Skillet Bang Bang Chicken Thighs (Easy & Saucy One-Pan Recipe)

What if I told you that you could have crispy, juicy chicken tossed in a creamy, spicy-sweet sauce, all made in one skillet, in under 30 minutes? That’s not a dream. That’s Skillet Bang Bang Chicken Thighs, and once you try it, you’ll wonder why you ever ordered takeout.

This dish is bold, saucy, and just a little addictive. Think golden-seared chicken with a tender center, coated in a silky bang bang sauce that brings just the right balance of heat, sweetness, and tang. Best of all? No deep frying. No fancy ingredients. Just pure flavor magic with minimal cleanup.

Perfect for busy weeknights, picky eaters, or anyone who wants to level up their chicken game without breaking a sweat.

Love creamy, herby chicken dishes? You’ll also enjoy our Crockpot Tuscan Garlic Chicken, it’s rich, rustic, and made for slow-cooked comfort.

Ingredients for Skillet Bang Bang Chicken Thighs

This recipe keeps skillet bang bang chicken thighs simple, using pantry staples you probably already have, but the flavor payoff is huge. You’ll just need two quick ingredient groups: one for the crispy chicken, one for that irresistible bang bang sauce.

For the Chicken:

• 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs – cut into large bite-sized chunks
  
• 1/3 cup cornstarch – for that light, crispy coating
  
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder – adds depth to the crust
  
• Salt and pepper, to taste
  
• 2 tablespoons neutral oil (canola or vegetable) – for skillet searing
  

For the Bang Bang Sauce:

• 1/3 cup mayonnaise – the creamy base
  
• 2 tablespoons sweet chili sauce – brings the sweet heat
  
• 1 tablespoon sriracha – adjust to your spice preference
  
• 1 tablespoon honey – balances the heat beautifully
  
• 1 teaspoon rice vinegar or lime juice (optional) – adds brightness and zip

Craving pasta night? Don’t miss our Homemade Chicken Alfredo, a silky, garlicky classic that comes together in no time.

How to Make Skillet Bang Bang Chicken Thighs

Skillet Bang Bang Chicken Thighs is fast, forgiving, and full of flavor. Here’s how to bring it all together in just a few easy steps.

1. Prep the Chicken

Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels, then cut them into large, bite-sized pieces. Season with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Toss everything in a bowl with the cornstarch until the chicken is evenly coated. This is your shortcut to that light, crispy finish.

2. Sear to Golden Perfection

Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken pieces in a single layer, don’t overcrowd the pan. Sear for about 4–5 minutes per side, or until they’re golden brown and cooked through. Work in batches if needed. Remove to a plate and set aside.

3. Mix the Bang Bang Sauce

While the chicken rests, whisk together the mayo, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, honey, and vinegar (if using) in a small bowl. It should be creamy, spicy, slightly sweet, and totally irresistible.

4. Coat and Serve

Lower the heat on the skillet. Add the cooked chicken back in and pour the sauce over. Stir gently to coat every piece. Let it warm through for a minute or two, then serve hot.

For a hearty, hands-off dinner, try our Garlic Parmesan Crockpot Chicken and Potatoes, it’s a one-pot wonder packed with cozy flavor.

Serving Ideas for Skillet Bang Bang Chicken Thighs

This chicken is the kind of thing you’ll want to eat straight from the skillet, but if you’re feeling a little more civilized (or feeding a crowd), here are a few delicious ways to plate it up:

• Over steamed rice: Jasmine or basmati rice makes the perfect base to soak up that creamy, spicy sauce.
  
• In lettuce wraps: Crisp lettuce cups turn this into a lighter, finger-friendly meal.
  
• Tucked into tacos: Spoon the chicken into warm tortillas, add slaw or avocado, and you’ve got bang bang street food.
  
• With roasted veggies: Pair with broccoli, zucchini, or even crispy Brussels sprouts for a balanced plate.
  
• As a party appetizer: Serve on toothpicks or skewers, with extra sauce for dipping, major crowd-pleaser vibes.

Skillet Bang Bang Chicken Variations and Dietary Swaps

Want to tweak this recipe to fit your taste or pantry? No problem. This dish is super flexible, here’s how to make it your own:

Ingredient Swaps:

• Use chicken breast instead of thighs if you prefer leaner meat. Just don’t overcook it!
  
• Swap mayo for Greek yogurt to lighten up the sauce while keeping that creamy texture.
  
• Make it gluten-free by using cornstarch and double-checking your chili sauce and sriracha labels.
  

For Different Diets:

• Vegetarian? Try it with crispy tofu or cauliflower florets instead of chicken.
  
• Low-carb? Skip the cornstarch or sub almond flour, and serve it over cauliflower rice or lettuce.
  

Customize the Heat:

• Want it spicier? Add more sriracha or a pinch of cayenne.
  
• Prefer it mild? Dial back the chili sauce and sriracha, and let the honey do more of the talking.

Tips for Perfect Skillet Bang Bang Chicken Thighs

You don’t need to be a pro to nail this dish, but these little tricks make a big difference:

Get That Sear Just Right

• Pat your chicken dry before coating, excess moisture kills crispiness.
  
• Don’t crowd the pan! Work in batches if necessary to keep everything sizzling, not steaming.
  

Control the Heat

• Start with medium-high heat to get that golden crust, but turn it down once you add the sauce so it doesn’t break or burn.
  

Flavor Layering Matters

• Garlic powder in the coating adds savory depth that complements the sweet-spicy sauce.
  
• The optional vinegar or lime juice in the sauce brightens the whole dish, don’t skip it if you love a little tang.
  

When to Add the Sauce

• Add the bang bang sauce after the chicken is cooked, just for the last minute or two. This keeps the coating crisp and the sauce creamy.

FAQs about Skillet Bang Bang Chicken Thighs

Final Thoughts

Skillet Bang Bang Chicken Thighs check every box: crispy, creamy, spicy, and wildly satisfying, all without a deep fryer or a sink full of dishes. It’s the kind of weeknight dinner that feels like a guilty pleasure but takes almost no time at all.

Whether you spoon it over rice, tuck it into wraps, or serve it as an appetizer at your next get-together, this recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Keep the ingredients on hand, and you’ve got a go-to dish that’s just as easy to whip up as it is to crave.

Now that you’ve got the know-how, it’s your turn. Fire up that skillet, drizzle on that sauce, and don’t forget to save this recipe, because once you try it, you’ll want to make it again and again.

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Skillet Bang Bang Chicken Thighs

These Skillet Bang Bang Chicken Thighs are juicy, crispy, and coated in a sweet-spicy creamy sauce. Made in one pan and ready in under 30 minutes, it’s your new weeknight hero dish.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 15 minutes mins

Total Time 25 minutes mins

Servings: 4 plates

Course: Main Course, One-Pot Meals

Cuisine: Asian-Inspired

Calories: 420

Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients

  

1x2x3x?

For the Chicken

• 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs cut into large bite-sized chunks
• 1/3 cup cornstarch
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons neutral oil canola or vegetable

For the Bang Bang Sauce

• 1/3 cup mayonnaise
• 2 tablespoons sweet chili sauce
• 1 tablespoon sriracha adjust to taste
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 1 teaspoon rice vinegar or lime juice optional, for brightness

Equipment

• Skillet
• Tongs
• Mixing bowls
• Whisk

Method

 

1. Pat chicken dry and cut into large bite-sized pieces. Season with garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Toss in cornstarch until evenly coated.
2. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken in a single layer. Cook 4–5 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Work in batches if needed.
3. In a bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, honey, and vinegar or lime juice until smooth.
4. Lower skillet heat, return chicken to the pan, and pour sauce over. Toss gently to coat and warm through. Serve hot.

Nutrition

Calories: 420kcalCarbohydrates: 18gProtein: 32gFat: 26gSaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 120mgSodium: 580mgPotassium: 600mgSugar: 9gVitamin A: 4IUVitamin C: 2mgCalcium: 2mgIron: 6mg

Notes

Serve over rice, in tacos, or with lettuce wraps. For a lighter version, substitute Greek yogurt for mayo. To make gluten-free, ensure all sauces and ingredients are certified GF.

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