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