Skillet Bang Bang Chicken Thighs Recipe

Introduction

Skillet Bang Bang Chicken Thighs offer a flavorful and spicy twist on a classic favorite. With a crispy sear and a creamy, tangy sauce, this dish comes together quickly for a satisfying meal any night of the week.

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 create the seasoning mix.
2. Step 2: Apply the seasoning mixture evenly over both 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 seasoned chicken thighs to the skillet. Depending on your skillet size, cook in batches if needed.
5. Step 5: Cook the chicken for 5 minutes on one side, then flip and reduce the heat to medium-low. Continue cooking for another 5 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
6. Step 6: Remove the cooked chicken thighs from the skillet and place them on a plate. Tent with foil to keep warm.
7. Step 7: Pour the bang bang sauce into the same skillet, stirring to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom. 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 before serving.

Tips & Variations

• For extra crispiness, pat the chicken thighs dry before seasoning.
• Use boneless, skin-on chicken thighs if you prefer a crispier texture on the skin.
• Try different hot sauces or add a squeeze of lime to the bang bang sauce for a citrusy kick.
• Serve over steamed rice or alongside roasted vegetables for a complete meal.

Storage

Store any leftover chicken thighs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat to maintain the sauce’s texture and flavor. Avoid microwaving to 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, boneless skinless chicken breasts can be used, but they may cook faster and can dry out more easily. Adjust cooking time accordingly and monitor the internal temperature closely.

How spicy is bang bang sauce?

Bang bang sauce is typically mildly spicy with a creamy, sweet, and tangy flavor profile. You can control the heat by adjusting the amount of hot sauce or type of chili used in your sauce recipe.

Skillet Bang Bang Chicken Thighs Recipe

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★★★★★

4.8 from 144 reviews

This Skillet Bang Bang Chicken Thighs recipe features succulent boneless skinless chicken thighs seasoned with a flavorful blend of salt, pepper, and paprika, pan-cooked to perfection, then tossed in a creamy, spicy bang bang sauce that elevates the dish with a tangy kick. Garnished with fresh green onions, this quick and easy recipe is perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner.

• Author: Stella
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 12 minutes
• Total Time: 22 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

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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)
• Chopped green onions, for garnish

Instructions

1. Combine seasoning: In a small bowl, mix together 1 teaspoon kosher salt, ½ teaspoon black pepper, and ½ teaspoon paprika to create the seasoning blend.
2. Season chicken: Evenly apply the seasoning mixture to all sides of the 6 boneless skinless chicken thighs to ensure full flavor penetration.
3. Heat oil and cook chicken: Heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the chicken thighs. Cook for about 5 minutes on one side.
4. Flip and finish cooking: Flip the chicken thighs, reduce heat to medium-low, and continue cooking for an additional 5 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C), ensuring the chicken is cooked through.
5. Remove chicken and keep warm: Take the cooked chicken thighs out of the skillet and place them on a plate. Tent with foil to keep warm while you prepare the sauce.
6. Simmer bang bang sauce: Pour 1 cup of prepared bang bang sauce into the skillet. Stir, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. Let the sauce simmer for 1-2 minutes until heated through and slightly thickened.
7. Coat chicken with sauce: Return the chicken thighs to the skillet, turning them to coat each piece generously with the warm bang bang sauce.
8. Garnish and serve: Sprinkle chopped green onions over the chicken thighs and serve immediately for best flavor.

Notes

• Use an instant-read thermometer to ensure chicken is cooked to a safe internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
• If your skillet is small, cook the chicken in batches to avoid overcrowding and ensure even cooking.
• You can substitute vegetable oil with canola or avocado oil for a healthier fat option.
• For a gluten-free version, ensure the bang bang sauce does not contain soy sauce or use a gluten-free soy alternative.

Keywords: bang bang chicken, chicken thighs, skillet chicken, spicy chicken, quick dinner, easy chicken recipe