Why You’ll Love This Recipe
I appreciate how this recipe transforms everyday ingredients into a flavorful masterpiece. The chicken thighs are seasoned and seared to perfection, ensuring a juicy interior and a slightly crispy exterior. The Bang Bang sauce, with its creamy texture and spicy kick, complements the chicken beautifully. It’s a dish that’s both easy to prepare and impressive to serve.
Ingredients
(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
-
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 store-bought)
-
Chopped green onions, for garnish
Directions
-
I start by combining the salt, black pepper, and paprika in a small bowl.
-
I season the chicken thighs evenly with the spice mixture.
-
In a large nonstick skillet over medium heat, I add the vegetable oil. Once hot, I add the chicken thighs, cooking them for 5 minutes on one side.
-
I flip the chicken, reduce the heat to medium-low, and cook for an additional 5 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
-
I remove the cooked chicken from the skillet and set it aside, keeping it warm.
-
In the same skillet, I pour in the Bang Bang sauce, stirring and scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. I let it simmer for 1-2 minutes until heated through.
-
I return the chicken thighs to the skillet, coating them thoroughly with the sauce.
-
I garnish the dish with chopped green onions before serving.
Servings and Timing
This recipe yields 6 servings. The preparation time is approximately 10 minutes, and the cooking time is about 12 minutes, totaling 22 minutes from start to finish.
Variations
I sometimes like to experiment with this recipe by adding a touch of honey to the Bang Bang sauce for a sweeter flavor profile. Alternatively, incorporating a splash of lime juice can add a refreshing tang. For those who prefer a spicier kick, increasing the amount of Sriracha in the sauce does the trick.
Storage/Reheating
To store leftovers, I let the chicken cool to room temperature before placing it in an airtight container. It keeps well in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. When reheating, I prefer using the microwave or warming it in a skillet over low heat until heated through.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Yes, I can substitute chicken breasts for thighs. I ensure they are cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F to maintain juiciness.
Is it possible to make the Bang Bang sauce ahead of time?
Absolutely. I often prepare the sauce in advance and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator, where it stays fresh for up to a week.
What sides pair well with this dish?
I enjoy serving this chicken with steamed rice, roasted vegetables, or a crisp salad to complement the flavors.
Can I make this dish spicier?
Certainly. I adjust the heat level by adding more Sriracha to the Bang Bang sauce according to my taste preference.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Yes, it’s great for meal prep. I cook the chicken and store it with the sauce separately, combining them when ready to eat.
Conclusion
Skillet Bang Bang Chicken Thighs are a flavorful and convenient dish that brings excitement to the dinner table. The combination of succulent chicken and zesty sauce makes it a favorite in my household. Whether I’m cooking for a weeknight dinner or entertaining guests, this recipe never fails to impress.
Print
Skillet Bang Bang Chicken Thighs
- Total Time: 22 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
Description
Juicy chicken thighs cooked in a skillet and coated in creamy, spicy Bang Bang sauce—an easy, flavor-packed dinner ready in under 25 minutes.
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 store-bought)
Chopped green onions, for garnish
Instructions
In a small bowl, combine salt, black pepper, and paprika.
Season chicken thighs evenly on both sides with the spice mixture.
Heat vegetable oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat.
Add chicken thighs and cook for 5 minutes on one side until golden brown.
Flip chicken, reduce heat to medium-low, and cook for another 5 minutes or until internal temperature reaches 165°F.
Remove chicken from the skillet and keep warm.
Pour Bang Bang sauce into the skillet and stir, scraping any browned bits from the bottom. Simmer for 1–2 minutes.
Return chicken to the skillet and coat with sauce.
Garnish with chopped green onions and serve hot.
Notes
Add a touch of honey to the Bang Bang sauce for a sweeter flavor.
For more heat, increase the amount of Sriracha in the sauce.
A splash of lime juice adds brightness to balance the creaminess.
Substitute chicken breasts if preferred, adjusting cook time as needed.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American / Asian Fusion
