dish lies in its incredible flavor-to-effort ratio—maximum taste with minimal work. The chicken thighs develop a gorgeous golden crust while remaining juicy inside, creating that perfect textural contrast that makes each bite satisfying.

The signature bang bang sauce delivers a harmonious blend of creamy, sweet, and spicy notes that coat each piece of chicken beautifully. Unlike many Asian-inspired recipes, you don’t need a long list of specialty ingredients—most items are probably already in your pantry.

What truly sets these bang bang chicken thighs apart is the one-pan approach, meaning less cleanup and more time to enjoy your meal. The sauce thickens to a glossy finish that clings to the chicken, making every bite as delicious as it is Instagram-worthy. Whether you’re cooking for picky eaters or culinary enthusiasts, this dish bridges the gap with its approachable yet exciting flavor profile.

Ingredients

For the Skillet Bang Bang Chicken Thighs:

• 2 lbs (900g) boneless, skinless chicken thighs
• 2 tbsp (30ml) vegetable oil
• 1 tsp (5g) salt
• ½ tsp (2g) black pepper
• 2 tbsp (16g) cornstarch

For the Bang Bang Sauce:

• ½ cup (120g) mayonnaise
• ¼ cup (60g) sweet chili sauce
• 2 tbsp (30ml) sriracha sauce (adjust to taste)
• 1 tbsp (15ml) honey
• 2 tbsp (30ml) rice vinegar
• 3 cloves garlic, minced (about 1 tbsp)
• 1 tbsp (15ml) lime juice
• 2 green onions, thinly sliced (for garnish)
• 1 tbsp sesame seeds (for garnish)

The chicken thighs are the star of this dish—they remain tender and juicy through the cooking process. The sweet chili sauce adds complexity while the sriracha brings the signature “bang” of heat that gives these spicy chicken thighs their name.

Pro Tips

Get the Perfect Sear: For restaurant-quality Skillet Bang Bang Chicken Thighs, ensure your skillet is properly preheated before adding the chicken. A hot pan is essential for developing that gorgeous golden crust without overcooking the interior. Wait until you see wisps of smoke rising from the oil before adding your chicken, and resist the urge to move the pieces too soon—they’ll naturally release from the pan when properly seared.

Master the Sauce Consistency: The key to a perfect bang bang sauce is balancing creaminess with texture. Whisk your sauce ingredients thoroughly before adding to the skillet, and when combining with the chicken, maintain a gentle simmer rather than a rolling boil. This prevents the sauce from breaking and ensures it clings beautifully to each piece of chicken. If your sauce becomes too thick, add a tablespoon of water or chicken broth to reach your desired consistency.

Temperature Testing: For foolproof one-pan chicken thighs, use an instant-read thermometer to check doneness. Chicken thighs are perfectly cooked at 165°F (74°C), but can remain juicy up to 175°F (79°C). This higher temperature tolerance makes thighs more forgiving than breast meat and allows the connective tissues to break down, resulting in more tender chicken.

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels—this is crucial for achieving that perfect golden crust. Season both sides generously with salt and pepper, then lightly dust with cornstarch. The cornstarch creates a delicate coating that will help thicken the sauce later and gives the chicken a slightly crispy exterior.

Step 2: Sear the Chicken

Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Carefully place the chicken thighs in the hot pan, presentation side down. Allow them to cook undisturbed for 5-6 minutes until deeply golden. This patience pays off with beautifully seared chicken! Flip and cook for another 4-5 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 165°F and both sides have developed a rich color.

Step 3: Prepare the Bang Bang Sauce

While the chicken cooks, whisk together the mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, honey, rice vinegar, minced garlic, and lime juice in a bowl until smooth and well combined. Taste and adjust the heat level by adding more sriracha if you prefer your bang bang chicken thighs with an extra kick.

Step 4: Combine and Finish

Reduce the heat to medium-low. Pour the bang bang sauce over the chicken thighs in the skillet, ensuring each piece is well-coated. Gently simmer for 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken slightly. The sauce will take on a beautiful glossy appearance as it cooks with the chicken.

Step 5: Serve and Garnish

Transfer your Skillet Bang Bang Chicken Thighs to a serving plate, spooning any extra sauce from the pan over the top. Sprinkle with sliced green onions and sesame seeds for a professional finish and added texture. The vibrant garnish not only enhances the appearance but adds fresh flavor contrast to the rich, creamy sauce.

Variations

Crispy Bang Bang Chicken: For those who prefer an extra-crunchy version of Skillet Bang Bang Chicken Thighs, try dredging the seasoned chicken in panko breadcrumbs before searing. This creates a spectacular textural contrast between the crispy exterior and the creamy sauce. You’ll need to use a bit more oil when cooking and may want to finish in the oven (375°F for 10-12 minutes) to ensure the chicken cooks through while maintaining that crispy coating.

Grilled Bang Bang Chicken: Take your bang bang chicken outdoors by adapting this recipe for the grill. Marinate the chicken thighs in a tablespoon of oil with salt and pepper, then grill over medium-high heat for 5-6 minutes per side until cooked through. Brush the bang bang sauce onto the chicken during the last few minutes of cooking, reserving some for serving. This method adds a delightful smoky dimension to the dish.

Vegetarian Bang Bang Cauliflower: Transform this recipe into a meat-free delight by substituting cauliflower florets for chicken. Toss cauliflower in cornstarch, salt, and pepper, then roast at 425°F for 20 minutes until crispy before tossing in the bang bang sauce. This creates a vegetarian appetizer or main course that’s equally addictive.

Storage and Serving

Skillet Bang Bang Chicken Thighs can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The sauce may thicken significantly when chilled, but will loosen when reheated. For best results, reheat gently in a covered skillet over medium-low heat with a splash of water to prevent drying out. Avoid microwave reheating if possible, as it can make the chicken rubbery.

Serve these flavorful bang bang chicken thighs over steamed jasmine rice, which provides the perfect canvas for soaking up the creamy sauce. For a lower-carb option, pair with cauliflower rice or a crisp Asian slaw made with shredded cabbage, carrots, and a rice vinegar dressing. For a complete meal, add a side of steamed broccoli or sugar snap peas tossed with a little sesame oil and salt.

These chicken thighs also make excellent meal prep—portion into containers with rice and vegetables for delicious lunches throughout the week. The flavors actually develop and improve after a day in the refrigerator.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Yes, you can substitute chicken breasts for thighs in this Skillet Bang Bang Chicken recipe. However, breasts cook more quickly and can dry out easier. Pound them to even thickness (about ½-inch) and reduce cooking time to about 4 minutes per side, or until they reach 165°F internally.

How spicy is bang bang sauce?
Traditional bang bang sauce has a moderate heat level. In this recipe, you can easily adjust the spiciness by increasing or decreasing the amount of sriracha. Start with less if you’re sensitive to heat—you can always add more to taste.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the bang bang sauce up to 3 days in advance and store it in the refrigerator. The chicken can be seasoned and stored uncooked for up to 24 hours. Combine them just before serving for the freshest results.

What if my sauce is too thin?
If your sauce needs thickening, make a slurry with 1 teaspoon cornstarch and 1 tablespoon cold water. Add this to the simmering sauce and stir until it reaches your desired consistency.

Is there a dairy-free alternative for this recipe?
Absolutely! Most mayonnaise is already dairy-free, but check the label to be sure. The rest of the ingredients in traditional bang bang sauce contain no dairy, making this a naturally dairy-free dish.

Conclusion

This Skillet Bang Bang Chicken Thighs recipe is comfort food at its finest — a perfect blend of creamy, spicy, and sweet that transforms ordinary chicken thighs into an extraordinary meal. It’s the kind of dish that brings restaurant-quality flavor to your dinner table with minimal effort, making it perfect for both weeknight dinners and special occasions. The balance of flavors and textures creates a memorable meal that will have everyone asking for the recipe. Whether you’re a cooking novice or seasoned chef, these bang bang chicken thighs deliver impressive results every time.

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