Introduction
Skillet Bang Bang Chicken Thighs are a bold and flavorful dish with crispy, juicy chicken thighs coated in a sweet, spicy, and creamy sauce. The “Bang Bang” sauce is known for its combination of heat and sweetness, typically made with mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, and a touch of sriracha. This dish is perfect for a weeknight dinner or serving at a dinner party, offering both quick preparation and rich flavor. The crispy exterior and tender inside of the chicken thighs, paired with the creamy sauce, create a delicious balance that everyone will love.
The History of Ingredients Breakdown
- Chicken Thighs: Chicken thighs are rich in flavor and more tender than chicken breasts due to their higher fat content. They’re a popular choice for recipes requiring juicy and flavorful chicken. In this dish, they get seared to crispy perfection in a skillet, making them ideal for a fast, satisfying meal.
- Bang Bang Sauce: The origin of “Bang Bang” sauce is tied to its spicy-sweet nature, though its exact origins are debated. It is typically a blend of mayonnaise (for creaminess), sweet chili sauce (for sweetness and a slight tang), and sriracha (for heat). The sauce can vary with different additions, but its key components remain the same: a balance of sweet, spicy, and savory.
- Garlic and Ginger: Essential to the flavor profile, these ingredients bring aromatic depth and a fresh zing to the sauce and chicken marinade.
- Olive Oil: Used to cook the chicken, olive oil adds richness and ensures the chicken thighs get that crispy golden-brown crust.
- Cornstarch: Cornstarch is often used to coat the chicken before cooking to create an extra-crispy outer layer. It’s a simple trick that makes the chicken even more delicious.
Step-by-Step Recipe
Ingredients:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons sweet chili sauce
- 1 tablespoon sriracha (adjust to taste)
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1 teaspoon grated ginger (optional)
- Fresh cilantro for garnish (optional)
- Sesame seeds for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
- Prep the chicken: Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels. Season both sides with salt and pepper, then sprinkle the cornstarch over the chicken and toss to coat. The cornstarch helps achieve that crispy texture.
- Make the sauce: In a bowl, combine mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, minced garlic, and grated ginger (if using). Mix until smooth and set aside.
- Cook the chicken: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the chicken thighs and cook for 4-6 minutes per side, or until the chicken is golden brown and crispy on the outside, and cooked through in the center (internal temperature should reach 165°F/75°C).
- Coat the chicken: Once the chicken is cooked, reduce the heat to low. Pour the prepared Bang Bang sauce over the chicken thighs, tossing them gently to coat. Let the chicken simmer in the sauce for an additional 1-2 minutes to heat through and absorb the flavors.
- Garnish and serve: Transfer the chicken to a plate and garnish with fresh cilantro and sesame seeds if desired. Serve hot with rice, vegetables, or over a salad.
Tips for the Perfect Skillet Bang Bang Chicken Thighs
- Crispy chicken: To ensure the chicken gets crispy, make sure the oil is hot before adding the chicken. Also, avoid overcrowding the skillet, as that can cause the chicken to steam rather than crisp up.
- Sauce balance: Adjust the level of heat in the sauce by adding more or less sriracha, depending on your preference. For a milder version, use just a little sriracha or omit it entirely.
- Marinate for flavor: If you have time, marinate the chicken in a bit of the sauce for 30 minutes to an hour before cooking. This allows the chicken to absorb even more flavor.
Variations and Customizations
- Different protein: If you prefer, swap out the chicken thighs for chicken breasts, shrimp, or even tofu for a vegetarian option. You can use the same cooking method.
- Sweetness level: For a sweeter variation, add a little honey or brown sugar to the sauce. If you prefer more heat, increase the amount of sriracha or add some chopped fresh chili.
- Veggie additions: Add some sautéed bell peppers, onions, or broccoli for a complete one-pan meal.
Health Considerations and Nutritional Value
- Chicken Thighs: While chicken thighs are richer and higher in fat than chicken breasts, they are still a great source of protein and contain essential nutrients like B vitamins and iron. The skinless, boneless variety reduces excess fat and calories.
- Bang Bang Sauce: The sauce is creamy, but it can be high in calories and fat because of the mayo and sweet chili sauce. For a lighter version, you can substitute Greek yogurt for mayo and reduce the amount of sweet chili sauce.
- Cornstarch: While cornstarch helps create a crispy crust, it’s a refined carbohydrate. If you’re looking to avoid it, you can skip it or use a gluten-free flour like rice flour as a substitute.
- Adding Veggies: Serving the chicken with vegetables or over leafy greens can add fiber, vitamins, and minerals, making it a more balanced meal.
FAQ
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
- Yes, you can use chicken breasts, but keep in mind that thighs are juicier and more forgiving. If using breasts, be careful not to overcook them.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
- While the chicken is best enjoyed fresh for that crispy texture, you can prepare the sauce ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator. You can also cook the chicken in advance and reheat it before serving.
Can I make this dish spicier?
- Absolutely! Add more sriracha or even chopped fresh chili peppers to the sauce for a heat boost. Adjust to your heat tolerance.
Is this dish gluten-free?
- Yes, as long as you ensure that the sweet chili sauce is gluten-free and you use a gluten-free flour if you wish to bread the chicken. Otherwise, it’s naturally gluten-free.
Skillet Bang Bang Chicken Thighs
Skillet Bang Bang Chicken Thighs are a bold and flavorful dish with crispy, juicy chicken thighs coated in a sweet, spicy, and creamy sauce. The "Bang Bang" sauce is known for its combination of heat and sweetness, typically made with mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, and a touch of sriracha. This dish is perfect for a weeknight dinner or serving at a dinner party, offering both quick preparation and rich flavor. The crispy exterior and tender inside of the chicken thighs, paired with the creamy sauce, create a delicious balance that everyone will love.
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.