The Juiciest Skillet Bang Bang Chicken Thighs Recipe Ever Made

Bang bang chicken thighs spark excitement in kitchens everywhere with their irresistible blend of crispy exterior and juicy meat.

Home cooks adore this crowd-pleasing dish that refines ordinary proteins into something extraordinary.

Culinary magic happens when perfectly seasoned chicken meets a hot skillet, creating golden-brown edges that crackle with flavor.

The tantalizing combination of spices and cooking technique elevates a simple protein into a memorable meal.

Crisp textures and bold seasonings dance together, promising a dining experience that delights taste buds and satisfies hunger.

Comfort meets creativity in this approachable recipe that works equally well for weeknight dinners or weekend gatherings.

Each bite delivers a symphony of flavors that will have everyone asking for seconds.

What Goes Into Bang Bang Chicken Thighs

• Chicken Thighs: Juicy and flavorful cut of meat, bone-in or boneless work well, skin-on preferred for extra crispiness.

• Kosher Salt, Black Pepper, Paprika: Classic spice blend for enhancing chicken's natural flavor, balanced seasoning mix.

• Vegetable Oil: Neutral oil for even heat distribution and preventing chicken from sticking to the skillet.

• Bang Bang Sauce: Creamy and spicy sauce that adds tangy flavor to the chicken, provides a delicious coating.

• Green Onions: Fresh herb that adds bright color and mild onion flavor, provides a crisp finishing touch.

Cooking Method for Skillet Bang Bang Chicken Thighs

Step 1: Prepare Flavor Blend

• Combine kosher salt
• Black pepper
• Paprika

Mix these seasonings thoroughly in a small mixing bowl.

Step 2: Season Chicken

Evenly sprinkle the spice mixture over chicken thighs, ensuring complete coverage.

Step 3: Preheat Cooking Surface

Heat a large nonstick skillet on medium temperature. Add vegetable oil and let it warm up until shimmering.

Step 4: Sear Chicken

Carefully place chicken thighs into the hot skillet. Cook for approximately 5 minutes on the first side until golden brown. If skillet is smaller, cook in batches to prevent overcrowding.

Step 5: Finish Cooking

Gently flip chicken thighs, reduce heat to medium-low. Continue cooking for another 5 minutes or until internal temperature reaches 165°F. Cooking duration might vary based on thigh size.

Step 6: Rest Chicken

Transfer cooked chicken to a clean plate. Loosely cover with aluminum foil to maintain warmth.

Step 7: Create Sauce Magic

Pour bang bang sauce into the same skillet. Stir and scrape up delicious browned bits from pan bottom. Allow sauce to simmer for 1-2 minutes.

Step 8: Coat and Serve

Return chicken to skillet, gently coating each piece with sauce. Sprinkle chopped green onions on top.

Serve immediately while hot and saucy.

Helpful Tips for Chicken Thighs with Bang Bang Sauce

• Select Bone-In Thighs: Choose chicken thighs with bones for maximum flavor and juiciness, ensuring a more tender and succulent final dish.
• Monitor Heat Levels: Maintain medium to medium-low heat to prevent burning and achieve even cooking without drying out the chicken.
• Check Internal Temperature: Use a meat thermometer to confirm chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) for safe and perfectly cooked meat.
• Scrape Pan Treasures: Collect those delicious brown bits when making the sauce to enhance the overall depth and richness of the flavor profile.
• Rest Chicken Briefly: Allow cooked chicken to rest for a few minutes after cooking to help redistribute juices and maintain maximum moisture.

How to Store and Reheat Bang Bang Chicken Thighs

• Refrigerate: Store leftover chicken thighs in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping them fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Reheat: Warm chicken thighs in a skillet over medium-low heat for 3-4 minutes, adding a splash of water to prevent drying out and maintain moisture.
• Freeze: Preserve extra portions by placing chicken thighs in freezer-safe containers or bags, which will keep them tasty for up to 3 months when properly sealed.

Skillet Bang Bang Chicken Thighs You’ll Make Again

• Savor Speedy Spice Sensation: This recipe transforms ordinary chicken thighs into a flavor-packed meal in just 15 minutes, perfect for busy weeknight dinners.
• Enjoy Restaurant-Quality Crispiness: The skillet method creates a delightfully crisp exterior while keeping the chicken incredibly juicy and tender on the inside.
• Master Effortless Gourmet Cooking: With simple seasonings and a quick bang bang sauce, home cooks can easily create a restaurant-style dish without complex techniques or expensive ingredients.

Best Sides for Bang Bang Chicken Thighs in a Skillet

• Spice Up Your Sips: Pair these zesty bang bang chicken thighs with a crisp, cold Thai-inspired lemongrass cocktail or a light wheat beer to balance the spicy kick and complement the dish's bold flavors.
• Cool Down and Crunch: Serve alongside a fresh cucumber and mint salad with a tangy rice vinegar dressing to provide a refreshing contrast to the rich, saucy chicken and add a delightful textural element.
• Rice Companion: Opt for coconut jasmine rice or garlic-infused brown rice to soak up the delicious bang bang sauce and create a complete, satisfying meal that enhances the chicken's vibrant taste profile.
• Green Freshness Boost: Sprinkle extra chopped green onions and add a side of quick-pickled radishes to bring brightness, acidity, and a crunchy counterpoint to the tender, saucy chicken thighs.

Fun Ways to Serve Skillet Bang Bang Chicken Thighs

• Spicy Asian Remix: Swap bang bang sauce with a fiery sriracha-honey glaze, adding extra chili flakes for bold heat and complexity.
• Mediterranean Herb Fusion: Replace paprika with dried oregano and thyme, then drizzle with tzatziki sauce for a Greek-inspired flavor profile.
• Smoky Bourbon Chicken: Incorporate bourbon and maple syrup into the sauce, using smoked paprika to enhance the deep, rich undertones of the dish.
• Coconut Curry Transformation: Create a creamy coconut curry sauce with red curry paste, coconut milk, and a touch of ginger for a Southeast Asian-inspired version of the original recipe.

Skillet Bang Bang Chicken Thighs Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.6 from 32 reviews

• Total Time: 22 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Skillet bang bang chicken thighs deliver a fiery flavor explosion that awakens taste buds with creamy, spicy sauce and perfectly seared meat. Crispy exterior meets tender interior, creating a mouthwatering dish sure to become a dinnertime favorite for spice enthusiasts.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 6 boneless, skinless chicken thighs

Spices and Seasonings:

• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon paprika

Cooking and Sauce Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) vegetable oil
• 1 cup (240 milliliters) bang bang sauce (homemade or store-bought)
• Green onions, chopped, for garnish

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Craft a zesty spice blend by combining kosher salt, black pepper, and paprika in a small mixing bowl.
2. Thoroughly massage the spice mixture into each chicken thigh, ensuring complete and even coverage.
3. Position a large nonstick skillet over medium heat and introduce vegetable oil, allowing it to shimmer and warm.
4. Carefully place seasoned chicken thighs into the heated skillet, maintaining adequate spacing between pieces to promote even cooking.
5. Sear the chicken for approximately 5 minutes, developing a rich golden-brown exterior.
6. Gently rotate the chicken thighs, then reduce heat to medium-low for consistent cooking.
7. Continue cooking for an additional 5 minutes, monitoring internal temperature until it reaches 165°F (74°C).
8. Transfer cooked chicken to a waiting plate and loosely tent with aluminum foil to preserve warmth.
9. Pour bang bang sauce into the same skillet, using a spatula to deglaze and incorporate the flavorful browned remnants.
10. Allow sauce to gently simmer for 1-2 minutes, concentrating its robust flavors.
11. Carefully return chicken thighs to the skillet, delicately coating each piece with the vibrant sauce.
12. Sprinkle freshly chopped green onions over the glazed chicken for a final burst of color and freshness.
13. Serve immediately while the chicken remains piping hot and sauce glistens.

Notes

• Perfectly seasoned chicken thighs deliver a mouthwatering blend of spices that elevate the entire dish.
• Cooking the chicken in batches ensures each piece gets crispy, golden-brown edges without overcrowding the skillet.
• Internal temperature is crucial – use a meat thermometer to guarantee juicy, safely cooked chicken every single time.
• Scraping brown bits from the pan after cooking adds incredible depth of flavor to the bang bang sauce.
• Letting the sauce simmer briefly concentrates its tangy, creamy characteristics and helps it cling beautifully to the chicken.
• Garnishing with fresh green onions provides a bright, crisp contrast to the rich, saucy chicken thighs.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 12 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: Asian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 470
• Sugar: 6g
• Sodium: 800mg
• Fat: 30g
• Saturated Fat: 4g
• Unsaturated Fat: 24g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 12g
• Fiber: 0g
• Protein: 37g
• Cholesterol: 120mg