Skillet Bang Bang Chicken Thighs Recipe

If you're looking for a dish that’s packed with flavor, easy to prepare, and absolutely mouth-watering, then you need to try Skillet Bang Bang Chicken Thighs! This dish is a spicy and creamy twist on your traditional chicken thighs, featuring a crispy sear and a drizzle of the famous bang bang sauce that’s a delicious combination of sweet, spicy, and tangy flavors. It's perfect for weeknight dinners or weekend gatherings when you want to impress your family and friends with something unique yet simple to make. Read on to discover how to prepare this irresistible recipe!

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What is Skillet Bang Bang Chicken?

Skillet Bang Bang Chicken Thighs is a dish that involves searing chicken thighs in a skillet until they are crispy and golden brown. The real magic happens when the chicken is coated with a flavorful bang bang sauce, made from mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, Sriracha, and a touch of lime. The sauce gives the chicken a creamy, tangy, and spicy kick, which balances beautifully with the crispy chicken skin. It’s a one-pan recipe that’s easy to whip up on busy nights, delivering maximum flavor with minimal effort.

Ingredients List for Skillet Bang Bang Chicken Thighs

To make Skillet Bang Bang Chicken Thighs, you’ll need the following ingredients:

• 6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
• 2 tablespoons olive oil or vegetable oil
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)

Ingredients for Bang Bang Sauce

• ½ cup mayonnaise
• ¼ cup sweet chili sauce
• 1 tablespoon Sriracha sauce (more or less to taste)
• 1 tablespoon lime juice (freshly squeezed)
• 1 teaspoon honey (optional, for added sweetness)
• Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)

Substitutions and Variations

This recipe is versatile, and you can make several substitutions or variations to suit your taste preferences or dietary needs:

• Chicken thighs: If you prefer a leaner option, you can swap chicken thighs for chicken breasts or chicken tenders. Adjust the cooking time as boneless cuts will cook faster.
• Mayonnaise: If you’re looking for a lighter version, substitute mayonnaise with Greek yogurt or a low-fat mayonnaise alternative.
• Sriracha: Adjust the spiciness of the sauce by adding more or less Sriracha. If you prefer a milder version, reduce the Sriracha and increase the sweet chili sauce.
• Crispy skin alternative: For an even crispier finish, consider using cornstarch or flour to lightly dredge the chicken thighs before cooking.
• Herbs: Garnish with fresh parsley, green onions, or cilantro for an extra pop of color and flavor.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Let’s break down the steps for making these delicious Skillet Bang Bang Chicken Thighs. You’ll have a savory and spicy meal in no time!

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

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

1. Pat the chicken dry: Use paper towels to thoroughly dry the chicken thighs. This step is important for ensuring the skin gets nice and crispy when seared.
2. Season the chicken: In a small bowl, combine the salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika, onion powder, and cayenne pepper (if using). Rub the seasoning mixture all over the chicken thighs, making sure to get it under the skin as well for maximum flavor.

Step 2: Sear the Chicken

1. Heat the skillet: Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. A cast-iron skillet works best for getting that beautiful, crispy skin, but any large heavy-bottomed skillet will work.
2. Sear the chicken: Place the chicken thighs in the hot skillet, skin-side down. Sear the chicken for about 7-10 minutes, or until the skin is golden brown and crispy. Be patient and let the skin crisp up before flipping.
3. Flip and cook: Once the skin is crispy, flip the chicken thighs over and reduce the heat to medium. Continue cooking for another 8-10 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F. You can use a meat thermometer to check for doneness.

Step 3: Make the Bang Bang Sauce

1. Combine the ingredients: While the chicken is cooking, prepare the sauce. In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, Sriracha, lime juice, and honey (if using). Adjust the seasoning by adding more Sriracha for heat or honey for sweetness, depending on your taste preference.

Step 4: Coat the Chicken with Sauce

1. Drizzle or brush the sauce: Once the chicken thighs are fully cooked, remove them from the skillet and place them on a serving plate. Drizzle or brush the bang bang sauce generously over each chicken thigh.
2. Garnish: Sprinkle the chicken with freshly chopped cilantro or your choice of herbs for a bright, fresh finish.

Step 5: Serve the Chicken

Serve your Skillet Bang Bang Chicken Thighs hot, with extra sauce on the side for dipping. This dish is incredibly versatile and pairs well with a variety of sides!

Common Mistakes to Avoid

To ensure your Skillet Bang Bang Chicken Thighs turn out perfectly every time, avoid these common mistakes:

1. Not drying the chicken skin: If the skin is too wet, it won’t crisp up properly. Always pat the chicken dry before searing.
2. Overcooking the chicken: Make sure you monitor the chicken’s internal temperature. Chicken thighs should be cooked to 165°F, but overcooking them can dry out the meat.
3. Flipping too early: Be patient when searing the skin side. If you flip the chicken too soon, the skin won’t have time to develop that crispy, golden texture.
4. Not adjusting the sauce: The bang bang sauce can be customized to your preferred level of sweetness and heat. Don’t be afraid to adjust the amount of Sriracha or sweet chili sauce to make the sauce exactly how you like it.

Serving and Presentation Tips

When it comes to serving and presenting Skillet Bang Bang Chicken Thighs, simplicity is key, but a little extra effort can elevate the dish:

• Serve with sides: Pair the chicken with steamed rice, quinoa, roasted vegetables, or a fresh green salad. A cool side like cucumber salad or coleslaw can help balance the heat from the sauce.
• Garnish with fresh herbs: Adding fresh cilantro, parsley, or sliced green onions not only enhances the presentation but also adds a burst of freshness.
• Drizzle extra sauce: For an impressive finish, drizzle some extra bang bang sauce over the chicken thighs right before serving. You can also serve the sauce in a small bowl on the side for dipping.

How to Serve Skillet Bang Bang Chicken Thighs

Skillet Bang Bang Chicken Thighs are incredibly versatile and can be served in a variety of ways:

• Over rice: Serve the chicken over a bed of jasmine or basmati rice to soak up the extra sauce.
• With roasted veggies: Pair it with roasted vegetables like broccoli, carrots, or Brussels sprouts for a healthy, balanced meal.
• In a wrap: Slice the chicken thighs and serve them in a wrap with lettuce, avocado, and extra bang bang sauce for a quick and easy lunch option.
• Tacos: Shred the chicken and use it as a filling for soft tacos. Top with cabbage slaw, avocado, and a drizzle of bang bang sauce.

Presentation Ideas for Skillet Bang Bang Chicken Thighs

Here are a few ideas to enhance the presentation of your Skillet Bang Bang Chicken Thighs:

• Cast-iron skillet serving: For a rustic look, serve the chicken directly in the cast-iron skillet you used to cook it. Garnish with fresh herbs for a beautiful table presentation.
• On a platter: Arrange the chicken thighs on a large serving platter, drizzle with sauce, and sprinkle with chopped cilantro or parsley for a colorful, inviting display.
• Bowl-style: Serve the chicken thighs in individual bowls, placed over rice or quinoa, with the sauce drizzled on top and garnished with herbs.

Skillet Bang Bang Chicken Recipe Tips

Here are some additional tips to help you master this recipe:

• Use a meat thermometer: For perfectly cooked chicken, invest in a meat thermometer. Chicken thighs should reach an internal temperature of 165°F for safe consumption.
• Make ahead: You can make the bang bang sauce ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This will save you time when preparing the dish.
• Add veggies to the skillet: For a one-pan meal, throw some vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or broccoli into the skillet after you flip the chicken. They’ll absorb the delicious flavors from the chicken and sauce.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I use boneless, skinless chicken thighs?
A: Yes, you can use boneless, skinless thighs. Just be aware that they will cook faster, so keep an eye on them to avoid overcooking.

Q: Is Bang Bang Chicken spicy?
A: The bang bang sauce has a bit of

a kick from the Sriracha, but it’s not overwhelmingly spicy. You can adjust the heat level by using more or less Sriracha based on your preference.

Q: Can I bake the chicken thighs instead of frying them?
A: Absolutely! You can bake the seasoned chicken thighs in a 400°F oven for about 30-35 minutes, or until the skin is crispy and the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Then, drizzle with the bang bang sauce before serving.

Q: Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
A: While the chicken is best served fresh and crispy, you can prepare the sauce ahead of time. The chicken can also be reheated in the oven to crisp up the skin.

Conclusion

Skillet Bang Bang Chicken Thighs is a delicious and easy-to-make dish that’s bursting with flavor. With its crispy skin, tender meat, and irresistible bang bang sauce, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your household. Whether you're serving it over rice, with roasted veggies, or as part of a wrap or taco, this dish delivers bold flavors in every bite. Try it out tonight and enjoy a meal that's both comforting and exciting!

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