If you love dishes that pack a punch of flavor while being downright comforting, then this Skillet Bang Bang Chicken Thighs Recipe is about to become your new obsession. Juicy, tender chicken thighs get perfectly seasoned and cooked in a hot skillet before being enveloped in a creamy, spicy bang bang sauce that’s bursting with bold, zesty goodness. This dish is quick to whip up, brimming with irresistible layers of texture and taste, and guaranteed to delight family and friends at any dinner table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are wonderfully simple yet each plays a vital role in creating the magic of this dish. From seasoning to sauce, every component adds its own unique flavor, color, or texture, ensuring your Skillet Bang Bang Chicken Thighs Recipe is out of this world.
- 6 boneless skinless chicken thighs: These provide tender, juicy meat that absorbs flavors beautifully.
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt: A perfect seasoning base that enhances the chicken’s natural taste.
- ½ teaspoon black pepper: Adds a gentle heat that balances the creamy sauce.
- ½ teaspoon paprika: Brings a subtle smokiness and vibrant color to the chicken.
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil: Essential for getting that golden sear without overpowering flavors.
- 1 recipe bang bang sauce (or 1 cup storebought): The heart of the dish, delivering creamy, spicy, and tangy notes.
- Green onions (chopped for garnish): Freshness and a pop of green that brightens up the plate and complements the richness.
How to Make Skillet Bang Bang Chicken Thighs Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Seasoning
Start by blending your salt, black pepper, and paprika in a small bowl. This simple yet impactful mix will layer your chicken thighs with flavor that seeps into every bite, ensuring each mouthful is packed with seasoning magic.
Step 2: Season the Chicken
Generously rub the seasoning mixture all over each chicken thigh. This step is key because a well-seasoned chicken forms the perfect base, creating a flavor foundation that stands up to the boldness of the bang bang sauce.
Step 3: Heat the Skillet and Add Oil
Place a large nonstick skillet over medium heat and add the vegetable oil. Waiting until the oil is hot is essential — it gives the chicken that irresistible golden crust that’s both crispy and flavorful. If your skillet isn’t big enough, you can cook the chicken in batches to avoid crowding.
Step 4: Cook the Chicken Thighs
Lay the seasoned chicken thighs in the hot skillet and cook for about 5 minutes on one side without moving them—this develops that beautiful sear. Then, flip the chicken and lower the heat to medium-low to continue cooking for another 5 minutes or until an internal temperature of 165°F is reached, resulting in perfectly juicy thighs.
Step 5: Remove Chicken from Skillet
Once cooked, transfer the chicken to a plate and tent it loosely with foil to keep warm. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute, making every bite moist and tender.
Step 6: Simmer the Bang Bang Sauce
Pour your bang bang sauce into the now-empty skillet, stirring well to lift up any flavorful browned bits stuck to the bottom—this adds an incredible depth to the sauce. Let the sauce warm and simmer gently for 1-2 minutes until it’s heated through and slightly thickened.
Step 7: Coat the Chicken in Sauce
Return the chicken thighs to the skillet, turning them in the sauce until each piece is generously coated. This final saucing step brings all the flavors together, ensuring every bite has that signature creamy, spicy bang bang goodness.
Step 8: Garnish and Serve
Sprinkle chopped green onions over the top to add a fresh, crisp contrast and a burst of color. Now your Skillet Bang Bang Chicken Thighs Recipe is ready to wow!
How to Serve Skillet Bang Bang Chicken Thighs Recipe
Garnishes
Green onions are the classic choice here, offering a bright crunch and mild onion flavor that balances the richness perfectly. For an extra layer, consider a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds or a few fresh cilantro leaves for a hint of herbaceous freshness.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs beautifully with simple steamed rice or cauliflower rice to soak up that luscious sauce, making it an easy weeknight meal. For more color and veggies, toss together a crisp green salad or roasted asparagus to bring brightness and texture contrast.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun family-style dinner, serve the chicken thighs in the skillet itself, right at the table, letting everyone dig in and savor the saucy goodness. Alternatively, slice the chicken and layer it over a bed of noodles or zucchini ribbons for a playful twist that’s equally comforting and fresh.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Cool leftover chicken completely before transferring it into an airtight container. Stored in the refrigerator, these flavorful thighs will stay delicious for up to 3 days, making for easy next-day lunches or quick dinners.
Freezing
If you want to keep the Skillet Bang Bang Chicken Thighs Recipe longer, freeze the cooked chicken thighs and sauce together in a freezer-safe container or bag. They’ll maintain best quality for up to 2 months, so you always have a tasty meal ready when you need it.
Reheating
To reheat, thaw the chicken in the refrigerator overnight if frozen. Warm gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent burning, until heated through. Microwaving works too — just cover loosely to retain moisture and reheat in short bursts.
FAQs
What makes chicken thighs better for this recipe than chicken breasts?
Chicken thighs have more fat and connective tissue, which keeps them juicier and more tender during cooking, especially in a skillet. They can hold up nicely to bold sauces like bang bang without drying out, unlike leaner chicken breasts.
Can I make the bang bang sauce from scratch?
Absolutely! Homemade bang bang sauce usually involves mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, a touch of sriracha, and sometimes a bit of honey or lime juice. It’s simple to whip up and really elevates the flavor if you want a fresher, less processed option.
Is it possible to bake this recipe instead of using a skillet?
You can bake the seasoned chicken thighs in the oven at 400°F for about 20-25 minutes until done. However, searing them first in the skillet to get that caramelized crust before baking and tossing in the sauce afterward delivers the best texture and flavor.
How spicy is the Skillet Bang Bang Chicken Thighs Recipe?
The heat generally depends on the bang bang sauce you use. A storebought version is usually mildly spicy, but if you prefer more kick, add extra sriracha or chili flakes to your sauce to suit your taste.
Can I use skin-on chicken thighs for this recipe?
Skin-on thighs can add extra crispiness if cooked properly, but this recipe is designed for boneless, skinless thighs for quick, even cooking and easy saucing. If using skin-on, consider adjusting cooking times and removing skin before adding the sauce for best results.
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving a dish that’s simple yet bursting with flavor and texture, do yourself a favor and make this Skillet Bang Bang Chicken Thighs Recipe as soon as possible. It’s the kind of meal that feels like a warm hug in every bite, easy enough for weeknights but impressive enough for guests. Dive into these saucy, tender thighs and savor all the deliciousness they bring to your table. You’re going to love it!
Print
Skillet Bang Bang Chicken Thighs Recipe
- Total Time: 22 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
Description
Skillet Bang Bang Chicken Thighs are a quick and flavorful dish featuring tender boneless skinless chicken thighs seasoned with a blend of salt, pepper, and paprika, pan-seared to perfection, and coated in a spicy, creamy bang bang sauce. This easy stovetop recipe is perfect for a weeknight dinner and serves six people with a delightful balance of savory, spicy, and creamy flavors.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 6 boneless skinless chicken thighs
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
Bang Bang Sauce
- 1 recipe bang bang sauce or 1 cup storebought bang bang sauce
Garnish
- Green onions, chopped
Instructions
- Combine seasoning: In a small bowl, mix together kosher salt, black pepper, and paprika to create the seasoning blend for the chicken.
- Season chicken: Evenly apply the seasoning mixture over all sides of the boneless skinless chicken thighs to ensure balanced flavor.
- Heat oil and cook chicken: Heat the vegetable oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the chicken thighs. Depending on skillet size, cook in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding.
- Sear first side: Cook the chicken thighs for 5 minutes on the first side, allowing a golden crust to form.
- Cook second side: Flip the chicken thighs and reduce heat to medium-low. Continue cooking for an additional 5 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F, ensuring the chicken is fully cooked and juicy.
- Remove chicken: Transfer the cooked chicken thighs to a plate and tent with foil to keep them warm while you prepare the sauce.
- Add bang bang sauce: Pour the bang bang sauce into the same skillet. Stir, scraping the bottom to loosen any browned bits. Let the sauce simmer for 1 to 2 minutes until thoroughly heated.
- Coat chicken in sauce: Return the chicken thighs back to the skillet and toss them in the sauce to coat them evenly.
- Garnish and serve: Sprinkle chopped green onions over the chicken thighs for a fresh, vibrant finish. Serve immediately.
Notes
- If cooking in batches, keep cooked chicken warm in a low oven while finishing others.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken reaches a safe internal temperature of 165°F.
- For a lighter dish, use olive oil instead of vegetable oil if preferred.
- Homemade bang bang sauce typically includes mayo, sweet chili sauce, and sriracha for a balance of creamy, sweet, and spicy.
- This recipe pairs well with steamed rice or a fresh green salad for a complete meal.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 17 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
