Skillet Bang Bang Chicken Thighs

Looking for a quick, spicy, and ultra-flavorful chicken dish that doesn’t require a deep fryer or complicated prep? These Skillet Bang Bang Chicken Thighs are pan-seared to golden perfection, then coated in a creamy, tangy, sweet-and-spicy bang bang sauce that’s completely irresistible. Perfect for weeknight dinners, rice bowls, lettuce wraps, or meal prep lunches!

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
One-Pan Wonder – Everything cooks in one skillet for easy cleanup.
Bold Flavor – A creamy bang bang sauce that’s sweet, spicy, and unforgettable.
Juicy Chicken Thighs – Pan-seared for maximum flavor and tenderness.
Quick & Easy – Ready in under 30 minutes from start to finish.
Versatile – Serve with rice, veggies, in wraps, or over noodles.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Chicken:

• 6 boneless, skinless chicken thighs
• 1 tbsp cornstarch
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• ½ 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 for spice preference)
• 1 tbsp honey
• 1 tsp lime juice or rice vinegar
• 1 garlic clove, minced (optional for extra flavor)

For Garnish & Serving:

• 1 tbsp chopped green onions
• 1 tsp sesame seeds (optional)
• Steamed jasmine rice or brown rice
• Stir-fried or steamed veggies (like broccoli, snap peas, or bell peppers)

Tools You’ll Need

• Large nonstick or cast-iron skillet
• Mixing bowl
• Spatula or tongs
• Measuring spoons and cups

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

1. Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels.
2. In a mixing bowl, toss the chicken with cornstarch, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper until evenly coated.
3. This coating helps create a slight crisp on the outside while locking in juices.

Step 2: Mix the Bang Bang Sauce

1. In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, honey, lime juice, and garlic.
2. Taste and adjust heat or sweetness as desired. Set aside.

Step 3: Cook the Chicken

1. Heat 2 tbsp oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Add chicken thighs smooth-side down. Let them sear undisturbed for 5–6 minutes.
3. Flip and cook another 5–6 minutes, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and both sides are golden brown.
4. Remove from heat and let rest for a few minutes.

Step 4: Sauce It Up

1. Spoon the bang bang sauce over the warm chicken or return the chicken to the pan, reduce heat to low, and toss in the sauce for full coating.
2. Let the sauce warm through without boiling.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

1. Sprinkle with chopped green onions and sesame seeds.
2. Serve hot over rice with steamed vegetables or wrap in lettuce cups for a lighter option.

Tips for Success
Dry Chicken = Better Sear – Moisture prevents browning, so pat dry before seasoning.
Use Boneless Thighs – They cook evenly and stay juicy.
Adjust the Sauce – Add more sriracha for heat, or more honey for sweetness.
Make It Crispy – For extra texture, finish under a broiler for 1–2 minutes.
Make It a Bowl – Layer with rice, cucumbers, shredded carrots, and sliced avocado.

Serving Suggestions
Rice Bowls – Serve over jasmine or brown rice with stir-fried veggies.
Lettuce Wraps – Wrap in romaine or butter lettuce with shredded cabbage.
Noodles – Pair with rice noodles or soba for a satisfying dinner.
Side Salad – A cool, crunchy salad balances the creamy, spicy chicken.
Meal Prep – Pack in containers with grains and veggies for a week’s worth of lunches.

How to Store & Reheat

Storing:
Refrigerate: Store chicken and sauce separately in airtight containers for up to 4 days.
Freeze: Freeze cooked chicken (without sauce) for up to 2 months.

Reheating:
Skillet: Reheat over low heat with a splash of water or broth, then toss in the sauce.
Microwave: Heat chicken in 30-second bursts; drizzle sauce afterward.
Oven: Reheat at 350°F covered in foil for 10–15 minutes until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
   Yes. Slice into thin cutlets and cook until golden and fully done. Thighs are juicier but breasts work well too.
2. Can I make it less spicy?
   Use less sriracha and more mayo or honey to mellow out the heat.
3. Can I grill the chicken?
   Absolutely! Grill the seasoned thighs and drizzle with sauce just before serving.
4. Is there a dairy-free option?
   Use a dairy-free mayo to make this recipe dairy-free.
5. Can I make this keto-friendly?
   Yes! Use a sugar-free sweet chili sauce and low-carb mayo.

Final Thoughts
Skillet Bang Bang Chicken Thighs are the ultimate quick dinner that doesn’t skimp on flavor. Crispy edges, juicy center, and a creamy, spicy-sweet sauce that takes it over the top—it’s a dish you’ll crave again and again. Whether you’re cooking for your family or meal prepping for the week, this one-skillet wonder delivers every time.

Give it a try and let me know how it goes! Snap a pic and tag your dish—I’d love to see your skillet in action.

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

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
Calories: 385 | Protein: 30g | Carbohydrates: 9g | Fat: 26g | Fiber: 1g | Sodium: 580mg

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