Ingredients
Scale
To make this delicious recipe, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 6 boneless skinless chicken thighs – Chicken thighs provide juiciness and rich flavor. If preferred, you can use bone-in chicken, but cooking time will increase.
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt – Enhances the natural flavor of the chicken.
- ½ teaspoon black pepper – Adds mild heat to the seasoning.
- ½ teaspoon paprika – Paprika offers subtle sweetness and deepens the color of the chicken.
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil – Use a neutral oil with a high smoke point, such as vegetable or canola oil, for frying.
- 1 recipe bang bang sauce (or 1 cup store-bought) – This creamy, spicy sauce is the star of the dish. (You can make it at home by mixing mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, and a touch of honey.)
- Green onions (chopped, for garnish) – Adds a pop of color and freshness.
Optional Ingredients for Customization
- Red pepper flakes for extra heat
- Cilantro for a herbaceous garnish
- Lemon wedges for a bright, tangy twist
Instructions
- Season the Chicken: In a small bowl, mix together the kosher salt, black pepper, and paprika. Pat the chicken thighs dry with a paper towel to ensure a crispy exterior when cooked. Then, rub the seasoning mixture evenly over both sides of each chicken thigh.
- Heat the Skillet: In a large nonstick skillet, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Once the oil is hot and shimmering, add the seasoned chicken thighs in a single layer. You may need to cook them in batches if your skillet is small.
- Cook the Chicken: Let the chicken cook undisturbed for 5 minutes, allowing it to develop a golden-brown crust. Then, flip each thigh, reduce the heat to medium-low, and cook for an additional 5 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. This ensures the chicken is fully cooked and safe to eat.
- Remove and Rest the Chicken: Once cooked, remove the chicken thighs from the skillet and place them on a plate. Tent the plate with aluminum foil to keep the chicken warm while you prepare the sauce.
- Prepare the Sauce: In the same skillet, add the bang bang sauce. Stir well, making sure to scrape up any flavorful browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Let the sauce simmer for 1-2 minutes until heated through.
- Combine the Chicken and Sauce: Return the chicken thighs to the skillet, coating each one generously with the bang bang sauce. Cook for another minute to let the flavors meld.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove the skillet from the heat, garnish the chicken with chopped green onions, and serve immediately.
Notes
If you have leftovers, you can store the chicken and sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, warm the chicken in the skillet over medium heat for 3-4 minutes, or microwave until heated through. Be careful not to overcook the chicken when reheating, as it can become dry.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dinner