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.