Skillet Bang Bang Chicken Thighs

Name: Skillet Bang Bang Chicken Thighs
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 4 chicken thighs, bone-in, skin-on; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper; 1/3 cup mayonnaise; 2 tablespoons sweet chili sauce; 1 tablespoon sriracha; 1 teaspoon lime juice

Highlighted under: Comfort Food

Savor the sweet and spicy goodness of Skillet Bang Bang Chicken Thighs. This easy-to-follow recipe features juicy chicken thighs seared to perfection and coated in a creamy, flavorful sauce that offers the perfect balance of heat and sweetness. Ready in under 30 minutes, it’s a delightful weeknight dinner that will impress your family and friends alike.

Created by

Emma Johnson

Last updated on 2025-10-25T13:14:56.664Z

Discover the delightful combination of flavors in this quick and easy recipe. Perfect for busy weeknights!

The Perfect Balance of Flavors

Skillet Bang Bang Chicken Thighs deliver a delightful combination of sweet and spicy notes that elevate your dining experience. The juicy chicken thighs serve as a perfect canvas for the bold Bang Bang Sauce, which combines the creaminess of mayonnaise with the kick of sriracha and the sweetness of chili sauce. This remarkable blend ensures every bite bursts with flavor, making it a dish that will satisfy both your taste buds and your hunger.

The sauce's unique flavor profile pairs beautifully with the seared skin of the chicken, offering a delightful contrast in textures. Each crispy morsel evokes a sense of comfort and indulgence, while the sauce enhances the overall enjoyment of the dish. This recipe exemplifies how well-balanced flavors can bring a sense of excitement to your home cooking.

Quick and Easy Cooking

One of the standout features of Skillet Bang Bang Chicken Thighs is its convenience. With a total prep and cooking time of under 30 minutes, this recipe is perfect for busy weeknight dinners. You can whip it up quickly without compromising on flavor, making it a great option for families or anyone looking for a satisfying meal that won't take all evening to prepare.

Using just one skillet simplifies the cooking process, allowing for quick cleanup and more time to enjoy your delicious meal. The ease of preparation makes this dish accessible for cooks of all skill levels, providing a fantastic way to impress guests or simply enjoy a tasty weeknight dinner at home.

Versatile Serving Suggestions

Skillet Bang Bang Chicken Thighs are incredibly versatile when it comes to serving options. You can pair this dish with a steaming bowl of jasmine rice or fluffy quinoa to soak up the incredible sauce. For a touch of brightness, consider adding a side of sautéed vegetables or a crisp salad to balance the richness of the chicken and sauce.

Alternatively, you can turn the leftovers into something new! Shred the chicken and toss it with the remaining sauce for a delicious wrap or sandwich filling. This adaptability not only minimizes waste but also gives you the chance to enjoy the flavors in different forms. Get creative and let your taste preferences guide your servings!

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

4 chicken thighs, bone-in, skin-on
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Bang Bang Sauce

1/3 cup mayonnaise
2 tablespoons sweet chili sauce
1 tablespoon sriracha
1 teaspoon lime juice

Gather all the ingredients before you start cooking for a smooth process.

Instructions

Prepare the Chicken

Season the chicken thighs with salt and pepper on both sides.

Cook the Chicken

In a skillet over medium-high heat, add the chicken thighs, skin side down, and cook for 7-8 minutes until golden brown.

Make the Sauce

In a separate bowl, mix together mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, and lime juice.

Finish the Dish

Pour the sauce over the chicken and cook for an additional 5 minutes.

Serve hot with rice or your favorite side dish!

Ingredient Spotlight: Chicken Thighs

Chicken thighs are the star ingredient in this Skillet Bang Bang recipe, favored for their tenderness and flavor compared to chicken breasts. The bone-in and skin-on variations ensure maximum juiciness and fry up perfectly in the skillet, creating a delightful crispiness. Their higher fat content renders them incredibly forgiving when it comes to cooking time, allowing for a little leeway when searing without fear of drying out.

Not only are chicken thighs flavorful, but they are also budget-friendly. They tend to be more affordable compared to other cuts of chicken, making your meal planning both cost-effective and delicious. By opting for thighs, you also get to enjoy the benefits of rich nutrients such as iron and zinc, contributing to a healthy balanced diet.

The Art of Saucing

When it comes to creating the perfect Bang Bang Sauce, balance is key. The mayo forms a creamy base while the sweet chili sauce adds a delightful sweetness that contrasts beautifully with the heat from the sriracha. The touch of lime juice not only brightens the flavor profile but also enhances the overall freshness of the sauce. Experimenting with the ratios of these ingredients can lead to discovering your preferred degree of spice and sweetness.

This versatile sauce can also be used beyond just chicken. Try it as a dipping sauce for shrimp or drizzling it over roasted vegetables for an extra burst of flavor. Its adaptability means it can become a staple in your kitchen, adding a special touch to various dishes.

Cooking Tips for Success

To achieve that perfect golden brown on your chicken thighs, ensure your skillet is adequately preheated before adding the meat. A hot skillet promotes better searing, which not only improves flavor but also helps lock in moisture. Patting the chicken dry with paper towels before seasoning can also enhance the crispiness of the skin, preventing it from becoming soggy during cooking.

Lastly, allowing the chicken to rest for a few minutes after cooking ensures that its juices redistribute, leading to a more succulent meal. Pairing these tips with the Skillet Bang Bang Chicken Thighs recipe guarantees a home-cooked delight that will keep you coming back for more!

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Yes, but keep in mind that breasts may dry out quicker.

→ How spicy is the Bang Bang sauce?

The heat level can be adjusted by varying the amount of sriracha.