Skillet Bang Bang Chicken Thighs Recipe

Introduction

Skillet Bang Bang Chicken Thighs are a flavorful and easy weeknight dinner option. Juicy chicken thighs are seasoned, seared, and tossed in a creamy, tangy bang bang sauce for a dish that’s both comforting and exciting.

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.
2. Step 2: Evenly coat the chicken thighs with the seasoning mixture on both sides.
3. Step 3: Heat the vegetable oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat until hot.
4. Step 4: Add the chicken thighs to the skillet. Depending on your skillet size, cook in batches if needed. Cook for 5 minutes on one side.
5. Step 5: Flip the chicken, reduce heat to medium-low, and cook for another 5 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
6. Step 6: Remove the cooked chicken from the skillet and place on a plate; tent with foil to keep warm.
7. Step 7: Pour the bang bang sauce into the skillet, stirring and scraping up any brown bits from the bottom. Let it simmer for 1–2 minutes until heated through.
8. Step 8: Return the chicken to the skillet, turning to coat each piece thoroughly with the sauce.
9. Step 9: Garnish with chopped green onions and serve immediately.

Tips & Variations

• For extra crispiness, pat the chicken dry before seasoning and cooking.
• Try substituting chicken breasts if you prefer leaner meat, adjusting cook time accordingly.
• Add a squeeze of lime or lemon juice to the sauce for a citrusy bright finish.
• Serve over steamed rice or noodles to soak up the delicious sauce.

Storage

Store leftover chicken and sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave until warmed through. Avoid overheating to keep the chicken tender.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make bang bang sauce from scratch?

Yes, bang bang sauce typically includes mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, and sriracha. Combining these ingredients at home is quick and customizable to your preferred spice level.

What can I serve with bang bang chicken thighs?

This dish pairs well with steamed rice, noodles, or crisp vegetables. A fresh side salad or roasted greens complements the rich and spicy flavors nicely.

Skillet Bang Bang Chicken Thighs Recipe

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★★★★★

4.9 from 608 reviews

This Skillet Bang Bang Chicken Thighs recipe offers a flavorful and spicy twist on classic chicken thighs, cooked perfectly in a skillet and coated with a creamy, tangy bang bang sauce. It’s quick, easy, and ideal for a weeknight dinner or when you want a satisfying and bold-flavored meal with minimal fuss.

• Author: Anna
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Category: Main Dish
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

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Chicken and Seasoning

• 6 boneless skinless chicken thighs
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon paprika

Cooking

• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil

Sauce and Garnish

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

Instructions

1. Combine Seasonings: In a small bowl, mix together the kosher salt, black pepper, and paprika to create the seasoning blend.
2. Season Chicken: Evenly apply the seasoning mixture to all sides of the boneless skinless chicken thighs, ensuring full coverage for maximum flavor.
3. Heat Oil and Cook Chicken: Heat the vegetable oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the chicken thighs in a single layer. Depending on skillet size, cook in batches if necessary.
4. Cook First Side: Let the chicken cook undisturbed for about 5 minutes until it develops a nice sear and is browned on the bottom.
5. Flip and Finish Cooking: Flip the chicken thighs and reduce the heat to medium-low. Cook for an additional 5 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C), adjusting time as needed depending on the chicken size.
6. Remove Chicken: Transfer the cooked chicken thighs to a plate and tent loosely with foil to keep warm while preparing the sauce.
7. Add Bang Bang Sauce: Pour the bang bang sauce into the same skillet. Stir well to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan, letting the sauce simmer for 1-2 minutes until heated through and slightly thickened.
8. Coat Chicken in Sauce: Return the chicken thighs to the skillet and turn to coat each piece thoroughly with the sauce.
9. Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle the chopped green onions over the sauced chicken and serve immediately for a flavorful, spicy meal.

Notes

• Make sure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F for safe consumption.
• If you prefer a milder flavor, reduce the amount of bang bang sauce or use a less spicy version.
• Bang bang sauce can be homemade or store-bought; adjust seasoning accordingly.
• Cooking times may vary depending on the thickness and size of chicken thighs, so use a meat thermometer for accuracy.
• Work in batches when cooking chicken to avoid overcrowding the skillet and ensure even cooking and browning.

Keywords: Bang Bang Chicken Thighs, Skillet Chicken, Spicy Chicken, Quick Dinner, One Pan Chicken, Bang Bang Sauce, Easy Chicken Recipe