Get ready for some juicy and fun Skillet Bang Bang Chicken Thighs! These chicken pieces are cooked to perfection with a spicy and creamy sauce that will make your taste buds dance!
Cooking in a skillet means less mess and more flavor! I love to serve them with rice or veggies. Just don’t ask how many I can eat in one sitting—I’ve lost count! 😂
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Thighs: Boneless, skinless chicken thighs are juicy and flavorful, perfect for this dish. If you prefer white meat, chicken breasts work too, but you might want to marinate them for less time to avoid drying.
Buttermilk: It’s key for tenderizing the chicken. If you don’t have any, you can mix regular milk with a tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice to create a buttermilk substitute.
Spices: Garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper bring a lot of flavor! You can adjust the cayenne for heat. If you like it milder, use less or leave it out. You could also try chili powder or regular paprika if you don’t have smoked paprika.
Vegetable Oil: This oil is great for frying, but you can use olive oil or coconut oil if you prefer those flavors. They might slightly change the taste, but will still work well.
How Do You Make Sure the Chicken is Juicy and Flavorful?
One of the best parts of this recipe is the marinade. It really helps to keep the chicken juicy and infuse flavor. Here’s how to nail it:
- Mix the buttermilk with spices in a bowl and make sure it’s combined well.
- Coat the chicken thighs thoroughly, then cover and chill in the fridge for at least one hour, or up to overnight. The longer, the better!
When cooking, ensure your skillet is hot enough before adding chicken to get a nice sear. This not only adds flavor but also helps lock in the juices!
How to Make Skillet Bang Bang Chicken Thighs
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 2 tsp garlic powder
- 2 tsp onion powder
- 2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Wooden or metal skewers (if using wooden, soak in water for 30 minutes)
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil (for cooking)
For the Bang Bang Sauce
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup sweet chili sauce
- 1-2 tbsp sriracha (adjust for spiciness)
- 1 tbsp lime juice
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- Sesame seeds (for garnish)
- Fresh herbs (like basil or cilantro, for garnish)
- Lime wedges (for serving)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 20 minutes of preparation, but remember to allow at least 1 hour for marinating the chicken. Overall, you can expect about 1 hour and 40 minutes from start to finish, which includes marination time and cooking!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Marinate the Chicken:
In a large bowl, mix together the buttermilk, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper. Add the chicken thighs, making sure each piece is well coated in the marinade. Cover the bowl and let it marinate in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour. For more flavor, leave it overnight!
2. Prepare the Bang Bang Sauce:
While the chicken is marinating, make the Bang Bang sauce. In a separate bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, lime juice, and sesame oil until it’s smooth and creamy. Taste and adjust the spice level if needed. Set this tasty sauce aside for later.
3. Skewer the Chicken:
Once your chicken is marinated, it’s time to skew it up! Preheat a skillet over medium-high heat. If you’re using skewers, carefully thread the marinated chicken thighs onto them. If not, you can cook the chicken pieces directly in the skillet.
4. Cook the Chicken:
Add vegetable oil to the heated skillet. Place the skewered chicken or the individual pieces into the skillet. Cook for about 5-7 minutes on each side, until the chicken is cooked through and has a lovely golden char on the outside.
5. Serve:
When the chicken is done, carefully remove the skewers from the chicken (if using). Arrange the chicken on a serving platter and drizzle generously with the Bang Bang sauce. Sprinkle sesame seeds on top, add some fresh herbs for color, and serve with lime wedges on the side for added zest!
Enjoy your flavorful Skillet Bang Bang Chicken Thighs!
### FAQ for Skillet Bang Bang Chicken Thighs
Can I Use Chicken Breasts Instead of Thighs?
Yes, you can certainly use boneless, skinless chicken breasts instead of thighs. Just keep in mind that breasts may cook faster, so check their internal temperature after about 4-5 minutes per side to avoid overcooking.
What Can I Substitute for Buttermilk?
If you don’t have buttermilk on hand, you can easily make a substitute by mixing 1 cup of milk with 1 tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice. Let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until it thickens slightly. Alternatively, plain yogurt or sour cream can work too; just thin them out with a bit of water or milk to reach the same consistency as buttermilk.
How To Store Leftover Bang Bang Chicken?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can reheat them in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave until warmed through. If the chicken looks a bit dry, consider drizzling some extra Bang Bang sauce over it before reheating!
Can I Make the Bang Bang Sauce Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the Bang Bang sauce up to 3 days in advance. Just store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This will allow the flavors to meld together nicely, making it even tastier when you serve it!
