Spicy Skillet Chicken Thighs

This hearty bang bang chicken thigh recipe has transformed my weeknight dinners with its irresistible blend of creamy, spicy sauce and perfectly seared chicken. Even my pickiest eaters request this dish regularly, making it a true family favorite that delivers restaurant-quality flavor with minimal effort.

I first made this recipe during a particularly busy week when I needed something quick but satisfying. The explosion of flavors had my family scraping their plates clean and now it's in our permanent rotation for those nights when we want something special without the fuss.

Ingredients

• 6 boneless skinless chicken thighs: the dark meat stays juicy and tender while absorbing all the wonderful flavors
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt: kosher salt has larger crystals that help create the perfect sear
• ½ teaspoon black pepper: freshly ground adds the best flavor punch
• ½ teaspoon paprika: adds subtle smokiness and beautiful color to the chicken
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil: choose a neutral oil with a high smoke point for the perfect sear
• 1 cup homemade or store bought Bang Bang sauce: the creamy, spicy heart of this dish
• Chopped green onions for garnish: adds fresh color and a mild onion flavor that brightens the dish

Step-by-Step Instructions

Create the Seasoning Blend:

Mix together kosher salt, black pepper, and paprika in a small bowl until fully combined. This simple blend creates the perfect flavor foundation without overwhelming the bang bang sauce that comes later.

Season the Chicken:

Rub the seasoning mix thoroughly onto both sides of each chicken thigh, pressing gently to help it adhere. Make sure to get an even coating on all pieces for consistent flavor throughout the dish.

Preheat the Skillet:

Heat vegetable oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat until it shimmers but doesn't smoke. The right temperature ensures you get that gorgeous golden crust without burning.

Sear the First Side:

Place chicken thighs carefully into the hot skillet without overcrowding work in batches if needed. Allow them to sear undisturbed for a full 5 minutes until they develop a deep golden crust that locks in juices.

Cook the Second Side:

Flip each thigh gently and reduce heat to medium-low. Cook for another 5 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches exactly 165°F. This lower temperature prevents burning while ensuring the chicken cooks through perfectly.

Rest the Chicken:

Remove chicken to a plate and cover loosely with foil to keep warm. This brief resting period allows juices to redistribute throughout the meat making it incredibly tender.

Create the Sauce Base:

Add Bang Bang sauce to the same skillet and use a wooden spoon to scrape up all those flavorful browned bits from the bottom. Let the sauce simmer gently for 1 to 2 minutes until slightly thickened.

Coat the Chicken:

Return the rested chicken thighs to the skillet and turn to coat each piece thoroughly in the velvety sauce. Allow them to warm through in the sauce for about 30 seconds.

Finish and Serve:

Garnish with freshly chopped green onions and serve immediately while hot. The contrast between the warm, saucy chicken and fresh green onions creates the perfect finishing touch.

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The smoked paprika is truly my secret weapon in this recipe. I discovered its transformative power years ago when making this for a dinner party. My sister-in-law who normally avoids spicy food couldn't stop eating it and actually asked for the recipe before leaving that night.

Perfect Bang Bang Sauce

Store-bought bang bang sauce works perfectly in this recipe, but making your own allows you to customize the flavor exactly to your preference. Simply combine ½ cup mayonnaise, ¼ cup sweet chili sauce, 1-2 tablespoons sriracha depending on your heat preference, a tablespoon of honey, and a squeeze of lime juice. This homemade version has a fresher flavor that really elevates the dish to restaurant quality.

Make Ahead and Storage Tips

This dish actually improves overnight as the flavors meld together, making it perfect for meal planning. Cook the entire recipe, allow it to cool completely, then store in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to three days. When reheating, add a splash of water or chicken broth to loosen the sauce and heat gently on the stovetop or microwave until just warmed through to prevent the chicken from becoming tough.

Serving Suggestions

While delicious on its own, bang bang chicken thighs shine when paired with complementary sides. Serve over fluffy jasmine rice that soaks up all that incredible sauce. For a lower carb option, cauliflower rice works beautifully. Add a simple side of steamed broccoli or a crisp cucumber salad to balance the richness of the dish. For special occasions, consider starting with a light miso soup for an Asian-inspired meal that will impress guests without keeping you in the kitchen all evening.

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Ingredient Substitutions

No chicken thighs available? Chicken breasts work well too just be careful not to overcook them. Simply pound them to even thickness and reduce the cooking time by about 2 minutes per side. If you prefer a lighter version, Greek yogurt can replace half the mayonnaise in the bang bang sauce. For those avoiding dairy completely, dairy-free mayo creates a perfectly creamy sauce. Smoked paprika can be replaced with regular paprika plus a tiny pinch of cumin for a similar depth of flavor.

Common Recipe Questions

→ What is Bang Bang sauce made of?

Bang Bang sauce typically combines mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, and sriracha or hot sauce. The result is a creamy, tangy sauce with the perfect balance of sweetness and heat. You can adjust the ratio of ingredients to make it milder or spicier according to your preference.

→ Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Yes, you can substitute chicken breasts for thighs. For best results, pound them to an even thickness (about ½ inch) to ensure even cooking. Reduce the cooking time slightly as breasts cook faster than thighs, and be careful not to overcook them to avoid dryness.

→ How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?

Chicken thighs are fully cooked when they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Using a meat thermometer is the most reliable method. If you don't have one, cut into the thickest part of the thigh—the meat should be opaque with no pink showing, and juices should run clear.

→ What sides pair well with Bang Bang Chicken Thighs?

This dish pairs beautifully with steamed rice, which soaks up the delicious sauce. Other excellent options include roasted vegetables, Asian-style slaw, cucumber salad, or stir-fried greens. For a lower-carb option, try cauliflower rice or a simple green salad.

→ Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes! Bang Bang Chicken Thighs reheat well and can be prepared 1-2 days in advance. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator and reheat gently in a skillet or microwave. The flavors actually develop further as it sits, making leftovers particularly delicious.

→ How spicy is this dish?

The spice level is moderate and depends largely on the Bang Bang sauce you use. With store-bought sauce, it typically has a pleasant kick without being overwhelming. If making homemade sauce, you can adjust the heat by adding more or less sriracha or hot sauce to suit your preference.