Zesty Skillet Bang Bang Chicken Thighs Recipe for Dinner Bliss

Culinary magic happens when you master this skillet bang bang chicken thighs creation that promises to revolutionize weeknight dinners.

Vibrant flavors dance across tender meat, capturing the essence of bold street food.

Spicy and creamy elements blend seamlessly in this crowd-pleasing dish.

Crispy edges and juicy centers make each bite a delightful experience.

Quick preparation meets restaurant-quality results in this simple yet impressive recipe.

Chefs of all skill levels can confidently craft this mouthwatering meal that sparks conversation around the dinner table.

You will absolutely want to add this to your cooking repertoire right now.

Sizzling Twists on Bang Bang Chicken Thighs

• Spicy Thai Chili Chicken: Replace Bang Bang sauce with a zesty Thai chili sauce for a bold, fiery flavor profile.
• Honey Garlic Glazed Variation: Swap the Bang Bang sauce with a homemade honey garlic glaze, creating a sweet and savory combination.
• Mediterranean Herb Chicken: Season with dried oregano, thyme, and lemon zest, then finish with a light tzatziki drizzle for a Mediterranean-inspired dish.
• Korean Gochujang Chicken: Use gochujang paste mixed with soy sauce and honey for a rich, spicy Korean-style coating that caramelizes beautifully on the chicken.

Great Pairings for This Spicy Chicken Dish

• Pair Zesty Asian Slaw: Create a tangy coleslaw with rice vinegar, sesame oil, and julienned vegetables to complement the spicy chicken flavors.
• Refresh with Crisp Riesling: Select a slightly sweet, chilled Riesling wine that balances the bang bang sauce's heat and cuts through the chicken's richness.
• Match Jasmine Rice Pilaf: Prepare light, fluffy jasmine rice with hints of ginger and garlic to soak up the delicious bang bang sauce and provide a neutral base.
• Cool Down with Cucumber Salad: Slice cucumber with a light dressing of rice vinegar, mint, and a touch of honey to provide a refreshing counterpoint to the spicy chicken.

How to Store Leftover Bang Bang Chicken Thighs

• Refrigerate: Store leftover chicken thighs in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. Cool completely before sealing to prevent bacterial growth and maintain texture.
• Freeze: Wrap individual chicken thighs tightly in plastic wrap, then place in freezer-safe bags. Freeze for maximum 2 months. Label with date for easy tracking.
• Reheat Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F. Place chicken in baking dish, cover with foil to prevent drying. Warm for 10-15 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F.
• Microwave Quick: Place chicken on microwave-safe plate, cover with damp paper towel. Heat in 30-second intervals, checking temperature and moisture to avoid toughness.

Skillet Bang Bang Chicken Thighs FAQs

• What is Bang Bang sauce made of?

Bang Bang sauce is a creamy, spicy condiment typically made with mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, and sometimes a touch of honey for balance.

• Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Yes, you can substitute chicken breasts, but adjust cooking time to prevent drying out. Chicken breasts cook faster and can become tough if overcooked.

• How do I know when chicken is fully cooked?

Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F at the thickest part of the chicken. This ensures the meat is safe to eat and remains juicy.

• What kind of skillet works best for this recipe?

A large nonstick skillet is ideal. It helps prevent sticking and allows for easy sauce coating and cleanup after cooking.

What Makes Bang Bang Chicken Thighs Pop

• Sizzle with Simplicity: This recipe transforms basic chicken thighs into a mouthwatering meal with minimal kitchen skills required, making it perfect for novice and experienced cooks alike.
• Quick Flavor Explosion: Packed with bold Bang Bang sauce and a simple seasoning blend, this dish delivers maximum taste in minimal cooking time, satisfying hunger without complex preparation.
• Versatile Weeknight Wonder: Adaptable for busy families, this skillet chicken works brilliantly as a quick dinner option that appeals to both adults and kids, with easy cleanup and straightforward ingredients.
• One-Pan Kitchen Magic: Using just a single skillet reduces dishwashing hassle, streamlines cooking process, and ensures every bite gets coated in delicious sauce, making meal preparation stress-free and enjoyable.

All You Need for Bang Bang Chicken Thighs

• Chicken Thighs: Juicy and flavorful meat that serves as the primary protein for this skillet dish.

• Salt, Black Pepper, Paprika: A classic spice mixture that enhances the natural flavor of the chicken and provides a balanced seasoning.

• Vegetable Oil: Helps prevent sticking and provides even heat distribution for cooking the chicken.
• Bang Bang Sauce: A creamy and spicy sauce that adds a tangy and zesty coating to the chicken thighs.
• Green Onions: Fresh herb that provides a bright, mild onion flavor and adds a pop of color as a garnish.

Cooking Crispy Bang Bang Chicken Thighs

Step 1: Craft Zesty Seasoning Blend

Mix salt, black pepper, and paprika in a small bowl to create a flavor-packed seasoning mix.

Step 2: Massage Chicken with Spices

Generously coat chicken thighs with the seasoning mixture, ensuring every inch is covered with the aromatic blend.

Step 3: Sizzle Chicken to Golden Perfection

Heat vegetable oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat. Carefully place chicken thighs in the pan, cooking for 5 minutes on the first side until a beautiful golden-brown crust forms.

Step 4: Flip and Slow Cook

Flip the chicken thighs, reduce heat to medium-low, and continue cooking for another 5 minutes. Ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F for safe and juicy meat.

Step 5: Rest and Warm Chicken

Remove chicken from the skillet and cover to keep warm, allowing the juices to redistribute.

Step 6: Create Tangy Bang Bang Sauce

Pour Bang Bang sauce into the same skillet, scraping up all the delicious browned bits from the bottom.

Let the sauce simmer and develop its rich flavors for 1-2 minutes.

Step 7: Coat Chicken in Sauce

Return chicken thighs to the skillet, gently rolling them to ensure they’re completely coated in the luscious Bang Bang sauce.

Step 8: Garnish and Serve

Sprinkle chopped green onions over the chicken for a fresh, vibrant finish. Plate and serve immediately while hot and saucy.

Helpful Tricks for Crispy Chicken Thighs

• Choose bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs for maximum flavor and juiciness during cooking.
• Pat chicken thighs completely dry before seasoning to ensure a crispy, golden-brown exterior.
• Use a meat thermometer to check internal temperature, preventing overcooking and maintaining tender meat.
• Let chicken rest for a few minutes after cooking to help redistribute juices and keep the meat moist.
• Adjust Bang Bang sauce spiciness by adding more or less sriracha based on personal heat preference.

Sizzling Skillet Bang Bang Chicken Thighs Recipe

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4.8 from 20 reviews

• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Spicy bang bang chicken thighs sizzle with irresistible flavor in this Southern-inspired skillet sensation. Crispy, tender meat meets creamy sauce, promising a mouthwatering meal that delights your taste buds and leaves you craving more.

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Ingredients

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Main Protein:

• 6 boneless, skinless chicken thighs

Spices and Seasonings:

• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
• 0.5 teaspoon paprika

Cooking and Sauce Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 cup homemade or store-bought Bang Bang sauce
• Green onions, chopped, for garnish

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Instructions

1. Blend salt, black pepper, and paprika in a small mixing vessel to create a robust seasoning blend.
2. Thoroughly coat chicken thighs with the prepared spice mixture, ensuring even coverage across all surfaces.
3. Place a large nonstick skillet over medium heat, pour vegetable oil, and allow it to warm up until shimmering.
4. Carefully position seasoned chicken thighs into the hot skillet, allowing them to sear undisturbed for 5 minutes until a golden-brown crust forms.
5. Gently flip the thighs, reduce heat to medium-low, and continue cooking for an additional 5 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F.
6. Transfer cooked chicken to a separate plate, tenting with foil to retain warmth.
7. Pour Bang Bang sauce into the same skillet, using a spatula to scrape up caramelized cooking remnants.
8. Simmer sauce for 1-2 minutes, allowing flavors to concentrate and develop a rich consistency.
9. Return chicken thighs to the skillet, gently rolling them to completely coat with the vibrant sauce.
10. Sprinkle freshly chopped green onions over the glazed chicken for a bright, aromatic finish before serving immediately.

Notes

• Use bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs for maximum flavor and juiciness, ensuring a crispy exterior and tender meat.
• Check internal temperature with a meat thermometer to guarantee safe and perfectly cooked chicken without drying out.
• Adjust heat carefully to prevent burning while creating a beautiful golden-brown crust on the chicken.
• For a gluten-free version, use tamari instead of traditional soy sauce in the Bang Bang sauce and verify all ingredient labels.

• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 415
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 550 mg
• Fat: 26 g
• Saturated Fat: 3.5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 22 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 14 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Protein: 34 g
• Cholesterol: 130 mg