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Skillet Bang Bang Chicken Thighs Recipe

4.7 from 308 reviews

This Skillet Bang Bang Chicken Thighs recipe features tender, juicy chicken thighs cooked in a flavorful bang bang sauce. Seasoned simply with salt, pepper, and paprika, the chicken is pan-seared to perfection and then coated in a spicy, creamy sauce that’s both tangy and sweet. Garnished with fresh green onions, this dish is a quick and easy weeknight dinner that delivers bold flavors with minimal effort.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken

  • 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

  1. Prepare seasoning: In a small bowl, combine the kosher salt, black pepper, and paprika, mixing well to create an even seasoning blend for the chicken.
  2. Season chicken: Evenly apply the seasoning mixture to all sides of the boneless skinless chicken thighs, ensuring each piece is well coated for maximum flavor.
  3. Sear the chicken: Heat vegetable oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the chicken thighs to the skillet. Depending on skillet size, cook in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding. Cook the chicken for 5 minutes on one side without moving it to develop a golden crust.
  4. Finish cooking chicken: Flip the chicken thighs, reduce heat to medium-low, and cook for an additional 5 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Cooking time may vary based on the size of the chicken thighs.
  5. Rest chicken: Remove the cooked chicken from the skillet and place on a plate. Tent loosely with foil to keep warm while you prepare the sauce.
  6. Simmer sauce: Pour the bang bang sauce into the same skillet, scraping up the flavorful browned bits from the pan’s bottom. Let the sauce simmer for 1 to 2 minutes until heated through and slightly thickened.
  7. Coat chicken: Return the chicken thighs to the skillet, turning them in the sauce to coat thoroughly with the flavorful bang bang sauce.
  8. Garnish and serve: Sprinkle chopped green onions over the sauced chicken and serve immediately for a vibrant, spicy meal.

Notes

  • Cooking times can vary depending on chicken thigh thickness; always check for an internal temperature of 165°F to ensure doneness.
  • If desired, make your own bang bang sauce by combining mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, and honey for a homemade touch.
  • Working in batches prevents overcrowding and helps sear the chicken evenly.
  • Use tongs to flip chicken thighs gently to keep them intact.
  • This recipe can be easily doubled to serve a larger crowd.

Keywords: Bang Bang Chicken, Chicken Thighs, Skillet Chicken, Spicy Chicken Recipe, Easy Chicken Dinner, Quick Chicken Recipe