There’s something undeniably magical about a robust chicken dinner sizzling away in a skillet, isn’t there? This Skillet Bang Bang Chicken Thighs recipe captures that essence beautifully, with bursts of flavor that will have your taste buds dancing. I stumbled upon this dish during a cozy evening spent with friends, and it quickly became a staple in my kitchen. The creamy, spicy sauce combined with juicy chicken is an instant conversation starter.
Why you’ll love this recipe
Why should you whip this up tonight? Well, let me tell you—it’s the kind of dish that marries convenience with incredible flavor. The chicken thighs are succulent, crisped to perfection, and the tangy, spicy sauce takes it over the top. It’s one of those recipes that bridges the gap between a weeknight family meal and something you might serve at a small gathering. Plus, it takes about 30 minutes from start to finish, which means you can enjoy all that flavor without spending an eternity in the kitchen.
What makes this dish even more compelling is its adaptability. It’s not just about the chicken; the sweet chili sauce and touch of sriracha bring layers of flavor that play beautifully on your palate. Trust me, once you’ve made it, you’ll want to share the experience with everyone you know.
Gather these ingredients
Before we dive in, let’s make sure we have everything lined up. Here’s what you’ll need for Skillet Bang Bang Chicken Thighs:
- 4 chicken thighs: Choose bone-in for juiciness and flavor or boneless for a quicker cook. Either way, thighs are your best friend here.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: You want a high-quality olive oil to help crisp up those chicken thighs. It’s all about the golden brown.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Simple seasoning goes a long way in enhancing flavor. Don’t skimp on this!
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise: Yes, I said mayo. It gives the sauce a creamy base that perfectly balances the spiciness.
- 2 tablespoons sweet chili sauce: This is the star of the sauce. It brings that sweet-and-spicy kick that pairs so well with chicken.
- 1 tablespoon sriracha: A little heat never hurt anyone! Adjust according to your spice tolerance.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Enhances the overall flavor without the fuss of chopping.
- 1 teaspoon onion powder: Adds a depth of flavor that’s simply unbeatable.
- Green onions for garnish: A pop of color and a hint of freshness to finish off your dish perfectly.
The cooking process explained
Ready to get cooking? Let’s turn that list into a mouthwatering meal!
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Heat the olive oil: In your trusty skillet over medium heat, drizzle in the olive oil. Give it a moment to shimmer—it’ll tell you when it’s ready.
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Season the chicken: While that oil is preheating, season both sides of your chicken thighs with a generous amount of salt and pepper. Don’t be shy here!
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Cook the chicken: Place the chicken thighs skin-side down (if you have skin) and let them sizzle. Cook for about 6-7 minutes on each side until they’re golden brown and reach an internal temperature of 165°F. Once you flip them, resist the urge to poke them too much; we want to retain those delicious juices!
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Make the sauce: While the chicken is cooking, grab a bowl and whisk together the mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, garlic powder, and onion powder. This dynamic mix transforms into a luscious sauce that you will crave.
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Combine and heat the sauce: Once the chicken is perfectly cooked, drizzle the sauce over the thighs in the skillet. Let it simmer together for another couple of minutes—this melding of flavors is pure magic!
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Garnish and serve: Finally, sprinkle chopped green onions over the top for a fresh crunch.
Best way to enjoy it
So, how do you make the most of this sumptuous dish? There’s no wrong way, but here are some of my favorite serving ideas:
- On a bed of rice: Steamed jasmine or brown rice works wonders for soaking up the flavorful sauce.
- With a side of veggies: Sautéed broccoli or a crisp salad can balance out the richness beautifully.
- Tacos anyone?: You can shred the chicken and stuff it in a tortilla for a creative twist—top with some fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lime!
Storage and reheating tips
Leftovers? You bet! Let your chicken cool, then transfer it to an airtight container. It’ll keep in the fridge for up to 3 days. Want to take it to the next level? Reheat in a skillet over low heat to prevent it from drying out, or pop it in the microwave if you’re short on time.
Pro chef tips
Thinking of making this a regular in your meal rotation? Here are a few nuggets of wisdom:
- Don’t rush the browning: Allowing your chicken to brown properly creates that coveted crispy skin and deep flavor—patience pays off!
- Use a meat thermometer: Ensuring that chicken reaches 165°F simplifies the cooking process and minimizes over-cooking.
- Spice level adjustment: If you’re not a fan of too much heat, reduce the sriracha or opt for a sweeter chili sauce.
Creative Twists
Why not put your own spin on this dish? Here are a few ideas:
- Balsamic drizzle: Something sweet and tangy can become a nice contrast to the sauce.
- Herb-infused mayo: Chop fresh herbs like basil or cilantro and mix them into the sauce for a fresh lift.
- Add some crunch: Top it with crushed peanuts or sesame seeds for added texture.
Ingredients
- 4 chicken thighs
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons sweet chili sauce
- 1 tablespoon sriracha
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Green onions for garnish
Directions to follow
- Heat olive oil over medium heat in a skillet.
- Season chicken thighs with salt and pepper.
- Cook chicken for 6-7 minutes per side until golden and cooked through.
- In a bowl, combine mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, garlic powder, and onion powder.
- Drizzle sauce over the chicken in the skillet; cook for a few more minutes to heat.
- Garnish with chopped green onions and serve.
Your questions answered
- How long does it take to prep?: About 10 minutes.
- What can I substitute for chicken thighs?: Boneless chicken breasts work fine, just watch the cook time closely.
- Can I make this sauce ahead of time?: Absolutely! It’ll last in the fridge for up to a week.
- What sides do you suggest?: Steamed rice, crispy bok choy, or roasted potatoes are fantastic options.
- Is this dish freezer friendly?: Yes! Just seal tightly and it should last for up to 3 months.
Cooking is all about sharing joy and delicious moments. I urge you to give this Skillet Bang Bang Chicken Thighs recipe a whirl. It’s not just dinner; it’s an experience meant to be savored. Don’t hesitate to mix it up or add your personal touch. Dive in, explore, and let your kitchen fill with warmth and laughter—trust me, you’ll love it!
Skillet Bang Bang Chicken Thighs
Description
This Skillet Bang Bang Chicken Thighs recipe features juicy chicken cooked to perfection and tossed in a creamy, spicy sauce. Ideal for both family dinners and gatherings.Ingredients
Main Ingredients
Instructions
Cooking Steps
-
Heat Olive Oil
In your skillet over medium heat, drizzle in the olive oil.Wait until it shimmers before adding chicken. -
Season Chicken
Season both sides of your chicken thighs with salt and pepper.Be generous with seasoning. -
Cook Chicken
Place the chicken thighs skin-side down and let them cook for about 6-7 minutes on each side until golden brown.Ensure internal temperature reaches 165°F. -
Make the Sauce
Whisk together the mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, garlic powder, and onion powder in a bowl.This will be the creamy sauce. -
Combine and Heat Sauce
Drizzle the prepared sauce over the chicken in the skillet and let it simmer together for another couple of minutes.This melds all the flavors. -
Garnish and Serve
Sprinkle chopped green onions over the dish before serving.This adds a fresh crunch.
Nutrition Facts
Servings 4
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 500kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 34g53%
- Saturated Fat 5g25%
- Trans Fat 0g
- Cholesterol 150mg50%
- Sodium 800mg34%
- Potassium 500mg15%
- Total Carbohydrate 20g7%
- Dietary Fiber 0g
- Sugars 5g
- Protein 40g80%
- Vitamin A 500 IU
- Vitamin C 1 mg
- Calcium 40 mg
- Iron 2 mg
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
