Skillet Bang Bang Chicken Thighs Recipe
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.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 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 bang bang sauce)
- Green onions, chopped for garnish
Instructions
- Combine seasoning. In a small bowl, mix together the kosher salt, black pepper, and paprika to create an even seasoning blend.
- Season the chicken. Apply the seasoning mixture evenly onto both sides of the boneless skinless chicken thighs, ensuring each piece is well coated.
- 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.
- 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.
- Remove chicken from skillet. Transfer the cooked chicken thighs to a plate and tent with foil to keep warm while you prepare the sauce.
- 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.
- Coat chicken in sauce. Return the chicken thighs to the skillet, turning them to coat thoroughly with the warm bang bang sauce.
- 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
