Skillet Bang Bang Chicken Thighs Recipe

Introduction

Skillet Bang Bang Chicken Thighs are a flavorful and quick dinner option that delivers tender, juicy chicken coated in a spicy, creamy sauce. Perfect for weeknight meals, this recipe combines simple seasonings with a zesty bang bang sauce for a delicious, crowd-pleasing dish.

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.
2. Step 2: Evenly apply the seasoning mixture to the chicken thighs.
3. Step 3: Heat the vegetable oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat.
4. Step 4: Once the oil is hot, add the chicken thighs. Depending on the size of your skillet, cook in batches if needed. Cook for 5 minutes on one side.
5. Step 5: Flip the chicken thighs, reduce heat to medium-low, and cook for another 5 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Cooking time may vary based on chicken size.
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. Stir to scrape up any brown bits from the pan bottom and let it simmer for 1-2 minutes until heated through.
8. Step 8: Return the chicken thighs to the skillet, coating them thoroughly with the sauce.
9. Step 9: Garnish with chopped green onions and serve immediately.

Tips & Variations

• Use skin-on chicken thighs for extra crispy texture if preferred; adjust cooking time accordingly.
• Substitute vegetable oil with avocado or canola oil for a healthier option.
• Add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the seasoning mix for an extra spicy kick.
• Serve over steamed rice or alongside roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
• If you don’t have homemade bang bang sauce, storebought versions work well to save time.

Storage

Store leftover chicken and sauce together in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat to maintain moisture and prevent the sauce from separating.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Yes, you can substitute chicken breasts, but be mindful that they cook faster and can dry out more easily. Adjust cooking time and check internal temperature carefully.

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 dishes like this chicken recipe.

Skillet Bang Bang Chicken Thighs Recipe

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★★★★★

4.5 from 128 reviews

Skillet Bang Bang Chicken Thighs offer a quick and flavorful meal featuring tender boneless skinless chicken thighs seasoned with a blend of spices, cooked in a skillet, and coated in a spicy, creamy bang bang sauce. Garnished with fresh green onions, this dish combines ease and bold taste perfect for a weeknight dinner.

• Author: luca
• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 17 minutes
• Total Time: 22 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Category: Main Dish
• 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 store-bought bang bang sauce

Garnish

• Green onions, chopped for garnish

Instructions

1. Combine seasoning: In a small bowl, mix together 1 teaspoon kosher salt, ½ teaspoon black pepper, and ½ teaspoon paprika until well combined for even seasoning.
2. Season chicken: Evenly apply the seasoning mixture all over the 6 boneless skinless chicken thighs, ensuring each piece is thoroughly coated.
3. Heat oil and cook chicken: Place a large nonstick skillet over medium heat and add 2 tablespoons vegetable oil. Once the oil is hot, add the seasoned chicken thighs; depending on skillet size, cook in batches if needed. Cook the chicken for 5 minutes on one side.
4. Flip and continue cooking: Flip the chicken thighs over, reduce the heat to medium-low, and cook for an additional 5 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Adjust cooking time as necessary based on chicken size.
5. Remove chicken: Take the cooked chicken thighs out of the skillet and place them on a plate. Tent with foil to keep warm.
6. Add bang bang sauce to skillet: Pour 1 cup of bang bang sauce into the skillet. Stir the sauce, scraping up any browned bits on the bottom of the pan. Let it simmer for 1 to 2 minutes until heated through.
7. Return chicken to skillet: Place the chicken thighs back into the skillet, spooning and coating them thoroughly with the simmered bang bang sauce.
8. Garnish and serve: Sprinkle chopped green onions over the sauced chicken thighs and serve immediately for a delicious and spicy meal.

Notes

• Cooking times may vary depending on the thickness of the chicken thighs; always confirm the internal temperature reaches 165°F for safety.
• Using a store-bought bang bang sauce saves time, but making your own can enhance flavor and control spice levels.
• To keep chicken tender, avoid overcooking by monitoring heat closely after flipping.
• If preferred, serve with steamed rice or vegetables to complete the meal.

Keywords: bang bang chicken, skillet chicken thighs, spicy chicken recipe, quick dinner, creamy spicy sauce