There’s something magical about the first time you make a recipe that feels like a “win.” I remember trying Bang Bang Chicken Thighs on a rushed weeknight, hoping for something fast and flavorful. What I got was not only a hit with the family but a recipe that became part of my regular rotation. The spicy-sweet sauce, the juicy chicken, the simplicity—everything just worked.
This Skillet Bang Bang Chicken Thighs (yes, it features a bang bang sauce twist) is perfect for beginner cooks because it’s fast, flexible, and forgiving. No complicated techniques, no fancy tools—just one pan, a few pantry staples, and a sauce that’ll blow your mind. Plus, it checks the boxes for those looking for quick and healthy meals without sacrificing taste.

Why This Recipe is Special
This isn’t just another chicken dinner—it’s a full-flavored powerhouse disguised as a 30-minute meal. What makes this easy sheet pan dinner special is how it balances bold flavors with minimal effort. The chicken thighs stay juicy and tender, thanks to skillet cooking, while the creamy, slightly spicy bang bang sauce brings everything together. Whether you’re new to cooking or just want to get dinner on the table fast, this dish delivers satisfaction with every bite.
Ingredients and Preparation
Here’s what you’ll need to bring this dish to life, and why each ingredient matters.
Chicken Thighs – The star of the show. Boneless, skinless thighs are ideal because they stay juicy and cook evenly. Prefer chicken breasts? Go ahead—they’ll work too, just watch your cooking time closely.
Salt, Black Pepper, Paprika – This simple seasoning trio adds depth and warmth. Paprika offers a subtle smokiness that pairs well with the tangy sauce.
Vegetable Oil – Helps create that golden-brown sear and prevents sticking. Avocado or canola oil are great substitutes.
Bang Bang Sauce – A mix of creamy, spicy, and sweet flavors. Typically made with mayo, sweet chili sauce, and Sriracha or hot sauce. You can use store-bought, but homemade is easy and adjustable to your taste.
Green Onions – For garnish and a touch of freshness. Chopped parsley or cilantro can be used if green onions aren’t on hand.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1 Start by combining salt, black pepper, and paprika in a small bowl. Rub this mixture evenly over the chicken thighs, coating both sides. This seasoning adds immediate flavor and helps form a light crust when cooked.
Step 2 Heat a nonstick skillet over medium heat and add the oil. Once shimmering, place the chicken thighs into the skillet in a single layer. Avoid overcrowding—cook in batches if needed. Let them sear for about 5 minutes without moving them.
Step 3 Flip the chicken and reduce the heat to medium-low. Continue cooking for another 5 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. If unsure, a quick poke with a meat thermometer saves the guesswork.
Step 4 Once the chicken is cooked through, remove it from the skillet and place it on a plate. Tent with foil to keep warm while you make the sauce magic happen.
Step 5 Pour your prepared bang bang sauce directly into the skillet. Use a spatula to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan—this adds tons of flavor. Simmer the sauce for 1-2 minutes until warmed through.
Step 6 Return the chicken to the skillet, coating each piece thoroughly in the sauce. Let it heat together for a minute or two. Garnish with chopped green onions and serve hot.

Beginner Tips and Notes
If your chicken browns too quickly, reduce the heat and cover the skillet briefly to help it cook evenly. On the flip side, if your sauce is too thick, a splash of water or chicken broth can loosen it.
Make prep easier by mixing your spice rub and bang bang sauce ahead of time. If you don’t have a meat thermometer, slice the thickest part of one thigh—if juices run clear and it’s no longer pink inside, you’re good to go.
No nonstick skillet? Use cast iron, but reduce heat slightly to prevent scorching.
Serving Suggestions
Turn this into a balanced meal with simple sides. Try roasted asparagus or green beans for something green. Steamed rice or cauliflower rice makes the perfect bed for that tangy sauce. Want crunch? A fresh slaw or cucumber salad adds texture.
Got leftovers? Store the chicken and sauce in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days. Reheat in a skillet or microwave until warmed through. The sauce may thicken in the fridge, so add a spoonful of water when reheating if needed.
Conclusion
There you have it Skillet Bang Bang Chicken Thighs that are beginner-friendly, flavor-packed, and weeknight-ready. It’s the kind of dish that builds kitchen confidence and keeps everyone coming back for more. Whether you’re just starting out or simply want a no-fuss dinner that delivers, this recipe checks every box.
Give it a try and let me know how it turns out in the comments. What did you pair it with? Did you tweak the sauce to your liking? I’d love to hear your kitchen wins.
FAQ About Skillet Bang Bang Chicken Thighs
1. Can I make Bang Bang Chicken Thighs with chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Yes, chicken breasts can be used in place of thighs. Just be sure to monitor the cooking time, as breasts tend to cook faster and can dry out more easily. Slice them evenly to ensure they cook uniformly.
2. What is Bang Bang sauce made of?
Traditional Bang Bang sauce is a creamy blend of mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, and a bit of Sriracha or hot sauce. You can adjust the spice level to your taste or use store-bought versions for convenience.
3. How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?
The safest way to check is with a meat thermometer—look for an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). If you don’t have one, cut into the thickest part of a thigh; it should be white all the way through with clear juices.
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Skillet Bang Bang Chicken Thighs
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Low Lactose
Description
Juicy skillet-seared chicken thighs coated in a creamy, spicy Bang Bang sauce. This quick and easy dinner is perfect for beginners and ready in 30 minutes.
Ingredients
- 6 boneless skinless chicken thighs
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 cup Bang Bang sauce (homemade or store-bought)
- Chopped green onions for garnish
Instructions
- In a small bowl, mix the salt, pepper, and paprika. Rub the seasoning mixture evenly over the chicken thighs.
- Heat the vegetable oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the chicken thighs in a single layer. Cook for 5 minutes.
- Flip the chicken thighs, reduce the heat to medium-low, and cook for another 5 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
- Remove the chicken from the skillet and place it on a plate. Tent with foil to keep warm.
- Pour the Bang Bang sauce into the same skillet. Stir and scrape up any brown bits from the bottom of the pan. Let simmer for 1–2 minutes until heated through.
- Return the chicken thighs to the skillet and coat them thoroughly in the sauce. Heat for another minute or so.
- Garnish with chopped green onions and serve immediately.
Notes
- You can substitute chicken thighs with chicken breasts—just adjust the cook time.
- Homemade Bang Bang sauce offers more control over the flavor, especially the spice level.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days.
- Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave with a splash of water if the sauce thickens.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken thigh with sauce
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 540mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 3.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 24g
- Cholesterol: 85mg