Skillet Bang Bang Chicken Thighs Recipe
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.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 22 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- 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
Sauce and Garnish
- 1 recipe bang bang sauce (or 1 cup storebought)
- Chopped green onions, for garnish
Instructions
- 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.
- Season chicken: Evenly apply the seasoning mixture to all sides of the 6 boneless skinless chicken thighs to ensure full flavor penetration.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Coat chicken with sauce: Return the chicken thighs to the skillet, turning them to coat each piece generously with the warm bang bang sauce.
- 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
