Get ready to experience the bold and tantalizing flavors of Skillet Bang Bang Chicken Thighs! This irresistible dish combines juicy chicken thighs with a creamy, spicy-sweet sauce that will have your taste buds doing a happy dance. Whether you’re in the mood for a quick weeknight meal or a delicious dinner party showstopper, this recipe is sure to become a new family favorite.
Table of Contents
Exploring the Origins of Bang Bang Chicken
The roots of Bang Bang Chicken can be traced back to the vibrant street food culture of Asia, where vendors would serve up piping hot, crispy-coated chicken doused in a luscious, spice-infused sauce. The name “Bang Bang” is believed to refer to the sound of the chicken being tenderized or “banged” before cooking, though the exact origins are a bit hazy. What we do know is that this dish has become a beloved staple in modern Asian-inspired cuisine, with countless variations popping up in restaurants and home kitchens around the world.
Why Chicken Thighs Reign Supreme
When it comes to Skillet Bang Bang Chicken Thighs, chicken thighs are the clear choice for their unbeatable flavor and juicy texture. Compared to their leaner counterparts, chicken thighs are packed with more natural fat and connective tissue, which translates to a richer, more succulent bite. Plus, they’re incredibly forgiving when it comes to cooking, making them an ideal option for quick skillet meals. As the chicken thighs sizzle in the pan, they soak up all the bold flavors of the Bang Bang sauce, creating a truly irresistible dish.
Ingredients for Skillet Bang Bang Chicken Thighs
For the Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 tbsp olive oil
For the Bang Bang Sauce:
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- ¼ cup sweet chili sauce
- 1 tbsp sriracha sauce (adjust to taste)
- 1 tsp rice vinegar
For Garnish:
- Chopped green onions
- Sesame seeds
Preparing the Skillet Bang Bang Chicken Thighs
Let’s get started on this delectable dish! First, we’ll prepare the chicken thighs by seasoning them generously with salt and pepper on both sides. Then, it’s time to get that skillet sizzling hot with a drizzle of olive oil.
Once the oil is shimmering, add the chicken thighs and let them cook for 6-7 minutes per side, or until they’re golden brown and cooked through. This high-heat searing will lock in all those juicy flavors and create a beautiful caramelized crust on the outside.
While the chicken is cooking, it’s time to whip up the show-stopping Bang Bang sauce. In a bowl, simply whisk together the mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, and rice vinegar until the mixture is smooth and creamy. The balance of sweet, spicy, and tangy elements in this sauce is what truly makes this dish so addictive.
Bringing It All Together
Once the chicken thighs are cooked to perfection, remove them from the skillet and slice them into bite-sized strips. Return the sliced chicken to the pan and pour the Bang Bang sauce over the top, tossing everything together to ensure the chicken is evenly coated.
To serve, sprinkle the Skillet Bang Bang Chicken Thighs with a generous helping of chopped green onions and sesame seeds. This vibrant garnish not only adds a pop of color but also a delightful crunch and fresh flavor to contrast the rich, creamy sauce.

More Related Recipes You Might Enjoy
FAQs About Skillet Bang Bang Chicken Thighs
How long do you cook chicken thighs in a skillet?
For this Skillet Bang Bang Chicken Thighs recipe, you’ll want to cook the chicken thighs for 6-7 minutes per side over medium-high heat. This ensures the chicken is cooked through and develops a beautiful golden-brown crust.
How do you cook bang bang chicken?
To make Skillet Bang Bang Chicken Thighs, you’ll first cook the chicken thighs in a hot skillet until they’re golden brown and cooked through. Then, you’ll toss the sliced chicken in a creamy, spicy-sweet Bang Bang sauce made with mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, and rice vinegar.
What kind of sauce is used in bang bang chicken?
The signature sauce for Skillet Bang Bang Chicken Thighs is a delectable blend of mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, and rice vinegar. This creamy, flavor-packed sauce is what truly sets this dish apart, coating the juicy chicken thighs in a tantalizing spicy-sweet glaze.
Is it better to bake or skillet chicken thighs?
For this Skillet Bang Bang Chicken Thighs recipe, cooking the chicken thighs in a skillet is the way to go. The high heat of the skillet helps to create a beautifully caramelized crust on the outside of the chicken, while keeping the interior moist and juicy. Baking chicken thighs can also work, but you won’t get that same seared, crispy texture that makes this dish so irresistible.
Elevate Your Weeknight with Skillet Bang Bang Chicken Thighs
Ready to experience the bold, flavor-packed deliciousness of Skillet Bang Bang Chicken Thighs? This recipe is the perfect balance of sweet, spicy, and savory, with juicy chicken thighs that soak up every last bit of the creamy Bang Bang sauce. Whether you’re serving it up for a family dinner or impressing guests at a dinner party, this dish is sure to become a new go-to in your culinary repertoire. So, what are you waiting for? Fire up that skillet and get ready to dive into a mouthwatering plate of Skillet Bang Bang Chicken Thighs!
Craving even more magical meals? Browse Amelia’s Pinterest boards for quick dinners, cozy bakes, and tons of flavorful inspiration.
Print
Experience the Flavor Explosion with Skillet Bang Bang Chicken Thighs!
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
Skillet Bang Bang Chicken Thighs: A Flavor-Packed Weeknight Delight
Ingredients
- 4 pieces boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup sweet chili sauce
- 1 tablespoon sriracha sauce
- 1 teaspoon rice vinegar
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Chopped green onions
- Sesame seeds
Instructions
1. Season the chicken thighs generously with salt and pepper on both sides.
2. Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and add the olive oil.
3. Once the oil is shimmering, add the chicken thighs and cook for 6-7 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through.
4. In a bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, and rice vinegar until smooth and creamy.
5. Remove the cooked chicken from the skillet and slice into bite-sized strips.
6. Return the sliced chicken to the pan and pour the Bang Bang sauce over the top, tossing to coat evenly.
7. Serve garnished with chopped green onions and sesame seeds.
Notes
Adjust sriracha to taste for desired spiciness.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: Asian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 20g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 100mg