Skillet Bang Bang Chicken Thighs Recipe
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.
- 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
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
- Prepare the Seasoning: In a small bowl, combine kosher salt, black pepper, and paprika. Mix thoroughly to create an even seasoning mix.
- Season the Chicken: Apply the seasoning mixture evenly across all sides of the chicken thighs to ensure full flavor penetration.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Coat the Chicken: Return the chicken thighs to the skillet, turning to coat each piece thoroughly with the warm bang bang sauce.
- 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
