Bang Bang Chicken Skewers Recipe

Get ready to up your grilling game with Bang Bang Chicken Skewers! This flavor-packed dish brings together juicy chicken, smoky spices, and a creamy, spicy-sweet sauce that makes each bite irresistible. Whether you’re hosting a backyard party or just craving something bold and comforting for dinner, these skewers are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Plus, they cook up quickly, making them perfect for busy weeknights or laid-back weekends when you want maximum taste with minimal fuss.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Bang Bang Chicken Skewers lies in their simplicity: each ingredient adds a special punch of taste, color, or irresistible texture. From the tender marinated chicken to the zesty sauce, every element counts and works in harmony.

• 1 1/2 pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs: The star of the show; thighs stay juicy and flavorful, preventing your skewers from drying out.
• 1 tbsp olive oil: Locks in moisture and helps the seasonings coat every morsel of chicken.
• 1 tsp paprika: Brings a rich color and subtle smoky depth to the meat.
• 1 tsp garlic powder: Adds savory warmth and aromatic complexity that pairs perfectly with the sauce.
• 1 tsp salt: Essential for drawing out the chicken’s natural flavor and enhancing the overall taste.
• ½ tsp black pepper: Gives a gentle kick of heat and balances the sweetness of the sauce.
• 1 cup mayonnaise: Forms the lusciously creamy base of your Bang Bang sauce, binding everything together.
• 1/2 cup sweet chili sauce: Infuses the signature sweet and slightly spicy zing into the sauce.
• 1 tbsp hot sauce: Brings the fire—add more or less depending on your heat tolerance.
• 2 tbsp honey: Adds just the right touch of sweetness to mellow the spice and blend the flavors.
• 1 tsp salt (for the sauce): Sharpens and balances the sauce for the perfect finishing touch.

How to Make Bang Bang Chicken Skewers

Step 1: Prepare and Cut the Chicken

Start by slicing your boneless, skinless chicken thighs into uniform, one-inch cubes. Consistent size ensures the pieces cook evenly and soak up all those delicious flavors. If you’re working with fresh chicken, keep things chilled until you’re ready to marinate to maintain maximum juiciness.

Step 2: Season and Marinate

In a large mixing bowl, toss the chicken cubes with olive oil, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Give everything a thorough mix so every piece is coated with this flavorful rub. Pop the bowl in the fridge for at least 30 minutes—this gives the spices time to infuse the meat, setting the stage for ultra-tender Bang Bang Chicken Skewers.

Step 3: Make the Bang Bang Sauce

Meanwhile, whip up your crave-worthy Bang Bang sauce! Simply combine the mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, hot sauce, honey, and a pinch of salt in a separate bowl. Whisk until smooth and vibrant. This sauce is pure magic and brings the signature bang to your Bang Bang Chicken Skewers.

Step 4: Thread the Skewers

Grab your marinated chicken and thread the cubes onto skewers, leaving a small gap between each piece. This spacing is key for even air flow and caramelization—nobody wants a soggy skewer! Don’t overcrowd; you want each bite to have those perfect, crispy edges.

Step 5: Brush with Sauce

Before these beauties hit the heat, generously brush the skewers with your homemade Bang Bang sauce. This first layer soaks into the surface, guaranteeing a sticky, flavorful crust during cooking.

Step 6: Air Fry to Perfection

Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Once it’s nice and hot, lay the skewers in the basket in a single layer without overlapping them. Air fry for 12–15 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the chicken’s gorgeously golden and cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). The outside will be perfectly crispy, while the inside stays juicy.

Step 7: Brush, Garnish, and Serve

Give your cooked Bang Bang Chicken Skewers one more brush with the sauce while they’re hot. This final basting delivers a glossy, finger-licking finish. Sprinkle with chopped parsley or sesame seeds for a burst of color and crunch. Serve right away with extra sauce on the side!

How to Serve Bang Bang Chicken Skewers

Garnishes

A final sprinkling of chopped fresh parsley or a handful of toasted sesame seeds adds a pop of color and a satisfying crunch to your Bang Bang Chicken Skewers. For a touch of heat, try a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dusting of smoked paprika. A couple of lime wedges on the side brings brightness and balance—just a quick squeeze before eating truly wakes everything up!

Side Dishes

These skewers play well with all your favorite sides. For a fresh contrast, try serving them over a bed of crisp salad greens, next to a bowl of fluffy white rice, or with crunchy slaw. Roasted veggies, grilled corn, or light cucumber salad are also fantastic companions that let the bold Bang Bang Chicken Skewers shine.

Creative Ways to Present

If you want to make your Bang Bang Chicken Skewers a party centerpiece, stand the skewers upright in a tall glass lined with lettuce for a bouquet effect, or serve them on a platter with dipping sauce in the middle. For a fun twist, pull the chicken off the skewers and tuck into lettuce wraps or inside soft flatbreads for a flavorful hand-held meal.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Any leftovers (if you’re lucky enough to have some!) can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Be sure to separate the chicken from any fresh garnish or leftover sauce—store sauces in their own container to keep everything tasting its best.

Freezing

Bang Bang Chicken Skewers freeze beautifully! Simply let the chicken cool completely, then wrap the skewers tightly in foil or place in a freezer-safe bag. They’ll keep for up to two months. For best quality, freeze the chicken separately from the sauce, and make a fresh batch of sauce when you’re ready to serve.

Reheating

To bring leftovers back to life, reheat the skewers in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for a few minutes until hot and crispy, or bake in a preheated oven. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it can make the chicken rubbery. Serve with a fresh drizzle of Bang Bang sauce for maximum flavor!

FAQs

Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?

Absolutely! Chicken breast works as a leaner alternative. Just be mindful not to overcook, since breast meat can dry out faster than thighs. Marinating and brushing with sauce helps keep it juicy.

Is there a way to make Bang Bang Chicken Skewers keto-friendly?

Yes! Simply use full-fat mayonnaise, a low-carb sweet chili sauce, keto-friendly hot sauce, and sugar-free honey in the sauce. This tweaked version keeps you on track without sacrificing a bit of that signature sweet-spicy flavor.

Can I grill the skewers instead of using an air fryer?

Definitely! Grill over medium-high heat, turning occasionally, until the chicken reaches 165°F inside and gains those beautiful grill marks. They’ll be smoky, charred, and perfect for summer cookouts.

How spicy are Bang Bang Chicken Skewers?

They have a pleasant kick from the hot sauce and chili sauce, but the creamy mayonnaise and honey mellow out the heat. You can always dial the hot sauce up or down, making it milder for kids or bolder for spice lovers.

What is the best way to thread the chicken on skewers?

Thread the pieces with just a little space in between, which allows the hot air to circulate and the edges to get that irresistible caramelized finish. If using wooden skewers, soak them in water first so they don’t scorch during cooking.

Final Thoughts

Bang Bang Chicken Skewers are the kind of flavorful, sharable comfort food that everyone needs in their repertoire. I hope you give them a try soon—because once you see how simple, quick, and absolutely delicious they are, you’ll want to make them again and again. Fire up your air fryer and let’s get skewering!

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