Skillet Bang Bang Chicken Thighs

If you love bold, spicy, and creamy flavors, this Skillet Bang Bang Chicken Thighs recipe is about to become your new go-to dinner. Juicy chicken thighs are seared to perfection in a skillet, then drizzled with a homemade bang bang sauce that’s tangy, slightly spicy, and irresistibly creamy. It’s fast, flavorful, and perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
One Skillet – Easy cleanup with minimal dishes.
Juicy & Flavorful – Chicken thighs stay tender and full of flavor.
Bold Sauce – The sweet, spicy, and creamy bang bang sauce is addicting.
Versatile – Serve over rice, noodles, lettuce wraps, or veggies.
Quick & Easy – On the table in just 30 minutes.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Chicken:

• 6 boneless, skinless chicken thighs
• 1 tbsp cornstarch (for a light crisp coating)
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp paprika
• ½ tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• 2 tbsp vegetable oil

For the Bang Bang Sauce:

• ¼ cup mayonnaise (or Greek yogurt for a lighter version)
• 2 tbsp sweet chili sauce
• 1 tbsp sriracha (adjust to taste)
• 1 tbsp honey
• 1 tsp rice vinegar or lime juice
• 1 clove garlic, minced (optional for added flavor)

For Garnish & Serving:

• 1 tbsp chopped green onions
• 1 tsp sesame seeds (optional)
• Steamed white or brown rice
• Stir-fried or steamed veggies

Tools You’ll Need
Large nonstick or cast-iron skillet
Mixing bowl
Tongs or spatula
Measuring spoons and cups

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prep the Chicken

1. Pat chicken thighs dry with paper towels.
2. In a bowl, toss chicken with cornstarch, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper to evenly coat.
3. This light coating helps get a crispy sear in the pan.

Step 2: Make the Bang Bang Sauce

1. In a small bowl, mix mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, honey, vinegar or lime juice, and garlic (if using).
2. Stir until smooth and creamy.
3. Taste and adjust heat or sweetness to your liking. Set aside.

Step 3: Cook the Chicken Thighs

1. Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Add chicken thighs, smooth side down. Cook for 5–6 minutes without moving them to get a golden crust.
3. Flip and cook the other side for another 5–6 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
4. Remove from heat and let rest for 2–3 minutes.

Step 4: Add Sauce & Finish

1. Spoon or drizzle the bang bang sauce over the chicken while it’s still warm.
2. You can also return the chicken to the skillet, pour the sauce in, and toss to coat over low heat.
3. Garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds.

Step 5: Serve

1. Slice the chicken if desired and serve over steamed rice or noodles.
2. Add your favorite vegetables like broccoli, bell peppers, or snap peas for a complete meal.

Tips for Perfect Bang Bang Chicken Thighs
Use Boneless Thighs – They cook evenly and stay moist and flavorful.
Don’t Overcrowd the Pan – Cook in batches if needed to maintain that golden sear.
Adjust the Sauce – Make it spicier with more sriracha, or sweeter with more honey.
Make it Lighter – Swap mayo with Greek yogurt for a tangy, lower-calorie version.
Make It Crispy – For extra crisp, finish under the broiler for 1–2 minutes.

Serving Suggestions
Over Rice – Jasmine or basmati rice soaks up the delicious sauce.
With Stir-Fried Veggies – A colorful mix of peppers, carrots, and green beans.
In Lettuce Wraps – A low-carb option that’s still satisfying.
On Noodles – Great tossed with rice noodles or soba for a full meal.
In Bowls – Build a grain bowl with quinoa, cucumbers, avocado, and sliced chicken.

How to Store & Reheat

Storing:
Refrigerate: Store leftover chicken and sauce separately in airtight containers for up to 4 days.
Freeze: Chicken can be frozen without the sauce for up to 2 months.

Reheating:
Skillet: Reheat in a pan over low heat, adding sauce at the end.
Microwave: Heat in 30-second bursts, then spoon sauce over top.
Oven: Reheat at 350°F (175°C) covered in foil until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
   Yes, but chicken thighs are juicier. If using breasts, pound to even thickness for best results.
2. What can I use instead of sweet chili sauce?
   Mix honey, a splash of vinegar, and a pinch of chili flakes for a quick homemade version.
3. Can I grill the chicken instead?
   Absolutely! Grill the seasoned chicken thighs and drizzle the sauce over right before serving.
4. Is this dish spicy?
   It has a mild kick. Adjust the sriracha for more or less heat.
5. Can I make it dairy-free?
   Yes! Just make sure to use a dairy-free mayo alternative.

Final Thoughts
Skillet Bang Bang Chicken Thighs are everything you want in a quick dinner—crispy, saucy, and packed with flavor. Whether you’re making it for a weeknight family meal or meal prepping lunches for the week, this dish is fast, flexible, and full of crave-worthy goodness. The sweet and spicy sauce ties it all together for a recipe you’ll want to make again and again.

Give it a try and let me know how it turns out! Share your photos and tag your creations—I’d love to see them.

Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 20 minutes
Cuisine: Asian-American Fusion

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
Calories: 370 | Protein: 28g | Carbohydrates: 10g | Fat: 24g | Fiber: 1g | Sodium: 580mg

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