Skillet Bang Bang Chicken Thighs are crispy, juicy, and drenched in a creamy, spicy-sweet sauce that hits all the right notes. The name may be playful, but the flavor is bold — think crispy pan-seared chicken thighs slathered in a tangy Bang Bang sauce made with mayo, chili garlic sauce, and a touch of honey.

This dish delivers that perfect contrast of heat and sweetness, with just the right amount of crunch from a golden sear. Cooking it all in one skillet keeps things simple and fast, making it a go-to weeknight favorite.

Whether served over rice, stuffed into wraps, or piled over greens, these saucy chicken thighs are impossible to resist.

Ingredients Overview

Each ingredient brings heat, richness, or balance to the dish — simple pantry staples that come together in minutes.

Boneless Skinless Chicken Thighs: Juicy, flavorful, and perfect for searing. They stay moist and cook quickly in a skillet.

Cornstarch or Flour: Creates a light coating for the chicken, giving it a crisp, golden crust when pan-fried.

Salt, Pepper, Garlic Powder: Basic seasoning for the chicken before cooking.

Oil (Canola or Avocado): Used for searing. Choose a high-heat oil to avoid smoking.

Mayonnaise: The base of the Bang Bang sauce — creamy and rich.

Sweet Chili Sauce or Honey: Adds sweetness and a little stickiness to balance the spice.

Sriracha or Chili Garlic Sauce: Brings the heat. Use more or less depending on your spice preference.

Rice Vinegar or Lime Juice (Optional): Adds a touch of acidity to balance the richness of the mayo.

Green Onions or Sesame Seeds (Optional): For garnish and a bit of crunch.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Make the Bang Bang Sauce:

In a bowl, whisk together:

• ½ cup mayonnaise

• 2 tbsp sweet chili sauce or honey

• 1–2 tbsp sriracha or chili garlic sauce

• 1 tsp rice vinegar or lime juice (optional)

Taste and adjust spice or sweetness as needed. Set aside.

2. Prepare the Chicken:

Pat dry 1½ lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs. Trim excess fat and cut into large pieces or keep whole.

Season with:

• Salt and pepper

• 1 tsp garlic powder

Dust lightly with:

• 2 tbsp cornstarch or all-purpose flour

Toss to coat evenly on all sides.

3. Sear the Chicken:

Heat 1–2 tbsp oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.

Once hot, add chicken (in batches if needed). Cook 4–5 minutes per side, until deeply golden and cooked through (internal temp 165°F).

Remove from heat and let rest for a couple of minutes.

4. Coat in Sauce:

Drizzle Bang Bang sauce over warm chicken and toss to coat. Or serve sauce on the side for dipping.

5. Garnish and Serve:

Sprinkle with:

• Sliced green onions

• Toasted sesame seeds

• Extra sauce on the side

Serve immediately.

Tips, Variations & Substitutions

Tips:

• Don’t overcrowd the skillet — cook in batches for maximum crisp.

• Pat chicken dry before coating to help crisp up better.

• Use a splatter guard if needed — mayo-based sauces can bubble.

Variations:

• Grilled Version: Skip the flour and grill the thighs instead, then drizzle with sauce.

• Air Fryer: Air fry coated thighs at 400°F for 14–16 minutes, flipping halfway.

• Sweet Heat: Add a teaspoon of brown sugar or hot honey to the sauce.

• Sticky Glaze: Warm the sauce in the skillet and reduce slightly before tossing with chicken for a glaze-like finish.

Substitutions:

• No mayo? Use plain Greek yogurt or sour cream (flavor will be slightly tangier).

• No chicken thighs? Use chicken breasts, tenders, or even tofu or shrimp.

• Low-carb? Skip flour and use almond flour or arrowroot powder.

• Dairy-free? Most mayo is dairy-free, but double-check if needed.

Serving Ideas & Occasions

Bang Bang Chicken Thighs shine in any setting — from fast family dinners to casual entertaining.

Serve with:

• Steamed jasmine or coconut rice

• Stir-fried vegetables or roasted broccoli

• Shredded cabbage or lettuce wraps for a low-carb version

• Noodles or rice bowls topped with cucumbers and carrots

• Pickled veggies or kimchi for contrast

Great for:

• Weeknight dinners

• Game night spreads

• Meal prep (sauce on the side for reheating)

• Wraps, sliders, or tacos

Nutritional & Health Notes

This dish balances protein and fat while being easily adjustable to fit different dietary needs.

Key benefits:

• Protein-rich from chicken thighs

• Lower carb than traditional breaded versions

• Customizable for spice and fat content

• Gluten-free adaptable with alternative starches

One serving (about 2–3 thighs with sauce) provides approximately:

• 400–450 calories

• 30–35g protein

• 25–30g fat

• 5–10g carbohydrates

To lighten it:

• Use light mayo or Greek yogurt

• Serve with a large salad or roasted veggies

• Skip sweet chili and use hot sauce + lime juice for lower sugar

FAQs

1. Can I make Bang Bang Chicken ahead of time?

Yes! Cook the chicken and store separately from the sauce. Reheat chicken in a skillet or oven, then toss with sauce before serving.

2. Can I bake the chicken instead of frying?

Yes. Bake at 425°F for 25 minutes, flipping halfway, or until internal temp hits 165°F. Broil briefly for crispiness.

3. How spicy is Bang Bang sauce?

It’s mildly spicy with a sweet, creamy base. Adjust the heat by adding more or less sriracha or chili garlic sauce.

4. Can I use bone-in chicken?

Yes, but cook time will increase. Bone-in thighs should be seared then finished in the oven for even cooking.

5. Is this dish gluten-free?

It can be — use gluten-free flour or cornstarch and check all condiments for hidden gluten.

6. Can I make this low-carb or keto?

Definitely. Use almond flour for coating and a sugar-free hot sauce or chili paste in the Bang Bang sauce.

7. What’s the best mayo to use?

Use a full-fat or avocado oil-based mayo for the best flavor and creamy texture. Avoid low-fat varieties if possible.

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