Skillet Bang Bang Chicken Thighs Recipe

Introduction

Skillet Bang Bang Chicken Thighs are a flavorful and easy weeknight meal that combines crispy chicken with a spicy, creamy sauce. This dish delivers a perfect balance of heat and sweetness, making it a crowd-pleaser for any occasion.

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 store-bought
• 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 apply the seasoning mixture to the chicken thighs, ensuring each piece is well coated.
3. Step 3: Heat the vegetable oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the chicken thighs. You may need to cook in batches depending on skillet size.
4. Step 4: Cook the chicken for 5 minutes on one side, then flip. Reduce the heat to medium-low and cook an additional 5 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
5. Step 5: Remove the cooked chicken from the skillet and place it on a plate. Tent loosely with foil to keep warm.
6. Step 6: Pour the bang bang sauce into the skillet. Stir and scrape the browned bits from the bottom. Let the sauce simmer for 1–2 minutes until heated through.
7. Step 7: Return the chicken thighs to the skillet and coat them thoroughly with the sauce.
8. Step 8: Garnish with chopped green onions and serve immediately.

Tips & Variations

• For extra crispiness, pat the chicken thighs dry before seasoning.
• If you prefer less heat, use mild bang bang sauce or reduce the amount of sauce used.
• Serve over steamed rice or with a side of roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
• Use bone-in, skin-on thighs for more flavor, but increase cooking time accordingly.

Storage

Store any leftover chicken and sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat until warmed through to prevent drying out.

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 cook faster and can dry out more easily. Adjust cooking time accordingly and watch the internal temperature carefully.

Is bang bang sauce spicy?

Bang bang sauce typically has a mild to moderate heat from ingredients like chili sauce or sriracha, balanced by creamy mayonnaise and sweetness. You can adjust the spice level by choosing mild or spicy brands or making your own sauce to suit your taste.

Skillet Bang Bang Chicken Thighs Recipe

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★★★★★

5 from 181 reviews

This Skillet Bang Bang Chicken Thighs recipe features juicy, boneless, skinless chicken thighs seasoned with a blend of kosher salt, black pepper, and paprika, cooked to perfection in a hot skillet, and tossed in a flavorful, creamy bang bang sauce. Finished with a garnish of fresh green onions, this dish offers a spicy, tangy, and satisfying meal that comes together quickly on the stovetop, perfect for weeknight dinners.

• Author: Viktoria
• 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
• 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 seasoning. In a small bowl, mix together the kosher salt, black pepper, and paprika to create an even seasoning blend.
2. Season the chicken. Apply the seasoning mixture evenly onto both sides of the boneless skinless chicken thighs, ensuring each piece is well coated.
3. Heat the oil and cook chicken. Heat 2 tablespoons of 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 your skillet size, you may need to cook in batches. Cook the chicken for 5 minutes on one side.
4. Flip and continue cooking. Flip the chicken over, reduce the heat to medium-low, and cook for an additional 5 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Cooking times may vary slightly based on chicken thickness.
5. Remove chicken from skillet. Transfer the cooked chicken thighs to a plate and tent with foil to keep warm while you prepare the sauce.
6. Simmer bang bang sauce. Pour the prepared bang bang sauce into the skillet. Stir well, scraping the browned bits off the bottom of the pan, and let the sauce simmer for 1 to 2 minutes until heated through and slightly thickened.
7. Coat chicken in sauce. Return the chicken thighs to the skillet, turning them to coat thoroughly with the warm bang bang sauce.
8. Garnish and serve. Sprinkle chopped green onions over the chicken and serve immediately for a spicy, creamy, and savory dish.

Notes

• You can use storebought bang bang sauce or make your own for fresher flavor.
• Cooking times may vary depending on the thickness of chicken thighs; always check for an internal temperature of 165°F for safe eating.
• Cooking in batches helps avoid overcrowding the skillet, ensuring even browning.
• Green onions add a fresh, mild onion flavor and a pop of color as garnish.
• This dish is best served hot and fresh but leftovers can be refrigerated and reheated gently.

Keywords: Bang Bang Chicken, Skillet Chicken Thighs, Spicy Chicken, Quick Dinner, Creamy Sauce