Sizzling Skillet Bang Bang Chicken Thighs Recipe

Fiery Skillet Bang Bang Chicken Thighs Recipe for Dinner

Sizzling with flavor and packed with a spicy bang bang chicken thighs punch, this recipe promises an explosion of taste in every bite.

The secret lies in a perfectly crafted marinade that infuses tender chicken thighs with bold, zesty notes.

Crispy edges give way to juicy, succulent meat that’ll make your taste buds dance with excitement.

Each skillet-seared piece carries a golden-brown crust that locks in maximum flavor and texture.

Weeknight dinners just got a serious upgrade with this mouthwatering dish that comes together in under 30 minutes.

Tangy, spicy, and utterly irresistible, these bang bang chicken thighs will have everyone at the table asking for seconds.

Grab your skillet and get ready to become the culinary hero of your kitchen.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 12 minutes

Total Time: 22 minutes

Calories: 400 kcal

Servings: 5

Ingredients to Make Skillet Bang Bang Chicken Thighs

For Seasoning Blend:
  • Kosher Salt: Enhances the natural flavors of the chicken, bringing out a delightful depth of taste.
  • Black Pepper: Adds a warm, slightly spicy kick that complements the chicken's richness.
  • Paprika: Introduces a subtle sweetness and vibrant color to the dish.
For Protein:
  • Chicken Thighs: Juicy and tender cut that promises rich flavor and succulent texture, opt for bone-in or boneless based on preference.
For Cooking Foundation:
  • Vegetable Oil: Creates a perfect non-stick surface and helps achieve a golden, crispy chicken exterior.
For Bang Bang Sauce:
  • Bang Bang Sauce: Brings a creamy, tangy, and slightly spicy flavor profile that transforms the chicken into an irresistible meal.
For Garnish:
  • Green Onions: Adds a fresh, sharp crunch and bright color to finish the dish with a pop of freshness.

Must-Have Tools for Bang Bang Chicken Thighs

  • Large nonstick skillet: Essential for cooking chicken evenly and preventing sticking.
  • Small bowl: Perfect for mixing spices and creating the seasoning blend.
  • Measuring spoons: Helps accurately measure salt, pepper, and paprika.
  • Tongs: Great for flipping chicken thighs safely and easily.
  • Meat thermometer: Ensures chicken reaches safe internal temperature of 165°F.
  • Plate: Used for resting cooked chicken and keeping it warm.
  • Aluminum foil: Covers chicken to retain heat while resting.
  • Wooden spoon or spatula: Helpful for stirring sauce and scraping pan.

Skillet Instructions for Bang Bang Chicken Thighs

  • Spice Blend Preparation

Create a flavor-packed mix of seasonings combining salt, pepper, and paprika for maximum taste.

  • Chicken Seasoning

Generously coat chicken thighs with the zesty spice mixture, ensuring complete coverage.

  • Skillet Warming

Heat a large nonstick skillet over medium temperature, allowing oil to shimmer and become hot.

  • Chicken Sizzling

Carefully place seasoned chicken thighs into the skillet, letting them develop a golden-brown crust. Cook in batches if needed.

  • Cooking Process

Flip chicken after 5 minutes, reduce heat, and continue cooking until internal temperature reaches safe levels. Adjust timing based on thigh size.

  • Sauce Magic

Pour bang bang sauce into the skillet, scraping up delicious browned bits from the pan’s surface.

  • Final Touch

Return chicken to the skillet, gently coating each piece in the vibrant, tangy sauce.

  • Serving

Sprinkle fresh green onions over the chicken and serve immediately for a mouthwatering meal.

Tips for Spicing Up Bang Bang Chicken Thighs

  • Marinate chicken thighs in the spice mixture for 30 minutes before cooking to enhance seasoning penetration and tenderness.
  • Pat chicken thighs completely dry with paper towels before seasoning to ensure a crispy, golden-brown exterior that locks in juicy flavors.
  • Replace vegetable oil with olive oil for a slightly nutty taste, or use chicken thighs with skin-on for extra crispiness and rich flavor profile.
  • Adjust bang bang sauce heat level by adding more sriracha or red pepper flakes for those who love an extra kick of spiciness in their meal.

Serving Bang Bang Chicken Thighs with Sides

  • Zesty Meal Companions: Fluffy white rice or coconut rice will soak up the delicious bang bang sauce perfectly.
  • Crisp Veggie Sidekick: Roasted broccoli or Asian-style slaw add fresh crunch and balance the rich chicken flavors.
  • Flavor Boosters: Sprinkle toasted sesame seeds or extra chopped green onions on top for additional texture and visual appeal.
  • Sauce Drizzle Delight: Extra bang bang sauce on the side allows guests to customize their spice and flavor intensity as desired.

Storage Tips for Bang Bang Chicken Thighs

  • Refrigerator Storage Magic: Cooked chicken thighs stay fresh in an airtight container for 3-4 days, keeping all their delicious bang bang flavor intact.
  • Freezer Friendly Strategy: Wrap individual chicken portions in plastic wrap, then place in freezer bags. These tasty thighs maintain quality for up to 2 months when properly sealed.
  • Reheating Wisdom: Warm refrigerated chicken in a skillet over medium-low heat to maintain moisture and crispy exterior. Add a splash of extra sauce to prevent drying out.
  • Meal Prep Champion: Prepare chicken thighs in advance for quick weeknight dinners. Batch cook and portion into containers for easy grab-and-go lunches or quick protein additions to salads and grain bowls.
Print
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Sizzling Skillet Bang Bang Chicken Thighs Recipe

Sizzling Skillet Bang Bang Chicken Thighs


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.6 from 23 reviews

  • Total Time: 22 minutes
  • Yield: 5 1x

Description

Skillet bang bang chicken thighs deliver a spicy, creamy delight with crispy skin and zesty sauce. Creamy sriracha mayo mingles with perfectly seared chicken, creating a mouthwatering meal you’ll crave again and again.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 6 boneless, skinless chicken thighs
  • 2 tbsps (30 mL) vegetable oil
  • 1 cup (240 mL) bang bang sauce (homemade or store-bought)
  • 1 tsp kosher salt
  • ½ tsp black pepper
  • ½ tsp paprika
  • Green onions, chopped, for garnish

Instructions

  1. Spice Preparation: Whisk together kosher salt, black pepper, and paprika to create a dynamic seasoning blend.
  2. Chicken Seasoning: Thoroughly rub the spice mixture into chicken thighs, ensuring complete and uniform coverage.
  3. Skillet Heating: Warm vegetable oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat until it shimmers with potential.
  4. Initial Searing: Arrange seasoned chicken thighs in the skillet, maintaining space between pieces for optimal browning, and cook for 5 minutes to develop a golden-brown crust.
  5. Cooking Progression: Flip chicken thighs, reduce heat to medium-low, and continue cooking for an additional 5 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
  6. Sauce Creation: Remove chicken and deglaze the skillet with bang bang sauce, scraping up flavorful browned bits and simmering for 1-2 minutes to concentrate flavors.
  7. Final Glazing: Return chicken to the skillet, gently coating each piece with the vibrant sauce and garnishing with freshly chopped green onions.
  8. Serving: Present immediately, showcasing the glistening, sauce-coated chicken while it’s piping hot and irresistibly aromatic.

Notes

  • Spice Mastery: Thoroughly rub the spice blend into chicken thighs for maximum flavor penetration and even seasoning.
  • Heat Management: Maintain medium heat initially for perfect golden-brown sear, then reduce to medium-low to prevent burning while ensuring complete cooking.
  • Temperature Precision: Use a meat thermometer to confirm chicken reaches exact 165°F internal temperature for safe, juicy results.
  • Sauce Technique: Deglaze skillet with bang bang sauce to capture all delicious browned bits, creating a more complex and rich flavor profile.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 12 minutes
  • Category: Dinner, Snacks
  • Method: Frying
  • Cuisine: Asian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 5
  • Calories: 400
  • Sugar: 6g
  • Sodium: 800mg
  • Fat: 22g
  • Saturated Fat: 3g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 19g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 16g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 28g
  • Cholesterol: 130mg
Sophie Martin

Sophie Martin

Co-Founder & Content Creator

Expertise

  • Nutrition and Healthy Eating
  • Creating Balanced Recipes
  • Meal Planning
  • Food Safety
  • Teaching About Nutrition

Education

Stellenbosch University, South Africa

  • Degree: Bachelor of Science in Human Nutrition
  • Focus: Studying how food affects health, learning about balanced diets, and understanding the nutritional needs of different people.

South African Chefs Academy, Cape Town

  • Program: Professional Culinary Arts Diploma
  • Focus: Practical cooking skills, focusing on healthy meal preparation and understanding various cooking methods.

Sophie Martin is the nutrition brain and feel-good foodie at Good Tasting Meals. With a degree in Human Nutrition from Stellenbosch University and chef training from the South African Chefs Academy, Sophie brings balance to the table, literally. She loves creating meals that are easy to make, great to eat, and good for your body too.

Her recipes are made for everyday living, with a little flair and a lot of heart. Sophie’s not here to count calories, she’s here to show you how fresh, simple food can fit into your life, taste amazing, and still be nourishing.

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