Skillet Bang Bang Chicken Thighs

If “what’s for dinner?” feels like a daily game show where the grand prize is an eye-roll from your teenager or a kitchen meltdown at 6 PM, let me introduce you to your new hero: Skillet Bang Bang Chicken Thighs.

This dish checks all the boxes for the busy, flavor-loving home cook. It’s bold. It’s crispy. It’s quick enough for a weeknight and tasty enough for a weekend treat. Plus, it’s pan-fried, not deep-fried—so less mess and more magic.

Why You’ll Love These Skillet Bang Bang Chicken Thighs

These chicken thighs are marinated in buttermilk for tenderness, coated in a crisp outer shell, and pan-fried to golden glory. But the real star here? That dreamy, creamy Bang Bang sauce. It’s a spicy-sweet combo of mayo, Thai sweet chili sauce, and a kick of sriracha. Whether you’re serving it over rice, tucked into tacos, or eating it straight off the plate (no judgment!), it’s the kind of dish that keeps everyone coming back for more.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s what you need to make this bangin’ recipe:

For the Chicken:

• 6 boneless, skinless chicken thighs
• 1/2 cup buttermilk
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 3/4 cup cornstarch or all-purpose flour (for coating)
• 2–3 tbsp oil, for pan-frying

For the Bang Bang Sauce:

• 1/2 cup mayonnaise (preferably Kewpie or full-fat)
• 1/4 cup Thai sweet chili sauce
• 1–2 tbsp sriracha (adjust to taste)
• 1 tbsp honey or maple syrup (optional, for added sweetness)
• Juice of 1/2 lime (for brightness)

How to Make Skillet Bang Bang Chicken Thighs : Step-by-Step

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

In a bowl, mix the chicken thighs with buttermilk, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Let them soak up all that goodness for at least 15 minutes—or toss it in the fridge for up to 4 hours if you’re planning ahead.

Step 2: Make the Sauce

Whisk together mayo, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, lime juice, and honey or maple syrup if you’re in the mood for a little extra sweet. Taste and tweak until it’s got just the right balance of zing and heat.

Step 3: Coat the Chicken

Remove the chicken from the marinade, letting any extra drip off. Dredge each thigh in your cornstarch or flour, pressing gently to make sure the coating sticks.

Step 4: Pan-Fry to Perfection

Heat the oil in a skillet over medium-high. Fry each thigh for about 4–5 minutes per side, or until golden and crispy and cooked to an internal temp of 165°F. Don’t overcrowd the pan—you want crispiness, not steam.

Step 5: Toss or Drizzle

Now for the fun part. Drizzle that luscious Bang Bang sauce over the chicken or toss the thighs in a bowl with the sauce for full coverage. Serve hot and get ready for compliments.

Tips for Bang Bang Success

• No buttermilk? Mix 1/2 cup milk with 1/2 tbsp vinegar or lemon juice and let it sit for 5 minutes.
• Want it spicier? Add a dash more sriracha or a pinch of chili flakes.
• Make it a meal: Serve with steamed rice, a crunchy slaw, or roasted veggies.

A Little Story From My Kitchen

This recipe made its debut during one of our weekly “whatever’s-in-the-fridge” nights. I had chicken thighs, a bottle of sweet chili sauce, and not a lot of hope. But by the time the sauce hit the skillet, my husband peeked into the kitchen and said, “What smells so amazing?” Boom—new family favorite born.

FAQs About Skillet Bang Bang Chicken Thighs

Bring the Bang Bang Magic Home

Skillet Bang Bang Chicken Thighs are your answer to boring dinners. They’re crispy, creamy, spicy, and just plain fun to eat. Plus, with pantry-friendly ingredients and minimal prep, they’re perfect for when life gets hectic but your taste buds still deserve a treat. Give them a try—you might just find your new favorite go-to dish!

More Chicken Magic to Try Next

If you’re loving the flavors in these Skillet Bang Bang Chicken Thighs, here are a few more crave-worthy recipes to explore:

• For an ultra-creamy, slow-cooked option that’s just as cozy, try this comforting Creamy Ranch Chicken Crock Pot.
• Craving more bold sauces? You’ll fall for the rich layers in this vibrant Creamy Tuscan Chicken Orzo.
• For another skillet winner that packs in both flavor and nutrition, don’t miss the Healthy Chicken Pomodoro Skillet.
• And for a dish that’s practically guaranteed to become a family favorite, bookmark the cheesy and indulgent Crack Chicken Penne.

These dishes are perfect to add to your weeknight rotation—so go ahead, keep the magic going!

Skillet Bang Bang Chicken Thighs

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• Author: Aneta
• Total Time: 30 mins
• Yield: 4 servings 1x

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Description

Skillet Bang Bang Chicken Thighs are crispy, juicy, and tossed in a creamy, spicy-sweet sauce. An easy weeknight dinner full of bold flavor and pan-seared perfection.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

For the Chicken:

• 6 boneless, skinless chicken thighs

• 1/2 cup buttermilk

• 1 tsp garlic powder

• 1 tsp onion powder

• Salt and pepper, to taste

• 3/4 cup cornstarch or all-purpose flour (for coating)

• 2–3 tbsp oil, for pan-frying

For the Bang Bang Sauce:

• 1/2 cup mayonnaise (preferably Kewpie or full-fat)

• 1/4 cup Thai sweet chili sauce

• 1–2 tbsp sriracha (adjust to taste)

• 1 tbsp honey or maple syrup (optional)

• Juice of 1/2 lime

Optional Garnish:

• Chopped green onions

• Sesame seeds

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Instructions

1. Marinate the Chicken:
   In a bowl, combine chicken thighs, buttermilk, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Marinate for at least 15 minutes, or up to 4 hours in the fridge.

2. Make the Sauce:
   In another bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, honey (if using), and lime juice. Adjust to taste. Set aside.

3. Coat the Chicken:
   Remove the chicken from the marinade, letting the excess drip off. Dredge each thigh in cornstarch or flour, pressing lightly to coat well.

4. Pan-Fry to Perfection:
   Heat oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Cook chicken thighs for 4–5 minutes per side, until golden and the internal temp reaches 165°F.

5. Add the Sauce:
   Drizzle the sauce over the chicken or toss the thighs directly in the sauce. Garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds if desired. Serve hot.

Notes

Substitute chicken breasts if needed—just pound to even thickness.
No buttermilk? Mix milk with 1/2 tbsp lemon juice or vinegar.
For a spicier kick, increase the sriracha or add chili flakes.
Serve over white rice, noodles, or a fresh slaw for a complete meal.

• Prep Time: 15 mins
• Cook Time: 15 mins
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Skillet
• Cuisine: Asian-inspired

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 435 Kcal
• Sugar: 7 g
• Sodium: 520 mg
• Fat: 30 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 22 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 18 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Protein: 25 g
• Cholesterol: 110 mg