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Crispy Skillet Bang Bang Chicken Thighs Easy Spicy Creamy Recipe

crispy skillet bang bang chicken thighs - featured image

Crispy chicken thighs cooked in a skillet and coated with a spicy, creamy bang bang sauce. Quick and easy to prepare, perfect for weeknight dinners or entertaining.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (about 1.5 pounds / 700 grams)
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable or canola oil
  • For the Bang Bang Sauce:
  • 1/3 cup mayonnaise (about 80 ml)
  • 2 tablespoons sriracha sauce
  • 1 tablespoon honey
  • 1 teaspoon rice vinegar
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 12 tablespoons water
  • Optional garnishes: chopped green onions, sesame seeds, fresh cilantro

Instructions

  1. Pat the chicken thighs dry thoroughly with paper towels, especially the skin. Season both sides generously with salt and black pepper. (5 minutes)
  2. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil. Wait until the oil shimmers but does not smoke (about 2-3 minutes).
  3. Place the chicken thighs skin-side down in the skillet. Press gently with tongs to ensure even contact. Cook without moving for 7-9 minutes until the skin is deeply golden and crisp.
  4. Flip the chicken thighs and reduce heat to medium. Cook for another 6-8 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Cook in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding.
  5. Remove the chicken from the skillet and let rest on a plate for 5 minutes to lock in juices.
  6. While the chicken rests, whisk together mayonnaise, sriracha, honey, rice vinegar, garlic powder, and 1 tablespoon water in a bowl. Add more water if a thinner sauce is desired. Adjust seasoning to taste.
  7. Drizzle the bang bang sauce over the chicken thighs or serve on the side for dipping. Garnish with chopped green onions or sesame seeds if desired. Serve immediately.

Notes

Patting the chicken skin dry is essential for crispiness. Avoid overcrowding the pan to prevent steaming. Rest the chicken after cooking to keep juices locked in and skin crispy. The bang bang sauce can be made ahead and stored separately. For a lighter sauce, substitute mayonnaise with Greek yogurt. For gluten-free, swap soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos if used.

Nutrition

Keywords: crispy chicken thighs, bang bang chicken, spicy creamy sauce, skillet chicken, easy dinner, weeknight recipe