Skillet Bang Bang Chicken Thighs

This Skillet Bang Bang Chicken Thighs recipe is a delicious twist on the classic bang bang chicken, featuring tender chicken thighs seasoned to perfection and coated in a spicy, creamy bang bang sauce. Perfect for busy weeknights, this one-pan recipe is quick, requires minimal ingredients, and brings restaurant-quality flavor to your kitchen.

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 bang bang sauce
• Chopped green onions for garnish

Instructions

1. Season the Chicken
   Start by combining the kosher salt, black pepper, and paprika in a small bowl. Rub this mixture evenly over each chicken thigh, ensuring they’re well coated with flavor.
2. Cook the Chicken in the Skillet
   Heat the vegetable oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the chicken thighs. You may need to cook them in batches depending on the size of your skillet. Cook the chicken for about 5 minutes on one side, then flip, reduce the heat to medium-low, and cook for another 5 minutes, or until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F.
3. Prepare the Bang Bang Sauce in the Skillet
   After the chicken is fully cooked, remove it from the skillet and place it on a plate, covering it to keep it warm. Pour the bang bang sauce directly into the skillet, stirring and scraping up any flavorful brown bits left at the bottom. Allow the sauce to simmer for 1-2 minutes, until it’s heated through.
4. Coat the Chicken in Sauce
   Place the cooked chicken thighs back into the skillet, making sure each piece is well-coated with the sauce. The sauce will cling beautifully to the chicken, adding a spicy, creamy kick.
5. Garnish and Serve
   For a fresh finish, sprinkle the chicken with chopped green onions. Serve hot, and enjoy!

Serving and Storage Tips

Serving Tips

• Pair with Sides: Serve your skillet bang bang chicken thighs with fluffy white rice, fried rice, or garlic noodles to soak up the extra sauce. For a lighter option, pair with steamed veggies, a simple side salad, or cauliflower rice.
• Add Crunch: Garnish with crispy fried onions, toasted sesame seeds, or chopped peanuts to add texture and an extra layer of flavor.
• Customize the Heat: If you want a milder version, reduce the amount of sriracha in the bang bang sauce. For extra heat, add red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce before serving.

Storage Tips

• Refrigerate: Place any leftovers in an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat in a skillet over low heat until warmed through, adding a splash of water or broth if the sauce has thickened.
• Freeze: For longer storage, freeze the cooked and cooled chicken thighs in an airtight container or freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. Let thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
• Make Ahead: You can prep the chicken by seasoning it a few hours ahead of time. The bang bang sauce can also be made in advance and stored in the fridge for up to a week.

These serving and storage tips make it easy to enjoy Skillet Bang Bang Chicken Thighs anytime while keeping the flavors fresh and vibrant!

Variations

1. Bang Bang Shrimp
   Swap chicken thighs for large shrimp to create a seafood version. Sauté the shrimp in the skillet for about 2-3 minutes on each side until pink and cooked through. Coat in bang bang sauce as directed and serve with rice or noodles.
2. Bang Bang Chicken Tacos
   Shred or slice the cooked chicken thighs and serve in soft tortillas with shredded lettuce, sliced avocado, and extra bang bang sauce. Top with cilantro and a squeeze of lime for added freshness.
3. Crispy Bang Bang Chicken
   For a crispy twist, coat the chicken thighs in flour and pan-fry until golden and crispy on the outside. Add the bang bang sauce right before serving, or use it as a dipping sauce for a fun, crispy option.
4. Spicy Honey Bang Bang Sauce
   Add 1-2 tablespoons of honey to the bang bang sauce for a sweet and spicy glaze that pairs beautifully with the savory chicken. This variation balances out the heat and gives the sauce a rich, sticky consistency.
5. Low-Carb Bang Bang Chicken
   Make a low-carb version by serving the chicken over cauliflower rice or spiralized zucchini noodles. Use a sugar-free sweet chili sauce for the bang bang sauce to keep it keto-friendly.
6. Vegetarian Bang Bang Cauliflower
   Replace chicken thighs with cauliflower florets. Toss the cauliflower in a little oil, salt, and pepper, then roast at 400°F for 20-25 minutes until tender. Toss with bang bang sauce and garnish with green onions for a delicious meat-free option.
7. Extra-Creamy Bang Bang Chicken
   For a richer sauce, stir in 2 tablespoons of cream cheese or Greek yogurt to the bang bang sauce. This adds creaminess and mellows the spice, creating a silky, indulgent coating on the chicken.
8. Asian-Inspired Bang Bang Stir-Fry
   Add in sliced bell peppers, snap peas, and carrots for a bang bang chicken stir-fry. Sauté the veggies along with the chicken, and then coat everything in the bang bang sauce. Serve over rice for a complete meal with added color and crunch.

These variations allow you to enjoy Skillet Bang Bang Chicken in multiple ways, making it a versatile and adaptable recipe for different tastes and occasions!

FAQs

1. Can I use chicken breasts instead of chicken thighs?
   Yes, chicken breasts work well, but they may cook faster and could dry out if overcooked. Slice the breasts into cutlets or cubes for even cooking, and follow the same instructions.
2. Is there a way to make this recipe less spicy?
   Absolutely! Reduce or omit the sriracha in the bang bang sauce, and use a mild chili sauce if you’re making it from scratch. You can also add a bit of honey or Greek yogurt to mellow out the heat.
3. What sides go well with bang bang chicken thighs?
   Popular sides include white or fried rice, noodles, steamed vegetables, or a simple side salad. Cauliflower rice or spiralized zucchini noodles are great low-carb options.
4. Can I make this dish in the oven instead of the stovetop?
   Yes! Season the chicken and bake at 400°F for 20-25 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Prepare the bang bang sauce on the stovetop, then coat the baked chicken in the sauce before serving.
5. How do I know when the chicken thighs are fully cooked?
   The chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. Use a meat thermometer for accuracy, as cooking times may vary depending on thigh size and skillet type.
6. Can I prepare the bang bang sauce ahead of time?
   Yes, you can make the sauce in advance and store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week. Reheat it on the stovetop before adding it to the cooked chicken.
7. What if I don’t have sriracha?
   You can substitute sriracha with other hot sauces or even a dash of cayenne pepper if you’re looking for a milder kick. Adjust to your spice preference.
8. Can I freeze leftovers?
   Yes, bang bang chicken freezes well. Let it cool completely, then transfer to an airtight container and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating on the stovetop.
9. Can I use bone-in chicken for this recipe?
   You can use bone-in thighs, but they will require a longer cooking time. Sear them on the stovetop for 5-7 minutes on each side, then finish in a 375°F oven until they reach 165°F internally.
10. Is there a dairy-free version of this recipe?
    Yes, to make it dairy-free, use a dairy-free alternative for mayonnaise in the bang bang sauce, such as vegan mayo, and skip any dairy toppings or garnishes.

This Skillet Bang Bang Chicken Thighs recipe is a simple yet flavor-packed dish that’s sure to become a favorite. Whether you’re serving it for a weeknight dinner or a special gathering, this recipe combines ease, flavor, and minimal cleanup in one go. Enjoy the balance of heat, sweetness, and creaminess that makes bang bang sauce so addictive, and elevate your skillet cooking game!

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