Description
Skillet Bang Bang Chicken Thighs is a quick and flavorful dish featuring tender, juicy chicken thighs cooked to perfection in a spicy, creamy Bang Bang sauce. This Asian-inspired recipe combines sweet chili, sriracha, and honey for a perfect balance of heat and sweetness, making it a fantastic weeknight dinner option that pairs well with rice, noodles, or fresh salad.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Chicken:
- 1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
For the Bang Bang Sauce:
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons sweet chili sauce
- 1 tablespoon sriracha (adjust to taste)
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 teaspoon rice vinegar
Optional Garnishes:
- Chopped green onions
- Sesame seeds
- Lime wedges
Instructions
- Prepare the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, honey, and rice vinegar until smooth. Set aside to allow flavors to meld.
- Season the Chicken: Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. Season both sides evenly with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and paprika for balanced flavor.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add the chicken thighs and cook for 5 to 6 minutes per side, or until golden brown, reaching an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) to ensure doneness.
- Add the Sauce: Reduce the heat to low and spoon the prepared Bang Bang sauce over the chicken in the skillet. Toss gently to coat all pieces evenly. Let the sauce warm through for 1 to 2 minutes to enhance flavors.
- Serve: Remove the skillet from heat, garnish the chicken with optional chopped green onions, sesame seeds, and lime wedges if desired. Serve immediately with your choice of rice, noodles, or fresh salad.
Notes
- For a lighter sauce alternative, swap mayonnaise with Greek yogurt.
- For added texture and crunch, serve the chicken with shredded cabbage or in lettuce wraps.
- Adjust the sriracha quantity to control the heat level according to your preference.
- This recipe is nut-free but not gluten-free due to sweet chili sauce; verify ingredients if needing gluten-free compliance.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken thigh with sauce
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 520mg
- Fat: 21g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 9g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 105mg
