First Step: PREPARE THE CHICKEN

1. Season the Chicken: Start by patting the chicken thighs dry with paper towels to remove any excess moisture. This helps the skin get nice and crispy during cooking. Then, season both sides of the chicken with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. Be sure to season generously to enhance the flavor of the chicken.
2. Preheat the Skillet: Heat a large cast-iron skillet or non-stick pan over medium-high heat. Add the olive oil and let it get hot. You want the pan to be hot enough that when the chicken hits the surface, it sizzles immediately. This ensures the chicken will develop a crispy crust.

Second Step: COOK THE CHICKEN

1. Cook the Chicken Thighs: Place the seasoned chicken thighs, skin-side down, in the hot skillet. Let them cook undisturbed for about 7-10 minutes. The skin should become golden brown and crispy. Resist the temptation to move the chicken around too much, as this can prevent the skin from crisping properly.
2. Flip and Continue Cooking: Once the skin is crispy, flip the chicken thighs over to the other side. Reduce the heat to medium and cook for another 10-12 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) when measured with a meat thermometer. This will ensure the chicken is cooked through while staying juicy on the inside.
3. Rest the Chicken: Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the skillet and let it rest on a plate for a few minutes. Resting the chicken allows the juices to redistribute, making the meat more tender and flavorful.

Third Step: MAKE THE BANG BANG SAUCE

1. Combine the Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, rice vinegar, honey, and soy sauce. Taste and adjust the seasoning, adding more sriracha if you like extra heat, or more honey if you prefer a sweeter sauce.
2. Whisk Until Smooth: Continue whisking the sauce until it’s completely smooth and well combined. The sauce should have a creamy consistency with a good balance of sweet and spicy flavors.

Fourth Step: ASSEMBLE AND COAT THE CHICKEN

1. Coat the Chicken: Once the chicken thighs have rested, dip each piece into the Bang Bang sauce, ensuring they’re fully coated. You can also drizzle the sauce over the top if you prefer a lighter coating, but the more sauce, the better!
2. Return to the Skillet: After coating the chicken in sauce, return it to the skillet and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes over medium heat. This allows the sauce to warm up and caramelize slightly, creating a sticky, flavorful coating on the chicken.

Final Step: GARNISH AND SERVE

1. Garnish: For a finishing touch, sprinkle the chicken with chopped green onions, sesame seeds, and fresh cilantro. These garnishes add color, texture, and brightness to the dish.
2. Serve: Serve the Skillet Bang Bang Chicken Thighs hot, with your choice of sides. This dish pairs wonderfully with rice, roasted vegetables, or a simple green salad.