Skillet Bang Bang Chicken Thighs are a popular recipe that combines crispy fried chicken, spicy Bang Bang sauce, and crunchy peanuts for a delicious and addictive dish. Here's the complete recipe with step-by-step instructions, tips, and variations:
**Ingredients:**
* 4-6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
* 1 cup all-purpose flour
* 2 teaspoons paprika
* 1 teaspoon garlic powder
* 1 teaspoon onion powder
* 1 teaspoon salt
* 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
* 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
* 1 cup buttermilk
* 1/4 cup vegetable oil
* Bang Bang sauce (recipe below)
* Chopped peanuts or cashews for garnish
* Scallions or cilantro for garnish (optional)
**Bang Bang Sauce:**
* 1/2 cup mayonnaise
* 1/4 cup sweet chili sauce
* 2 tablespoons soy sauce
* 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
* 1 tablespoon honey
* 1 teaspoon grated ginger
* 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
**Instructions:**
1. **Prep the chicken:** Rinse the chicken thighs and pat them dry with paper towels. In a large bowl, mix together the flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper (if using). Pour the buttermilk into a separate large bowl. Dip each chicken thigh into the buttermilk, coating it completely, then roll it in the flour mixture to coat. Place the coated chicken on a plate or tray.
2. **Heat the skillet:** Heat the vegetable oil in a large cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat until it reaches 350°F (180°C). If you don't have a thermometer, test the oil by flicking a few drops of water into it – if it sizzles and crackles, it's ready.
3. **Fry the chicken:** Carefully place 2-3 chicken thighs into the hot oil. Do not overcrowd the skillet. Fry for 5-6 minutes on each side, or until the chicken is golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Repeat with the remaining chicken thighs.
4. **Drain excess oil:** Remove the fried chicken from the skillet and place it on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
5. **Make the Bang Bang sauce:** In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, soy sauce, rice vinegar, honey, grated ginger, and red pepper flakes (if using).
6. **Assemble the dish:** Place the fried chicken thighs in the skillet and brush them with the Bang Bang sauce. Sprinkle chopped peanuts or cashews over the top of the chicken.
7. **Garnish and serve:** Garnish with scallions or cilantro (if using) and serve the Skillet Bang Bang Chicken Thighs hot and immediately.
**Tips and Variations:**
* For extra crispy coating, you can chill the coated chicken thighs in the refrigerator for 30 minutes before frying.
* To make buffalo-style Bang Bang Chicken Thighs, replace the sweet chili sauce with hot sauce (such as Frank's RedHot) in the Bang Bang sauce.
* For a spicy kick, increase the amount of cayenne pepper in the flour mixture or add more hot sauce to the Bang Bang sauce.
* To make Bang Bang Chicken Thighs with a Korean twist, add 1-2 tablespoons of Gochujang (Korean chili paste) to the Bang Bang sauce.
* Experiment with different types of oil for frying, such as avocado oil or peanut oil, for a unique flavor.
* Serve Skillet Bang Bang Chicken Thighs with steamed vegetables, mashed potatoes, or roasted sweet potatoes for a well-rounded meal.
**Correct Cooking Techniques:**
* To ensure crispy fried chicken, make sure the oil is hot enough before adding the chicken. This will help the coating adhere to the chicken.
* Don't overcrowd the skillet, as this can lower the oil temperature and result in greasy or undercooked chicken. Fry in batches if necessary.
* Be gentle when handling the fried chicken to prevent the coating from breaking off.
* Allow the chicken to rest for a few minutes before serving to help the juices redistribute and the coating to set.
By following these tips and variations, you'll be able to create delicious and addictive Skillet Bang Bang Chicken Thighs that will become a staple in your kitchen. Enjoy!
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