If you’re looking for a dish that packs a punch of flavor, look no further than Skillet Bang Bang Chicken Thighs! This recipe is a bold fusion of crispy, tender chicken thighs coated in a creamy, spicy bang bang sauce. It’s the perfect balance of heat, sweetness, and richness, making it a fantastic option for those who love a little kick in their meals but still want something satisfying and simple to prepare.
Bang Bang sauce, which originated in Asian-inspired cuisine, has gained massive popularity due to its irresistible combination of mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, and sriracha. It’s often used with seafood, but it pairs just as wonderfully with chicken. This dish is perfect for a weeknight dinner or when you want to impress your guests with something unique yet approachable.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Bold Flavor: The combination of sweet chili sauce and sriracha gives this dish an amazing balance of sweet, spicy, and tangy flavors.
- Crispy and Juicy: Chicken thighs stay juicy on the inside while developing a crispy, golden-brown crust on the outside.
- Quick and Easy: This meal comes together in just 25 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights.
- Customizable Heat Level: You can easily adjust the spiciness by adding more or less sriracha, catering to your personal heat preference.
- Versatile: Pair it with rice, veggies, or a salad to create a well-rounded meal that everyone will love.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- ¼ cup sweet chili sauce
- 2 tbsp sriracha (adjust to taste)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp chopped green onions (for garnish)
How to Make Skillet Bang Bang Chicken Thighs
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Start by patting the chicken thighs dry with paper towels. This helps the chicken get a nice, crispy exterior when it cooks. Season both sides of the chicken with salt and black pepper to taste.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, carefully place the seasoned chicken thighs in the skillet, smooth side down. Cook for about 6-7 minutes on each side, allowing the chicken to turn a deep golden brown and ensuring it’s fully cooked through. To check doneness, the internal temperature should reach 165°F. Once cooked, remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside on a plate.
- Make the Bang Bang Sauce: While the chicken is cooking, prepare the bang bang sauce. In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, and minced garlic until smooth. The result should be a creamy, flavorful sauce with just the right amount of heat.
- Coat the Chicken: Once the chicken thighs are done, pour the prepared bang bang sauce into the same skillet. Toss the cooked chicken thighs back into the skillet, turning them over to coat each piece thoroughly with the sauce. Let the chicken simmer in the sauce for about 2-3 minutes, allowing the sauce to heat through and thicken slightly.
- Serve: Transfer the bang bang chicken thighs to a serving platter and garnish with chopped green onions for a fresh burst of flavor and color. Serve immediately while the chicken is still hot, alongside your choice of side dishes like rice, salad, or steamed veggies.
Helpful Tips
- Adjust the Spice Level: If you love extra heat, add an extra tablespoon of sriracha or even a dash of crushed red pepper flakes to the sauce. For a milder version, reduce the amount of sriracha to suit your taste.
- Crispy Skin: For an even crispier exterior, start cooking the chicken thighs skin-side down (if using skin-on thighs) and press them gently with a spatula to get that perfect golden crust.
- Use a Meat Thermometer: To ensure the chicken is cooked perfectly, use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
- Extra Sauce: If you like a saucier dish, feel free to double the bang bang sauce. You can also drizzle any leftover sauce over your side dishes for extra flavor.
Recipe Details
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
- Diet: Dairy-Free, Nut-Free
Notes
- This recipe can be made with bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs as well. Just adjust the cooking time, as bone-in thighs may take a few minutes longer to cook through.
- Don’t have sweet chili sauce? You can make a quick version by mixing honey or sugar with a dash of rice vinegar and red pepper flakes.
- If you want a healthier option, you can substitute the mayonnaise with Greek yogurt for a lighter sauce without compromising too much on creaminess.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: ~400 kcal
- Protein: 26g
- Fat: 28g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 600mg
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Yes, chicken breasts can be used, but the cooking time will differ slightly. Be sure to adjust the cooking time and check for an internal temperature of 165°F to avoid overcooking.
How can I make the sauce healthier?
For a lighter version, swap out the mayonnaise with light mayo or plain Greek yogurt. This will reduce the fat content while still giving you a creamy sauce.
Is this dish good for meal prep?
Definitely! Skillet Bang Bang Chicken Thighs can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The sauce will soak into the chicken even more, making it even tastier when reheated. Simply reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave before serving.
Storage Instructions
To store, place any leftover chicken in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or chicken broth to prevent the sauce from drying out. Alternatively, you can reheat it in the microwave in 30-second intervals until warmed through.
If you want to freeze this dish, allow the chicken to cool completely, then freeze in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
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Conclusion
Skillet Bang Bang Chicken Thighs are a must-try for anyone who loves bold, exciting flavors that are easy to make at home. With crispy chicken coated in a creamy, spicy sauce, this dish is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re making a quick dinner for the family or hosting a small gathering, this recipe is sure to impress. Give it a try and add a little bang to your weeknight dinners!
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Skillet Bang Bang Chicken Thighs
Description
If you’re looking for a dish that packs a punch of flavor, look no further than Skillet Bang Bang Chicken Thighs! This recipe is a bold fusion of crispy, tender chicken thighs coated in a creamy, spicy bang bang sauce. It’s the perfect balance of heat, sweetness, and richness, making it a fantastic option for those who love a little kick in their meals but still want something satisfying and simple to prepare.
Bang Bang sauce, which originated in Asian-inspired cuisine, has gained massive popularity due to its irresistible combination of mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, and sriracha. It’s often used with seafood, but it pairs just as wonderfully with chicken. This dish is perfect for a weeknight dinner or when you want to impress your guests with something unique yet approachable.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- ¼ cup sweet chili sauce
- 2 tbsp sriracha (adjust to taste)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp chopped green onions (for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Start by patting the chicken thighs dry with paper towels. This helps the chicken get a nice, crispy exterior when it cooks. Season both sides of the chicken with salt and black pepper to taste.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, carefully place the seasoned chicken thighs in the skillet, smooth side down. Cook for about 6-7 minutes on each side, allowing the chicken to turn a deep golden brown and ensuring it’s fully cooked through. To check doneness, the internal temperature should reach 165°F. Once cooked, remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside on a plate.
- Make the Bang Bang Sauce: While the chicken is cooking, prepare the bang bang sauce. In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, and minced garlic until smooth. The result should be a creamy, flavorful sauce with just the right amount of heat.
- Coat the Chicken: Once the chicken thighs are done, pour the prepared bang bang sauce into the same skillet. Toss the cooked chicken thighs back into the skillet, turning them over to coat each piece thoroughly with the sauce. Let the chicken simmer in the sauce for about 2-3 minutes, allowing the sauce to heat through and thicken slightly.
- Serve: Transfer the bang bang chicken thighs to a serving platter and garnish with chopped green onions for a fresh burst of flavor and color. Serve immediately while the chicken is still hot, alongside your choice of side dishes like rice, salad, or steamed veggies.
Notes
- This recipe can be made with bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs as well. Just adjust the cooking time, as bone-in thighs may take a few minutes longer to cook through.
- Don’t have sweet chili sauce? You can make a quick version by mixing honey or sugar with a dash of rice vinegar and red pepper flakes.
- If you want a healthier option, you can substitute the mayonnaise with Greek yogurt for a lighter sauce without compromising too much on creaminess.
