๐ฅ Skillet Bang Bang Chicken Thighs
Bold, Juicy, and Weeknight-Ready
Some nights call for food with a little attitude. Not complicated. Not fancy. Just bold, comforting, and satisfying enough to shake you out of dinner boredom. Thatโs exactly what Skillet Bang Bang Chicken Thighs deliver.
Hi, Iโm Luma from recipeshall.com, and this is one of those recipes I reach for when everyoneโs hungry now and I want something exciting without ordering takeout. Crispy-edged chicken thighs, a creamy sweet-and-spicy sauce, and one skillet standing between you and dinner. Thatโs my kind of math.
This recipe is fast, flexible, and absolutely packed with flavor โ perfect for busy moms, professionals, or anyone who believes weeknight food shouldnโt be boring.
โค๏ธ Why Youโll Love These Skillet Bang Bang Chicken Thighs
- Juicy chicken thighs that stay tender
- One skillet, minimal cleanup
- Sweet, spicy, creamy bang bang sauce
- Ready in about 30 minutes
- Big flavor with pantry-friendly ingredients
If you love bold chicken dinners, donโt miss my
๐ Creamy Pepperoncini Chicken Skillet
or
๐ No-Fry Skillet Chicken Parm
๐ Ingredients (Serves 4)
For the Chicken:
- 1ยฝ lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- ยฝ teaspoon salt
- ยฝ teaspoon black pepper
- ยฝ teaspoon garlic powder
- ยฝ teaspoon paprika
For the Bang Bang Sauce:
- ยฝ cup mayonnaise
- ยผ cup sweet chili sauce
- 1โ2 tablespoons sriracha (to taste)
- 1 tablespoon honey or sugar
Optional Garnish:
- Sliced green onions
- Sesame seeds
๐ฉโ๐ณ How to Make Skillet Bang Bang Chicken Thighs
1. Season the Chicken
Pat chicken thighs dry. Season both sides with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika.
2. Sear Until Golden
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken thighs and cook for 5โ6 minutes per side, until deeply golden and cooked through. Remove from skillet and set aside.
3. Make the Bang Bang Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, and honey until smooth and creamy.
4. Bring It All Together
Lower heat to medium. Return chicken to the skillet and spoon the sauce over the top. Simmer for 2โ3 minutes, turning the chicken to coat it evenly.
5. Finish & Serve
Garnish with green onions and sesame seeds. Serve immediately while hot and saucy.
๐ What to Serve with Bang Bang Chicken
These Skillet Bang Bang Chicken Thighs pair beautifully with:
- Steamed jasmine rice
- Coconut rice or fried rice
- Roasted broccoli or green beans
- Simple cucumber salad
- Wraps or lettuce cups for a lighter option
For another quick skillet favorite, try
๐ One-Pot Lemon Herb Chicken & Orzo
๐ก Lumaโs Kitchen Tips
- Chicken thighs are forgiving โ perfect for busy cooks
- Adjust spice level easily by adding more or less sriracha
- If sauce thickens too much, add a splash of water or broth
- Want it crispy? Broil for 1โ2 minutes after saucing
- Leftovers make incredible rice bowls the next day
And if your kitchen smells amazing while this cooks? Thatโs just part of the experience.
๐ฌ A Little Story from My Kitchen
The first time I made this, it was one of those โclean out the fridgeโ nights. I didnโt expect much โ but the reaction at the table said everything. Plates wiped clean, sauce spooned over rice, and immediate requests for a repeat.
Now itโs on regular rotation, especially on nights when we need dinner to wake us up a little.
โ FAQs
Can I use chicken breasts instead?
Yes, but thighs stay juicier. If using breasts, watch the cook time closely.
Is bang bang sauce very spicy?
Itโs mild to medium โ totally adjustable.
Can I make this dairy-free?
Yes, use dairy-free mayo.
How long do leftovers keep?
Up to 3 days in the fridge, stored airtight.
โจ Final Thoughts
Skillet Bang Bang Chicken Thighs prove that weeknight dinners can be bold, comforting, and fun without being complicated. One skillet, juicy chicken, and a sauce that hits all the right notes โ sweet, spicy, and creamy.
From my kitchen to yours,
cook boldly, clean minimally, and enjoy every saucy bite.
