Skillet Bang Bang Chicken Thighs Recipe

Introduction

Skillet Bang Bang Chicken Thighs offer a flavorful and spicy twist on tender chicken, cooked to perfection in a single pan. This dish combines crispy, seasoned chicken with a creamy, spicy bang bang sauce for a quick weeknight dinner that’s both satisfying and delicious.

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 to create the seasoning blend.
2. Step 2: Evenly apply the seasoning mixture to both sides of the chicken thighs.
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. If needed, cook in batches to avoid overcrowding. Cook for 5 minutes on one side.
5. Step 5: Flip the chicken, reduce the heat to medium-low, and cook for an additional 5 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
6. Step 6: Remove the cooked chicken from the skillet and place it on a plate. Tent loosely with foil to keep warm.
7. Step 7: Pour the bang bang sauce into the skillet, stirring to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom. Let it simmer for 1-2 minutes until heated through.
8. Step 8: Return the chicken thighs to the skillet, coating each piece with the sauce.
9. Step 9: Garnish with chopped green onions and serve hot.

Tips & Variations

• For extra crispiness, pat the chicken dry before seasoning and cooking.
• Try using bone-in chicken thighs for more flavor, but adjust cooking time accordingly.
• Customize the spice level by adding more or less bang bang sauce to taste.
• Serve over steamed rice or alongside roasted vegetables for a complete meal.

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, taking care not to overcook the chicken.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Yes, boneless skinless chicken breasts can be used, but they may cook faster and can dry out more easily. Adjust cooking time and keep a close eye to avoid overcooking.

What is bang bang sauce?

Bang bang sauce is a creamy, spicy sauce typically made with mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, and sriracha. It adds a spicy, tangy flavor that pairs wonderfully with fried or grilled proteins.

Skillet Bang Bang Chicken Thighs Recipe

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4.6 from 59 reviews

This Skillet Bang Bang Chicken Thighs recipe features juicy boneless, skinless chicken thighs pan-seared to golden perfection and coated in a creamy, spicy bang bang sauce. Ready in under 30 minutes, it’s a flavorful and easy dinner option garnished with fresh green onions for a burst of color and freshness.

• Author: Lily
• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 12 minutes
• Total Time: 17 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Chicken

• 6 boneless skinless chicken thighs
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon paprika
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil

Bang Bang Sauce

• 1 recipe bang bang sauce or 1 cup storebought bang bang sauce

Garnish

• Green onions, chopped

Instructions

1. Combine Seasonings: In a small bowl, mix together the kosher salt, black pepper, and paprika to create your seasoning blend.
2. Season Chicken: Evenly apply the seasoning mixture over all sides of the chicken thighs to ensure they are well-flavored.
3. Heat Oil and Cook Chicken: Place a large nonstick skillet over medium heat and add the vegetable oil. Once the oil is hot, add the chicken thighs. Depending on skillet size, cook in batches if needed. Sear the chicken for 5 minutes on one side.
4. Flip and Finish Cooking: Flip the chicken thighs over, reduce the heat to medium-low, and continue cooking for another 5 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. The exact time may vary based on chicken size.
5. Remove Chicken from Skillet: Transfer the cooked chicken thighs to a plate and tent them with foil to keep warm while preparing the sauce.
6. Add Bang Bang Sauce to Skillet: Pour the bang bang sauce into the same skillet. Stir and scrape the browned bits from the bottom to incorporate the flavorful fond. Let the sauce simmer for 1-2 minutes until heated through.
7. Coat Chicken with Sauce: Return the chicken thighs to the skillet, tossing and coating them thoroughly with the bang bang sauce.
8. Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle chopped green onions over the top for freshness and serve immediately for a delicious, saucy chicken dish.

Notes

• You can make your own bang bang sauce with mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, and a little lime juice for a tangy, spicy kick.
• Cooking in batches prevents overcrowding and ensures a good sear on the chicken thighs.
• Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness to avoid undercooked or overcooked chicken.
• Leftover chicken can be refrigerated for up to 3 days, and reheated gently to preserve moisture.

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