Skillet Bang Bang Chicken Thighs

Imagine crispy, juicy chicken thighs coated in a sweet, spicy, and creamy Bang Bang sauce—all made in one skillet with minimal fuss. Sounds mouthwatering, right? That’s exactly what Skillet Bang Bang Chicken Thighs deliver! This dish brings together the crunch of pan-seared chicken and the bold, addictive flavors of Bang Bang sauce, making it perfect for an easy yet impressive meal.

If you’ve ever had Bang Bang Shrimp, you already know how incredible this sauce is. Originally made famous by Bonefish Grill, Bang Bang sauce is a mix of creamy mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, and a touch of spice from sriracha. It’s sweet, tangy, slightly spicy, and ridiculously good. Now, imagine slathering that over crispy, golden-brown chicken thighs—pure magic!

The best part? This dish is made entirely in one skillet, so you get maximum flavor with minimal cleanup. It’s the ultimate weeknight dinner solution, requiring just a handful of pantry-friendly ingredients and less than 40 minutes from start to finish. Whether you serve it with rice, noodles, or a fresh salad, this Bang Bang Chicken will be a new favorite in your meal rotation.

Why You’ll Love This Skillet Bang Bang Chicken

There are plenty of reasons to fall in love with this dish. Let’s start with the texture contrast—crispy, well-seasoned chicken thighs paired with a rich, creamy, and slightly spicy sauce. The combination is utterly irresistible.

Another reason this dish is a must-try is how effortlessly it comes together. You don’t need any fancy kitchen equipment—just a simple skillet and a handful of ingredients. Plus, since we’re using chicken thighs instead of breasts, you don’t have to worry about overcooking or drying out the meat.

Finally, it’s incredibly versatile. You can adjust the spice level, serve it with different sides, or even use the sauce on shrimp, tofu, or veggies. Whether you’re cooking for your family or meal prepping for the week, this dish is a guaranteed hit.

Preparation Time and Yield

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

• Calories: 480 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 12g
• Protein: 38g
• Fat: 32g
• Fiber: 1g
• Sugar: 8g

Ingredients for Skillet Bang Bang Chicken Thighs

For the Chicken:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon paprika
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ¼ cup cornstarch (for extra crispiness)
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (for searing)

For the Bang Bang Sauce:

• ½ cup mayonnaise
• 2 tablespoons Thai sweet chili sauce
• 1 tablespoon sriracha (adjust for spice preference)
• 1 teaspoon honey
• 1 teaspoon lime juice

For Garnish:

• 1 tablespoon chopped green onions
• 1 teaspoon sesame seeds
• Lime wedges (for serving)

Step-by-Step Instructions

for Skillet Bang Bang Chicken Thighs

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Pat the chicken thighs dry with a paper towel. Season both sides with salt, pepper, paprika, and garlic powder. The seasoning will enhance the flavor and create a beautiful crust when seared.

Step 2: Coat with Cornstarch

Lightly dredge the chicken thighs in cornstarch, shaking off any excess. This step gives the chicken a crispy, golden-brown texture when cooked in the skillet.

Step 3: Sear the Chicken

Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the chicken thighs skin-side down (even if they’re skinless, one side will get crispier).

Sear for 5-7 minutes per side until golden brown and crispy. Reduce the heat to medium-low and continue cooking for another 5 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.

Step 4: Make the Bang Bang Sauce

In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, Thai sweet chili sauce, sriracha, honey, and lime juice until smooth and creamy. Adjust the spice level by adding more or less sriracha.

Step 5: Coat the Chicken with Sauce

Return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Pour the Bang Bang sauce over the chicken and toss gently to coat. Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes to warm the sauce and allow the flavors to meld.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Remove from heat and garnish with chopped green onions, sesame seeds, and a squeeze of fresh lime juice. Serve immediately with your favorite sides, such as rice, noodles, or roasted vegetables.

Ingredient Background

Every ingredient in this dish plays a crucial role in creating that bold, creamy, and crispy Bang Bang Chicken flavor. Let’s take a closer look at some of the key ingredients and why they work so well together.

Chicken thighs are the best choice for this dish because they’re naturally juicier and more flavorful than chicken breasts. Thighs have a bit more fat, which helps them stay tender even when seared at high heat. If you prefer a leaner option, you can use chicken breasts, but you’ll need to be extra careful not to overcook them.

Cornstarch is the secret ingredient for getting that crispy, golden-brown exterior on the chicken. Unlike flour, cornstarch creates a light and crunchy texture, perfect for soaking up the Bang Bang sauce without becoming soggy.

Bang Bang sauce is what takes this dish to the next level. A mix of mayonnaise, Thai sweet chili sauce, sriracha, honey, and lime juice, this sauce is the perfect balance of sweet, spicy, creamy, and tangy. It was originally made famous in Bang Bang Shrimp, but it works just as well with chicken, tofu, or even roasted veggies.

Technique Tips for Skillet Bang Bang Chicken Thighs

Perfecting this dish is all about getting the chicken crispy and the sauce just right. Here are some expert tips:

1. Pat the Chicken Dry
Before seasoning and dredging the chicken, use a paper towel to remove excess moisture. This helps the cornstarch adhere better and ensures maximum crispiness.

2. Use the Right Heat for Searing
Searing the chicken at medium-high heat creates a golden crust without burning. If the pan is too hot, the cornstarch coating can burn before the chicken is fully cooked. If it’s too low, the chicken won’t get that delicious crispy exterior.

3. Don’t Overcrowd the Pan
If your skillet is small, cook the chicken in batches rather than cramming everything in at once. Overcrowding traps moisture and prevents the chicken from crisping up properly.

4. Simmer the Sauce for Extra Flavor
After coating the chicken with Bang Bang sauce, let it simmer for 2-3 minutes. This helps the sauce cling to the chicken while intensifying the flavors.

Alternative Presentation Ideas

Want to switch things up? Here are some creative ways to serve Skillet Bang Bang Chicken Thighs:

1. Bang Bang Chicken Bowl
Serve the crispy chicken thighs over a bowl of jasmine rice or quinoa, drizzling extra sauce on top. Add steamed broccoli, avocado slices, and shredded carrots for a well-balanced meal.

2. Bang Bang Chicken Tacos
Shred the cooked chicken and load it into warm tortillas. Top with crunchy coleslaw, pickled onions, and an extra drizzle of sauce for the ultimate fusion taco.

3. Bang Bang Chicken Salad
Slice the chicken and serve it over a bed of romaine lettuce, cucumber, and cherry tomatoes. The creamy sauce doubles as a delicious dressing!

Freezing and Storing Skillet Bang Bang Chicken

If you have leftovers or want to meal prep, here’s how to store and reheat your Bang Bang Chicken properly.

Short-Term Storage

• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• Reheat in a skillet over medium heat for 3-4 minutes to keep the crispiness intact. If using a microwave, heat in 30-second intervals, stirring in between.

Freezing the Chicken

• You can freeze the cooked, un-sauced chicken thighs for up to 2 months.
• To freeze, let the chicken cool completely, then store it in a zip-top freezer bag with parchment paper between each piece.
• When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge, then reheat in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for 10-12 minutes.

Avoid freezing the sauce—mayo-based sauces tend to separate when frozen. Instead, make a fresh batch of Bang Bang sauce when you’re ready to serve.

Healthier Twist Ideas

Want to enjoy Bang Bang Chicken with a lighter, healthier twist? Here are some easy modifications:

1. Use Greek Yogurt Instead of Mayo
Swap half the mayo for plain Greek yogurt in the Bang Bang sauce. This keeps the sauce creamy while cutting down on fat and adding protein.

2. Air-Fry Instead of Pan-Frying
For a healthier option, air-fry the chicken at 400°F (200°C) for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway through. You’ll still get a crispy texture without using extra oil.

3. Serve with Cauliflower Rice
For a low-carb version, pair the chicken with cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles instead of traditional rice or pasta.

Serving Suggestions for Events

Bang Bang Chicken is not just great for weeknight dinners—it’s also a crowd-pleaser for gatherings!

1. Game Night Snack
Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces and serve them with toothpicks and extra Bang Bang sauce for a fun, shareable appetizer.

2. Summer BBQ Favorite
Make grilled Bang Bang Chicken by brushing the sauce over the thighs while grilling. Serve with grilled corn and a fresh mango salsa.

3. Family-Style Platter
Place the crispy chicken thighs on a large platter with steamed rice, stir-fried vegetables, and a side of sauce for a meal everyone can dig into.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Yes! Just be careful not to overcook them, as breasts tend to dry out faster.

2. Can I make this recipe less spicy?

Absolutely! Reduce or omit the sriracha, and the dish will still be flavorful with just a hint of heat from the sweet chili sauce.

3. What’s the best way to get crispy chicken?

Make sure to pat the chicken dry, coat it evenly with cornstarch, and use a hot pan. Avoid overcrowding the skillet!

4. Can I make Bang Bang sauce ahead of time?

Yes! Store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 week.

5. Can I grill the chicken instead?

Yes! Brush the thighs with a little oil and grill over medium heat for 5-6 minutes per side. Then toss in the sauce.

6. What can I serve this with?

Rice, noodles, roasted veggies, or even inside a sandwich or wrap!

7. Can I use an alternative to cornstarch?

Yes! You can use arrowroot powder or a mix of flour and baking powder for a similar crisp effect.

8. Can I make this dairy-free?

Yes! The recipe is naturally dairy-free—just check that your mayonnaise is dairy-free.

9. Can I double the recipe?

Yes! Just make sure not to overcrowd the pan—cook in batches if necessary.

10. What other proteins work with this recipe?

Shrimp, tofu, and even cauliflower work well with Bang Bang sauce!

Conclusion

Skillet Bang Bang Chicken Thighs bring crispy, juicy chicken and a bold, creamy sauce together in a dish that’s both easy to make and impossible to resist. Whether you’re making it for a quick weeknight dinner, a family gathering, or meal prepping for the week, this dish delivers big on flavor with minimal effort.

So grab your skillet, whip up some Bang Bang sauce, and get ready for a meal that will have everyone asking for seconds!

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