If there’s one thing that brings my family running to the dinner table, it’s the smell of sizzling chicken in a skillet. This Skillet Bang Bang Chicken Thighs with Orzo & Fresh Parsley recipe is the perfect marriage of creamy, slightly spicy “Bang Bang” sauce with the cozy comfort of lemony garlic orzo.
It’s quick enough for weeknights, fancy enough for guests, and packed with flavors that feel like a warm hug in every bite. Plus, it’s all made in one skillet—less mess, more memories.
| Category | Prep Time | Cook Time | Servings | Calories* |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dinner, Pasta | 15 mins | 25 mins | 4 | ~520 kcal |
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Chicken:
- 6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (about 2 lbs)
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp olive oil
For the Sauce:
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- ¼ cup sweet chili sauce
- 1 tbsp sriracha (adjust for heat preference)
- 2 tbsp honey
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Juice of 1 lemon (about 2 tbsp)
For the Orzo:
- 1 ½ cups orzo pasta (uncooked)
- 3 cups chicken broth (or vegetable broth)
- 1 tbsp butter
- Zest of 1 lemon
- ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped
- Salt & pepper to taste
Step-By-Step Instructions
- Prepare the Bang Bang Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, honey, garlic, and lemon juice. Set aside. - Sear the Chicken
Pat chicken thighs dry with paper towels. Season with salt and pepper.
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Place chicken thighs skin-side down and sear for about 6–7 minutes until golden and crispy. Flip and cook for another 5–6 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Remove and set aside. - Cook the Orzo
In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add orzo and toast for 1–2 minutes until lightly golden. Pour in chicken broth, bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 8–10 minutes, stirring occasionally until orzo is tender. - Bring It Together
Stir in lemon zest and fresh parsley into the orzo. Place chicken back in the skillet. Spoon Bang Bang sauce generously over each thigh. - Serve & Enjoy
Serve hot, making sure each plate gets a scoop of lemon-garlic orzo and saucy chicken.
Helpful Notes & Tips
- Crispy Skin Trick: Patting chicken dry before searing helps it crisp beautifully.
- Sauce Control: Add sriracha little by little if you prefer mild heat.
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently to keep the chicken juicy.
Recipe Variations
- Protein Swap: Use boneless chicken breasts or shrimp instead of thighs. Adjust cooking time accordingly.
- Lightened Up: Swap mayonnaise for Greek yogurt in the sauce.
- Extra Veggies: Stir in spinach, peas, or roasted bell peppers into the orzo for more color and nutrition.
Serving Suggestions
- A fresh green salad with a lemon vinaigrette pairs perfectly.
- Garlic bread or crusty baguette to soak up that sauce.
- Extra lemon wedges on the side for brightness.
Conclusion
This skillet dinner is the kind of meal that feels both comforting and a little special. Whether you’re cooking for your family on a chilly evening or treating yourself after a long day, these Bang Bang Chicken Thighs with Orzo & Fresh Parsley are sure to hit the spot—warm, creamy, a little zesty, and oh-so satisfying.