Skillet Bang Bang Chicken Thighs Recipe

Sizzling Skillet Bang Bang Chicken Thighs Recipe: Spicy & Sweet

Crispy skillet bang bang chicken thighs spark joy in kitchens everywhere with their irresistible crunch and bold flavors.

Hunger pangs meet their match through this simple yet extraordinary dish.

Marinades whisper secrets of tangy spice and depth that dance across taste buds.

Tender meat underneath a golden-brown exterior promises pure culinary delight.

Weeknight dinners transform from mundane to magnificent with minimal effort and maximum satisfaction.

Mediterranean and Asian influences blend seamlessly in this crowd-pleasing recipe.

You’ll want to bookmark this game-changing method for creating the most delectable chicken experience imaginable.

Bang Bang Chicken Thighs: Skillet Goodness Awaits

  • Savor Simplicity: This potato leek soup requires minimal ingredients and basic cooking skills, making it perfect for home cooks of all levels.
  • Comfort in a Bowl: Creamy and warm, the soup delivers ultimate comfort food vibes with its rich, smooth texture and hearty potato base.
  • Customize Your Creation: Versatile recipe allows endless topping variations like crispy bacon, Parmesan, or sour cream to match personal taste preferences.
  • Nutritious and Satisfying: Packed with vegetables and protein, this soup provides a balanced meal that fills you up without feeling heavy.

Ingredients Needed For Bang Bang Chicken Thighs

For the Proteins:
  • Chicken Thighs: Juicy and flavorful cut of meat that serves as the main protein for this delicious skillet dish.
For the Seasonings:
  • Garlic Powder, Smoked Paprika, Onion Powder, Salt, Black Pepper: Aromatic spices that create a rich and complex flavor profile for the chicken.
For the Bang Bang Sauce Ingredients:
  • Mayonnaise, Greek Yogurt: Creamy base that provides a smooth and tangy foundation for the sauce.
  • Sweet Chili Sauce, Sriracha: Spicy condiments that add heat and complex flavor to the sauce.
  • Honey: Sweetener that balances the spiciness and adds a subtle sweetness.
  • Lime Juice: Bright, acidic ingredient that brings freshness and helps balance the sauce's flavors.
For the Garnishes:
  • Green Onions, Sesame Seeds, Cilantro: Fresh herbs and seeds that add color, texture, and additional layers of flavor to the finished dish.
For the Cooking Base:
  • Olive Oil: Healthy cooking oil used to sear and cook the chicken thighs with a light, smooth texture.

Steps For Skillet Bang Bang Chicken Thighs

Steps For Skillet Bang Bang Chicken Thighs

Step 1: Season Chicken Masterfully

Combine the following spices in a small bowl:
  • Garlic powder
  • Smoked paprika
  • Onion powder
  • Salt
  • Black pepper

Massage the spice blend thoroughly into each chicken thigh, ensuring complete and even coverage.

Step 2: Sizzle Chicken to Perfection

Warm olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.

Carefully place chicken thighs into the hot pan. Cook each side for 6-7 minutes, developing a gorgeous golden-brown exterior while ensuring the meat is fully cooked through.

The chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F.

Step 3: Whip Up Creamy Bang Bang Sauce

In a separate mixing bowl, blend these ingredients until smooth:
  • Mayonnaise
  • Sweet chili sauce
  • Sriracha
  • Honey
  • Fresh lime juice

Whisk until the sauce becomes a vibrant, creamy mixture with a perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and spicy flavors.

Step 4: Add Final Flourishes

Generously drizzle the bang bang sauce over the hot chicken thighs. Sprinkle with:
  • Chopped green onions
  • Sesame seeds
  • Fresh cilantro

Step 5: Serve and Devour

Plate the chicken alongside steamed rice or roasted vegetables.

This dish promises a flavor explosion that will tantalize your taste buds and impress everyone at the table.

Handy Tips For Bang Bang Chicken Thighs Perfection

  • Pat chicken thighs dry before seasoning to ensure crispy, golden-brown exterior and better spice adherence.
  • Use a meat thermometer to check internal temperature reaches 165°F for perfectly cooked, safe chicken.
  • Swap Greek yogurt for mayonnaise to create a lighter, tangier Bang Bang sauce with fewer calories.
  • Adjust sriracha and sweet chili sauce amounts to control heat level and suit personal spice preferences.
  • Let chicken rest for 3-5 minutes after cooking to retain juices and maintain tender, moist texture.

Options For Bang Bang Chicken Thighs Fans

  • Spicy Island Escape: Replace sriracha with Caribbean hot sauce and add rum extract for a tropical kick.
  • Mediterranean Herb Fusion: Swap seasonings with dried oregano, thyme, and rosemary. Use tzatziki instead of Bang Bang sauce.
  • Korean BBQ Inspired: Substitute sweet chili sauce with gochujang, add grated ginger, and sprinkle toasted sesame seeds.
  • Coconut Curry Remix: Mix coconut milk into the sauce, add mild curry powder to the chicken rub, and top with fresh chopped mint.

Great Sides For Bang Bang Chicken Thighs

  • Flavor Explosion Platter: Arrange chicken thighs over colorful jasmine rice, drizzle bang bang sauce generously, sprinkle green onions and sesame seeds for a restaurant-quality presentation that pops with vibrant colors and textures.
  • Asian-Inspired Lettuce Wraps: Slice chicken into strips, serve inside crisp butter lettuce leaves with extra bang bang sauce, allowing guests to build their own handheld delights with fresh herb garnishes.
  • Meal Prep Power Bowl: Layer chicken thighs over quinoa, add roasted vegetables, pour bang bang sauce, create a protein-packed lunch option that stays delicious and exciting throughout the week.

Store Bang Bang Chicken Thighs With Care

  • Store leftover chicken thighs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Ensure the chicken cools 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. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
  • Warm chicken in a skillet over medium heat for 3-4 minutes, or in the microwave for 1-2 minutes. Add a splash of water to prevent drying out and maintain moisture.
  • Keep leftover Bang Bang sauce in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to 5-7 days. Stir well before using as the ingredients may separate during storage.

FAQs

  • What is Bang Bang sauce made of?

Bang Bang sauce is a creamy, spicy condiment typically combining mayonnaise (or Greek yogurt), sweet chili sauce, sriracha, honey, and lime juice for 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 breasts are leaner and cook faster than thighs. Ensure internal temperature reaches 165°F to prevent undercooking.

  • 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. You can always add more sriracha or reduce it for a milder version.

Print
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Skillet Bang Bang Chicken Thighs Recipe

Skillet Bang Bang Chicken Thighs Recipe


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.8 from 15 reviews

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

Description

Sizzling bang bang chicken thighs bring explosive flavor to weeknight dinners. Spicy, crispy, and irresistibly tender, this dish will make you crave another bite.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 6 chicken thighs (boneless, skinless)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

  1. Blend aromatic spices including garlic powder, smoked paprika, onion powder, salt, and black pepper into a cohesive seasoning mixture.
  2. Thoroughly massage the spice blend across each chicken thigh, ensuring complete and even coverage.
  3. Preheat a large skillet with olive oil over medium-high heat until the surface shimmers with warmth, approximately 2-3 minutes.
  4. Carefully place seasoned chicken thighs into the hot skillet, allowing each side to develop a golden-brown crust for 6-7 minutes.
  5. While chicken cooks, craft the signature bang bang sauce by whisking mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, honey, and fresh lime juice until smooth and well-integrated.
  6. Verify chicken is fully cooked by checking internal temperature reaches 165°F, ensuring no pink remains in the meat.
  7. Transfer chicken thighs to serving plate and generously drizzle with vibrant bang bang sauce.
  8. Enhance visual appeal and flavor profile by sprinkling freshly chopped green onions, toasted sesame seeds, and fragrant cilantro over the glazed chicken.
  9. Accompany the dish with steamed rice or roasted vegetables for a complete, satisfying meal.

Notes

  • Swap Greek yogurt for mayonnaise to create a lighter, tangier sauce with lower fat content.
  • Adjust spice levels by reducing or increasing sriracha amount for personal heat preference.
  • Use boneless, skinless chicken thighs for quicker cooking and easier eating experience.
  • Marinate chicken in sauce for deeper flavor penetration before cooking, allowing seasonings to infuse thoroughly.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner
  • Method: Frying
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 6
  • Calories: 234 kcal
  • Sugar: 0 g
  • Sodium: 1000 mg
  • Fat: 15 g
  • Saturated Fat: 3.8 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 1.5 g
  • Fiber: 0.4 g
  • Protein: 22 g
  • Cholesterol: 110 mg
Jack Monroe

Jack Monroe

Founder & Recipe Innovator

Expertise

Pacific Northwest cuisine, Single-serving recipe development, Sustainable sourcing and cooking, Modern comfort food​

Education

Brightwater
Associate of Applied Science in Culinary Arts
Focus: Sustainable cooking, seasonal ingredients, and food systems education


Jack grew up with a fishing rod in one hand and a cast-iron skillet in the other. After graduating from Brightwater: A Center for the Study of Food, he set out to prove that cooking for one could still taste like a feast.
Jack believes that food should feel real: fresh, fearless, and a little wild, just like the rivers he grew up around. For Jack, every single dish is a small adventure, and the best ones are the ones you can cook with heart, not hassle.

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