Skillet Bang Bang Chicken Thighs Recipe
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.
- 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
Bang Bang Sauce
- 1 recipe bang bang sauce, or 1 cup storebought
Garnish
- Green onions, chopped for garnish
Instructions
- Combine Seasonings: In a small bowl, mix together the kosher salt, black pepper, and paprika to create an evenly balanced seasoning blend.
- Season Chicken: Evenly apply the seasoning mixture over all sides of the 6 boneless skinless chicken thighs, ensuring full coverage to enhance flavor.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
