Skillet Bang Bang Chicken Thighs with Big Flavor Made Easy

Name: Skillet Bang Bang Chicken Thighs
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Asian
Ingredients: 4 chicken thighs; 1 tablespoon olive oil; Salt and pepper to taste; 1/2 cup mayonnaise; 2 tablespoons sweet chili sauce; 1 tablespoon Sriracha; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 teaspoon onion powder; Green onions for garnish

By:

Claire

November 21, 2025

Skillet Bang Bang Chicken Thighs cooked to perfection with big flavors

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Warm, fragrant, and packed with flavor, Skillet Bang Bang Chicken Thighs are the kind of comfort food that can turn an ordinary weeknight dinner into a memorable feast. This dish is a delightful fusion of tender chicken thighs coated in a sweet and spicy sauce that’s not only easy to make but utterly satisfying. Imagine sitting down to a plate of juicy chicken with a sauce that glistens with promise, the aroma of garlic and chili wafting through your kitchen. With every bite, you’re greeted by the satisfying crunch of the seared edges combined with the silky smoothness of the sauce, making Skillet Bang Bang Chicken Thighs a dish you’ll want to bookmark for regular rotation at your dinner table.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

What sets Skillet Bang Bang Chicken Thighs apart is not just the mouthwatering flavor but also the ease with which it comes together. It’s perfect for those evenings when you’re craving something special without spending hours in the kitchen. Here are a few reasons why you will fall in love with this recipe:

Incredible flavor: The combination of sweet chili sauce, Sriracha, and garlic powder creates a perfect harmony of sweetness and heat that lingers with every bite.
Simplified cooking: Cooking chicken thighs in a skillet is straightforward, and you can have a delicious meal ready in less than 30 minutes!
Comfort and nostalgia: The creamy sauce will likely remind you of favorite takeout options, but made quickly and easily at home, providing a sense of nostalgia in every exquisite mouthful.
Versatile dish: Perfect for casual dinners, special occasions, or even meal prep for the week ahead.
Easy clean-up: With everything cooked in one skillet, cleanup is a breeze, making it a perfect weeknight dish.

How to Make Skillet Bang Bang Chicken Thighs

Making Skillet Bang Bang Chicken Thighs is a straightforward process packed with steps that even novice cooks can handle with ease. First, you’ll start by preparing your chicken thighs for a good sear. The stovetop method ensures beautiful, crispy edges while keeping the meats juicy inside.

Here’s what you’ll need to whip up this delicious dish:

Ingredients

4 chicken thighs
1 tablespoon olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste
1/2 cup mayonnaise
2 tablespoons sweet chili sauce
1 tablespoon Sriracha
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
Green onions for garnish

Each ingredient plays a role in making this dish sing. The chicken thighs are the star of the show, providing a juicy centerpiece that holds the beautiful sauce. Olive oil is essential for achieving that crispy exterior that contrasts perfectly with the tender meat. Mayonnaise forms the base of the dressing, adding creaminess, while sweet chili sauce and Sriracha bring a delightful balance of sweetness and spice. Garlic and onion powders round out the flavor profile, ensuring that every bite is bursting with taste. If you’d like a lighter version, you can substitute Greek yogurt for mayonnaise, and for a milder sauce, feel free to adjust the Sriracha to your taste.

Directions

Now that you have your ingredients ready, let’s dive into the cooking process. First, heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. As the oil begins to shimmer, season your chicken thighs generously with salt and pepper.

Add the seasoned chicken thighs to the skillet. You’ll want to let them cook until they are beautifully browned and cooked through, which should take about 6-7 minutes per side. Keep an eye out during this time; you’ll notice the edges turn golden, which means they are caramelizing perfectly. Once they are cooked, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside on a cutting board or plate.

Next, grab a bowl and combine the mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, Sriracha, garlic powder, and onion powder. Mix everything well until all the ingredients meld together; this is when it truly starts to smell amazing. Pour this delightful sauce into the same skillet and heat it through for around 2 minutes, stirring occasionally. The remnants of the chicken will contribute to the depth of flavor in the sauce.

Once your sauce is heated, return the chicken to the skillet, ensuring each piece is well-coated with that savory sauce. Finally, garnish with chopped green onions just before serving. This adds a pop of color and a fresh crunch that is simply irresistible.

How to Serve Skillet Bang Bang Chicken Thighs

Serving Skillet Bang Bang Chicken Thighs is a time to get creative. This dish shines on its own but can be perfectly paired with jasmine rice or a simple side of stir-fried vegetables. The sauce is creamy and rich, so a light, crisp salad can also offer a fresh contrast to the richness of the chicken.

For a festive touch, serve on a vibrant platter, garnished with extra green onions, and perhaps some sesame seeds for that added flair. If you’re preparing it for a gathering, consider making it in large batches, so everyone can enjoy their share. The visual appeal of golden-brown chicken thighs glistening with glossy sauce is sure to impress!

How to Store Skillet Bang Bang Chicken Thighs

If you find yourself with leftovers — which is often a happy occurrence — storing them is easy! Allow the chicken to cool completely before placing it in an airtight container. In the refrigerator, it should last for about 3-4 days. If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze it, and it should stay fresh for up to 2 months.

When it’s time to enjoy those leftovers again, the best way to reheat them is in the oven. This method helps to maintain that delicious crispiness on the outside. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and heat for about 15-20 minutes, or until warmed through. A quick microwave warm-up works too, but you might lose that delectable crunch.

Tips for Perfect Skillet Bang Bang Chicken Thighs

To get the best out of your Skillet Bang Bang Chicken Thighs, here are a few tips based on my cooking experiences:

Choose even-sized pieces: Ensuring your chicken thighs are similar in size will help them cook evenly, preventing overcooking or undercooking some pieces.
Don’t skip the resting time: After cooking, give your chicken a few moments to rest before serving. This helps retain the juices inside.
Watch the heat: Cooking over medium heat is crucial. Too high, and you risk burning the sauce or drying out the chicken; too low, and it won’t develop that gorgeous brown color.
Adjust the sauce to your taste: If you prefer a less spicy sauce, scale back on the Sriracha or even replace it entirely with a mild sauce. Always taste the sauce and adjust seasonings accordingly before adding the chicken.

Variations

Don’t hesitate to get creative with this dish. Here are a few variations you might enjoy:

Add vegetables: For a more robust meal, toss in some bell peppers, snap peas, or broccoli into the skillet after removing the chicken. Stir-fry them briefly before adding the sauce back in.
Make it grilled: If you’re looking for a smoky flavor, marinate the chicken thighs in the sauce before grilling them over a medium flame. This adds a delicious char to the outside.
Turn it into a salad: Shred the cooked chicken and toss it into a bed of mixed greens, adding the sauce and some crunchy toppings like nuts or crispy noodles for a delightful salad.
For dietary needs: To make this recipe gluten-free, ensure your sauces are free from gluten additives. Use coconut cream or a vegan mayonnaise alternative for a dairy-free version.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Absolutely, chicken breasts can be swapped for thighs, but they may dry out more quickly. To ensure they remain juicy, consider pounding them to an even thickness for consistent cooking.

What kind of side dishes pair well with this chicken?

This chicken pairs excellently with steamed rice, quinoa, or fresh salad. You can also serve it with Asian-inspired sides like edamame or stir-fried vegetables.

How can I make this dish less spicy?

To tame the heat, you can reduce the amount of Sriracha or replace it with a less spicy sauce. Adding more mayonnaise dilutes the spiciness while enhancing creaminess.

Can I prepare the sauce ahead of time?

Absolutely! The sauce can be made in advance and stored in the fridge for 2-3 days. Just give it a stir before using, as some separation may occur.

Conclusion

Skillet Bang Bang Chicken Thighs are not just a meal; they’re an experience filled with warmth, flavor, and comforting nostalgia. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight meal or hosting a small gathering, this dish is sure to be a hit. Don’t hesitate to try this easy recipe — you may discover a new favorite! If you love this Skillet Bang Bang Chicken Thighs recipe, bookmark it for later, or share it with someone who’d enjoy it too! It’s time to gather around the table and enjoy the deliciousness!