Sizzling Skillet Bang Bang Chicken Thighs Recipe: Spicy Joy

My latest culinary adventure with skillet bang bang chicken thighs promises an explosion of flavor that will make dinner feel like a celebration.

Crispy edges and juicy meat create a mouthwatering combination you won’t be able to resist.

Spicy and creamy sauce coats each tender piece, delivering maximum taste in minimal time.

Kitchen experiments rarely turn out this deliciously unexpected.

Simple ingredients come together with surprising ease, making this dish perfect for weeknight cooking.

Quick preparation means minimal cleanup and maximum satisfaction.

Come hungry and leave happy with this crowd-pleasing meal that sparks conversation around the table.

Why Skillet Bang Bang Chicken Thighs Are So Flavorful

• Quickly Sear and Serve: Perfect for busy home cooks who want a delicious meal without spending hours in the kitchen, this skillet chicken recipe delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort.
• Versatile Crowd-Pleaser: Packed with bold Bang Bang sauce, these chicken thighs appeal to both kids and adults, making it an ideal dish for family dinners or casual gatherings.
• One-Pan Wonder: Minimal cleanup and straightforward cooking technique mean you can enjoy a restaurant-quality meal without creating a mountain of dirty dishes, saving time and reducing kitchen stress.
• Flavor Explosion: The combination of seasoned chicken, crispy sear, and zesty Bang Bang sauce creates a mouthwatering experience that transforms a simple protein into an exciting culinary adventure.

Ingredients for Skillet Bang Bang Chicken Thighs

• Chicken Thighs: Tender and flavorful cut of chicken that provides a juicy base for the skillet dish.

• Salt, Pepper, Paprika: Essential spices that enhance the chicken's natural flavor and create a delicious outer crust.

• Vegetable Oil: Helps create a perfect golden-brown sear on the chicken thighs.
• Bang Bang Sauce: A creamy and spicy sauce that adds a tangy and exciting flavor to the chicken.
• Green Onions: Fresh garnish that provides a mild, crisp onion flavor and adds visual appeal to the dish.

How to Prepare Skillet Bang Bang Chicken Thighs

Step 1: Prep the Chicken

Unwrap the chicken thighs and pat them completely dry using paper towels.

Sprinkle salt, pepper, and paprika evenly across both sides of the chicken, making sure to coat each thigh thoroughly with the seasonings.

Step 2: Heat the Skillet

Place a large cast-iron or heavy-bottomed skillet on the stove.

Pour vegetable oil into the pan and turn the heat to medium-high.

Allow the oil to get hot and shimmer slightly before adding the chicken.

Step 3: Sear the Chicken Thighs

Carefully lay the seasoned chicken thighs into the hot skillet, making sure they are not overcrowded.

Cook the thighs for 6-7 minutes on the first side until a beautiful golden-brown crust forms.

Flip the thighs and continue cooking for another 6-7 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.

Step 4: Add Bang Bang Sauce

Remove the skillet from heat and generously drizzle Bang Bang sauce over the crispy chicken thighs.

The sauce will create a delicious, tangy coating that adds incredible flavor.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Sprinkle freshly chopped green onions over the sauced chicken thighs.

Transfer the thighs to a serving platter and serve immediately while hot and crispy.

Pro Tips for Skillet Bang Bang Chicken Thighs

• Generously coat chicken thighs with salt, pepper, and paprika for maximum flavor penetration before cooking.
• Use medium-high heat to achieve a golden-brown crust without burning the chicken, ensuring crispy exterior and juicy interior.
• Cook chicken thighs in batches if needed to maintain proper skillet temperature and prevent steaming instead of searing.
• Use a meat thermometer to confirm chicken reaches 165°F for safe consumption while maintaining tenderness.
• Drizzle Bang Bang sauce just before serving to preserve its vibrant flavor and prevent sauce from becoming soggy.

Variations on Skillet Bang Bang Chicken Thighs

• Spicy Coconut Curry Chicken: Replace Bang Bang sauce with creamy coconut curry sauce, adding turmeric and ginger for an Indian-inspired flavor profile.
• Low-Carb Lettuce Wrap Option: Serve chicken thighs in crisp lettuce leaves instead of plating, reducing carbohydrate intake for keto dieters.
• Mediterranean Herb Chicken: Swap paprika with dried oregano and thyme, then top with crumbled feta cheese and chopped parsley for a Greek-style version.
• Gluten-Free Protein Bowl: Serve chicken over cauliflower rice with roasted vegetables, ensuring the Bang Bang sauce is gluten-free certified for sensitive individuals.

Serving Suggestions for Skillet Bang Bang Chicken Thighs

• Zesty Plating Paradise: Arrange chicken thighs over a bed of fluffy jasmine rice, letting the Bang Bang sauce drizzle deliciously across the surface.
• Crisp Companion Combo: Pair with a refreshing cucumber salad or coleslaw to balance the spicy sauce and add a cool, crunchy texture contrast.
• Hearty Meal Upgrade: Serve alongside roasted vegetables like asparagus or broccoli to create a complete, nutritious dinner that satisfies every taste bud.
• Quick Flavor Boost: Sprinkle extra chopped green onions and a dash of sesame seeds on top for added visual appeal and subtle nutty crunch.

How to Store Skillet Bang Bang Chicken Thighs

• Store leftover chicken thighs in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Seal tightly and keep in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Wrap individual chicken thighs in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for maximum 2-3 months to maintain best quality and flavor.
• Preheat oven to 350°F, place chicken on a baking sheet, cover with foil to prevent drying. Warm for 10-15 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F.
• Place chicken on a microwave-safe plate, cover with a damp paper towel. Heat in 30-second intervals, checking temperature to avoid overcooking and maintaining moisture.

FAQs

• What is Bang Bang sauce made of?

Bang Bang sauce is a creamy, spicy condiment typically combining mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, and a touch of honey for balanced heat and sweetness.

• Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Yes, chicken breasts work perfectly. Just ensure they reach an internal temperature of 165°F and adjust cooking time since they’re typically thinner than thighs.

• Is this recipe spicy?

The Bang Bang sauce has a mild to moderate heat level. You can adjust the spiciness by increasing or decreasing the amount of sriracha in the sauce.

• What skillet works best for this recipe?

A cast-iron or heavy-bottomed stainless steel skillet is ideal for achieving a perfect golden-brown sear on the chicken thighs.

Spiked Skillet Bang Bang Chicken Thighs Recipe

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4.6 from 10 reviews

• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Sizzling Bang Bang Chicken Thighs bring bold, spicy flavors from Korean-inspired cuisine straight to your dinner table. Crispy, juicy chicken coated in a creamy, tangy sauce promises a mouthwatering meal that satisfies your craving for something extraordinary.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Proteins:

• 6 chicken thighs, boneless and skinless

Spices and Seasonings:

• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika

Cooking and Sauce Ingredients:

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

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Instructions

1. Generously coat chicken thighs with a blend of salt, pepper, and smoky paprika, ensuring complete coverage on both surfaces.
2. Warm vegetable oil in a spacious cast-iron skillet, bringing the temperature to a sizzling medium-high heat.
3. Carefully place seasoned chicken thighs into the hot skillet, allowing each piece to develop a rich, caramelized golden crust for approximately 6-7 minutes.
4. Flip the chicken and continue cooking the opposite side for an additional 6-7 minutes, verifying internal temperature reaches 165°F for safe consumption.
5. Remove chicken from skillet and let rest for 3-4 minutes to retain juices.
6. Drizzle the crispy chicken thighs with vibrant Bang Bang sauce, coating each piece generously.
7. Sprinkle freshly chopped green onions across the top for a bright, aromatic garnish.
8. Transfer to serving plates immediately while piping hot, presenting a tantalizing skillet-seared meal ready to be devoured.

Notes

• Ensure chicken thighs are at room temperature before cooking to promote even searing and prevent tough meat.
• Pat chicken completely dry with paper towels to achieve a crispy, golden-brown exterior that locks in juicy flavors.
• Use a meat thermometer to check internal temperature reaches 165°F for perfectly cooked, safe-to-eat chicken without overcooking.
• For a gluten-free version, replace traditional Bang Bang sauce with a homemade mix using gluten-free mayonnaise and hot sauce.

• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 335 kcal
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 420 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 16 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 6 g
• Fiber: 0.5 g
• Protein: 25 g
• Cholesterol: 95 mg