Meet your new weeknight hero: Skillet Bang Bang Chicken Thighs. This dish is an irresistible fusion of juicy, pan-seared chicken smothered in a creamy, sweet-heat sauce you’ll absolutely crave. It comes together in one skillet for maximum flavor and minimal fuss—perfect for when you want something bold and satisfying without spending all night in the kitchen. The chicken cooks up golden and tender, soaking up every bit of that signature Bang Bang flavor you know and love. Trust me, this is a dinner that leaves plates wiped clean and everyone clamoring for seconds!

Skillet Bang Bang Chicken Thighs Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The ingredient list for Skillet Bang Bang Chicken Thighs is refreshingly short, but every item packs a big punch. From perfectly seasoned chicken to a rich, zesty sauce and a sprinkle of fresh green onions, each component brings something special to the table.

Chicken thighs: Tender, boneless, and skinless—these are ideal for soaking up the sauce and staying juicy in the skillet.
Kosher salt: Brings out the natural flavor of the chicken and enhances everything else in the dish.
Black pepper: Lends a gentle kick and peppery depth without overpowering the other spices.
Paprika: Adds subtle warmth and a lovely hint of color to the chicken’s crust.
Vegetable oil: Gives a perfect golden sear, ensuring the chicken cooks evenly and doesn’t stick.
Bang Bang sauce: The star of the show! Use your favorite store-bought brand or whip up a quick homemade batch—either way, it delivers creaminess and a sweet, spicy tang.
Green onions: Sliced for garnish, these add brightness, crunch, and a punch of fresh flavor to finish the dish.

How to Make Skillet Bang Bang Chicken Thighs

Step 1: Mix the Seasoning Blend

Start by combining the kosher salt, black pepper, and paprika in a small bowl. This simple spice trio is key for building a real depth of flavor right from the beginning.

Step 2: Season the Chicken Thighs

Pat your chicken thighs dry, then sprinkle the seasoning evenly over both sides. Make sure every piece is well coated—this sets the stage for that gorgeous, flavorful sear!

Step 3: Sear the Chicken in the Skillet

Heat the vegetable oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat. Once it’s shimmering, nestle the chicken thighs in (work in batches if needed so they’re not crowded). Sear for about 5 minutes per side, flipping after the first side is golden, until the chicken is cooked through and the internal temperature reaches 165°F.

Step 4: Remove the Chicken and Make the Sauce

Transfer the cooked chicken to a plate and tent it with foil to keep warm. Now, pour your bang bang sauce right into the hot skillet, scraping up all those caramelized bits at the bottom—that’s liquid gold! Let the sauce bubble and thicken for a minute or two.

Step 5: Return the Chicken to the Skillet

Add the chicken thighs back into the pan and turn to coat each piece in that luscious bang bang sauce. Let everything simmer together for another minute so the flavors meld.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Shower the Skillet Bang Bang Chicken Thighs with chopped green onions for a fresh, snappy finish. Serve immediately while hot and saucy!

How to Serve Skillet Bang Bang Chicken Thighs

Garnishes

Don’t skip the green onions—they provide the necessary pop of freshness and color! You can throw on a sprinkle of sesame seeds for some toasty crunch or even add a dash more paprika for a hint of smokiness.

Side Dishes

Skillet Bang Bang Chicken Thighs are fantastic with a scoop of fluffy jasmine rice or tender coconut rice to catch the extra sauce. Or, pair with sautéed green beans, steamed broccoli, or a tangy cucumber salad to balance the richness.

Creative Ways to Present

Want a wow-factor? Slice the chicken and serve over rice bowls, stuff them into lettuce wraps with crunchy veggies, or dice and toss into a vibrant noodle salad. Leftovers make an epic sandwich or protein boost for tomorrow’s lunch wrap!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any leftover Skillet Bang Bang Chicken Thighs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The sauce keeps the chicken moist and flavorful even after a night in the fridge.

Freezing

For longer storage, pop cooled chicken (with sauce!) into a freezer-safe container or bag. It will freeze beautifully for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating for best results.

Reheating

Warm leftovers gently in a covered skillet over low heat, adding a splash of water if the sauce looks too thick. You can also use the microwave, but watch closely to prevent overcooking the chicken.

FAQs

Can I use bone-in chicken thighs?

Absolutely! Just adjust the cooking time as bone-in thighs will need a bit longer to reach 165°F. Make sure to sear both sides well and check with a meat thermometer.

What’s the best homemade bang bang sauce recipe?

A classic homemade version is equal parts mayonnaise and sweet chili sauce, plus a little hot sauce and honey to taste. You can tweak the spice level to your liking!

Could I make these Skillet Bang Bang Chicken Thighs spicy?

Definitely! Kick up the heat by adding extra hot sauce to your bang bang sauce, or sprinkle some crushed red pepper flakes over the finished dish.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes—as long as you use a gluten-free bang bang sauce (and double-check your store-bought ingredients), this dish is naturally free of gluten.

Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?

You sure can. While thighs provide extra juiciness, chicken breasts will work well—just slice them in half if they’re very thick, and keep an eye on the cooking time to prevent them from drying out.

Final Thoughts

There’s just something special about how the flavors and textures come together in these Skillet Bang Bang Chicken Thighs. It’s hearty, saucy, and a little bit addictive! Give this recipe a try—you may just find yourself putting it on repeat whenever you crave a little extra fun at the dinner table.

Skillet Bang Bang Chicken Thighs Recipe

★★★★★

5.2 from 23 reviews

Author: Lily
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Gluten Free

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Description

These Skillet Bang Bang Chicken Thighs are a delicious and easy-to-make dish that packs a flavorful punch. Tender chicken thighs are seasoned and cooked to perfection, then coated in a creamy, spicy bang bang sauce. Garnished with fresh green onions, this dish is sure to be a crowd-pleaser!

Ingredients

Scale

For the chicken:

6 boneless skinless chicken thighs
1 teaspoon kosher salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
½ teaspoon paprika
2 tablespoons vegetable oil

For the sauce:

1 recipe bang bang sauce, or 1 cup storebought
Green onions, chopped for garnish

Instructions

Combine salt, pepper, and paprika. In a small bowl, mix together the salt, black pepper, and paprika.
Apply seasoning to chicken. Evenly coat the chicken thighs with the seasoning mixture.
Heat oil. Cook chicken. Heat oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat. Cook the chicken thighs for about 5 minutes on each side or until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F.
Remove chicken from skillet. Remove the cooked chicken from the skillet and set aside on a plate.
Pour in bang bang sauce. Add the bang bang sauce to the skillet and simmer for 1-2 minutes.
Put chicken back into skillet. Return the chicken thighs to the skillet and coat them with the sauce.
Garnish with green onions. Serve. Sprinkle chopped green onions over the chicken before serving.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Category: Main Dish
Method: Skillet
Cuisine: American