Skillet Bang Bang Chicken Thighs Recipe
Introduction:
Skillet Bang Bang Chicken Thighs are a delicious, quick, and easy dinner made by pan-searing juicy chicken thighs in a skillet and tossing them in a creamy, spicy Bang Bang sauce. This dish is perfect for a weeknight meal when you want bold flavors with minimal effort. The crispy exterior of the chicken thighs paired with the tangy, spicy sauce creates a satisfying contrast in textures. It’s a great way to enjoy the classic Bang Bang sauce, known for its sweet and spicy kick, with the rich, tender flavor of chicken thighs.
The History of Bang Bang Chicken:
The term “Bang Bang” is most commonly associated with a popular appetizer from Bonefish Grill, which first introduced “Bang Bang Shrimp.” The dish features crispy shrimp coated in a creamy, spicy, and slightly sweet sauce. The name “Bang Bang” likely refers to the explosive combination of flavors in the sauce. Over time, this concept has been adapted to other proteins, and the Bang Bang Chicken variation became a favorite. Using chicken thighs in this dish adds a rich, flavorful depth to the sauce, making it a standout meal.
Ingredients Breakdown
- Chicken Thighs: Bone-in or boneless, skin-on or skinless chicken thighs are ideal for this dish. The thighs are juicy, flavorful, and hold up well when pan-seared. You can also use chicken breasts, but thighs offer a more tender and moist result.
- Bang Bang Sauce: A blend of mayonnaise, sriracha (for heat), and honey (for sweetness). Some variations include garlic, rice vinegar, and a little lemon juice for tang. This sauce is the key to the dish’s flavor, giving it a creamy, spicy, and slightly sweet taste.
- Seasonings for Chicken: You’ll need a combination of salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder to season the chicken, enhancing its flavor before the sauce is added.
- Oil: Used to sear the chicken in the skillet. Olive oil or vegetable oil works well for this purpose.
- Fresh Garnishes (Optional): Fresh cilantro, green onions, or lime wedges can be used to garnish the dish and add a pop of freshness.
Step-by-Step Recipe:
- Prepare the Chicken:
- If using bone-in chicken thighs, remove the skin (optional) and trim any excess fat. Pat the chicken dry with paper towels to ensure it gets crispy when seared.
- Season both sides of the chicken thighs with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder.
- Cook the Chicken:
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add 1-2 tablespoons of oil.
- Once the oil is hot, add the chicken thighs to the skillet, skin-side down (if using skin-on chicken).
- Cook the chicken for 5-7 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F or 75°C). Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Make the Bang Bang Sauce:
- While the chicken cooks, make the Bang Bang sauce. In a small bowl, combine 1/4 cup of mayonnaise, 1 tablespoon of sriracha, and 1 tablespoon of honey. Mix until smooth and creamy.
- Taste the sauce and adjust for more heat (sriracha) or sweetness (honey) as desired. If you prefer extra tang, add a teaspoon of rice vinegar or a squeeze of lime.
- Toss the Chicken in Sauce:
- Once the chicken is cooked, return it to the skillet (remove excess oil if needed).
- Pour the Bang Bang sauce over the chicken thighs, tossing them gently to coat the chicken evenly with the sauce.
- Serve:
- Garnish with fresh cilantro, green onions, and lime wedges (optional).
- Serve the Skillet Bang Bang Chicken Thighs with your choice of side dishes like rice, roasted vegetables, or a fresh salad.
Tips for the Perfect Skillet Bang Bang Chicken Thighs:
- Dry the Chicken: Patting the chicken dry before cooking helps achieve a crispy exterior when searing.
- Use Bone-In, Skin-On Thighs: While boneless, skinless chicken thighs can be used, bone-in, skin-on thighs offer better flavor and moisture. You can easily remove the skin if you prefer.
- Control the Heat Level: Adjust the amount of sriracha in the sauce to suit your heat preference. You can also add a pinch of cayenne pepper if you prefer extra heat.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Make sure the chicken thighs aren’t overcrowded in the skillet, as this can cause them to steam instead of sear. Cook in batches if necessary.
- Sauce Variations: Feel free to experiment with the sauce. Add a splash of lime juice or vinegar for more acidity, or stir in a little garlic for added depth.
Variations and Customizations:
- Use Chicken Breasts:
If you prefer chicken breasts, they can be used instead of thighs. Just be sure to cook them thoroughly to an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). You can also slice the chicken breasts into strips for a quicker cook time. - Grilled Bang Bang Chicken:
For a slightly different flavor, grill the chicken thighs instead of pan-searing them. Once grilled, toss the chicken in the Bang Bang sauce and serve with your favorite sides. - Spicy Bang Bang Sauce:
To turn up the heat, add extra sriracha or a few dashes of hot sauce. For even more heat, you can finely chop fresh jalapeños or red chili peppers and add them to the sauce. - Add Vegetables:
Add some sautéed vegetables, such as bell peppers, onions, or zucchini, to the skillet when cooking the chicken. This will add extra flavor and nutrition to the dish. - Serve with a Side of Slaw:
A tangy coleslaw or crunchy cabbage salad pairs beautifully with the rich and spicy Bang Bang sauce, balancing out the heat and richness of the chicken.
Health Considerations and Nutritional Value:
- Calories:
Skillet Bang Bang Chicken Thighs typically contain around 300-400 calories per serving (1 thigh, depending on size). The calories may vary based on the amount of sauce used and any added sides. For a lighter version, use skinless chicken thighs or chicken breasts. - Protein:
Chicken thighs are a great source of protein, providing about 21 grams of protein per 3-ounce serving. Adding a side like rice or vegetables can further enhance the protein content. - Fats:
Chicken thighs are higher in fat than chicken breasts, which contributes to their juicy and tender texture. However, to make the dish healthier, you can remove the skin before cooking or use skinless chicken thighs. - Carbohydrates:
The Bang Bang sauce adds a small amount of carbs due to the honey. If you’re looking for a lower-carb version, you can substitute honey with a low-carb sweetener like stevia or monk fruit. - Sodium:
Since the Bang Bang sauce contains mayonnaise and sriracha, it can be a little high in sodium. To lower the sodium content, use low-sodium mayonnaise and control the amount of sriracha used. - Vitamins and Minerals:
Chicken is a good source of B vitamins, particularly niacin and B6. Adding fresh garnishes like cilantro and lime will provide additional vitamin C.
FAQ:
1. Can I make Skillet Bang Bang Chicken Thighs in advance?
Yes, you can cook the chicken ahead of time and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat the chicken in a skillet or oven and toss it in the sauce just before serving.
2. Can I use boneless chicken thighs for this recipe?
Yes, boneless, skinless chicken thighs can be used instead of bone-in thighs. They will cook faster, so be sure to check the internal temperature to ensure it reaches 165°F (75°C).
3. How can I make the sauce more tangy?
To make the Bang Bang sauce tangier, add a splash of lime juice, rice vinegar, or even a bit of Dijon mustard. This will help balance the sweetness and spiciness of the sauce.
4. Can I make this recipe with a different protein?
Absolutely! This recipe works well with chicken breasts, pork chops, or even tofu for a vegetarian option. You may need to adjust the cooking times based on the protein you choose.
5. How do I store leftovers?
Store leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can reheat the chicken in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave. The sauce may soften, but you can always add a little extra fresh sauce when serving.
Skillet Bang Bang Chicken Thighs are a flavorful, satisfying dish that brings together crispy chicken and a creamy, spicy sauce in one easy recipe. Perfect for a quick dinner or to impress guests, this dish is sure to be a crowd-pleaser!
Skillet Bang Bang Chicken Thighs
Ingredients
- 6 boneless skinless chicken thighs
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 recipe bang bang sauce or 1 cup storebought
- green onions chopped for garnish
Instructions
- In a small bowl, combine salt, black pepper, and paprika.
- Apply the seasoning mixture evenly to the chicken.
- To a large nonstick skillet over medium heat, add oil. Once hot, add chicken thighs. (Depending on the size of the skillet, you may have to work in batches.) Cook chicken for 5 minutes. Then, flip over the chicken, reduce heat to medium-low, and cook for an additional 5 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. Cooking times may vary, depending on the size of the chicken.
- Remove cooked chicken from the skillet. Place onto a plate and tent to keep warm.
- Pour the bang bang sauce into the skillet. Stir, scraping up the brown bits from the bottom of the pan. Let simmer for 1-2 minutes, or until heated through.
- Place the chicken thighs back into the skillet, coating each with the sauce.
- Garnish with green onions. Serve.