If you’re craving a dish that bursts with flavor, a perfect balance of creamy, spicy, and sweet, you’re going to love this Bang Bang Chicken Skewers Recipe. These tender, juicy chicken skewers are soaked in a zingy homemade sauce that brings a playful kick to every bite. Whether you’re grilling, air frying, or serving them at a party, these skewers never fail to impress with their vibrant colors and addictive taste. Ready to dive into a recipe that’s as fun to make as it is to eat? Let’s get started!
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Bang Bang Chicken Skewers Recipe calls for simple, pantry-friendly ingredients that combine to create incredible taste and texture. Every component plays its part, from the succulent chicken thighs to the spicy-sweet sauce that brings everything together.
- 1 1/2 pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs: Choose thighs for juicy, tender meat that won’t dry out during cooking.
- 1 tbsp olive oil: Helps keep the chicken moist and aids in coating the seasoning evenly.
- 1 tsp paprika: Adds warm color and a subtle smoky flavor to the chicken.
- 1 tsp garlic powder: Infuses the meat with savory depth and aroma.
- 1 tsp salt: Essential for seasoning and balancing all the flavors.
- 1/2 tsp black pepper: Provides a mild heat that complements the other spices.
- 1 cup mayonnaise: Forms the creamy base of the signature Bang Bang sauce.
- 1/2 cup sweet chili sauce: Adds sweetness and a gentle spicy sweetness for that perfect flavor contrast.
- 1 tbsp hot sauce (or more to taste): Delivers the kick that makes it truly addictive.
- 2 tbsp honey: Brings a natural touch of sweetness to balance the spice and creaminess.
- 1 tsp salt (for sauce): Enhances the overall flavor of the dipping sauce.
How to Make Bang Bang Chicken Skewers Recipe
Step 1: Prep the Chicken
Start with cutting your boneless, skinless chicken thighs into 1-inch cubes. The key here is to keep the pieces uniform so they cook evenly and have that perfect, juicy texture you’re dreaming of.
Step 2: Marinate the Meat
In a large bowl, toss the chicken cubes with olive oil, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Make sure every piece is thoroughly coated to build layers of flavor. Then pop it into the fridge to marinate for at least 30 minutes—this waiting game is worth it for that deep, infused taste.
Step 3: Whip Up the Bang Bang Sauce
While your chicken marinates, mix the sauce ingredients: mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, hot sauce, honey, and salt in a bowl until smooth. Feel free to adjust the hot sauce to match your spice preference—the sauce is the heart of the Bang Bang Chicken Skewers Recipe, so it should make you smile!
Step 4: Skewer the Chicken
Thread the marinated chicken onto skewers, leaving a little space between pieces so heat circulates nicely and every bite cooks through perfectly. Avoid crowding, which can cause uneven cooking.
Step 5: Glaze and Air Fry
Brush the chicken skewers generously with some of the Bang Bang sauce before placing them in your air fryer. This extra layer of flavor creates a beautiful glaze as they cook. Set your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) and cook for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway to get that golden-brown finish and making sure the internal temp hits 165°F (74°C).
Step 6: Final Touch
Once cooked, give the skewers one last brush of the Bang Bang sauce for that irresistible sticky shine. This final step amps up the flavor and makes them look absolutely mouthwatering.
How to Serve Bang Bang Chicken Skewers Recipe
Garnishes
To finish off your Bang Bang Chicken Skewers Recipe, sprinkle freshly chopped parsley or a handful of toasted sesame seeds on top. These simple garnishes add a pop of color and a hint of freshness or crunch that makes every bite exciting.
Side Dishes
Serve these skewers alongside a crisp Asian-style slaw, steamed jasmine rice, or even a refreshing cucumber salad to balance the bold, creamy flavors. The right side can elevate the whole meal and keep things light and bright.
Creative Ways to Present
For a party, arrange the skewers on a platter over a bed of shredded lettuce or cabbage, and drizzle extra Bang Bang sauce in small bowls for dipping. You can even serve them in mini pita pockets or lettuce wraps for a fun finger food twist everyone will devour.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Bang Bang Chicken Skewers keep beautifully in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just make sure to store extra sauce separately to avoid sogginess.
Freezing
If you want to freeze the skewers, place them on a baking sheet to freeze individually first, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat the skewers in an air fryer or oven at 375°F (190°C) for 5-7 minutes to keep them juicy and crispy. Avoid microwaving if possible, as that can make them tough. Brush with extra Bang Bang sauce after reheating for that fresh-out-of-the-kitchen flavor.
FAQs
What kind of chicken is best for this recipe?
Boneless skinless chicken thighs are ideal for this Bang Bang Chicken Skewers Recipe because they stay juicy and tender even after cooking. Chicken breasts can be used but may dry out more easily.
Can I make the sauce ahead of time?
Absolutely! The Bang Bang sauce tastes even better when made a few hours ahead, allowing the flavors to meld. Just keep it refrigerated in an airtight container.
Are these skewers spicy?
The spice level depends on your hot sauce choice and how much you add. The recipe balances spice with sweetness, but feel free to adjust the heat to suit your palate.
Can I grill the skewers instead of air frying?
Definitely! Grilling imparts a lovely smoky flavor. Cook over medium-high heat for about 10-12 minutes, turning regularly until cooked through and nicely charred.
What can I use instead of sweet chili sauce?
If you can’t find sweet chili sauce, try a mixture of honey and a mild chili garlic sauce. This will give you similar sweetness and heat, keeping true to the Bang Bang flavor profile.
Final Thoughts
This Bang Bang Chicken Skewers Recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, perfect for weeknight dinners, casual get-togethers, or whenever you want to treat yourself to something truly flavorful and fun. The balance of creamy, sweet, and spicy in the sauce combined with juicy, tender chicken makes it a winner every time. Give it a try and watch it quickly become one of your favorite go-to recipes!
Print
Bang Bang Chicken Skewers Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Bang Bang Chicken Skewers recipe features juicy, marinated chicken thighs coated in a spicy, sweet, and creamy sauce. The chicken is skewered and cooked in an air fryer to achieve a crispy exterior while keeping the meat tender and flavorful. Perfect as an appetizer or a main dish, these skewers are sure to delight those who enjoy a balanced kick of heat with a touch of sweetness.
Ingredients
Chicken Marinade
- 1 1/2 pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
Bang Bang Sauce
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 1/2 cup sweet chili sauce
- 1 tbsp hot sauce (or more to taste)
- 2 tbsp honey
- 1 tsp salt
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Cut the boneless, skinless chicken thighs into 1-inch cubes, ensuring uniform pieces for even cooking.
- Marinate the Chicken: In a large mixing bowl, combine the chicken cubes with olive oil, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Toss well to coat the chicken evenly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to enhance flavor.
- Make the Bang Bang Sauce: In a separate bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, hot sauce, honey, and salt until smooth and fully combined. Adjust the hot sauce amount according to your spice preference. Reserve some sauce for serving.
- Skewer the Chicken: Thread the marinated chicken cubes onto skewers, leaving a small gap between pieces to promote even cooking. Avoid overcrowding the skewers.
- Brush with Sauce: Generously brush the chicken skewers with the prepared Bang Bang sauce to infuse extra flavor before cooking.
- Air Fry the Skewers: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Place the skewers in a single layer in the basket without touching each other. Air fry for 12-15 minutes, flipping the skewers halfway through until the chicken is browned and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Finish with Sauce: Once cooked, brush the skewers with more Bang Bang sauce for a glossy, flavorful coating.
- Serve: Serve the Bang Bang Chicken Skewers hot, optionally garnished with freshly chopped parsley or sesame seeds. Offer extra Bang Bang sauce on the side for dipping.
Notes
- For best results, use boneless skinless chicken thighs as they remain tender and juicy.
- Soaking wooden skewers in water for 30 minutes before use prevents burning during cooking.
- You can adjust the spiciness by increasing or decreasing the hot sauce in the Bang Bang sauce.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Serve with a side of steamed rice or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
