If you’re searching for a dish that brings together crunchy, golden-brown chicken skin and a creamy, sweet-spicy sauce that beckons you back for seconds, look no further than Skillet Bang Bang Chicken Thighs. This recipe transforms humble chicken thighs into a flavor sensation with a quick sear on the stovetop followed by a cozy bake in the oven. Throughout the cooking process, the spice rub—featuring garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper—forms a mouthwatering crust that locks in all the juices. Then, a luscious bang bang sauce made from mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, fiery sriracha, a touch of honey, and rice vinegar adds the perfect balance of creamy richness, tangy sweetness, and just enough heat to make your taste buds smile.
As a self-proclaimed home cook who thrives on easy weeknight dinners, I love how this dish checks every box: beginner-friendly, ready in about 55 minutes including prep and rest time (15 minutes prep, 35 minutes cooking, 5 minutes resting), and roughly 550 calories per serving. Whether you’re hosting a casual dinner with friends or simply craving a no-fuss comfort meal, these thighs deliver an irresistible crunch and juicy interior. The oven-safe skillet cuts down on dishwashing, while the short ingredient list ensures you’re not rummaging through your pantry searching for exotic items—you’ll just need everyday staples plus your favorite hot sauce.
On busy evenings when time is tight but flavor matters most, having a reliable recipe like this in your back pocket is a game-changer. The combination of textures—the crisp chicken skin giving way to tender meat, all wrapped in that velvety bang bang sauce—is downright addictive. And let’s be real: who can resist drizzling more sauce over a bed of steaming rice or scooping it alongside some vibrant roasted veggies? It’s a simple yet spectacular twist on classic chicken thighs that will quickly become a go-to in your cooking rotation. So grab your skillet, dust off that spice rack, and join me as we dive into the world of Skillet Bang Bang Chicken Thighs!
KEY INGREDIENTS IN SKILLET BANG BANG CHICKEN THIGHS
Before you fire up your skillet, let’s take a closer look at the star players of this recipe. Each ingredient has a vital role in creating the irresistible flavor and texture combination that makes bang bang chicken so memorable. From the crispy, juicy chicken thighs to the creamy-spicy sauce, here’s what you’ll need:
- Bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
These provide the perfect canvas for a crisp, golden skin and juicy interior. The bone adds flavor and helps the meat stay tender during cooking.
- Olive oil
A drizzle of olive oil in the skillet helps achieve that beautiful sear on the skin, ensuring maximum crispiness without sticking.
- Salt and pepper
The simplest seasoning duo that highlights the natural flavor of the chicken while balancing the sweet-spicy sauce.
- Garlic powder
Infuses the chicken with a mellow, savory depth and enhances the overall aroma in every bite.
- Onion powder
Contributes a subtle sweetness and savory undertone, rounding out the spice rub and layering flavor throughout the meat.
- Smoked paprika
Brings a smoky warmth and vibrant color to the chicken skin, making every piece look as delicious as it tastes.
- Mayonnaise
Forms the rich, creamy base of the bang bang sauce, providing a smooth texture that clings beautifully to the chicken.
- Sweet chili sauce
Adds a sticky sweetness with hints of garlic and red pepper flakes, kicking up the flavor profile with just the right amount of punch.
- Sriracha sauce
Delivers bright, vinegary heat to the bang bang sauce—adjust the amount to dial the spice level up or down.
- Honey
Balances the tang and heat with natural sweetness, creating that irresistible sweet-spicy harmony.
- Rice vinegar
Lends a gentle tang and light acidity that cuts through the richness of the mayonnaise and honey.
- Fresh cilantro (optional)
A bright, herbaceous garnish that adds a pop of color and freshness against the rich sauce.
- Lime wedges (optional)
Offer an extra zing of citrus that can be squeezed over the chicken just before serving, elevating every bite.
HOW TO MAKE SKILLET BANG BANG CHICKEN THIGHS
Let’s turn these ingredients into an unforgettable meal. This straightforward process—a quick stovetop sear followed by a cozy bake—ensures perfectly cooked chicken with minimal fuss. You’ll finish with a luscious homemade sauce that you can whisk together in the time it takes the chicken to hit the oven.
1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Make sure the rack is centered so heat circulates evenly around your skillet, setting the stage for a flawless bake.
2. Season the chicken thighs generously with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika on both sides. Use your hands to rub the spice blend into the skin and meat, ensuring full coverage.
3. Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. When the oil is shimmering, add the chicken thighs skin-side down. Allow them to sear undisturbed for about 5–7 minutes, or until the skin turns crispy and golden brown.
4. Flip the chicken thighs over and carefully transfer the skillet to the preheated oven. Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until an instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part reads 165°F (75°C).
5. While the chicken bakes, prepare the bang bang sauce. In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha sauce, honey, and rice vinegar until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
6. Once the chicken is done, remove the skillet from the oven and let the thighs rest for 5 minutes. This step helps the juices redistribute and keeps the meat tender.
7. Drizzle the bang bang sauce generously over each chicken thigh, making sure every bite will be coated in that creamy, sweet-spicy goodness.
8. Garnish with fresh cilantro leaves and serve with lime wedges, if desired. Plate your thighs and get ready to dig in while they’re hot!
SERVING SUGGESTIONS FOR SKILLET BANG BANG CHICKEN THIGHS
Bringing together succulent chicken thighs and a bold bang bang sauce is just the beginning—pairing them right can elevate your meal to restaurant-level status. Think about complementary textures, flavors, and colors that will balance the rich, creamy sauce and crunchy skin. Whether you’re looking for a simple weeknight dinner or a showstopping dish for guests, these ideas will help you serve your Skillet Bang Bang Chicken Thighs with style.
- Roasted vegetable medley
Toss your favorite seasonal vegetables—like bell peppers, zucchini, and red onions—in olive oil, salt, and pepper. Roast at 400°F until tender and lightly charred, then serve alongside the chicken to add a vibrant, earthy contrast.
- Steamed jasmine rice
Fluffy jasmine rice serves as the perfect base, soaking up every drop of bang bang sauce. For extra flair, stir in chopped cilantro and a squeeze of lime before plating.
- Fresh green salad
A crisp salad of mixed greens, cucumber ribbons, and cherry tomatoes dressed in a light vinaigrette cuts through the richness of the sauce and adds a refreshing crunch.
- Handheld tacos or lettuce wraps
Slice the chicken and tuck it into warm tortillas or large lettuce leaves. Top with extra sauce, avocado slices, and a sprinkle of cilantro for a fun, casual twist.
HOW TO STORE SKILLET BANG BANG CHICKEN THIGHS
Leftover bang bang chicken can be just as delicious the next day—if stored properly. Maintaining that perfect balance between crispy skin and creamy sauce is all about keeping moisture under control and preventing sogginess. Always allow your chicken to cool slightly before stashing it away, and consider separating components for the best results. Here are some tried-and-true storage methods:
- Refrigerate in an airtight container
Let the chicken cool at room temperature for no more than 30 minutes, then transfer to a sealed container. Store the sauce separately in a small jar or ramekin to keep the chicken skin from softening in the fridge. Consume within 3–4 days.
- Freeze for long-term storage
Place cooled chicken pieces on a baking sheet in a single layer and freeze until firm. Then, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag, squeezing out excess air. Label with the date and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
- Reheat in the oven
For the best return of crispiness, preheat your oven to 350°F. Arrange chicken on a baking sheet and bake for 10–12 minutes, or until warmed through. Brush with a bit of olive oil if the skin needs a refresh.
- Revive in a skillet
Heat a splash of oil over medium heat. Place chicken thighs skin-side down and warm for 3–4 minutes, then flip and heat another 2–3 minutes. This method quickly brings back that satisfying crunch.
CONCLUSION
Skillet Bang Bang Chicken Thighs offer a delightful journey from kitchen to table, marrying crispy-skinned chicken with a creamy, sweet-spicy bang bang sauce that’s sure to impress. As you’ve discovered, this recipe is beginner-friendly, requiring minimal prep and everyday ingredients, yet it delivers a depth of flavor that feels anything but ordinary. Whether you’re whipping this up for a simple family dinner, hosting friends on game night, or just treating yourself to a tasty solo meal, these thighs come together quickly and leave you with plenty of time to set the table or mix up a refreshing side salad.
Feel free to print this article and tuck it into your recipe binder for easy reference—I promise it’ll become a trusted staple whenever you’re craving bold flavors with minimal effort. And if your copy of this guide is still sitting on the screen, don’t worry: you can save it for later, dive back into the FAQ section below, or even snap a photo to keep on your phone. I’d love to hear how it turned out for you! Drop a comment with your questions, share your own twists on the sauce, or let me know if you ran into any hiccups while cooking. Your feedback and stories always inspire new ideas, so please don’t hesitate to reach out. Happy cooking, and here’s to many delicious meals ahead!
Skillet Bang Bang Chicken Thighs
Description
Experience crispy, golden chicken thighs paired with a luscious bang bang sauce blending creamy mayo, sweet chili, and fiery sriracha. Perfectly seared then oven-baked, this dish delivers irresistible crunch and zesty heat in every bite.
Ingredients
Instructions
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Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
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Season the chicken thighs generously with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika on both sides.
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Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the chicken thighs, skin-side down. Sear the chicken for about 5-7 minutes, or until the skin is crispy and golden brown.
-
Flip the chicken thighs over and transfer the skillet to the preheated oven. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
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While the chicken bakes, prepare the bang bang sauce. In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha sauce, honey, and rice vinegar until smooth and well-combined.
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Once the chicken is done, remove it from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes.
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Drizzle the bang bang sauce generously over the chicken thighs, making sure to coat each one.
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Garnish with fresh cilantro and lime wedges, if desired. Serve immediately.
Note
- For extra crispiness, broil the chicken for 2-3 minutes after baking.
- You can adjust the level of spiciness in the sauce by adding more or less sriracha.
- For a tangier sauce, add a little more rice vinegar.
- If you prefer boneless, skinless chicken thighs, just reduce the cooking time by about 5-10 minutes.
- This dish pairs well with steamed rice or roasted vegetables.
