Skillet Bang Bang Chicken Thighs: A Quick and Flavorful Weeknight Dinner
Craving something spicy, savory, and packed with flavor? These Skillet Bang Bang Chicken Thighs are the perfect solution! Tender, juicy chicken thighs are pan-seared and coated in a deliciously creamy bang bang sauce that adds just the right amount of heat and sweetness. Best of all, this dish is quick and easy, making it perfect for busy weeknights. You can have dinner on the table in just over 20 minutes!
Ingredients:
- 6 boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 cup bang bang sauce (homemade or store-bought)
- Green onions, chopped, for garnish
Directions:
1. Season the Chicken:
In a small bowl, mix together the kosher salt, black pepper, and paprika. Evenly season both sides of the chicken thighs with the spice mixture to ensure every bite is flavorful.
2. Heat the Skillet:
Heat a large nonstick skillet over medium heat. Add the vegetable oil and allow it to get hot, but not smoking. This step ensures a nice sear on the chicken thighs.
3. Cook the Chicken:
Once the oil is hot, place the chicken thighs into the skillet. If your skillet is smaller, you may need to cook the chicken in batches to avoid overcrowding. Let the chicken cook undisturbed for about 5 minutes on the first side to get a golden-brown sear.
After 5 minutes, flip the chicken thighs and reduce the heat to medium-low. Continue cooking for another 5 minutes or until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C). Depending on the size of the thighs, you may need to adjust the cooking time.
4. Prepare the Sauce:
Once the chicken is cooked through, remove it from the skillet and place it on a plate. Cover loosely with foil to keep it warm. Pour the bang bang sauce into the skillet, stirring to scrape up any delicious browned bits left behind from the chicken. Let the sauce simmer for 1-2 minutes until it’s heated through and slightly thickened.
5. Coat the Chicken:
Return the chicken thighs to the skillet, ensuring each piece is generously coated with the bang bang sauce. Spoon the sauce over the top if needed to fully cover the chicken.
6. Garnish and Serve:
Garnish with freshly chopped green onions for a burst of color and freshness. Serve the chicken hot, paired with rice or vegetables for a complete meal.
Recipe Notes:
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 22 minutes
- Servings: 4 servings
- Calories: 320 kcal per serving
Tips for the Perfect Skillet Chicken:
- Cook in batches: If your skillet is small, cook the chicken thighs in batches to ensure an even sear and prevent steaming.
- Use a meat thermometer: For perfectly cooked chicken, use a thermometer to check the internal temperature. The safe temperature for chicken thighs is 165°F (74°C).
- Customize your heat: If you love a spicier dish, feel free to add some extra chili sauce or red pepper flakes to the bang bang sauce!
Conclusion:
These Skillet Bang Bang Chicken Thighs are a delicious, easy way to add excitement to your weeknight dinner routine. The flavorful seasoning combined with the creamy, spicy bang bang sauce makes this dish a winner for any chicken lover. Serve it alongside rice, noodles, or veggies for a balanced and satisfying meal. Enjoy!
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Skillet Bang Bang Chicken Thighs
- Total Time: 22 minutes
- Yield: 4 1x
Description
These Spicy Bang Bang Chicken Thighs are a perfect blend of heat and flavor, made effortlessly in a single skillet. Juicy boneless chicken thighs are seasoned with paprika, salt, and pepper, then seared to perfection before being coated in a rich and spicy bang bang sauce. The dish is finished with a sprinkle of fresh green onions, adding a crisp and vibrant touch to every bite.
Ingredients
6 boneless, skinless chicken thighs
1 teaspoon kosher salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon paprika
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
1 cup bang bang sauce (homemade or store-bought)
Green onions, chopped, for garnish
Instructions
In a small bowl, mix together the kosher salt, black pepper, and paprika.
Evenly season the chicken thighs with the spice mixture.
Heat a large nonstick skillet over medium heat. Add the vegetable oil and allow it to heat up.
Once the oil is hot, add the chicken thighs to the skillet. (Depending on the size of your skillet, you may need to cook the chicken in batches.) Cook for about 5 minutes on the first side.
Flip the chicken thighs, reduce the heat to medium-low, and cook for an additional 5 minutes or until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C). Adjust cooking time based on the size of the chicken thighs.
Remove the cooked chicken thighs from the skillet and place them on a plate. Cover loosely with foil to keep warm.
Pour the bang bang sauce into the skillet and stir, scraping up any brown bits from the bottom of the pan. Let the sauce simmer for 1-2 minutes, or until heated through.
Return the chicken thighs to the skillet, coating each piece in the sauce.
Garnish with chopped green onions and serve hot.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
Nutrition
- Calories: 320