Skillet Bang Bang Chicken Thighs Recipe

If you're on the hunt for a savory and spicy dish that will tantalize your taste buds, look no further than this mouthwatering Skillet Bang Bang Chicken Thighs recipe. With its perfect combination of heat, sweetness, and creaminess, this dish will quickly become a favorite in your household. Whether you're cooking for family or hosting a dinner party, this recipe is sure to impress. Keep reading for a detailed guide, including ingredients, variations, and tips to ensure your Bang Bang Chicken Thighs turn out perfect every time!

What Are Skillet Bang Bang Chicken Thighs?

Skillet Bang Bang Chicken Thighs is a spicy, crispy, and saucy dish that gets its name from its signature Bang Bang sauce—a delicious mix of mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, and honey. Traditionally, this recipe uses chicken thighs cooked to golden perfection in a skillet, ensuring a crispy outside while keeping the inside juicy and flavorful. The final touch is coating the chicken thighs with the Bang Bang sauce, creating a perfect blend of spice, sweetness, and tang. It’s an excellent meal that pairs well with rice, salad, or veggies, making it versatile and adaptable for any occasion.

Ingredients List for Skillet Bang Bang Chicken Thighs

For the Chicken Thighs:

• 6 boneless, skinless chicken thighs
• 2 tablespoons olive oil or vegetable oil (for frying)
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional, for extra crispiness)

For the Bang Bang Sauce:

• ½ cup mayonnaise
• ¼ cup sweet chili sauce
• 2 tablespoons sriracha (adjust for heat preference)
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 1 tablespoon lime juice (optional for a tangy twist)

For Garnish:

• 2 green onions, finely chopped
• Sesame seeds for sprinkling (optional)

Ingredients List for Skillet Bang Bang Chicken Thighs (continued)

For Serving (Optional):

• 2 cups steamed jasmine rice
• Mixed greens or roasted vegetables
• Lime wedges for extra zest
• Chopped cilantro for garnish

Feel free to adjust these ingredients based on what you have available. The base recipe can easily be customized to match your taste preferences, dietary needs, or ingredient availability. And don’t forget, the key to success is that delicious Bang Bang sauce, which can elevate just about any chicken dish!

Substitutions and Variations

Cooking is all about making recipes work for you, and Skillet Bang Bang Chicken Thighs is no exception. Here are some substitutions and variations to make this recipe fit your needs:

• Chicken Substitutes: If you’re not a fan of chicken thighs or want a leaner option, you can swap them for chicken breasts, chicken drumsticks, or even turkey thighs. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly.
• Vegetarian Option: For a plant-based twist, try using cauliflower florets or tofu instead of chicken. You can still fry them to a crispy texture and coat them with the Bang Bang sauce for a delicious vegetarian meal.
• Low-Carb Version: Skip the honey in the Bang Bang sauce and use a low-carb sweetener like erythritol or stevia. Serve with cauliflower rice or a side of sautéed greens instead of jasmine rice to keep the carb count down.
• Spice Level: Adjust the amount of sriracha in the Bang Bang sauce to make it spicier or milder, depending on your taste. For extra heat, consider adding red pepper flakes or even a dash of cayenne pepper.
• Gluten-Free: Make sure to use gluten-free cornstarch, and double-check that your sweet chili sauce is gluten-free. Some store-bought sauces can contain wheat or gluten additives.

These variations allow you to get creative with the dish, making it customizable for anyone at your table.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Cooking Skillet Bang Bang Chicken Thighs is straightforward, but a few tips can make the process smoother. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you achieve crispy and juicy chicken thighs coated in that unforgettable Bang Bang sauce.

1. Prepare the Chicken Thighs: Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. Season both sides with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and onion powder. If you want extra crispiness, lightly dust the thighs with cornstarch.
2. Heat the Skillet: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add the olive oil. Once the oil is hot and shimmering, carefully place the chicken thighs in the skillet, skin side down (if using skin-on).
3. Cook the Chicken: Allow the chicken thighs to cook undisturbed for 6-8 minutes on the first side, until the outside is golden and crispy. Flip the chicken and cook for an additional 5-6 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
4. Make the Bang Bang Sauce: While the chicken is cooking, mix the mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, honey, and lime juice in a small bowl. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.
5. Coat the Chicken: Once the chicken is fully cooked, remove it from the skillet and transfer it to a large bowl. Pour the Bang Bang sauce over the hot chicken thighs and toss to coat evenly.
6. Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle chopped green onions and sesame seeds over the chicken. Serve immediately with your preferred side dishes.

How to Cook Skillet Bang Bang Chicken Thighs: A Step-by-Step Guide

Cooking perfect Skillet Bang Bang Chicken Thighs doesn’t require a culinary degree, but following these steps closely will give you the best results:

• Step 1: Start by patting the chicken thighs dry to ensure they crisp up in the skillet. Season them generously with spices.
• Step 2: Heat the skillet properly before adding the chicken. The key to a good sear is a hot pan, so make sure the oil is shimmering before cooking.
• Step 3: Don’t overcrowd the skillet. If needed, cook the chicken in batches to avoid steaming the thighs instead of crisping them.
• Step 4: Use a meat thermometer to check the doneness. Chicken thighs should be cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Skipping the Drying Step: If you don’t pat the chicken dry before cooking, it won’t get crispy. Moisture is the enemy of a good sear.
• Overcrowding the Pan: If you place too many chicken thighs in the skillet at once, they will steam instead of fry, resulting in a soggy texture.
• Not Adjusting Heat: Be mindful of the heat. If the skillet gets too hot, the chicken will burn on the outside before cooking through.
• Using Too Much Sauce Too Soon: Wait until the chicken is fully cooked before tossing it in the Bang Bang sauce to avoid sogginess.

Serving and Presentation Tips

Presentation is key when serving Skillet Bang Bang Chicken Thighs. Here are a few ideas to wow your guests:

• Serve on a Bed of Rice: Present the chicken thighs on a bed of fluffy jasmine rice to soak up the extra sauce.
• Garnish Generously: Top the chicken with a handful of freshly chopped green onions, sesame seeds, and cilantro for a pop of color and freshness.
• Use Bright Plates: The vibrant Bang Bang sauce looks stunning on a white or brightly colored plate, making the dish pop visually.

How to Serve Skillet Bang Bang Chicken Thighs

This dish is incredibly versatile. Serve it with a side of rice, a simple salad, or roasted vegetables for a complete meal. Here are some serving suggestions:

• With Rice: Jasmine or basmati rice is a great option to balance the richness of the Bang Bang sauce.
• Low-Carb Option: Serve the chicken with cauliflower rice or a fresh green salad to keep things lighter.
• Wrap it Up: You can also use the Bang Bang chicken in wraps or tacos, adding a new twist to your meal.

Presentation Ideas for Skillet Bang Bang Chicken Thighs

For an impressive presentation:

• Serve on a large platter with extra sauce on the side for dipping.
• Arrange the chicken thighs over a colorful salad or vegetable medley.
• Top with lime wedges for a zesty touch.

Skillet Bang Bang Chicken Thighs Recipe Tips

• Make Extra Sauce: The Bang Bang sauce is so good that you’ll want extra for dipping or drizzling over the chicken.
• Use a Cast Iron Skillet: For even cooking and a nice crispy sear, a cast iron skillet is the best tool for this recipe.
• Prep Ahead: You can make the sauce ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I bake the chicken instead of frying? Yes, you can bake the chicken thighs at 400°F (200°C) for 25-30 minutes. For extra crispiness, broil for the last 3-5 minutes.
2. Is there a dairy-free version? Yes, substitute the mayonnaise with a vegan mayo to make it dairy-free.
3. How spicy is this recipe? The spice level is moderate, but you can adjust the sriracha to suit your taste.
4. Can I make this dish ahead of time? You can cook the chicken ahead and toss it in the sauce just before serving.

Conclusion

Skillet Bang Bang Chicken Thighs is a flavorful, easy-to-make dish that’s perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions. The combination of crispy chicken and a bold, spicy-sweet Bang Bang sauce will have everyone coming back for seconds. Customize the recipe to suit your taste, and enjoy a restaurant-quality meal at home! Don’t forget to save this recipe and share it with your friends and family. Enjoy your delicious creation!

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