Skillet Bang Bang Chicken Thighs

Introduction

Skillet Bang Bang Chicken Thighs are the ultimate solution for anyone craving bold flavor without hours in the kitchen. Featuring juicy, pan-seared chicken thighs smothered in a creamy, spicy-sweet Bang Bang sauce, this dish is quick enough for busy weeknights yet impressive enough for guests. The combination of chili, garlic, and tangy mayonnaise guarantees every bite is addictive.

Why You’ll Love Bang Bang Chicken Thighs

What sets this recipe apart is the layering of irresistible flavors and satisfying textures. The chicken thighs remain tender and moist thanks to skillet searing, while the sauce—a blend of mayo, sriracha, sweet chili, and a hint of lime—strikes the perfect balance between creamy and spicy. It’s a meal that packs a punch and is sure to win over fans of both comfort food and takeout-inspired dishes.

Crafting the Tangy Bang Bang Sauce

The signature sauce is what takes this chicken to another level. For best results, whisk mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, and a squeeze of lime until smooth and well combined. Adjust the sriracha to suit your heat preference. Let it sit for 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld—this makes the sauce extra flavorful when drizzled over the crisp chicken.

Cooking Perfect Skillet Chicken Thighs

To achieve the ideal caramelized exterior and juicy interior, start by patting the chicken thighs dry and seasoning them generously. Use a hot skillet with a little oil for a quick sear—about 5-6 minutes per side. This step locks in moisture and creates a beautiful golden crust, which will soak up the Bang Bang sauce perfectly.

Serving Suggestions for a Crowd-Pleasing Presentation

Serve Skillet Bang Bang Chicken Thighs over jasmine rice, alongside a fresh cucumber salad, or in lettuce wraps for a lighter take. Garnish with sliced green onions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds. The result is a colorful, mouthwatering meal that’s both visually stunning and incredibly tasty.

Nutritional Information and Serving Size

This recipe makes 4 hearty servings. Each portion (with sauce) contains approximately 340-380 calories, depending on the size of the chicken thighs and amount of sauce used. It’s a great protein-packed entree for lunch or dinner without feeling too heavy.

A (Recap) You’ll Crave Again and Again

Skillet Bang Bang Chicken Thighs offer a winning combination of ease and flavor. With minimal ingredients and maximum taste, this recipe is destined to become a weeknight favorite for anyone who loves zesty, saucy chicken.

💡Meal Planning Tip: Save this recipe to automatically generate an organized shopping list with all ingredients sorted by store section—perfect for efficient grocery trips and meal planning.

Instructions

1. Pat chicken thighs dry. Sprinkle both sides with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, honey (if using), and lime juice to create the Bang Bang sauce. Set aside.
3. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add chicken thighs. Cook for 5-6 minutes per side, or until nicely browned and the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
4. Transfer chicken to a plate to rest. Spoon or brush half of the Bang Bang sauce over the hot chicken, allowing it to coat and infuse.
5. Slice or leave chicken thighs whole. Serve with extra sauce on the side, garnished with green onions and sesame seeds if desired.

Weekly Meal Planning

This dish is a stellar addition to a weekly meal plan since it reheats beautifully and pairs well with various veggies and grains. Save and schedule this recipe to plan which days to make it and have CookifyAI generate smart shopping lists that consolidate ingredients from all the meals you plan.

Planning Benefits:

• Automatically calculate total ingredient quantities for your week’s recipes
• Organize shopping lists by grocery store section
• Streamline your prep time and minimize forgotten ingredients
• Reduce food waste by avoiding duplicate purchases

Pro Tip: Schedule your recipes so shared ingredients (like mayo, sriracha, or chicken thighs) are tallied in one easy-to-reference list, keeping your kitchen—and budget—well managed.

Cook and Prep Times

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes