Skillet Bang Bang Chicken Thighs Recipe

If you're on the hunt for a delicious and easy-to-make dish that’s full of flavor, you’ve come to the right place! This Skillet Bang Bang Chicken Thighs Recipe is the perfect blend of spicy, sweet, and savory, delivering restaurant-quality taste with minimal effort. Whether you're cooking for family, friends, or just for yourself, this recipe will definitely impress. Stay with me till the end to get all the tips and variations to make this dish your own!

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What Are Skillet Bang Bang Chicken Thighs?

Before we dive into the ingredients and step-by-step instructions, let’s break down what exactly Bang Bang Chicken Thighs are. Originating from Asian-American fusion cuisine, Bang Bang Chicken is typically known for its crispy exterior paired with a creamy, tangy sauce that has a perfect balance of sweetness, spiciness, and richness. In this recipe, we’re taking boneless, skinless chicken thighs and cooking them in a skillet, making this version faster and easier than the deep-fried original, but still equally delicious.

Ingredients List for Skillet Bang Bang Chicken Thighs

To get started, here’s what you’ll need for the chicken:

• 6 boneless, skinless chicken thighs: Chicken thighs are juicy and flavorful, making them perfect for this recipe.
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt: Essential for seasoning the chicken and enhancing its natural flavors.
• ½ teaspoon black pepper: Adds a subtle kick and balances the sweetness of the sauce.
• ½ teaspoon paprika: Gives the chicken a smoky flavor and a vibrant color.
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil: Used for searing the chicken in the skillet, ensuring it gets a nice crispy exterior.
• Green onions, chopped for garnish: Adds freshness and a bit of crunch to the final dish.

Ingredients List for Bang Bang Sauce

Now, onto the star of the dish — the Bang Bang Sauce. You can use store-bought sauce if you're in a rush, but making your own at home is simple and much more rewarding.

Homemade Bang Bang Sauce Ingredients:

• ½ cup mayonnaise: The creamy base of the sauce.
• 2 tablespoons sweet chili sauce: Provides sweetness and a little heat.
• 1 tablespoon sriracha: Adds the “bang” with some spicy flavor.
• 1 tablespoon honey: Balances out the heat with a touch of sweetness.
• 1 teaspoon rice vinegar: Adds a slight tang to cut through the richness.

This sauce is what takes the chicken thighs to the next level — don’t skip it!

Substitutions and Variations

While this recipe is fantastic as-is, there’s plenty of room for customization based on your preferences or dietary needs.

Substitutions:

• Chicken thighs: You can swap out chicken thighs for chicken breasts if you prefer white meat, but be aware that breasts may cook faster and could end up drier if overcooked. You can also substitute with bone-in thighs, but you’ll need to adjust cooking time.
• Mayonnaise: If you're looking for a lighter option, you can use Greek yogurt or sour cream in place of mayonnaise.
• Sriracha: If you want to reduce the spiciness, swap sriracha with a milder hot sauce or reduce the amount. You can also use hot paprika for a less intense heat.

Variations:

• Crispy version: If you love extra crunch, you can dredge the chicken in a light coating of cornstarch before cooking, giving it a crispy exterior without the need for deep-frying.
• Grilled Bang Bang Chicken: Take this recipe to the grill by marinating the chicken thighs in the spice blend, then grilling them to perfection and topping with the sauce.
• Bang Bang Shrimp: Not in the mood for chicken? This recipe can easily be adapted using shrimp. Simply cook the shrimp in the same way, and toss with the sauce for a seafood twist.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Ready to get cooking? Follow these simple steps to create your perfect Skillet Bang Bang Chicken Thighs.

Step 1: Season the Chicken

Start by patting the chicken thighs dry with a paper towel. This will help them sear properly and give them that crispy exterior. Next, season the chicken on both sides with kosher salt, black pepper, and paprika. Make sure the seasoning is evenly distributed.

Step 2: Heat the Skillet

Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil to the skillet and let it heat up until shimmering.

Step 3: Sear the Chicken

Once the skillet is hot, place the chicken thighs in the skillet, smooth side down. Sear the chicken for about 5-6 minutes per side, or until golden brown and crispy. You may need to work in batches depending on the size of your skillet. Make sure the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (75°C) for safe consumption.

Step 4: Make the Bang Bang Sauce

While the chicken is cooking, mix together the mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, honey, and rice vinegar in a bowl to make the Bang Bang Sauce. Whisk until smooth and well combined.

Step 5: Toss the Chicken in Sauce

Once the chicken thighs are cooked through, transfer them to a plate and allow them to rest for a couple of minutes. Then, either drizzle or toss the chicken in the Bang Bang Sauce, making sure each piece is fully coated.

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

1. Prep your chicken: Season it well for the best flavor.
2. Heat your skillet: Make sure it’s hot enough to get a good sear.
3. Sear the chicken: Cook until both sides are crispy and the inside is juicy.
4. Make your sauce: Mix everything in one bowl — it’s that simple!
5. Coat and serve: Toss the cooked chicken in the sauce and get ready to enjoy!

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Not patting the chicken dry: If the chicken is too wet, it won’t crisp up properly when searing.
• Overcrowding the skillet: This can cause the chicken to steam rather than sear. Cook in batches if necessary.
• Not using a meat thermometer: Overcooked chicken will be dry, while undercooked chicken is unsafe. A thermometer ensures your chicken is cooked just right.
• Using too much oil: You only need a thin layer of oil to sear the chicken, otherwise, it can become greasy.

Serving and Presentation Tips

While this dish is delicious on its own, the way you serve and present it can take it up a notch. Let’s dive into some ideas for serving and presentation!

How to Serve Skillet Bang Bang Chicken Thighs

Serve the Bang Bang Chicken Thighs over a bed of jasmine rice, brown rice, or even cauliflower rice for a low-carb option. Pair it with stir-fried veggies like broccoli, snap peas, or bell peppers to make it a complete meal. For a lighter option, consider serving the chicken thighs on top of a crisp salad, drizzled with extra sauce.

Presentation Ideas for Skillet Bang Bang Chicken Thighs

• Garnish with green onions: Sprinkle chopped green onions on top of the chicken for a pop of color and freshness.
• Add sesame seeds: Toasted sesame seeds sprinkled over the dish can add a nice crunch and visual appeal.
• Serve in a cast-iron skillet: Serve the dish straight from the skillet for a rustic, cozy feel that’s great for family-style dinners.

Skillet Bang Bang Chicken Thighs Recipe Tips

• Preheat your skillet properly: Make sure the skillet is hot before adding the chicken to get that golden-brown sear.
• Adjust sauce spiciness: Feel free to tweak the amount of sriracha to suit your spice tolerance.
• Let the chicken rest: Allow the chicken to rest for a couple of minutes before tossing it in the sauce to lock in the juices.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I use bone-in chicken thighs for this recipe?
A: Yes, you can, but you’ll need to increase the cooking time. Bone-in thighs take longer to cook through, so make sure to check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F.

Q: Is there a way to make this dish healthier?
A: Yes, you can use Greek yogurt in place of mayonnaise for a lighter sauce and opt for a non-stick pan to use less oil during cooking.

Q: Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can cook the chicken thighs ahead and store them separately from the sauce. When you're ready to serve, reheat the chicken and toss it in the sauce for best results.

Q: How spicy is Bang Bang Sauce?
A: The level of spiciness depends on the amount of sriracha you use. If you prefer a milder sauce, you can reduce the amount or omit it altogether.

Conclusion

There you have it — a complete guide to making delicious Skillet Bang Bang Chicken Thighs. With just a few simple ingredients and easy steps, you can whip up this mouthwatering dish in no time. Whether you're a spice lover or prefer something a bit milder, this recipe is versatile enough to suit any palate. So, why not give it a try tonight? Happy cooking!

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