Skillet Bang Bang Chicken Thighs

Description

Skillet Bang Bang Chicken Thighs

Get ready to add some spice to your dinner routine with these Skillet Bang Bang Chicken Thighs! This simple dish brings tender, juicy chicken coated in a creamy, slightly spicy homemade Bang Bang sauce. Originating from the popular Bang Bang Shrimp dish, this recipe puts a flavorful twist on chicken that’s quick enough for a weeknight but tasty enough to impress. Plus, it takes just 30 minutes from skillet to table—perfect for busy nights!

6 boneless, skinless chicken thighs
1 tsp kosher salt
½ tsp black pepper
½ tsp paprika
2 tbsp vegetable oil
1 recipe Bang Bang sauce (or 1 cup store-bought)
Green onions, chopped (for garnish)

Directions:
1. Mix salt, pepper, and paprika. Season chicken.
2. Cook chicken in skillet over medium heat, 5 mins each side.
3. Remove chicken, add sauce to skillet, simmer 2 mins.
4. Return chicken, coat in sauce. Garnish with green onions.

Prep Time: 10 mins
Kcal: 336

Step-by-Step Guide

Follow these detailed instructions for perfect Skillet Bang Bang Chicken Thighs every time.

1. Prepare the Chicken: Pat the 6 boneless, skinless chicken thighs completely dry with paper towels. This ensures a good sear.
2. Season: In a small bowl, combine 1 teaspoon kosher salt, ½ teaspoon black pepper, and ½ teaspoon paprika. Rub this mixture evenly over all sides of the chicken thighs.
3. Cook the Chicken: Heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is shimmering, add the chicken thighs in a single layer. Cook undisturbed for 5-6 minutes, or until a golden-brown crust forms.
4. Flip and Finish Cooking: Flip the chicken thighs and cook for another 5-6 minutes on the other side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Transfer the cooked chicken to a clean plate.
5. Make the Sauce: If using homemade sauce, prepare it now. Pour 1 cup of Bang Bang sauce into the still-hot skillet. Scrape up any browned bits from the chicken. Let the sauce simmer gently for 1-2 minutes until slightly thickened.
6. Combine: Return the cooked chicken thighs to the skillet. Spoon the sauce over them, turning to coat evenly. Let them warm through for 1 minute. Garnish with chopped green onions and serve immediately.

Serving Suggestions

This flavorful chicken is incredibly versatile. For a complete meal, serve it over a bed of steamed white rice or cauliflower rice to soak up the extra sauce. It also pairs wonderfully with simple sides like roasted broccoli, a crisp garden salad, or buttered noodles. For a low-carb option, try it with zucchini noodles.

How-to Summary

Season chicken thighs with salt, pepper, and paprika. Pan-sear in oil until cooked through. Remove chicken, add Bang Bang sauce to the skillet to warm, then return chicken to coat. Garnish and serve.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs? Yes, but breasts cook faster and can dry out. Pound them to an even thickness and reduce cooking time to 4-5 minutes per side.
• How do I make a quick homemade Bang Bang sauce? Mix ½ cup mayonnaise, ¼ cup sweet chili sauce, 2 tablespoons honey or sriracha, and 1 teaspoon rice vinegar until smooth.
• Is this recipe very spicy? The heat level is mild to medium. Control it by adjusting the amount of sriracha or hot sauce in your sauce.
• How should I store leftovers? Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave.
• Can I make this ahead of time? You can season the chicken and make the sauce a day in advance. Store separately in the fridge, then cook and combine when ready.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Not Drying the Chicken: Skipping the pat-dry step prevents proper browning and can lead to steaming.
• Crowding the Skillet: Cooking too many thighs at once lowers the pan’s temperature. Cook in batches if needed.
• Overcooking the Sauce: Simmer the sauce just until warmed and slightly thickened. Overcooking can cause the mayonnaise to separate.
• Using Cold Sauce: Adding cold sauce to the hot pan can shock it. Let it sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes before using.

Conclusion

Skillet Bang Bang Chicken Thighs are the ultimate solution for a dinner that is explosively flavorful yet deceptively simple to prepare. In just 30 minutes, you can transform basic ingredients into a creamy, spicy, and utterly satisfying meal. This recipe’s flexibility with sides and ease of preparation makes it a guaranteed winner for both busy weeknights and casual entertaining. Give it a try and watch it become a new favorite in your regular rotation.