Skillet Bang Bang Chicken Thighs with Homemade Sauce Recipe

This Skillet Bang Bang Chicken Thighs with Homemade Sauce is a punchy restaurant-quality meal that’s fun, indulgent, and still easy enough for a weeknight.

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Juicy chicken thighs are seared until golden, smothered in a creamy spicy sauce, and finished with fresh green onions which all comes together in one pan.

My homemade bang bang sauce is creamy and spicy but also very simple to make from scratch (promise you won’t ever look at store-bought sauce the same way).

Everyone raves about this dish (it brings bold, savory flavors without turning the stove into a mess). It should really win an award for the best and easiest quick win dinner that everyone must try.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This skillet chicken delivers big flavor using simple steps and everyday ingredients. Everything cooks fast and stays full of texture.

Bold flavor: The sauce hits creamy, sweet, and spicy all at once.

Juicy chicken: Thighs stay tender and never dry out.

Quick skillet meal: Dinner comes together in one pan with easy cleanup.

Custom heat level: Adjust the spice to suit your taste.

Crowd favorite: Great for family dinners or casual guests.

Versatile dish: Works with rice, noodles, or wraps.

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Ingredients

For the Chicken:

• 6 boneless skinless chicken thighs
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon paprika
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil

For the Bang Bang Sauce:

• ½ cup mayonnaise
• 2 tablespoons sweet chili sauce
• 1 tablespoon sriracha
• 1 teaspoon honey
• 1 teaspoon rice vinegar

For Garnish:

• Green onions, chopped

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Step by Step Instructions

1. Season the Chicken

Start by patting the chicken thighs dry with paper towels. Sprinkle both sides evenly with salt, black pepper, and paprika. Press the seasoning gently into the meat so it sticks well during cooking.

2. Heat the Skillet

Place a large skillet over medium heat and add the vegetable oil. Let the oil heat until it shimmers slightly. This ensures the chicken browns nicely once it hits the pan.

3. Cook the Chicken

Add the chicken thighs to the hot skillet in a single layer. Cook for about 5 to 6 minutes on each side until deeply golden and cooked through. Avoid moving the chicken too much so it develops good color. Remove from the pan and set aside briefly.

4. Make the Sauce

While the chicken rests, whisk together the mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, honey, and rice vinegar in a bowl. Stir until smooth and creamy. Taste and adjust spice or sweetness as needed.

5. Combine and Coat

Lower the heat and return the chicken to the skillet. Spoon the sauce over each thigh, turning gently so everything gets coated. Let it warm for a minute so the sauce hugs the chicken without overheating.

6. Finish and Garnish

Turn off the heat and sprinkle chopped green onions over the top. Serve right away while the sauce stays glossy and the chicken stays juicy.

Tips and Variations

• Crispier edges: Let the chicken cook undisturbed for better browning.
• Milder sauce: Use less sriracha for gentle heat.
• Extra spice: Add a pinch of chili flakes to the sauce.
• Air fryer option: Cook the chicken separately and toss with sauce after.
• Meal prep friendly: Store sauce and chicken separately for best texture.

Serving Suggestions

Skillet Bang Bang Chicken Thighs pair well with fluffy rice, noodles, or roasted vegetables. Spoon extra sauce over the sides so nothing goes to waste. Crisp lettuce cups also work well for a lighter plate with plenty of crunch.

When I serve this for casual dinners, I place everything in the center of the table. Everyone ends up building their own plate, and the pan usually comes back empty.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use chicken breast instead?

Yes, though thighs stay juicier and more forgiving.

Is the sauce very spicy?

The heat stays balanced, but you can easily adjust it.

Can I make the sauce ahead of time?

Yes, store it in the fridge for up to three days.

How do I reheat leftovers?

Warm gently in a skillet over low heat.

Can this be frozen?

Freeze the cooked chicken without sauce, then add fresh sauce later.

Final Thoughts

Skillet Bang Bang Chicken Thighs with Homemade Sauce bring together ease and bold flavor in the best way. The juicy chicken and creamy sauce create a dish that feels fun, fast, and satisfying.

I love how flexible this recipe feels. It works for busy nights, relaxed weekends, and even casual entertaining without adding stress.