Skillet Bang Bang Chicken Thighs Recipe
This Skillet Bang Bang Chicken Thighs recipe features tender boneless, skinless chicken thighs seasoned with a simple blend of spices, pan-seared to juicy perfection, and coated in a flavorful and creamy bang bang sauce. Garnished with fresh green onions, this dish offers a spicy, tangy, and slightly sweet profile that makes for a quick and easy weeknight dinner with a delightful Asian-inspired twist.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 22 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Asian Fusion
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
Sauce and Garnish
- 1 recipe bang bang sauce, or 1 cup storebought bang bang sauce
- Green onions, chopped for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare Seasoning: In a small bowl, combine kosher salt, black pepper, and paprika, mixing well to create a balanced spice blend that will enhance the chicken’s flavor.
- Season Chicken: Evenly apply the seasoning mixture over all sides of the chicken thighs to ensure each bite is flavorful.
- Cook Chicken: Heat vegetable oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the chicken thighs in a single layer. You may need to cook in batches if the skillet is small. Cook the chicken for 5 minutes on one side without moving it to develop a nice sear.
- Flip and Finish Cooking: Flip the chicken thighs, then reduce heat to medium-low. Continue cooking for another 5 minutes or until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C), ensuring the thighs are fully cooked and juicy.
- Rest Chicken: Remove the cooked chicken from the skillet and place it on a plate. Tent the chicken loosely with foil to keep warm while you prepare the sauce.
- Prepare Sauce: Pour the bang bang sauce into the same skillet. Stir it, scraping up any browned bits stuck to the bottom of the pan, which adds extra flavor. Let the sauce simmer for 1-2 minutes until heated through and slightly thickened.
- Coat Chicken with Sauce: Return the chicken thighs to the skillet, turning them gently to coat each piece evenly with the warm bang bang sauce.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle chopped green onions over the chicken for a fresh, vibrant finish. Serve immediately for best flavor and texture.
Notes
- If using frozen chicken thighs, thaw completely before cooking.
- Adjust the amount of bang bang sauce according to personal preference for spice and creaminess.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches a safe internal temperature of 165°F.
- Serve with steamed rice or vegetables for a complete meal.
- The recipe can be doubled for larger gatherings but cook chicken in batches to avoid overcrowding the skillet.
Keywords: Bang Bang Chicken, Skillet Chicken Thighs, Spicy Chicken, Easy Dinner, Asian Inspired Chicken, Chicken Thigh Recipes, Quick Chicken Dinner