Skillet Bang Bang Chicken Thighs Recipe

Introduction

Skillet Bang Bang Chicken Thighs offer a deliciously spicy and creamy meal that’s quick to prepare. This recipe combines tender chicken with a flavorful bang bang sauce for a perfect weeknight dinner. Garnished with fresh green onions, it’s a dish that’s sure to impress.

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 make the seasoning mix.
2. Step 2: Apply the seasoning evenly 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 skillet size, you may need to cook in batches. Cook for 5 minutes without moving.
5. Step 5: Flip the chicken, reduce 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 on a plate. Tent with foil to keep warm.
7. Step 7: Pour the bang bang sauce into the skillet and stir, scraping up any browned bits from the pan. Let the sauce simmer for 1-2 minutes until heated through.
8. Step 8: Return the chicken thighs to the skillet, coating each piece thoroughly with the sauce.
9. Step 9: Garnish with chopped green onions before serving.

Tips & Variations

• For extra crispiness, pat the chicken dry before seasoning and cooking.
• Substitute boneless chicken breasts if preferred, but adjust cooking time accordingly to avoid drying out.
• Make your own bang bang sauce using mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, and sriracha for a homemade touch.
• Serve over rice or noodles to soak up the flavorful sauce.

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 to prevent drying out, or microwave until warmed through.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use skin-on chicken thighs for this recipe?

Yes, you can. Cooking times may be longer to ensure the chicken cooks through completely, and the skin will add extra flavor and crispness.

What if I don’t have a nonstick skillet?

A stainless steel or cast iron skillet works well too, but be sure to monitor the heat and add a little extra oil to prevent sticking.

Skillet Bang Bang Chicken Thighs Recipe

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★★★★★

4.9 from 124 reviews

This Skillet Bang Bang Chicken Thighs recipe delivers juicy, tender chicken thighs coated in a creamy, spicy bang bang sauce. Cooked quickly in a skillet and finished with a flavorful sauce that’s simmered to perfection, this dish is perfect for a weeknight dinner or a casual meal with guests. Garnished with fresh green onions, it’s a delicious and comforting dish that balances heat and creaminess beautifully.

• Author: Logan
• 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 1x2x3x

Chicken and Seasoning

• 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

Garnish

• Green onions, chopped for garnish

Instructions

1. Combine Seasonings: In a small bowl, mix together the kosher salt, black pepper, and paprika to create an evenly balanced seasoning blend.
2. Season Chicken: Evenly apply the seasoning mixture over all sides of the 6 boneless skinless chicken thighs, ensuring full coverage to enhance flavor.
3. Heat Oil in Skillet: Place a large nonstick skillet over medium heat and add 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil. Allow the oil to heat until shimmering and hot but not smoking.
4. Cook Chicken Thighs: Carefully place the seasoned chicken thighs into the hot skillet. Depending on skillet size, work in batches to avoid overcrowding. Cook the chicken for 5 minutes on one side without moving it to develop a nice sear.
5. 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. Cooking time may vary depending on the size of the chicken thighs.
6. Remove Chicken: Transfer the cooked chicken thighs to a plate and tent loosely with foil to keep warm while preparing the sauce in the skillet.
7. Add Bang Bang Sauce: Pour 1 cup of bang bang sauce into the skillet with the leftover oil and browned bits. Stir the sauce, scraping the bottom of the pan to lift the flavorful fond. Let it simmer gently for 1-2 minutes until heated through and slightly thickened.
8. Coat Chicken in Sauce: Return the chicken thighs to the skillet, turning them to coat thoroughly with the hot bang bang sauce, allowing the flavors to meld for a minute.
9. Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle chopped green onions over the sauced chicken thighs for a fresh, vibrant garnish. Serve immediately for the best taste and texture.

Notes

• Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken reaches a safe internal temperature of 165°F for perfect doneness.
• For easier cleanup, use a nonstick skillet or a well-seasoned cast iron pan.
• Make your own bang bang sauce for a fresher flavor or use store-bought for convenience.
• Serve with steamed rice or a fresh salad to make a complete meal.
• If your skillet isn’t large enough, cook the chicken in batches to prevent overcrowding, which can cause steaming instead of searing.

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