Name: Bang Bang Chicken Skillet
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
Ingredients: 1 1/2 lbs boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces; 1 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 teaspoon paprika; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1/2 cup mayonnaise; 1/3 cup sweet chili sauce; 1–2 tablespoons sriracha (adjust to taste); 1 tablespoon honey; 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice; 2 green onions, sliced; 2 tablespoons fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped (for garnish)

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe is quick, easy, and made in just one skillet for simple cleanup. The sauce strikes the perfect balance between creamy, sweet, and spicy, making it appealing to a wide range of tastes. It’s versatile enough to serve over different bases like rice or pasta, and you can easily adjust the heat level to your preference. Plus, it’s family-friendly while still delivering restaurant-style flavor.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
salt
black pepper
garlic powder
paprika
olive oil
mayonnaise
sweet chili sauce
sriracha
honey
lime juice
green onions, sliced
fresh parsley or cilantro for garnish

Directions

Season the chicken pieces with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and paprika.
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Add the chicken in a single layer and cook for 5–7 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from heat briefly if needed.
In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, honey, and lime juice until smooth.
Reduce the skillet heat to medium-low and pour the sauce over the cooked chicken.
Stir gently to coat the chicken evenly in the sauce. Let it simmer for 2–3 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly and clings to the chicken.
Garnish with sliced green onions and fresh parsley or cilantro before serving.
Serve hot over rice, noodles, or with steamed vegetables.

Servings and timing

Servings: 4 servings
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 20 minutes
Total time: 30 minutes

Variations

For a lighter version, substitute Greek yogurt for part or all of the mayonnaise. Add broccoli, snap peas, or bell peppers directly to the skillet for a complete one-pan meal. If you prefer extra heat, increase the sriracha or add red pepper flakes. For a crispy texture, lightly coat the chicken in cornstarch before cooking. You can also swap chicken for shrimp for a seafood twist.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave in short intervals, stirring between each to ensure even warming. Add a splash of water if the sauce thickens too much during storage. Freezing is not recommended, as the creamy sauce may separate.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Yes, chicken thighs are juicy and work very well in this recipe.

Is Bang Bang Chicken very spicy?

It has a mild to moderate kick, but you can adjust the sriracha to control the heat level.

Can I make this ahead of time?

It’s best served fresh, but you can cook the chicken ahead and reheat it with the sauce before serving.

What can I serve with this dish?

It pairs well with white rice, jasmine rice, noodles, or even cauliflower rice.

Can I make this dairy-free?

Yes, simply use a dairy-free mayonnaise alternative.

How do I thicken the sauce?

Let it simmer a little longer or add a small amount of cornstarch slurry if needed.

Can I bake the chicken instead?

Yes, you can bake the seasoned chicken at 400°F (200°C) for about 18–20 minutes before tossing it in the sauce.

Can I add vegetables to the skillet?

Absolutely. Bell peppers, zucchini, or broccoli make great additions.

How do I keep the chicken tender?

Avoid overcooking and remove it from heat as soon as it reaches a safe internal temperature.

Can I make it low-carb?

Yes, serve it over cauliflower rice or alongside roasted vegetables instead of traditional rice.

Conclusion

Bang Bang Chicken Skillet is a quick, flavorful, and satisfying dish that brings together tender chicken and a creamy, sweet-spicy sauce in one convenient pan. With its customizable heat level and versatile serving options, it’s a dependable recipe for busy nights or casual entertaining. Once you try it, it’s sure to become a regular favorite in your meal rotation.

Bang Bang Chicken Skillet

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Bang Bang Chicken Skillet is a creamy, sweet-and-spicy one-pan dish featuring tender seared chicken coated in a rich, crave-worthy sauce. Quick to prepare and packed with bold flavor, it’s perfect for busy weeknights and pairs beautifully with rice, noodles, or vegetables.

Author: Laura
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings
Category: Main Course
Method: Skillet
Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
Diet: Halal

Instructions

Season the chicken pieces evenly with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and paprika.
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Add the chicken in a single layer and cook for 5–7 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F/74°C).
In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, honey, and lime juice until smooth.
Reduce heat to medium-low and pour the sauce over the cooked chicken.
Stir gently to coat the chicken evenly and let it simmer for 2–3 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
Garnish with sliced green onions and fresh parsley or cilantro.
Serve hot over rice, noodles, or alongside roasted vegetables.

Notes

Adjust the amount of sriracha to control the spice level.
Substitute Greek yogurt for part or all of the mayonnaise for a lighter option.
Add vegetables like broccoli, bell peppers, or snap peas for a complete one-pan meal.
Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Freezing is not recommended as the creamy sauce may separate.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 520 kcal
Sugar: 12 g
Sodium: 780 mg
Fat: 32 g
Saturated Fat: 6 g
Unsaturated Fat: 24 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 15 g
Fiber: 0 g
Protein: 40 g
Cholesterol: 120 mg