If you’re craving a bold, flavorful meal that’s both easy to make and incredibly satisfying, these Skillet Bang Bang Chicken Thighs are the answer. Inspired by the famous Bang Bang sauce known for its sweet, spicy, and creamy profile, this dish takes juicy chicken thighs and infuses them with an irresistible blend of flavors. The chicken is pan-seared to perfection, delivering a crispy, golden-brown exterior while remaining tender and juicy inside. This recipe brings restaurant-quality taste to your home kitchen with minimal ingredients and effort, making it ideal for busy weeknights or impressive dinner gatherings.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Ingredients
For the Chicken Thighs:
- 4-6 boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1/4 cup cornstarch (for dredging)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
For the Bang Bang Sauce:
- 1/3 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons sweet chili sauce
- 1 tablespoon sriracha sauce (adjust for desired spice level)
- 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup (optional for added sweetness)
- 1 teaspoon rice vinegar or lime juice
- 1 clove garlic, minced
Optional Garnishes:
- Chopped green onions
- Sesame seeds
- Fresh cilantro leaves
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels and season both sides with salt and pepper. Dredge each thigh in cornstarch, shaking off any excess. This light coating will create a crispy exterior when cooked.
- Sear the Chicken: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the chicken thighs in a single layer, avoiding overcrowding. Cook for about 5-6 minutes on each side or until they are golden brown and crispy on the outside and fully cooked inside (internal temperature should reach 165°F).
- Prepare the Sauce: While the chicken cooks, mix all sauce ingredients in a small bowl until well combined. Adjust the sriracha and honey to taste for your preferred balance of spice and sweetness.
- Coat the Chicken: Once the chicken is fully cooked, reduce the skillet to medium heat. Pour the Bang Bang sauce over the chicken and gently toss to coat each thigh evenly. Allow the sauce to warm for a minute or two, letting it cling to the chicken thighs.
- Serve: Transfer the chicken thighs to a serving plate and garnish with green onions, sesame seeds, or cilantro, if desired. Serve with steamed rice, noodles, or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
Cooking Tips
- Achieving Crispy Chicken: Patting the chicken dry and lightly coating it in cornstarch ensures the chicken thighs achieve a crispy, golden crust.
- Adjust the Heat: The sriracha sauce brings the heat, so adjust according to your spice preference. If you’re sensitive to spice, start with a smaller amount and taste before adding more.
- Let the Sauce Simmer: After adding the sauce to the skillet, allow it to simmer briefly. This helps the sauce thicken slightly, allowing it to adhere better to the chicken and enhances the overall flavor.
- Serve with a Side of Extra Sauce: This sauce is addictive, so make a little extra to serve on the side for dipping or drizzling over rice.
Nutritional Benefits
These Skillet Bang Bang Chicken Thighs offer a balance of protein, essential vitamins, and minerals. The chicken thighs are a rich source of lean protein and essential nutrients such as B vitamins (particularly B6 and B12), zinc, and phosphorus. By pan-searing instead of deep-frying, this recipe is relatively low in fat compared to many breaded and fried alternatives, making it a more health-conscious choice without sacrificing flavor.
The Bang Bang sauce, although creamy, uses a base of mayonnaise that provides healthy fats and can be substituted with light mayonnaise or Greek yogurt if desired. The addition of garlic and chili sauce brings antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties, which can support immune health. By adjusting the sauce’s ingredients to include less sugar or opting for a low-sugar chili sauce, you can further modify the dish to be more diet-friendly without compromising its delightful taste.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Packed with Flavor: The fusion of sweet chili, creamy mayo, and spicy sriracha creates a dynamic flavor that’s both satisfying and unforgettable.
- Quick and Easy: This one-pan meal is ready in under 30 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights.
- Customizable Spice Level: You can easily control the spice level to suit your preference, making it versatile for different tastes.
- Great for Meal Prep: The leftovers taste fantastic the next day, so you can double the batch and have a delicious lunch ready to go.
Dietary Information
- Gluten-Free Option: This recipe is naturally gluten-free if you ensure that your sauces (such as the chili sauce and sriracha) are gluten-free.
- Dairy-Free: This dish does not contain dairy, making it suitable for those with lactose intolerance.
- Low-Carb Option: With minimal added sugar and carbs, this dish can fit into a low-carb diet. You can omit the honey or reduce the amount to make it even lower in carbs.
- Keto-Friendly: If using full-fat mayo and omitting any added sugars, this dish can also fit into a ketogenic diet plan.
Why This Recipe Works
The combination of tender chicken thighs with a sweet and spicy sauce delivers a sensory experience that’s both rich and comforting. The cornstarch coating helps the chicken achieve a crispy exterior, which contrasts beautifully with the creamy, spicy sauce. By cooking the chicken in a skillet, you achieve caramelization and depth of flavor without needing to use a grill or oven. The Bang Bang sauce, with its balanced blend of spice, sweetness, and creaminess, transforms the dish from simple pan-seared chicken to something more indulgent and complex. Each bite offers a burst of flavors that excite the taste buds, making it a memorable meal.
Conclusion
Skillet Bang Bang Chicken Thighs bring the ideal combination of flavors and textures, making this dish a go-to recipe for a quick, delicious meal with flair. Perfect for a busy weeknight or an impromptu gathering, this dish’s vibrant flavors are sure to win over even the pickiest eaters. Whether served with rice, noodles, or steamed veggies, this Bang Bang Chicken will make you feel like a kitchen pro without all the fuss. Try this recipe tonight for a taste experience that’s as exciting as it is easy. From its crispy, flavorful chicken to its signature sauce, this recipe has all the elements you need for a crowd-pleasing meal. Enjoy the bold flavors and the simplicity of preparation, and make it a staple in your recipe repertoire!
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Sizzling Skillet Bang Bang Chicken Thighs: The Perfect Fusion of Sweet and Spicy
- Total Time: 30mins
Description
If you’re craving a bold, flavorful meal that’s both easy to make and incredibly satisfying, these Skillet Bang Bang Chicken Thighs are the answer. Inspired by the famous Bang Bang sauce known for its sweet, spicy, and creamy profile, this dish takes juicy chicken thighs and infuses them with an irresistible blend of flavors. The chicken is pan-seared to perfection, delivering a crispy, golden-brown exterior while remaining tender and juicy inside. This recipe brings restaurant-quality taste to your home kitchen with minimal ingredients and effort, making it ideal for busy weeknights or impressive dinner gatherings.
Ingredients
For the Chicken Thighs:
- 4–6 boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1/4 cup cornstarch (for dredging)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
For the Bang Bang Sauce:
- 1/3 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons sweet chili sauce
- 1 tablespoon sriracha sauce (adjust for desired spice level)
- 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup (optional for added sweetness)
- 1 teaspoon rice vinegar or lime juice
- 1 clove garlic, minced
Optional Garnishes:
- Chopped green onions
- Sesame seeds
- Fresh cilantro leaves
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels and season both sides with salt and pepper. Dredge each thigh in cornstarch, shaking off any excess. This light coating will create a crispy exterior when cooked.
- Sear the Chicken: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the chicken thighs in a single layer, avoiding overcrowding. Cook for about 5-6 minutes on each side or until they are golden brown and crispy on the outside and fully cooked inside (internal temperature should reach 165°F).
- Prepare the Sauce: While the chicken cooks, mix all sauce ingredients in a small bowl until well combined. Adjust the sriracha and honey to taste for your preferred balance of spice and sweetness.
- Coat the Chicken: Once the chicken is fully cooked, reduce the skillet to medium heat. Pour the Bang Bang sauce over the chicken and gently toss to coat each thigh evenly. Allow the sauce to warm for a minute or two, letting it cling to the chicken thighs.
- Serve: Transfer the chicken thighs to a serving plate and garnish with green onions, sesame seeds, or cilantro, if desired. Serve with steamed rice, noodles, or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
- Prep Time: 10mins
- Cook Time: 20mins