If you’re looking for a dish that’s both sweet, spicy, and packed with flavor, these Skillet Bang Bang Chicken Thighs are the perfect choice. This dish combines juicy chicken thighs with a delicious bang bang sauce made from simple ingredients, making it a hit for weeknight dinners. Serve it over rice for a complete meal that’s sure to satisfy!
Ingredients:
- For the Chicken:
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
- For the Bang Bang Sauce:
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons sriracha
- 1 tablespoon sweet chili sauce
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 teaspoon lime juice
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Season the Chicken Thighs: Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels and season both sides with salt, pepper, paprika, and garlic powder.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken thighs to the skillet, searing each side for about 6-8 minutes or until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) and develop a golden crust. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Make the Bang Bang Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sriracha, sweet chili sauce, honey, and lime juice until smooth.
- Coat the Chicken: Return the cooked chicken thighs to the skillet and pour the bang bang sauce over them. Toss the chicken in the sauce, letting it simmer for 1-2 minutes to absorb the flavors.
- Serve: Serve the bang bang chicken thighs over a bed of rice, garnished with fresh chopped cilantro for a burst of color and freshness.
Additional Tips (Serving & Storage):
- Serving: This dish pairs beautifully with steamed rice, but you can also serve it with quinoa, cauliflower rice, or sautéed vegetables for a low-carb option.
- Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm in a skillet over medium heat or microwave until heated through.
FAQs About Skillet Bang Bang Chicken Thighs:
- Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Yes, you can substitute boneless, skinless chicken breasts for thighs. Just adjust the cooking time, as breasts may cook faster than thighs. - What if I don’t have sriracha?
You can substitute sriracha with any hot sauce of your choice, but sriracha adds a unique balance of heat and sweetness that complements the sauce well. - Can I make this dish less spicy?
Yes, simply reduce the amount of sriracha in the sauce for a milder version or omit it altogether for a sweeter flavor. - What other sides can I serve with this dish?
Roasted vegetables, a fresh salad, or even mashed potatoes would make great sides for this bang bang chicken. - Can I make the sauce ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the bang bang sauce in advance and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Conclusion: This Skillet Bang Bang Chicken Thighs recipe is a quick and flavorful meal that combines a crispy sear with a tangy, spicy bang bang sauce. It’s a great dish for busy weeknights and can be paired with a variety of sides. Enjoy this restaurant-style dish in the comfort of your own home!