Skillet Bang Bang Chicken Thighs Recipe

Are you ready to elevate your weeknight dinner with a flavor-packed dish that’s as satisfying as it is easy to prepare? Look no further! Our Skillet Bang Bang Chicken Thighs recipe brings together the crispy, juicy goodness of chicken thighs with a tangy, sweet, and slightly spicy bang bang sauce that will have everyone asking for seconds. This mouthwatering meal can be made in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy evenings. Read on to discover how you can create this amazing dish in your own kitchen!

this Recipe

What is Bang Bang Chicken?

Bang Bang Chicken is a flavorful dish inspired by a popular appetizer from Asian and American fusion cuisine. Traditionally, it involves crispy fried chicken (or sometimes shrimp) smothered in a creamy, sweet, and spicy sauce. The name "Bang Bang" refers to the intense flavor explosion you experience with every bite! With this skillet version, we use succulent chicken thighs for their extra juiciness and richness, all cooked to perfection on your stovetop in no time.

Ingredients List for Skillet Bang Bang Chicken Thighs

Before we dive into the recipe, let's gather everything you'll need for this fantastic dish. Below are the primary ingredients to make your Skillet Bang Bang Chicken Thighs:

Chicken and Marinade:

• 6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional, for extra crispiness)
• Salt and black pepper to taste

Bang Bang Sauce:

• ½ cup mayonnaise
• 2 tablespoons sweet chili sauce
• 1 tablespoon sriracha (adjust to your spice preference)
• 1 tablespoon honey (or sugar, for sweetness)
• 1 tablespoon lime juice (for tanginess)
• 1 garlic clove, minced (optional, for extra flavor)

For Cooking:

• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (or olive oil)
• 1 teaspoon sesame seeds (for garnish)
• 1 green onion, chopped (for garnish)

Substitutions and Variations

One of the great things about this Skillet Bang Bang Chicken Thighs recipe is its versatility! Whether you’re catering to specific dietary needs or just want to switch things up, there are plenty of ways to adapt this recipe. Here are some common substitutions and variations:

• Chicken Cuts: If you prefer white meat, you can swap chicken thighs for chicken breasts or tenders. Just be mindful of cooking time, as white meat tends to dry out faster.
• Sauce Variations: If you're not a fan of spicy food, reduce or omit the sriracha from the bang bang sauce. You can also add a touch of ketchup for more sweetness or soy sauce for umami.
• Dairy-Free Option: To make this recipe dairy-free, use vegan mayo in place of regular mayonnaise. This keeps the sauce creamy without using any dairy products.
• Gluten-Free: Ensure that your soy sauce is gluten-free (like tamari or coconut aminos), and you have a gluten-free dish ready to serve.
• Keto-Friendly: Opt for sugar-free sweeteners like monk fruit or erythritol in place of honey, and use a low-carb chili sauce to make the recipe keto-friendly.

By customizing these ingredients, you can adjust the recipe to fit almost any dietary preference.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Now that you’ve got all your ingredients ready, let’s dive into the cooking process. This Skillet Bang Bang Chicken Thighs recipe is straightforward and beginner-friendly, so even if you’re new to the kitchen, you’ll have no problem mastering this dish!

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken Thighs

In a medium-sized bowl, mix together the soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, cornstarch (if using), salt, and black pepper. Add the chicken thighs to the marinade, ensuring they are well-coated. Let the chicken marinate for at least 15-20 minutes (or up to 2 hours if you have extra time), allowing the flavors to penetrate the meat.

Step 2: Make the Bang Bang Sauce

While the chicken is marinating, it's time to prepare the star of the show — the bang bang sauce! In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, honey, lime juice, and minced garlic. Taste the sauce and adjust the ingredients according to your preference. Set it aside for later.

Step 3: Sear the Chicken

Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil. Once the oil is hot and shimmering, place the marinated chicken thighs into the skillet, skin side down. Cook for 6-8 minutes, or until the skin is golden brown and crispy. Flip the chicken and cook the other side for an additional 6-8 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).

Step 4: Add the Bang Bang Sauce

Once the chicken is fully cooked, reduce the heat to low. Pour the prepared bang bang sauce over the chicken thighs, ensuring each piece is generously coated. Let the chicken simmer in the sauce for 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Remove the chicken from the skillet and transfer to a serving plate. Garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions for a pop of color and flavor. Your Skillet Bang Bang Chicken Thighs are now ready to serve!

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

To make the cooking process even easier, here’s a quick recap of the steps you’ll need to follow:

1. Marinate the chicken thighs with soy sauce, vinegar, sesame oil, cornstarch, salt, and pepper.
2. Prepare the bang bang sauce by mixing mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, honey, lime juice, and garlic.
3. Sear the chicken in a hot skillet, cooking each side until golden and crispy.
4. Add the bang bang sauce to the skillet and let the chicken simmer for a few minutes.
5. Garnish with sesame seeds and green onions, then serve.

By following these simple steps, you'll have a delicious, restaurant-quality dish on the table in no time.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Even with a straightforward recipe, there are a few common mistakes that could affect the outcome of your Skillet Bang Bang Chicken Thighs. Here’s how to avoid them:

• Skipping the marinade: While it’s tempting to skip marinating when you’re in a rush, this step is crucial for flavor. Letting the chicken sit in the marinade ensures that it absorbs all the seasonings.
• Not drying the chicken before searing: For crispy skin, make sure to pat the chicken dry with paper towels before adding it to the skillet. Wet skin will steam rather than crisp up.
• Overcooking the chicken: Use a meat thermometer to ensure your chicken thighs reach 165°F (75°C). Overcooking them will result in dry, tough meat.
• Not adjusting the sauce: Everyone’s spice tolerance is different. Taste the sauce before adding it to the chicken, and adjust the sriracha and honey to suit your palate.

Serving and Presentation Tips

The presentation of your dish is just as important as the taste. Here are some tips to make your Skillet Bang Bang Chicken Thighs visually appealing and serve them like a pro:

• Plate with a side: Serve the chicken over a bed of jasmine rice, quinoa, or alongside roasted vegetables to create a complete meal.
• Garnish generously: Sprinkle the finished dish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions. You can even add a few cilantro leaves for extra freshness.
• Serve in the skillet: For a rustic, family-style presentation, bring the skillet directly to the table and let everyone serve themselves.

How to Serve Skillet Bang Bang Chicken Thighs

This dish pairs beautifully with a variety of sides. Here are some ideas:

• Rice or noodles: Serve the chicken with steamed rice, fried rice, or stir-fried noodles to soak up the delicious bang bang sauce.
• Vegetables: A side of stir-fried broccoli, green beans, or snap peas adds a fresh crunch to the meal.
• Salad: For a lighter option, pair the chicken with a simple cucumber salad or mixed greens dressed in a light vinaigrette.

Presentation Ideas for Skillet Bang Bang Chicken Thighs

If you're serving this dish for guests or a special occasion, a little extra effort in the presentation can go a long way. Try these ideas:

• Layered plating: Arrange the chicken thighs on a platter and drizzle the extra sauce over them for a clean, restaurant-quality look.
• Color contrast: Garnish with vibrant green onions and bright red chili flakes to make the dish pop.
• Serve in individual bowls: For a cozy, comfort-food feel, serve the chicken thighs in individual bowls over rice, garnished with fresh herbs.

Skillet Bang Bang Chicken Thighs Recipe Tips

To get the most out of your cooking experience, here are a few pro tips:

• Make extra sauce: The bang bang sauce is addictive! You might want to double the recipe so you have extra for dipping or drizzling over your sides.
• Use a cast iron skillet: For the crispiest chicken skin, a cast iron skillet works best because it retains heat evenly and gives a beautiful sear.
• Try air frying: For an even crispier finish, you can air-fry the chicken thighs before adding the sauce.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I make this dish in advance?
A: Yes! You can marinate the chicken in advance and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Reheat the chicken in the skillet and add the sauce just before serving.

Q: Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
A: Absolutely! Just be mindful that chicken breasts cook faster, so keep an eye on them to prevent drying out.

Q: How do I store leftovers?
A: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet over low heat to maintain the crispy texture.

Q: Can I freeze this dish?
A: Yes, you can freeze the cooked chicken without the sauce. Simply thaw and reheat, then add fresh bang bang sauce before serving.

Conclusion

Skillet Bang Bang Chicken Thighs is a simple yet bold dish that’s perfect for any meal. With tender, crispy chicken coated in a creamy, sweet, and spicy sauce, it’s sure to become a family favorite. Whether you're cooking for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this recipe will impress. Now that you know all the tips and tricks, it's time to get cooking! Try this recipe tonight and enjoy the flavorful explosion that is Bang Bang Chicken Thighs!

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