Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: With a total preparation and cooking time of just 22 minutes, this recipe is perfect for busy weeknights.
- Flavorful: The combination of tender chicken thighs and the sweet-spicy Bang Bang sauce creates a harmonious blend of flavors that will delight your taste buds.
- Versatile: While the recipe calls for boneless, skinless chicken thighs, you can easily substitute them with bone-in thighs or chicken breasts based on your preference.
Ingredients
- 6 boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 recipe Bang Bang sauce (or 1 cup store-bought)
- Green onions, chopped for garnish
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
- Prepare the Seasoning: In a small bowl, combine the kosher salt, black pepper, and paprika.
- Season the Chicken: Evenly apply the seasoning mixture to the chicken thighs.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat the vegetable oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the seasoned chicken thighs. Depending on the size of your skillet, you may need to work in batches. Cook the chicken for 5 minutes on one side. Then, flip the chicken, reduce the heat to medium-low, and cook for an additional 5 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Cooking times may vary based on the size of the chicken pieces.
- Remove and Keep Warm: Transfer the cooked chicken to a plate and tent it with foil to keep warm.
- Prepare the Sauce: Pour the Bang Bang sauce into the same skillet. Stir, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Let the sauce simmer for 1-2 minutes until heated through.
- Coat the Chicken: Return the chicken thighs to the skillet, ensuring each piece is thoroughly coated with the sauce.
- Serve: Garnish with chopped green onions and serve immediately.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: This recipe yields 6 servings.
- Preparation Time: Approximately 10 minutes
- Cooking Time: Approximately 12 minutes
- Total Time: Approximately 22 minutes
Variations
- Protein Alternatives: Substitute chicken thighs with chicken breasts or even shrimp for a different take on the dish.
- Spice Level: Adjust the heat by varying the amount of Sriracha in the Bang Bang sauce. Add more for extra spice or reduce for a milder flavor.
- Cooking Methods: While this recipe uses a skillet, you can also grill or bake the chicken for a different texture and flavor profile.
Storage/Reheating
To store leftovers, allow the chicken to cool to room temperature. Place the chicken with the sauce in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, use a microwave or warm it in a skillet over medium heat until heated through.
FAQs
What is Bang Bang sauce made of?
Bang Bang sauce is typically a combination of mayonnaise, Thai sweet chili sauce, Sriracha, and honey, creating a creamy, sweet, and spicy flavor profile.
Can I use bone-in chicken thighs for this recipe?
Yes, bone-in thighs can be used. However, cooking times will be longer, so ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
Is there a way to make this dish healthier?
To reduce calories, consider using a lighter mayonnaise or a yogurt-based alternative for the Bang Bang sauce. Additionally, grilling or baking the chicken can reduce the amount of added fat.
How spicy is this dish?
The spiciness is moderate due to the Sriracha in the sauce. You can adjust the heat level by adding more or less Sriracha to suit your taste.
Can I prepare the Bang Bang sauce in advance?
Yes, the sauce can be made ahead of time and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. Stir before using.
What sides pair well with Bang Bang Chicken Thighs?
This dish pairs well with a wedge salad, roasted vegetables like asparagus, green beans, or Brussels sprouts, steamed rice, garlic knots, coleslaw, cauliflower mashed potatoes, air-fried sweet potato fries, German cucumber salad, or corn on the cob.
Can I freeze the leftovers?
It’s not recommended to freeze this dish as the sauce may separate upon thawing, affecting the texture and flavor.
How can I make the sauce spicier?
To increase the heat, add more Sriracha or incorporate a pinch of cayenne pepper into the sauce.
Is there a vegetarian version of this dish?
For a vegetarian alternative, consider using tofu or cauliflower florets in place of chicken. Adjust cooking times accordingly to ensure they are cooked through.
What other dishes can I use Bang Bang sauce with?
Bang Bang sauce is versatile and can be
Print
Skillet Bang Bang Chicken Thighs
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Diet: Low Calorie
Description
These Skillet Bang Bang Chicken Thighs are juicy, flavorful, and coated in a creamy, slightly spicy homemade Bang Bang sauce. Ready in just 22 minutes, this quick and easy dish is perfect for a busy weeknight meal. Enjoy tender boneless, skinless chicken thighs seared to perfection and tossed in a sweet, spicy, and creamy sauce that will have you coming back for more.
Ingredients
- 6 boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 recipe Bang Bang sauce (or 1 cup store-bought)
- Green onions, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare the Seasoning – In a small bowl, mix kosher salt, black pepper, and paprika.
- Season the Chicken – Rub the seasoning evenly onto the chicken thighs.
- Cook the Chicken – Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chicken thighs and cook for 5 minutes on one side. Flip, reduce heat to medium-low, and cook for another 5 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Remove & Keep Warm – Transfer chicken to a plate and cover with foil.
- Prepare the Sauce – Pour Bang Bang sauce into the same skillet, stirring to scrape up any browned bits. Simmer for 1-2 minutes.
- Coat the Chicken – Return the chicken to the skillet, coating each piece with the sauce.
- Serve – Garnish with chopped green onions and serve immediately.
Notes
- Spice Level – Adjust the heat by adding more or less Sriracha in the Bang Bang sauce.
- Healthier Option – Use Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise for a lighter sauce.
- Cooking Methods – This dish can also be grilled or baked for a different texture.
- Storage – Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: American
