Zesty Skillet Bang Bang Chicken Thighs Recipe for Dinner Joy

Cooking these skillet bang bang chicken thighs will transport you straight to flavor paradise.

Crispy edges and juicy interiors make this dish a total crowd-pleaser.

Creamy, spicy sauce coats each tender piece with incredible depth.

Southern-style techniques merge with zesty Asian-inspired seasonings for an unexpected culinary twist.

Simple ingredients come together in one pan, minimizing kitchen cleanup.

Our secret blend of spices guarantees everyone at the table will beg for seconds.

Dive into this mouthwatering recipe and watch magic happen on your dinner plate.

Serving Suggestions for Skillet Bang Bang Chicken

• Zesty Dinner Companion: Pair these spicy chicken thighs with steamed jasmine rice to soak up the delicious Bang Bang sauce and balance the heat.
• Veggie Boost: Serve alongside roasted broccoli or crispy stir-fried vegetables to add nutrition and color to the plate, creating a complete and satisfying meal.
• Fresh Crunch Topping: Sprinkle extra chopped green onions, toasted sesame seeds, and a small handful of crispy wonton strips for added texture and visual appeal that enhances the dish's overall experience.
• Cool Sidekick: Add a small cucumber salad dressed with rice vinegar and sesame oil to provide a refreshing contrast to the rich, spicy chicken thighs.

Storage Tips for Skillet Bang Bang Chicken Thighs

• Store leftover chicken thighs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Cool the chicken completely before sealing to prevent moisture buildup.
• Wrap individual chicken thighs tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. Label the bag with the date for easy tracking.
• Preheat oven to 350°F. Place chicken on a baking sheet, cover loosely with foil to prevent drying. Warm for 10-15 minutes until heated through, checking internal temperature reaches 165°F.

FAQs

• What is Bang Bang sauce made of?

Bang Bang sauce is a creamy, spicy condiment combining mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, honey, rice vinegar, and garlic powder, creating a tangy and slightly sweet flavor profile.

• Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Yes, you can substitute chicken breasts, but adjust cooking time since they cook faster and can dry out more easily. Ensure internal temperature reaches 165F for safe consumption.

• How spicy is this Bang Bang chicken?

The spice level depends on how much sriracha you add. Start with a small amount and gradually increase to match your heat tolerance. You can always add more sriracha to customize the spiciness.

Skillet Bang Bang Chicken Thighs: Bold Flavors

• Quick and Easy Preparation: Whip up this delectable chicken dish with minimal steps and basic ingredients that come together in a flash.
• Flavor Explosion: Enjoy a mouthwatering combination of crispy chicken skin and tangy Bang Bang sauce that delivers a perfect balance of sweet, spicy, and savory notes.
• Versatile Meal Option: Perfect for busy weeknights, casual gatherings, or when you want a crowd-pleasing protein that pairs wonderfully with rice, salad, or roasted vegetables.
• Restaurant-Quality Taste at Home: Create a restaurant-inspired dish without the hefty price tag, bringing professional-level cooking right to your kitchen with simple techniques and bold flavors.

Ingredients for Skillet Bang Bang Chicken Thighs

• Chicken Thighs: Juicy and flavorful cut of chicken that creates a crispy exterior when seared in a skillet.

• Garlic Powder, Onion Powder, Smoked Paprika, Salt, Pepper: A balanced spice mix that enhances the chicken's natural flavor and adds depth to the dish.

• Vegetable Oil: Helps create a perfect golden-brown sear on the chicken thighs.

• Mayonnaise: Provides a creamy base for the sauce.
• Sweet Chili Sauce: Adds a sweet and slightly spicy flavor profile.
• Sriracha: Contributes extra heat and tanginess to the sauce.
• Honey: Balances the spicy elements with a touch of sweetness.
• Rice Vinegar: Brings a subtle acidic note to the sauce.
• Soy Sauce (Optional): Adds depth and umami flavor to the sauce.
• Garlic Powder: Reinforces the savory undertones in the sauce.

• Green Onions, Sesame Seeds: Fresh and crunchy toppings that add visual appeal and texture to the finished dish.

How to Make Skillet Bang Bang Chicken Thighs

Step 1: Season Chicken Thighs

Pat the chicken thighs completely dry with paper towels.

• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Smoked paprika
• Salt
• Black pepper

Ensure each thigh is well-coated with the seasoning blend.

Step 2: Sear Chicken in Skillet

Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.

Carefully place chicken thighs skin-side down into the hot pan.

Cook for 6-8 minutes until the skin turns golden brown and crispy.

The sizzling sound indicates proper heat and caramelization.

Step 3: Complete Chicken Cooking

Flip the chicken thighs using tongs.

Continue cooking for 10-12 minutes, allowing the meat to cook thoroughly.

Check internal temperature reaches 165°F using a meat thermometer.

Once fully cooked, transfer chicken to a serving plate.

Step 4: Whip Up Bang Bang Sauce

• Mayonnaise
• Sweet chili sauce
• Sriracha
• Honey
• Rice vinegar
• Garlic powder
• Soy sauce (optional)

Whisk everything together until the sauce becomes smooth and well-blended.

Step 5: Finish and Serve

Generously drizzle the Bang Bang sauce over the cooked chicken thighs.

Sprinkle chopped green onions and sesame seeds on top for added flavor and visual appeal.

Serve immediately while the chicken is hot and crispy.

Expert Tips for Skillet Bang Bang Chicken Thighs

• Pat chicken thighs completely dry before seasoning to ensure a perfectly crispy, golden-brown skin that adds delightful texture.
• Use a heavy-bottomed skillet and avoid moving chicken while searing to create a beautiful crust that locks in juices and flavor.
• Adjust Bang Bang sauce ingredients to taste – add more sriracha for heat or honey for sweetness, creating a personalized flavor profile.
• Always use a meat thermometer to check chicken reaches 165F internally, guaranteeing safe and perfectly cooked, juicy chicken thighs.
• Cooked chicken and Bang Bang sauce can be stored separately in refrigerator for 3-4 days, making it an excellent option for quick weeknight meals.

Variations to Spice Up Skillet Bang Bang Chicken

• Gluten-Free Adaptation: Replace regular sweet chili sauce with gluten-free sweet chili sauce. Use tamari instead of soy sauce to maintain the flavor profile while keeping it gluten-free.
• Dairy-Free Version: Swap mayonnaise with vegan mayonnaise or Greek yogurt alternative to create a lighter, dairy-free Bang Bang sauce that still delivers rich flavor.
• Spicy Lovers' Edition: Increase sriracha amount or add cayenne pepper to the chicken seasoning. Include diced jalapeños in the Bang Bang sauce for extra heat and complexity.
• Low-Carb Option: Substitute honey with monk fruit sweetener or stevia. Skip sweet chili sauce and create a spicy mayo-based sauce using hot sauce, mustard, and garlic powder to reduce carbohydrate content.

Skillet Bang Bang Chicken Thighs Recipe

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4.7 from 32 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Sizzling bang bang chicken thighs bring explosive flavor to your dinner table. Louisiana-style spices and creamy sauce create a mouthwatering meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Chicken:

• 6 chicken thighs (bone-in, skin-on)

Spices and Seasonings:

• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 0.5 teaspoon smoked paprika
• Salt (to taste)
• Pepper (to taste)

Cooking Oil:

• 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) vegetable oil

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Instructions

1. Thoroughly pat chicken thighs dry to ensure maximum seasoning adherence, then generously coat with garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper for a robust flavor profile.
2. Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Carefully place chicken thighs skin-side down, allowing them to sear for 6-8 minutes to develop a crispy, golden-brown exterior.
3. Rotate chicken thighs to ensure even cooking, continuing to cook for an additional 10-12 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 165°F, guaranteeing fully cooked meat with a juicy interior.
4. While chicken rests, create the signature Bang Bang sauce by whisking mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, honey, rice vinegar, garlic powder, and optional soy sauce until achieving a smooth, vibrant consistency.
5. Transfer cooked chicken to serving plates, then lavishly drizzle the zesty Bang Bang sauce over the top, creating an eye-catching presentation.
6. Optionally, sprinkle chopped green onions and sesame seeds for added texture and visual appeal, serving immediately to maintain the chicken’s optimal temperature and crispiness.

Notes

• Pat chicken thighs completely dry before seasoning to ensure maximum crispy skin and better browning.
• Adjust spice levels in Bang Bang sauce by adding more or less sriracha for personal heat preference.
• Use bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs for extra flavor and juiciness compared to boneless varieties.
• Low-carb alternative: Replace honey with sugar-free sweetener to make the recipe keto-friendly.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 294 kcal
• Sugar: 0 g
• Sodium: 120 mg
• Fat: 21 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 1 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Protein: 23 g
• Cholesterol: 115 mg