Skillet Bang Bang Chicken Thighs Recipe

Introduction

Skillet Bang Bang Chicken Thighs offer a deliciously spicy and creamy flavor that’s easy to make in just one pan. This dish combines juicy chicken with a flavorful bang bang sauce, perfect for a quick weeknight dinner that feels special.

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

1. Step 1: In a small bowl, combine the kosher salt, black pepper, and paprika. Apply the seasoning mixture evenly to the chicken thighs.
2. Step 2: Heat the vegetable oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the chicken thighs in a single layer. Cook for 5 minutes without moving them.
3. Step 3: Flip the chicken thighs, reduce the heat to medium-low, and cook for another 5 minutes or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. Adjust cooking time as needed depending on the size of the chicken thighs.
4. Step 4: Remove the cooked chicken from the skillet and place on a plate. Tent loosely with foil to keep warm.
5. Step 5: Pour the bang bang sauce into the same skillet. Stir well, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Let the sauce simmer for 1–2 minutes until heated through.
6. Step 6: Return the chicken thighs to the skillet and coat evenly with the sauce.
7. Step 7: Garnish with chopped green onions and serve immediately.

Tips & Variations

• For extra crispiness, pat the chicken thighs dry before seasoning and consider searing on higher heat before lowering it to finish cooking.
• Substitute bang bang sauce with a mixture of mayo, sweet chili sauce, and sriracha for a quick homemade version.
• Serve over rice or steamed vegetables to complete the meal.

Storage

Store leftover chicken thighs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat to avoid drying out the chicken, adding a splash of water or extra sauce if needed.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Yes, chicken breasts can be used, but they may cook faster and can dry out more easily. Adjust cooking time accordingly and watch carefully to keep them juicy.

Is it possible to make the bang bang sauce from scratch?

Absolutely! A simple homemade bang bang sauce usually contains mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, and sriracha mixed together. It’s quick to prepare and tastes fresh.

Skillet Bang Bang Chicken Thighs Recipe

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★★★★★

4.8 from 93 reviews

This Skillet Bang Bang Chicken Thighs recipe features tender, juicy boneless skinless chicken thighs cooked to perfection in a nonstick skillet and coated in a spicy, creamy bang bang sauce. Ready in just about 20 minutes, this flavorful dish is perfect for weeknight dinners and garnished with fresh green onions for an added zing.

• Author: Isabella
• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Category: Main Dish
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Chicken and Seasoning

• 6 boneless skinless chicken thighs
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon paprika
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil

Sauce and Garnish

• 1 recipe bang bang sauce, or 1 cup storebought
• Green onions, chopped for garnish

Instructions

1. Prepare the Seasoning: In a small bowl, combine kosher salt, black pepper, and paprika. Mix thoroughly to create an even seasoning mix.
2. Season the Chicken: Apply the seasoning mixture evenly across all sides of the chicken thighs to ensure full flavor penetration.
3. Cook the Chicken: Heat a large nonstick skillet over medium heat and add the vegetable oil. Once the oil is hot, place the seasoned chicken thighs in the skillet. Depending on skillet size, cook in batches if necessary. Let the chicken cook undisturbed for 5 minutes to develop a golden crust.
4. Flip and Finish Cooking: Flip each chicken thigh over, reduce the heat to medium-low, and cook for an additional 5 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C), ensuring the chicken is cooked through but remains juicy.
5. Rest the Chicken: Remove the cooked chicken from the skillet and place on a plate. Tent loosely with foil to keep warm while preparing the sauce.
6. Simmer the Sauce: Pour the bang bang sauce into the same skillet. Stir well, scraping up any flavorful browned bits from the pan bottom. Allow the sauce to simmer gently for 1-2 minutes until heated through and slightly thickened.
7. Coat the Chicken: Return the chicken thighs to the skillet, turning to coat each piece thoroughly with the warm bang bang sauce.
8. Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle chopped green onions on top of the sauced chicken for a fresh, sharp contrast. Serve immediately and enjoy.

Notes

• You can make your own bang bang sauce using mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, and Sriracha for a fresher taste.
• Cooking times may vary depending on the thickness of chicken thighs, so always check for an internal temperature of 165°F to guarantee food safety.
• If you prefer crispier skin, you can use skin-on chicken thighs and adjust cooking time accordingly.
• This recipe works well with jasmine rice or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.

Keywords: Bang Bang Chicken, Skillet Chicken Thighs, Spicy Chicken, Easy Chicken Recipe, Weeknight Dinner