Crispy Skillet Bang Bang Chicken Thighs Recipe

Sizzling Skillet Bang Bang Chicken Thighs Recipe for Dinner Joy

Crispy, golden skillet bang bang chicken thighs promise a flavor explosion that will make your taste buds dance with excitement.

Marinades infused with zesty sriracha and creamy mayo create an irresistible coating for these juicy meat pieces.

Our simple technique ensures each bite delivers maximum crunch and tantalizing spice.

Weeknight dinners demand quick, delicious solutions that don’t compromise on taste.

Home cooks appreciate recipes that come together effortlessly without sacrificing incredible flavor profiles.

Minimal ingredients and straightforward preparation mean you can master this dish in under thirty minutes.

These chicken thighs will become your new go-to meal that impresses everyone around the dinner table.

Bold Skillet Bang Bang Chicken Thighs To Excite Your Palate

  • Savor Quick and Crispy Delights: This recipe transforms simple chicken thighs into a crunchy, flavor-packed meal that's ready in minutes, perfect for busy weeknights or sudden hunger pangs.
  • Master Simple Culinary Magic: With just a few ingredients and basic cooking skills, home cooks can create a restaurant-quality dish that impresses family and friends without complicated techniques.
  • Customize Your Flavor Adventure: The bang bang sauce offers a perfect balance of sweet, spicy, and tangy notes that can be easily adjusted to suit personal taste preferences or spice tolerance levels.
  • Crowd-Pleasing Comfort Food: The crispy chicken paired with the zesty sauce creates an irresistible combination that appeals to both kids and adults, making it an ideal choice for family dinners or casual gatherings.

Ingredients For Skillet Bang Bang Chicken Thighs

Main Protein:
  • Chicken Thighs: Tender and flavorful meat that becomes crispy when cooked in a skillet.
Coating and Seasoning:
  • Cornstarch: Helps create a crispy exterior for the chicken.
  • Garlic Powder: Adds a savory and aromatic flavor to the chicken.
Sauce Ingredients:
  • Mayonnaise: Provides a creamy base for the bang bang sauce.
  • Sweet Chili Sauce: Brings a sweet and slightly spicy flavor to the sauce.
  • Sriracha: Adds heat and a tangy kick to the sauce.
  • Honey: Contributes sweetness and helps balance the sauce's flavors.
Cooking and Finishing:
  • Olive Oil: Used for cooking the chicken and creating a golden brown crust.
  • Green Onions: Fresh garnish that adds color and a mild onion flavor.

Cooking Instructions For Skillet Bang Bang Chicken Thighs

Step 1: Prepare Chicken Coating

Sprinkle cornstarch and garlic powder over chicken thighs, ensuring each piece is evenly and generously covered. Pat the chicken gently to help the coating stick perfectly.

Step 2: Sizzle and Brown

Pour olive oil into a hot skillet and carefully place the coated chicken thighs. Cook each side until they turn a gorgeous golden brown and develop a crispy exterior.

The chicken should sizzle beautifully and release an irresistible aroma.

Step 3: Create Creamy Bang Bang Sauce

Whisk together in a mixing bowl:
  • Mayonnaise
  • Sweet chili sauce
  • Sriracha
  • Honey

Blend the ingredients until smooth and well combined, creating a tangy and sweet sauce that will make your taste buds dance.

Step 4: Coat and Toss

Remove the crispy chicken from the skillet and drizzle the bang bang sauce generously over the thighs. Gently toss the chicken to ensure every inch is covered in the delicious sauce, creating a glossy and flavorful coating.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Sprinkle freshly chopped green onions over the saucy chicken thighs. Serve immediately while hot, allowing the sauce to remain glistening and appetizing.

Enjoy this crowd-pleasing dish that combines crispy texture with bold, zesty flavors.

Tips For Perfectly Cooked Skillet Bang Bang Chicken Thighs

  • Dust cornstarch evenly over chicken thighs to create an extra crispy exterior that locks in moisture and enhances golden-brown color.
  • Ensure skillet is hot before adding chicken to achieve perfect searing and prevent sticking.
  • Adjust bang bang sauce spiciness by adding more or less sriracha according to personal heat preference.
  • Pat chicken thighs dry before coating with cornstarch to help achieve maximum crispiness and better seasoning adhesion.
  • Let chicken rest for a few minutes after cooking to allow juices to redistribute, keeping meat tender and flavorful.

Creative Spins On Skillet Bang Bang Chicken Thighs

  • Spicy Gluten-Free Option: Replace cornstarch with almond flour for a gluten-free coating, maintaining crispy texture while accommodating dietary restrictions.
  • Mediterranean Herb Variation: Swap sriracha and sweet chili sauce with lemon juice, oregano, and garlic for a Mediterranean-inspired flavor profile with zesty herbs.
  • Low-Carb Keto Version: Use crushed pork rinds instead of cornstarch, replace honey with sugar-free sweetener, and keep the creamy sauce intact for a keto-friendly adaptation.
  • Vegetarian Alternative: Substitute chicken thighs with firm tofu or cauliflower florets, using the same crispy coating and bang bang sauce for a plant-based meal.

Serving Ideas For Skillet Bang Bang Chicken Thighs

  • Flavor Fiesta Plate: Serve these zesty chicken thighs over steamed jasmine rice, letting the sauce drip and mingle with the fluffy grains for a delicious one-plate meal.
  • Spicy Appetizer Twist: Cut chicken into bite-sized pieces, skewer with toothpicks, and arrange on a platter for a crowd-pleasing party snack that packs a flavor punch.
  • Loaded Salad Bowl: Layer crisp mixed greens, cucumber slices, and the bang bang chicken thighs for a light yet satisfying lunch that balances heat and freshness.
  • Wrap It Up: Stuff warm tortillas with sliced chicken thighs, extra bang bang sauce, and crunchy slaw for a handheld meal that's perfect for quick dinners.

How To Keep Skillet Bang Bang Chicken Thighs Fresh

  • Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container within two hours of cooking to maintain freshness and prevent bacterial growth.
  • Store chicken thighs in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days, keeping the sauce separate to prevent sogginess.
  • Freeze individual portions in freezer-safe containers for up to one month, ensuring the chicken is completely cooled before sealing.

FAQs

  • What makes bang bang sauce unique?

Bang bang sauce combines creamy mayonnaise with sweet chili sauce, sriracha, and honey, creating a tangy, sweet, and spicy flavor profile that perfectly complements crispy chicken thighs.

  • Can I substitute chicken thighs with another cut of chicken?

Chicken breasts or drumsticks work well, but thighs are recommended because they stay juicier and have more flavor when cooked in a skillet.

  • How do I ensure the chicken gets crispy?

Coat the chicken in cornstarch before cooking and use a hot skillet with enough oil. Don’t overcrowd the pan, and cook the chicken until it develops a golden-brown crust.

Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon
Crispy Skillet Bang Bang Chicken Thighs Recipe

Crispy Skillet Bang Bang Chicken Thighs Recipe


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.7 from 33 reviews

  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Bang Bang Chicken Thighs offer a delightful fusion of crispy, spicy flavors from Asian cuisine. Succulent chicken thighs combine zesty sauce and crunchy texture, creating a memorable meal you’ll crave again and again.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Protein:

  • 4 chicken thighs

Coating and Thickening:

  • 1/4 cup cornstarch

Sauce and Seasoning Ingredients:

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1/4 cup mayonnaise
  • 1/4 cup sweet chili sauce
  • 2 tablespoons sriracha
  • 2 tablespoons honey
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder

Garnish:

  • 2 green onions

Instructions

  1. Thoroughly coat chicken thighs with cornstarch and evenly sprinkle garlic powder, ensuring complete coverage for maximum crispiness.
  2. Warm olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering, approximately 2-3 minutes.
  3. Carefully place seasoned chicken thighs into hot skillet, cooking for 6-7 minutes per side until exterior turns golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F.
  4. While chicken cooks, whisk together mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, and honey in a mixing bowl, creating a vibrant and tangy bang bang sauce.
  5. Once chicken is perfectly crisp and cooked through, remove from skillet and transfer to serving plate.
  6. Generously drizzle prepared bang bang sauce over chicken thighs, using tongs to gently toss and ensure even coating.
  7. Sprinkle freshly chopped green onions across the top for a bright, aromatic finish.
  8. Serve immediately while chicken remains hot and sauce is glistening, creating an appetizing presentation.

Notes

  • Choose boneless, skinless chicken thighs for maximum tenderness and quick cooking.
  • Pat chicken thighs completely dry before coating with cornstarch to ensure a crispy, golden exterior.
  • Use a cast-iron skillet for the best heat distribution and beautiful browning of the chicken.
  • Adjust the spice level of bang bang sauce by increasing or decreasing sriracha amount for personal preference.
  • Replace regular mayonnaise with avocado oil-based mayo and use gluten-free sweet chili sauce.
  • Make sauce ahead of time and store in refrigerator for up to 3 days for convenient meal prep.
  • Balance the sweetness and heat by tasting and adjusting sauce ingredients before coating chicken.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner
  • Method: Frying
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 330 kcal
  • Sugar: 8 g
  • Sodium: 450 mg
  • Fat: 20 g
  • Saturated Fat: 4 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 12 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 25 g
  • Cholesterol: 95 mg
John Conley

John Conley

Founder & Culinary Storyteller

Expertise

Recipe Development, Culinary Writing, Home Cooking Techniques, Seasonal Ingredient Utilization​

Education

Lane Community College, Eugene, OR
​Certificate in Culinary Arts
Focused on foundational cooking techniques, kitchen safety, and menu planning.

​Gotham Writers Workshop, New York, NY
Course in Food Writing
Explored the art of crafting engaging culinary narratives and recipe development.


John grew up where food meant connection: big bowls, warm kitchens, and meals that told a story. After earning his Certificate in Culinary Arts from Lane Community College and diving deep into food writing at Gotham Writers Workshop, he found his calling: turning everyday recipes into something worth savoring.
At The Liffey, John’s focus is all about crafting dishes that feel easy, honest, and full of heart.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe rating 5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star