Skillet Bang Bang Chicken Thighs are a delightful dish that brings together the crispy texture of chicken skin with a rich and flavorful sauce. This recipe is an easy way to elevate your weeknight dinner, combining sweet, spicy, and savory notes that are sure to satisfy your cravings. With just a handful of ingredients and a simple cooking process, you can create a mouthwatering meal that will impress your family or guests.
Why We Love This Skillet Bang Bang Chicken Thighs Recipe
This recipe stands out for its incredible balance of flavors and the ease of preparation. The combination of mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, and sriracha creates a creamy, spicy sauce that coats the chicken thighs beautifully. Cooking them in a skillet ensures that the skin gets that perfect crispiness while the meat remains tender and juicy. Plus, it’s a one-pan meal, which means less cleanup for you. It’s a versatile dish too; you can pair it with various sides or modify it to suit your taste. It’s perfect for a quick family dinner or a cozy gathering with friends!
Ingredients about Skillet Bang Bang Chicken Thighs
List of Ingredients with Measurements
- 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
Getting started with this Skillet Bang Bang Chicken Thighs recipe is straightforward, making it an ideal choice even for beginners in the kitchen. First, you’ll want to prepare your sauce. In a mixing bowl, combine the mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, soy sauce, minced garlic, lime juice, salt, and pepper. Stir everything until you achieve a smooth mixture that’s both creamy and packed with flavor.
Next, heat a generous amount of vegetable oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. While the skillet gets hot, season your chicken thighs with salt and pepper. This seasoning is crucial for enhancing the overall flavor of the chicken, as it will draw out the natural juices and help create a delicious crust.
Once the oil is shimmering, carefully place the chicken thighs in the skillet, skin side down. Let them cook undisturbed for about 5 to 7 minutes. This step is essential to achieve that crispy skin you desire. You’ll know they’re ready to flip when the skin is a golden brown and feels firm to the touch.
After that, it’s time to turn them over. Gently flip each thigh and reduce the heat to medium. Now comes the best part: brush the delicious sauce you prepared earlier over the chicken thighs. Allow them to bask in that flavor for an additional 10 to 15 minutes. Make sure to cook the chicken until the internal temperature reaches a safe 165°F (75°C).
Once cooked through, remove the skillet from heat. Let the chicken rest for a few minutes so that the juices can redistribute, ensuring each bite remains tender and juicy. Finally, garnish your dish with chopped green onions for a fresh touch before serving.
How to Serve Skillet Bang Bang Chicken Thighs
When it comes to serving your Skillet Bang Bang Chicken Thighs, the possibilities are endless. This dish pairs wonderfully with a side of fluffy rice, which helps soak up the extra sauce. You can also opt for steamed or sautéed vegetables for a healthier option. Broccoli, bok choy, or snap peas would complement the flavors beautifully while adding vibrant colors to the plate.
Another great serving option is to nestle the chicken thighs on a bed of quinoa or a mixed salad. Adding some fresh lime wedges on the side can enhance the dish’s brightness and amplify the flavors even more. If you’re feeling adventurous, consider serving it in a taco format with some diced avocados and crunchy cabbage for that extra crunch. Whatever you choose, you can be sure your Skillet Bang Bang Chicken Thighs will be the star of any meal!
Expert Tips: Skillet Bang Bang Chicken Thighs
For the perfect Skillet Bang Bang Chicken Thighs, consider these expert tips. First, always ensure your skillet is hot enough before adding the chicken. A hot skillet helps create a crispy skin, preventing the chicken from sticking. If you find the skin sticking, try letting it cook for a bit longer before flipping.
Another important tip is to let your chicken thighs rest for a few minutes after cooking. Resting allows the juices to redistribute, which means moist and tender meat in every bite. If you want to change the heat level, adjust the amount of sriracha you use in the sauce based on your preference. Feel free to experiment, as everyone has different spice tolerances.
Lastly, don’t shy away from garnishing your chicken with herbs or additional toppings. Fresh herbs like cilantro can add a refreshing touch that balances the dish perfectly. This flexibility allows you to tailor the meal to your liking, making it even more enjoyable.
How to Store Skillet Bang Bang Chicken Thighs
Storing your Skillet Bang Bang Chicken Thighs properly ensures you can enjoy any leftovers later. Let the chicken cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Proper storage is key to keeping the flavors intact. You can keep it in the refrigerator for up to three days.
When you’re ready to reheat, simply place them back in a skillet over medium heat until they’re warmed through. You can also reheat them in a microwave, though using a skillet will help maintain that crispy skin.
If you want to keep it longer, consider freezing the cooked chicken. Wrap each thigh well in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. Properly stored, they can last for up to three months. When you’re ready to eat, thaw them in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Variation of Skillet Bang Bang Chicken Thighs
One of the best parts about Skillet Bang Bang Chicken Thighs is how easily it can be adapted to suit different tastes or dietary needs. If you want to make this dish lighter, you can use skinless chicken thighs, which still offer great taste but reduce the overall fat content.
For those looking to make a vegetarian version, consider using thick slices of eggplant marinated in the same sauce, then sautéed until crispy. This flavorful alternative can be served with the same sides, ensuring everyone can enjoy the bang bang flavor.
You can also play around with the sauce itself. Instead of mayonnaise, why not try Greek yogurt for a tangy twist? Or, for a burst of additional flavor, you can marinade your chicken in the mixture for several hours before cooking. Another fun variation is to add chopped pineapple or mango to the sauce for a fruity kick that pairs wonderfully with the chicken.
FAQ
What is Skillet Bang Bang Chicken Thighs?
Skillet Bang Bang Chicken Thighs is a flavorful dish made with bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs cooked in a creamy, spicy sauce prepared with mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, soy sauce, garlic, and lime juice.
How do you make Skillet Bang Bang Chicken Thighs crispy?
To make your Skillet Bang Bang Chicken Thighs crispy, ensure that your skillet is hot before adding the chicken and allow it to cook undisturbed until the skin is golden brown.
Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs for this recipe?
Yes, you can use chicken breast, but be aware that they may cook faster and may not remain as juicy as thighs. Make sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly.
What sides go well with Skillet Bang Bang Chicken Thighs?
This dish pairs well with rice, quinoa, or a fresh salad, and adding steamed or sautéed vegetables complements it beautifully.
How can I adjust the heat level in Skillet Bang Bang Chicken Thighs?
You can adjust the heat level by varying the amount of sriracha in the sauce. If you prefer it milder, reduce the amount, or consider omitting it altogether.
Skillet Bang Bang Chicken Thighs
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 4 pieces 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
- as needed Vegetable oil for cooking
- to taste Chopped green onions for garnish
Instructions
Prepare the sauce
- In a mixing bowl, combine mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, soy sauce, minced garlic, lime juice, salt, and pepper. Stir until smooth.
Cook the chicken
- Heat vegetable oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
- Season chicken thighs with salt and pepper.
- Place chicken thighs in the skillet, skin side down, and cook undisturbed for 5 to 7 minutes until the skin is golden brown.
- Flip the chicken thighs, reduce heat to medium, and brush with the prepared sauce. Cook for an additional 10 to 15 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
Finishing touches
- Remove from heat and let the chicken rest for a few minutes. Garnish with chopped green onions.
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