Skillet Bang Bang Chicken Thighs Recipe

Introduction

Skillet Bang Bang Chicken Thighs are a flavorful and easy weeknight dinner that combines tender chicken with a spicy, creamy sauce. This dish is perfect for those who love a bit of a kick in their meal without spending hours in the kitchen.

Ingredients

• 6 boneless skinless chicken thighs
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon paprika
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 cup bang bang sauce (homemade or storebought)
• Green onions, chopped, for garnish

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a small bowl, combine the kosher salt, black pepper, and paprika. Apply this seasoning mixture evenly to both sides of the chicken thighs.
2. Step 2: Heat the vegetable oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the chicken thighs in a single layer. Depending on your skillet size, you may need to cook in batches.
3. Step 3: Cook the chicken for 5 minutes without moving to get a good sear. Flip the chicken, reduce the heat to medium-low, and cook for another 5 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
4. Step 4: Remove the cooked chicken thighs from the skillet and place them on a plate. Tent loosely with foil to keep warm.
5. Step 5: Pour the bang bang sauce into the same skillet. Stir well, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. Let the sauce simmer for 1 to 2 minutes until heated through.
6. Step 6: Return the chicken thighs to the skillet, turning to coat them evenly with the sauce.
7. Step 7: Garnish with chopped green onions and serve immediately for a delicious, spicy meal.

Tips & Variations

• Use boneless chicken breasts if you prefer leaner meat, adjusting cooking time to prevent drying out.
• For a creamier sauce, add a splash of coconut milk or heavy cream when simmering the bang bang sauce.
• Serve over rice or noodles to soak up the flavorful sauce.

Storage

Store leftover chicken and sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth if the sauce thickens too much.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make the bang bang sauce from scratch?

Yes, homemade bang bang sauce typically combines mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, and a touch of honey or sugar. Mixing these ingredients allows you to adjust heat and sweetness to your liking.

Is it necessary to use a nonstick skillet?

While a nonstick skillet makes cooking and cleanup easier, you can use a well-seasoned cast iron skillet as well. Just be sure to monitor the heat to avoid burning the sauce.

Skillet Bang Bang Chicken Thighs Recipe

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★★★★★

4.6 from 135 reviews

This Skillet Bang Bang Chicken Thighs recipe features tender, juicy boneless skinless chicken thighs cooked to perfection in a flavorful bang bang sauce. The chicken is seasoned, seared in a skillet, then simmered in a tangy, spicy sauce, garnished with fresh green onions for an easy yet impressive dish that’s perfect for dinner.

• Author: Felix
• 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 1x2x3x

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

1. Season the Chicken: In a small bowl, combine the kosher salt, black pepper, and paprika. Apply this seasoning mixture evenly onto all sides of the 6 boneless skinless chicken thighs to ensure flavorful meat.
2. Cook the Chicken: Heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the chicken thighs to the skillet. Depending on skillet size, cook in batches if necessary. Sear the chicken for 5 minutes on one side.
3. Flip and Finish Cooking: Flip the chicken thighs over, then reduce the heat to medium-low. Continue cooking for an additional 5 minutes or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F, ensuring it is thoroughly cooked. Cooking times may vary depending on the size of the chicken thighs.
4. Rest the Chicken: Remove the cooked chicken thighs from the skillet and place them on a plate. Tent loosely with foil to keep warm while you prepare the sauce.
5. Make the Sauce: Pour 1 cup of bang bang sauce into the same skillet used for cooking the chicken. Stir the sauce, scraping up the flavorful brown bits from the bottom of the pan. Let the sauce simmer for 1-2 minutes until it’s heated through and slightly thickened.
6. Coat the Chicken: Return the chicken thighs to the skillet and spoon the bang bang sauce over them, coating each piece thoroughly in the flavorful sauce.
7. Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle chopped green onions over the sauced chicken thighs for a fresh, vibrant garnish. Serve immediately while warm.

Notes

• You can use a storebought bang bang sauce or make your own for a fresher taste.
• Make sure chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F for safe consumption.
• If your skillet is small, cook the chicken in batches to avoid overcrowding and ensure even cooking.
• Tenting the chicken keeps it warm and juicy while you finish the sauce.
• Green onions add a nice fresh crunch but can be substituted with chopped cilantro or chives if preferred.

Keywords: bang bang chicken thighs, skillet chicken, boneless chicken recipe, dinner recipes, quick chicken recipe