Skillet Bang Bang Chicken Thighs Recipe For Summer

Servings: 6 Total Time: 22 mins Difficulty: Beginner
Skillet Bang Bang Chicken Thighs Recipe For Summer
View Gallery 1 photo

Need dinner done fast? Like, really fast?
This skillet bang bang chicken thighs recipe is your new go-to. Especially for summer when you don’t wanna turn on the oven or spend forever in the kitchen.
Crispy outside, juicy inside, all smothered in that creamy-spicy bang bang sauce? Yesss, please.

It’s easy. Like, really easy. And only takes about 20 minutes from start to finish.

Why This Works for Summer?

Super fast. Only like 20 minutes total. No oven needed. Just one pan, some spices, and bam — dinner’s done. Great with rice, noodles, or just straight from the pan (no shame).

Ingredients You’ll Need

  • 6 boneless skinless chicken thighs (or use bone-in if you like)
  • 1 tsp kosher salt
  • ½ tsp black pepper
  • ½ tsp paprika (smoked adds nice flavor)
  • 2 tbsp vegetable oil (can swap with olive oil)
  • 1 cup bang bang sauce (store-bought or homemade)
  • Chopped green onions for garnish

Substitutes:

  • Don’t got paprika? Use garlic powder or chili powder
  • Can’t find bang bang sauce? Mix mayo, sriracha, honey, and a splash of rice vinegar
  • Out of green onions? Skip or use cilantro

How To Make Skillet Bang Bang Chicken Thighs

Step 1: Season the chicken

Mix salt, pepper, paprika in small bowl. Rub evenly over chicken. Easy.

Step 2: Cook the chicken

Heat oil in large nonstick skillet on medium heat. Add chicken (might need to cook in batches). Cook 5 mins per side or until golden and cooked through. Internal temp should be 165°F.

Step 3: Sauce it up

Take chicken out. Pour bang bang sauce into same skillet. Stir around, let it warm up for a couple mins. Scrape up those brown bits — adds flavor!

Step 4: Coat and serve

Put chicken back into the sauce. Spoon sauce over each piece. Top with green onions. Serve hot

Serving Suggestions

Serve with:

  • Rice
  • Noodles
  • Grilled veggies
  • Salad
  • Or just eat it with a fork straight from the pan 🤷‍♀️

Great with cold drinks and friends around the table.

Leftovers?

Store leftover chicken in fridge for 3–4 days. Reheat in microwave or pan.
If sauce thickens, add a splash of water or broth to loosen it up.

Want more meals later? Freeze half before adding sauce. Defrost and cook fresh when ready.

Tips & Tricks

  • Don’t overcrowd the pan — cook in batches
  • Tent chicken with foil after cooking to keep warm
  • Add extra spice with sriracha or chili flakes
  • Use a meat thermometer to check doneness
  • If pan gets too dry while making sauce, add a tiny bit of water

Skillet Bang Bang Chicken Thighs Recipe For Summer

Difficulty: Beginner Prep Time 10 mins Cook Time 12 mins Total Time 22 mins
Servings: 6 Estimated Cost: $ 10 Calories: 336 kcal
Best Season: Summer

Description

Super juicy chicken thighs cooked in a creamy, slightly spicy bang bang sauce — all in one skillet! Ready in under 30 minutes and perfect for summer dinners. No oven needed, just a pan and a few simple ingredients.

Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Mix salt, pepper, and paprika in a small bowl.
  2. Rub the spice mix over the chicken evenly.
  3. Heat oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat.
  4. Add chicken thighs (you may need to cook in batches).
  5. Cook 5 mins per side or until golden and cooked through (internal temp of 165°F).
  6. Remove chicken from pan, keep warm.
  7. Pour bang bang sauce into same skillet. Stir and let it simmer 1–2 mins.
  8. Put chicken back in, spoon sauce over each piece.
  9. Garnish with green onions. Serve hot.

Nutrition Facts

Servings 6


Amount Per Serving
Calories 336kcal
% Daily Value *
Total Fat 22g34%
Total Carbohydrate 3g1%
Protein 27g54%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Keywords: Skillet Bang Bang Chicken Thighs, Bang Bang Chicken Recipe, Summer Chicken Dinner, One Pan Chicken Recipe, Quick Chicken Thighs, Creamy Spicy Chicken, Easy Weeknight Dinner
Recipe Card powered by WP Delicious

Frequently Asked Questions

Expand All:

Can I use chicken breasts instead?

Yep! Just might cook a lil faster. Watch the time so they don’t dry out.

Is this spicy?

Mild to medium, depends on your bang bang sauce. Want it hotter? Add more sriracha.

What is bang bang sauce made of?

Usually mayo, sriracha, and a touch of sweetness — like honey or sugar. Some versions have rice vinegar or lime juice.

Can I grill the chicken instead?

You betcha! Grill thighs until done, then toss in sauce after.

Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *