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Skillet Bang Bang Chicken Thighs Recipe

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.

Ingredients

Scale

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