Looking for a delicious, spicy, and easy-to-make dish that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion? Skillet Bang Bang Chicken Thighs are a crowd-pleaser. Packed with flavor, this dish features tender, juicy chicken thighs cooked to perfection and slathered in a creamy, tangy, and slightly spicy Bang Bang sauce. In this article, we’ll take you through the entire process, from ingredients to serving tips, to help you nail this recipe every time. Keep reading to master the art of making Skillet Bang Bang Chicken Thighs!

What are Skillet Bang Bang Chicken Thighs?
Skillet Bang Bang Chicken Thighs combine succulent chicken thighs with a classic Bang Bang sauce made from a blend of mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, and sriracha for a perfect balance of sweet, spicy, and tangy flavors. Cooking the chicken thighs in a skillet gives them a crispy exterior, while the inside remains juicy and tender. This recipe is easy to follow and doesn’t require any complicated techniques or hard-to-find ingredients. It’s perfect for anyone who loves bold flavors and needs a quick and satisfying meal.
Ingredients List for Skillet Bang Bang Chicken Thighs
Before diving into the recipe, let’s gather the ingredients needed to make these tasty chicken thighs:
- 6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)
For the Bang Bang Sauce:
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons sweet chili sauce
- 1 tablespoon sriracha (adjust based on your heat preference)
- 1 teaspoon rice vinegar (optional, for extra tang)
- 1 teaspoon honey (optional, for a bit of sweetness)
Optional Garnishes:
- Chopped green onions
- Sesame seeds
- Fresh cilantro
Substitutions and Variations
While this recipe is fantastic as is, you can easily adjust it to your taste preferences or dietary needs. Here are some common substitutions and variations:
- Boneless Chicken Thighs or Chicken Breasts: If you prefer, you can use boneless, skinless chicken thighs or even chicken breasts. Just adjust the cooking time since these cuts cook faster.
- Greek Yogurt for Mayonnaise: For a healthier twist, replace the mayonnaise with Greek yogurt. It will still provide a creamy texture with a slight tang, but with fewer calories and added protein.
- Spice Level Adjustment: If you’re not a fan of too much spice, you can reduce or omit the sriracha. On the flip side, if you want more heat, add an extra teaspoon of sriracha or a pinch of cayenne pepper.
- Gluten-Free Option: This recipe is naturally gluten-free, but always double-check the labels on your condiments to ensure there’s no hidden gluten, especially in the sweet chili sauce and sriracha.
- Dairy-Free Option: The traditional recipe doesn't contain dairy, but if you're using substitutes like Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise, opt for a dairy-free version.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Now that you have your ingredients ready, let’s dive into the step-by-step process of cooking Skillet Bang Bang Chicken Thighs.
Step 1: Season the Chicken Thighs
Start by patting the chicken thighs dry with paper towels. This helps the skin crisp up nicely during cooking. In a small bowl, combine salt, black pepper, garlic powder, paprika, onion powder, and cayenne pepper (if using). Sprinkle the seasoning mix evenly over both sides of the chicken thighs.
Step 2: Heat the Skillet
Place a large cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat and add the olive oil. Once the oil is hot and shimmering, carefully add the chicken thighs skin-side down. Cook the chicken thighs for about 6-8 minutes until the skin is golden brown and crispy.
Step 3: Flip and Cook the Other Side
Once the skin is crispy, flip the chicken thighs over and cook for another 6-8 minutes on the other side, ensuring the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F/75°C).
Step 4: Make the Bang Bang Sauce
While the chicken is cooking, prepare the Bang Bang sauce. In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, rice vinegar, and honey until smooth. Taste and adjust seasoning according to your preference.
Step 5: Coat the Chicken with Sauce
Once the chicken thighs are fully cooked, remove them from the skillet and set them on a plate. Drizzle the Bang Bang sauce generously over the top of the chicken, or toss the thighs in a bowl with the sauce to coat them evenly.
How to Cook Skillet Bang Bang Chicken Thighs: A Step-by-Step Guide
Cooking the perfect Skillet Bang Bang Chicken Thighs requires a balance of heat and timing. Here’s a quick guide:
- Start with a Hot Skillet: Make sure your skillet is well-heated before adding the chicken. This ensures you’ll get a crispy skin without overcooking the meat.
- Cook Skin-Side Down First: Always start with the skin-side down to crisp up the skin. If the skin is sticking to the pan, wait a little longer—it will release once it’s crispy enough.
- Don’t Rush the Cooking Time: Chicken thighs are forgiving, but you don’t want to rush the process. Make sure each side gets about 6-8 minutes of cooking time to develop a golden-brown crust.
- Check the Internal Temperature: Use a meat thermometer to check that the chicken has reached an internal temperature of 165°F/75°C. This ensures it’s safe to eat.
- Apply the Sauce at the End: Don’t cook the Bang Bang sauce with the chicken in the skillet. It’s best to apply the sauce after cooking to preserve its creamy texture and bold flavors.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Not Patting the Chicken Dry: Skipping this step can result in soggy skin. Always pat your chicken thighs dry before seasoning and cooking.
- Cooking on Too High of Heat: While you want a hot skillet, cooking on too high of heat can burn the skin before the chicken cooks through. Medium-high heat is ideal for this recipe.
- Not Using a Meat Thermometer: Chicken thighs can vary in size, so always use a meat thermometer to ensure they are cooked properly.
- Overcooking the Chicken: While chicken thighs are more forgiving than breasts, overcooking can still dry them out. Keep an eye on the internal temperature for perfect doneness.
Serving and Presentation Tips
Once your Skillet Bang Bang Chicken Thighs are cooked and sauced, it’s time to serve and impress your guests with a beautiful presentation. Here’s how:
- Serve with Rice or Noodles: The creamy, spicy sauce pairs beautifully with steamed white rice, jasmine rice, or even noodles like rice noodles or lo mein. The neutral flavor of the starch balances out the bold flavors of the chicken.
- Add Fresh Veggies: Serve the chicken alongside steamed or sautéed vegetables such as broccoli, snap peas, or bell peppers for a nutritious, colorful plate.
- Garnish with Greenery: Sprinkle chopped green onions, fresh cilantro, or sesame seeds over the top for an added burst of color and flavor.
How to Serve Skillet Bang Bang Chicken Thighs
This dish can be served family-style by placing the chicken thighs on a large platter, drizzled with sauce, and garnished with fresh herbs and sesame seeds. Pair it with sides like jasmine rice, mashed potatoes, or roasted vegetables. For a lighter option, you could serve it on a bed of mixed greens for a Bang Bang Chicken Salad.
Presentation Ideas for Skillet Bang Bang Chicken Thighs
To make your dish Instagram-worthy, here are a few presentation tips:
- Use a Rustic Skillet: Serve the chicken directly from the skillet for a casual, yet elegant presentation.
- Plate Individually: For a more formal setting, plate each chicken thigh with a small portion of rice or noodles and a side of vegetables.
- Drizzle the Sauce Artfully: Instead of simply pouring the sauce over the chicken, use a spoon to drizzle it in a zigzag pattern for a more professional look.
Skillet Bang Bang Chicken Thighs Recipe Tips
- Use High-Quality Chicken Thighs: Opt for organic, free-range chicken thighs for the best flavor and texture.
- Make the Sauce Ahead of Time: If you’re short on time, the Bang Bang sauce can be made a day ahead and stored in the refrigerator.
- Experiment with Marinades: For even more flavor, marinate the chicken thighs in a mixture of olive oil, garlic, and lime juice before cooking.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I make this dish in the oven instead of a skillet?
A: Yes, you can bake the chicken thighs in a preheated oven at 400°F for 30-35 minutes, then coat them with the sauce.
Q: How long does the Bang Bang sauce last in the fridge?
A: The Bang Bang sauce will keep for up to 3 days when stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
Q: Can I make this dish ahead of time?
A: While it’s best served fresh, you can cook the chicken thighs ahead of time and reheat them. However, apply the sauce just before serving.
Q: Is this dish keto-friendly?
A: Yes, Skillet Bang Bang Chicken Thighs can easily be made keto-friendly by using sugar-free mayonnaise and a low-carb chili sauce.
Conclusion
Skillet Bang Bang Chicken Thighs are the perfect balance of crispy, juicy, sweet, and spicy. This dish is easy to make and will surely impress your family or dinner guests. Whether you’re a fan of bold flavors or looking to spice up your weekly dinner rotation, this recipe is a must-try. Follow the steps above, avoid common mistakes, and don’t forget to serve it with your favorite sides for a complete meal. Happy cooking!
PrintSkillet Bang Bang Chicken Thighs Recipe
Skillet Bang Bang Chicken Thighs are a delicious and easy-to-make dish with a blend of sweet, spicy, and tangy flavors. These crispy chicken thighs are coated in a rich Bang Bang sauce made from mayo, sweet chili sauce, and sriracha, delivering a mouthwatering experience. Perfect for a quick weeknight meal!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: Asian-inspired
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
- 6 boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- ¼ cup sweet chili sauce
- 2 tbsp sriracha
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Green onions and sesame seeds for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Season chicken thighs with salt and pepper.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
- Sear chicken thighs for 5-6 minutes per side until crispy and cooked through.
- In a bowl, mix mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, and sriracha to make the Bang Bang sauce.
- Toss cooked chicken in the sauce until well coated.
- Garnish with green onions and sesame seeds, if desired, before serving.
Notes
- Adjust the spiciness by adding more or less sriracha to taste.
- Serve with rice or a side salad for a complete meal.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken thigh
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 600mg
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