Skillet Bang Bang Chicken Thighs Recipe
Ready to transform your weeknight dinner routine? Bang bang chicken thighs offer a tantalizing fusion of sweet, spicy, and creamy flavors that'll elevate your home cooking game. You'll love how quickly this Sichuan-inspired dish comes together, promising restaurant-quality results with minimal effort. From perfectly seared chicken to that irresistible signature sauce, this recipe is about to become your new go-to meal that'll have everyone asking, "What's your secret?"
Recipe Highlights
- Bang Bang Chicken originated in Sichuan province, featuring cold poached chicken with a spicy, nutty sauce traditionally prepared by "banging" the meat.
- The recipe requires chicken thighs seasoned with salt and pepper, pan-seared in a hot skillet until golden-brown and cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F.
- The signature bang bang sauce combines mayonnaise and sweet chili sauce, drizzled over crispy chicken thighs to create a creamy, sweet, and spicy flavor profile.
- Cooking takes less than 30 minutes using a single skillet, making it an ideal quick and convenient weeknight dinner solution for busy home cooks.
- Key cooking techniques include evenly seasoning chicken, maintaining proper skillet heat, avoiding overcrowding, and allowing meat to rest briefly after cooking to redistribute juices.
History
Although bang bang chicken has become a popular modern dish, its roots trace back to traditional Chinese cuisine. You'll find its origins in Sichuan province, where street vendors crafted ingenious recipes using simple, bold ingredients.
The term "bang bang" actually refers to the traditional preparation method, where cooks would literally bang choppers against chicken to tenderize the meat.
You might be surprised to learn that the original dish featured cold, poached chicken dressed with a spicy, nutty sauce.
As culinary techniques evolved, chefs began experimenting with different proteins and cooking methods. The sauce transformed too, incorporating mayonnaise and sweet chili sauce to create the creamy, tangy flavor profile you know today.
This adaptation reflects how traditional recipes can beautifully merge with contemporary cooking styles.
Recipe
Skillet Bang Bang Chicken Thighs elevate the classic protein with a tantalizing sauce that balances creamy, sweet, and spicy flavors. This simple yet impressive dish transforms ordinary chicken thighs into a restaurant-quality meal that can be prepared in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknight dinners or casual entertaining.
The key to this recipe's success lies in the signature bang bang sauce, a creamy blend of mayonnaise and sweet chili sauce that coats the crispy pan-seared chicken. By cooking the chicken thighs in a hot skillet, you'll achieve a golden-brown exterior that locks in moisture and creates an irresistible texture.
Ingredients:
- 6 boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup sweet chili sauce
- 2 tablespoons neutral cooking oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Begin by seasoning the chicken thighs generously with salt and pepper on both sides. Heat the neutral cooking oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until it shimmers and begins to ripple. Carefully place the seasoned chicken thighs into the hot skillet, ensuring they aren't overcrowded.
Cook the chicken thighs for 5-7 minutes on the first side, allowing them to develop a deep golden-brown crust. Flip the thighs and continue cooking for an additional 5-7 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
While the chicken cooks, whisk together the mayonnaise and sweet chili sauce in a small bowl to create the bang bang sauce.
Once the chicken is fully cooked, remove the thighs from the skillet and let them rest for 2-3 minutes. Drizzle the bang bang sauce generously over the chicken, ensuring each piece is well-coated.
For best results, let the chicken thighs come to room temperature before cooking to promote even cooking, and adjust the heat if the chicken is browning too quickly to prevent burning.
Cooking Steps
You'll start by seasoning your chicken thighs evenly with salt and pepper, ensuring each piece gets a balanced coating for maximum flavor.
Heat your skillet to medium-high and add the neutral cooking oil, then carefully place the chicken thighs in the pan, listening for that satisfying sizzle that signals the beginning of a perfect golden-brown crust.
Once the chicken is cooked through—about 5-7 minutes per side—you'll drizzle the creamy, sweet-spicy bang bang sauce over the top, letting it cascade down the crispy edges before letting the meat rest briefly to lock in those delicious juices.
Step 1. Season Chicken Thighs Evenly
When preparing bang bang chicken thighs, seasoning evenly is crucial for developing maximum flavor in every bite. Use kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to ensure consistent taste throughout the meat.
Sprinkle seasonings from about 6-8 inches above the chicken thighs, allowing them to fall in a light, uniform layer. Pat the thighs dry with paper towels before seasoning to help the salt and pepper adhere better and promote optimal browning.
Key seasoning tips:
- Use approximately 1/2 teaspoon salt per pound of chicken
- Grind pepper directly onto the meat for freshest flavor
- Press seasonings gently into the surface with fingertips
- Ensure both sides receive equal seasoning coverage
Evenly distributed seasonings guarantee a delicious, well-balanced bang bang chicken experience.
Step 2. Heat Skillet
First things first, grab a large, heavy-bottomed skillet that'll distribute heat evenly and prevent unwanted hot spots during cooking.
Choose a skillet with a thick base, preferably cast iron or stainless steel, to ensure optimal heat retention and uniform cooking.
- Set your stovetop burner to medium-high heat
- Add 2 tablespoons of neutral cooking oil
- Let the oil heat until it shimmers slightly but doesn't smoke
Watch for these key indicators that your skillet's ready:
- Slight rippling in the oil's surface
- A subtle, barely perceptible heat wave
- A quick water droplet that sizzles and dances when introduced
This precise heating technique guarantees your chicken thighs will develop a perfect golden-brown exterior while maintaining juicy, tender meat throughout the cooking process.
Step 3. Cook Chicken Thighs Evenly
Because perfectly cooked chicken thighs require strategic placement and monitoring, gently lay each seasoned piece into the hot, shimmering oil, ensuring they're not overcrowded in the skillet. Leave about an inch between thighs to promote even heat distribution and achieve that coveted golden-brown crust.
Monitor your chicken's progress carefully:
- Watch for consistent color development
- Listen for gentle sizzling, not aggressive popping
- Use tongs to check underneath periodically
Aim for a uniform golden-brown exterior, which signals proper caramelization. If some areas brown faster, slightly adjust skillet temperature or reposition thighs.
Remember, uneven heat can lead to inconsistent cooking, potentially leaving some sections undercooked while others become too crisp.
Flip thighs once, cooking 5-7 minutes per side until internal temperature reaches the safe 165°F mark.
Step 4. Drizzle Sauce Over Chicken
After achieving that perfect golden-brown sear on your chicken thighs, you'll want to elevate their flavor profile with the signature bang bang sauce.
Carefully drizzle the mayo and sweet chili sauce mixture over each chicken thigh, ensuring an even coating that catches in the crispy, caramelized edges. Use a spoon or small ladle to distribute the sauce systematically, allowing it to cascade gently across the meat's surface.
Key drizzling tips:
- Start from the center of each thigh
- Move in a circular motion outward
- Cover approximately 80% of the chicken's surface
- Leave slight edges exposed for visual contrast
Let the warm chicken absorb the sauce's creamy, tangy flavors for 1-2 minutes before serving, maximizing the sauce's delicious impact.
Step 5. Let Chicken Rest Briefly
Let your golden-brown chicken thighs breathe and settle after their sizzling skillet adventure.
After removing the chicken from heat, transfer the thighs to a clean cutting board or resting plate, allowing them to sit undisturbed for 3-5 minutes. This crucial resting period helps redistribute internal juices, ensuring each bite remains incredibly moist and tender.
- Rest chicken away from direct heat
- Cover loosely with aluminum foil to retain warmth
- Resist cutting immediately – patience prevents juice loss
During these few minutes, the internal temperature will stabilize, and protein fibers will relax. The result? Perfectly juicy chicken that's evenly cooked throughout.
Use this time to garnish your plate, prepare side dishes, or drizzle additional bang bang sauce over the resting thighs, preparing for a delectable meal.
Final Thoughts
Three reasons make these bang bang chicken thighs a must-try weeknight dinner solution.
First, the recipe delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort, transforming basic ingredients into a restaurant-worthy meal. You'll appreciate how quickly the dish comes together, using just one skillet and a simple sauce that packs a serious punch. The technique ensures crispy exteriors and juicy interiors, making each bite incredibly satisfying.
Key takeaways for success include:
- Always check internal chicken temperature
- Let meat rest after cooking
- Prepare sauce in advance
- Adjust heat if chicken browns too quickly
With its perfect balance of sweet, spicy, and creamy elements, this bang bang chicken thighs recipe will become a reliable go-to in your cooking repertoire.
Enjoy the delicious simplicity.
