Skillet Bang Bang Chicken Thighs Recipe

Introduction

Skillet Bang Bang Chicken Thighs are a flavorful and easy weeknight dinner option. Tender chicken thighs are seared to perfection, then tossed in a creamy, spicy bang bang sauce for a dish that’s sure to impress. This recipe comes together quickly and packs a delicious punch.

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 mixture.
2. Step 2: Evenly apply the seasoning mixture to all 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. Depending on the size, you may need to cook in batches. Cook for 5 minutes on one side.
5. Step 5: Flip the chicken thighs, reduce the 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 same skillet. Stir and 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, turning them to coat well with the sauce.
9. Step 9: Garnish with chopped green onions and serve immediately.

Tips & Variations

• For extra crispy skin, try pan-searing chicken thighs with skin on and then finish in the oven before adding sauce.
• Use homemade bang bang sauce for a fresher taste, or choose a high-quality storebought version for convenience.
• Add a squeeze of lime juice before serving for a bright, tangy touch.
• Serve over steamed rice or with roasted vegetables for a complete meal.

Storage

Store leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat to avoid drying out the chicken, adding a splash of water or broth if needed to loosen the sauce.

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 may cook faster and can be less juicy. Adjust cooking time accordingly and watch for doneness to avoid drying out.

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 flavorful kick to many dishes and pairs perfectly with fried or grilled chicken.

Skillet Bang Bang Chicken Thighs Recipe

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★★★★★

4.7 from 77 reviews

• Author: Simon
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x

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Description

A flavorful and spicy skillet-cooked dish featuring tender boneless skinless chicken thighs coated in a savory bang bang sauce, garnished with fresh green onions. This easy stovetop recipe delivers a perfect balance of crispy edges and saucy richness, ideal for a quick and satisfying meal.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

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 store-bought bang bang sauce)
• 2 tablespoons green onions, chopped (for garnish)

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Instructions

1. Prepare seasoning mix: In a small bowl, combine 1 teaspoon kosher salt, ½ teaspoon black pepper, and ½ teaspoon paprika thoroughly to create the seasoning blend.
2. Season chicken: Evenly apply the seasoning mixture onto all sides of the 6 boneless skinless chicken thighs, ensuring each piece is well-coated.
3. Heat the skillet and oil: Place a large nonstick skillet over medium heat and add 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil. Allow the oil to heat until shimmering but not smoking.
4. Cook chicken thighs: Add the seasoned chicken thighs to the hot skillet. Depending on skillet size, cook in batches to avoid overcrowding. Cook for about 5 minutes on one side until golden brown.
5. Flip and finish cooking: Turn the chicken thighs over, reduce the heat to medium-low, and cook for another 5 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Cooking time may vary depending on chicken size.
6. Remove chicken: Transfer the cooked chicken thighs to a plate and tent loosely with foil to keep warm while you prepare the sauce.
7. Sauté the sauce: Pour 1 cup of bang bang sauce into the skillet with remaining oil and browned bits. Stir and scrape the bottom of the pan to mix the flavorful bits into the sauce. Let the sauce simmer for 1 to 2 minutes until heated through.
8. Coat chicken with sauce: Return the chicken thighs to the skillet and gently coat each piece with the simmered bang bang sauce, allowing them to absorb the flavors.
9. Garnish and serve: Sprinkle chopped green onions over the chicken for a fresh, bright finish. Serve immediately while hot and saucy.

Notes

• Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches a safe internal temperature of 165°F.
• If you don’t have homemade bang bang sauce, store-bought versions work well—just check for your preferred level of spice and sweetness.
• Work in batches if your skillet is small to avoid steaming the chicken instead of searing it.
• You can add a squeeze of lime or a dash of crushed red pepper to the sauce for extra tang or heat.
• Serve with steamed rice or a crisp salad to balance the richness of the dish.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Main Dish
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American

Keywords: bang bang chicken, skillet chicken thighs, spicy chicken recipe, easy chicken dinner, stovetop chicken, Asian-inspired chicken, quick chicken meal