Zesty Skillet Bang Bang Chicken Thighs Recipe: Spice It Up

Crispy and bold, these skillet bang bang chicken thighs pack a serious flavor punch that’ll make your taste buds dance.

My kitchen experiments often lead to unexpected culinary adventures.

Spicy, creamy sauce drizzled over perfectly seared chicken creates an irresistible combination you won’t be able to resist.

Each bite promises a symphony of tangy and heat-packed notes that elevate a simple protein into something extraordinary.

Marinades and quick-cooking techniques merge seamlessly in this crowd-pleasing dish.

Home cooks seeking a meal that impresses without complicated steps will love this recipe simplicity.

Come explore how a few smart ingredients can turn ordinary chicken into an unforgettable dinner sensation.

Serving Ideas for Skillet Bang Bang Chicken Thighs

• Fiery Fusion Feast: Serve the bang bang chicken thighs over steamed jasmine rice, letting the sauce drip and coat each grain with spicy-sweet goodness.
• Zesty Wrap Adventure: Slice the chicken, stuff into warm tortillas with crisp lettuce, pickled onions, and extra bang bang sauce for a handheld flavor explosion.
• Salad Sensation: Chop the chicken and toss over a bed of mixed greens, cucumber, and mandarin oranges, drizzling the remaining bang bang sauce as a vibrant dressing.
• Appetizer Party Starter: Cut chicken into bite-sized pieces, skewer with toothpicks, and serve as a crowd-pleasing finger food with extra sauce for dipping at gatherings.

Storing Skillet Bang Bang Chicken Thighs Properly

• Store leftover chicken thighs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Separate the chicken from the bang bang sauce to prevent soggy skin.
• Wrap each chicken thigh individually in plastic wrap or aluminum foil for better preservation.
• Keep the bang bang sauce in a separate sealed container to maintain its freshness.

FAQs

• What is bang bang sauce made of?

Bang bang sauce combines mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, Sriracha, and honey for a creamy, spicy, and slightly sweet flavor profile.

• Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Yes, you can substitute chicken thighs with chicken breasts, but adjust cooking time as breasts cook faster and can dry out more quickly.

• How spicy is this recipe?

The spice level depends on the amount of Sriracha you add. Start with a small amount and gradually increase to suit your heat tolerance.

• Is this recipe gluten-free?

Check your sweet chili sauce and Sriracha labels carefully, as some brands may contain gluten. Use certified gluten-free versions if needed.

Bang Bang Chicken Thighs from the Skillet Secrets

• Elevate Weeknight Dinners: Transform ordinary chicken into a restaurant-worthy meal with bold, tangy bang bang sauce that brings excitement to your plate.
• Simplify Cooking Process: Requires just one skillet and minimal ingredients, making it perfect for busy home cooks who want maximum flavor with minimal effort.
• Master Crispy Chicken Technique: Learn how to achieve perfectly golden, crispy chicken skin that locks in juicy, tender meat using a simple stovetop method.
• Customize Your Spice Level: Adjust the bang bang sauce by increasing or decreasing Sriracha to create a personalized heat profile that suits your taste buds.

What You Need for Skillet Bang Bang Chicken Thighs

• Chicken Thighs: Juicy dark meat with crispy skin perfect for this flavorful skillet dish.

• Olive Oil: Helps create a golden, crispy exterior for the chicken thighs.

• Salt, Black Pepper: Classic seasonings that enhance the natural flavor of the chicken.

• Mayonnaise, Sweet Chili Sauce, Sriracha, Honey: Create a creamy, sweet, and spicy bang bang sauce that coats the chicken with bold flavors.

• Green Onions, Sesame Seeds: Add fresh color, mild onion flavor, and nutty crunch to the finished dish.

Cooking Instructions for Skillet Bang Bang Chicken Thighs

Step 1: Spice Up the Chicken

Grab your chicken thighs and generously sprinkle them with salt and pepper, making sure each piece gets an even coating of seasoning.

Step 2: Sizzle and Crisp

Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.

Carefully place the chicken thighs skin-side down, letting them sizzle and crisp up for 6-7 minutes until the skin turns golden brown and crunchy. Flip the thighs and cook the other side for another 6-8 minutes, ensuring they’re fully cooked through.

Step 3: Whip Up the Zesty Sauce

• Mayonnaise
• Sweet chili sauce
• Sriracha
• Honey

Stir these ingredients until they blend into a smooth, vibrant sauce that’s packed with tangy and sweet flavors.

Step 4: Glaze and Garnish

Once the chicken is perfectly cooked, remove the skillet from heat.

Generously brush the chicken thighs with the bang bang sauce, coating each piece with the delicious mixture. For an extra pop of color and flavor, sprinkle chopped green onions and sesame seeds on top.

Serve immediately while the chicken is hot and the sauce is glistening.

Pro Tips to Perfect Skillet Bang Bang Chicken Thighs

• Ensure chicken thighs are at room temperature before cooking for even heat distribution and crispy skin.
• Pat chicken dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture, helping achieve a perfect golden-brown crust.
• Adjust Sriracha amount in bang bang sauce to control spice level, making it mild or extra hot based on preference.
• Use a meat thermometer to check internal chicken temperature reaches 165°F for safe consumption without overcooking.
• Swap chicken thighs with chicken breasts or tofu for alternative protein options while maintaining the delicious bang bang sauce flavor.

Variations to Try with Skillet Bang Bang Chicken Thighs

• Spicy Shrimp Bang Bang: Replace chicken thighs with large shrimp, keeping the same bang bang sauce for a seafood version.
• Low-Carb Lettuce Wrap: Serve the sauced chicken in butter lettuce leaves instead of with rice, reducing carbohydrate intake.
• Greek-Style Adaptation: Swap sweet chili sauce with tzatziki, use Greek yogurt in the sauce, and add oregano for a Mediterranean flavor profile.
• Vegetarian Option: Substitute chicken with firm tofu or tempeh, pressing and marinating before pan-frying to achieve a similar crispy texture.

Crispy Skillet Bang Bang Chicken Thighs Recipe

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4.6 from 39 reviews

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

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Description

Mouthwatering Bang Bang Chicken Thighs deliver a spicy-sweet flavor explosion from Korean cuisine. Crispy pan-seared chicken coated in a creamy, tangy sauce will satisfy you with its bold, irresistible taste profile.

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Ingredients

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Proteins:

• 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs

Sauces and Seasonings:

• 1/4 cup (59 milliliters) mayonnaise
• 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) sweet chili sauce
• 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) Sriracha
• 1 teaspoon (5 milliliters) honey
• Salt to taste
• Black pepper to taste

Cooking Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) olive oil

Garnish (Optional):

• Chopped green onions
• Sesame seeds

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Instructions

1. Generously coat chicken thighs with salt and pepper, ensuring even seasoning across all surfaces.
2. Warm olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat until it shimmers and becomes fragrant, approximately 2-3 minutes.
3. Carefully place chicken thighs skin-side down, allowing them to sear and develop a golden, crispy exterior for 6-7 minutes without moving.
4. Flip chicken thighs and continue cooking for an additional 6-8 minutes, ensuring internal temperature reaches 165°F for complete doneness.
5. While chicken cooks, whisk together mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, Sriracha, and honey in a mixing bowl until smooth and well-integrated.
6. Remove skillet from heat and immediately brush each chicken thigh generously with the prepared bang bang sauce, coating thoroughly.
7. Transfer chicken to serving plates and sprinkle with finely chopped green onions and toasted sesame seeds for added texture and visual appeal.
8. Serve immediately while chicken remains hot and sauce glistens, offering a perfect balance of crispy skin and zesty flavor.

Notes

• Choose bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs for maximum flavor and juiciness during cooking.
• Pat chicken dry before seasoning to ensure crispy, golden-brown skin that develops beautiful caramelization.
• Adjust Sriracha levels in bang bang sauce to control spice intensity for different heat preferences.
• Consider using Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise for a lighter, protein-packed sauce variation that maintains creamy texture.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 460 kcal
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 370 mg
• Fat: 38 g
• Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 28 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 5 g
• Fiber: 0.5 g
• Protein: 20 g
• Cholesterol: 120 mg