Skillet Bang Bang Chicken Thighs bring the perfect blend of succulent chicken and a zesty, spicy sauce straight to your table. This dish captivates the senses with its crunchy skin and vibrant flavors, making it an ideal choice for both weeknight dinners and special occasions. The combination of creamy mayo with sweet chili sauce and a kick from sriracha creates an irresistible glaze that clings to juicy chicken thighs.
Why We Love This Skillet Bang Bang Chicken Thighs Recipe
There’s something about cooking chicken thighs in a skillet that brings out the best in this beloved cut of meat. When you prepare Skillet Bang Bang Chicken Thighs, you enjoy the mouthwatering crispy skin and the intense flavor of the sauce. What makes this recipe even more appealing is its simplicity. With just a handful of ingredients, you can create a dish that feels fancy without requiring hours in the kitchen. The marriage of sweet and spicy flavors, combined with the richness of the mayonnaise, makes every bite unforgettable.
Ingredients about Skillet Bang Bang Chicken Thighs
To make this fantastic dish, gather the following ingredients:
- 4 chicken thighs, bone-in and skin-on
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon sweet chili sauce
- 1 tablespoon sriracha (adjust for heat preference)
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Vegetable oil for cooking
- Chopped green onions for garnish
How to Make Skillet Bang Bang Chicken Thighs Directions
Creating Skillet Bang Bang Chicken Thighs starts with the sauce. In a mixing bowl, combine the mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, soy sauce, minced garlic, lime juice, salt, and pepper. Stir these ingredients together until you have a smooth and creamy sauce. The balance of flavors in this mix is essential, so feel free to tweak the sriracha to meet your heat tolerance.
Once your sauce is ready, heat a splash of vegetable oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. While the oil heats up, season the chicken thighs generously with salt and pepper. This simple step ensures the chicken is flavorful all the way through. When the oil is shimmering hot, carefully place the chicken thighs skin-side down in the skillet. Cook them for about 5 to 7 minutes, allowing the skin to beautifully brown and crisp up. This is one of those moments where patience pays off, as the crispy skin adds an incredible texture to your finished dish.
After the skin has developed a lovely golden hue, flip the chicken thighs over. It’s time to reduce the heat to medium. Brush the delicious sauce over the chicken thighs, making sure each piece is generously coated. Let them cook for an additional 10 to 15 minutes, ensuring the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). This squeeze of time allows the flavors of the sauce to meld into the chicken while helping the meat remain juicy and tender.
Once your chicken is cooked through, remove it from the heat and let it rest for a few minutes. This resting phase is crucial as it allows the juices to redistribute within the meat, ensuring that each bite is tender and moist. Just before serving, sprinkle chopped green onions over the top for a fresh garnish that adds a pop of color and flavor.
How to Serve Skillet Bang Bang Chicken Thighs
Serving Skillet Bang Bang Chicken Thighs is a breeze, and your family and friends will marvel at the vibrant presentation. You can serve these chicken thighs hot from the skillet, presenting them on a nice platter to showcase the golden crust and glistening sauce. For added flair, consider pairing them with a side of fluffy rice or a crunchy, colorful salad to complement the richness of the dish. If you want to create a memorable meal, serve with lime wedges on the side to provide an extra zing when squeezed over the chicken. Alternatively, consider adding steamed vegetables for a balanced plate.
Another delightful way to enjoy this dish is to serve it over a bed of fresh lettuce as a Bang Bang Chicken salad. The chicken’s rich flavors and crunch perfectly complement fresh, crisp greens, making for a satisfying meal any time of the year. You can also make wraps by placing the chicken, along with some slaw and the extra sauce, inside warm tortillas for a fun twist.
Expert Tips: Skillet Bang Bang Chicken Thighs
To ensure your Skillet Bang Bang Chicken Thighs turn out perfectly every time, here are some expert tips to consider:
- Choose the right chicken: Opt for bone-in and skin-on thighs for the ultimate flavor and juiciness. Boneless chicken can cook too quickly, leading to dryness.
- Allow the chicken to come to room temperature: Prior to cooking, let the chicken sit out for about 20-30 minutes. This helps it cook more evenly.
- Preheat your skillet adequately: Make sure your skillet and oil are hot before adding the chicken to avoid sticking and to achieve that gorgeous brown skin.
- Don’t rush the cooking time: Cooking the chicken skin-side down first gives you the best chance for crispy skin. Be patient during the cooking process; it will be worth it.
- Utilize a meat thermometer: This tool is invaluable for ensuring your chicken is cooked safely and accurately.
- Customize your sauce: Don’t hesitate to play with the sauce. Add additional spices, such as ginger or sesame oil, to personalize the flavor profile to your taste.
How to Store Skillet Bang Bang Chicken Thighs
If you have leftovers of Skillet Bang Bang Chicken Thighs, store them properly to keep them fresh. First, let the chicken cool down to room temperature. Once cooled, you can place it in an airtight container and refrigerate it for up to 3 to 4 days. When you’re ready to reheat, it’s best to use an oven or skillet to warm the chicken gently, as this helps retain its crispy texture. Microwaving can lead to soggy skin, which isn’t ideal.
For longer storage, consider freezing the chicken. You can wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer bag. When stored this way, the chicken can last for up to 3 months. To thaw, place the chicken in the refrigerator overnight before reheating it.
Variation of Skillet Bang Bang Chicken Thighs
Skillet Bang Bang Chicken Thighs are incredibly versatile, and you can easily tweak the recipe to suit your preference. If you’re looking for a healthier alternative, consider using Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise to maintain creaminess with fewer calories. Another exciting variation is to make it a whole meal by tossing in vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or asparagus into the skillet during the cooking process. They will soak up the delicious sauce and add vibrant colors to your dish.
For those who prefer a sweeter flavor, try adding a drizzle of honey or maple syrup to the sauce. The touch of sweetness pairs wonderfully with the heat from the sriracha. If you’re a fan of nuts, topping the finished dish with crushed peanuts or cashews can give it a delightful crunch. These variations keep the recipe fresh and exciting each time you prepare it.
FAQ
What is Skillet Bang Bang Chicken Thighs?
Skillet Bang Bang Chicken Thighs is a delicious dish featuring juicy chicken thighs cooked in a flavorful sauce made from mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, and other ingredients, creating a perfect blend of crispy and spicy flavors.
How do you make Skillet Bang Bang Chicken Thighs spicy?
You can adjust the spiciness of Skillet Bang Bang Chicken Thighs by adding more sriracha to the sauce. If you want a milder flavor, reduce the amount of sriracha or use a sweet chili sauce with a lower heat level.
Can I use boneless chicken thighs for Skillet Bang Bang Chicken Thighs?
While using boneless chicken thighs is possible, the cooking times may vary, and you may lose some of the juicy flavor that comes from bone-in thighs. For the best results, stick to bone-in and skin-on chicken.
How should I store leftovers of Skillet Bang Bang Chicken Thighs?
To store leftovers, let the chicken cool down, place it in an airtight container, and refrigerate it for up to 3 to 4 days or freeze for longer storage.
What side dishes go well with Skillet Bang Bang Chicken Thighs?
Skillet Bang Bang Chicken Thighs pair beautifully with steamed rice, fresh salads, or roasted vegetables. Feel free to get creative with your sides for a complete, hearty meal.
Skillet Bang Bang Chicken Thighs
Ingredients
For the chicken
- 4 pieces chicken thighs, bone-in and skin-on Choose bone-in and skin-on for flavor and juiciness.
- Salt to taste Salt
- Pepper to taste Pepper
- Vegetable oil as needed Vegetable oil for cooking
- Chopped green onions as needed Chopped green onions for garnish Adds color and flavor.
For the sauce
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon sweet chili sauce
- 1 tablespoon sriracha Adjust for heat preference.
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
Instructions
Preparation
- In a mixing bowl, combine mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, soy sauce, minced garlic, lime juice, salt, and pepper. Stir until smooth.
- Season chicken thighs generously with salt and pepper.
Cooking
- Heat vegetable oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
- Once the oil is shimmering, place chicken thighs skin-side down in the skillet. Cook for 5 to 7 minutes until the skin is golden brown and crispy.
- Flip the chicken thighs, reduce heat to medium, and brush the sauce over them, coating each piece generously.
- Cook for an additional 10 to 15 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
Serving
- Remove chicken from heat and let it rest for a few minutes before serving.
- Garnish with chopped green onions and serve hot, ideally with rice or salad.
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