If you’re craving a dish that bursts with bold flavors and tender juiciness, the Bang Bang Chicken Skewers Recipe is exactly what you need on your table. These skewers offer a perfect balance of spicy, sweet, and creamy with every bite, making them a standout at any meal or gathering. The juicy chicken combined with a luscious homemade bang bang sauce creates a mouthwatering experience that’s easy to make yet incredibly satisfying. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or just starting out, this recipe will become a quick favorite you want to share again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
All the ingredients in this Bang Bang Chicken Skewers Recipe serve simple but crucial roles, transforming basic chicken into a captivating dish full of flavor, color, and texture. Each one is easy to find and comes together effortlessly.
- 1 1/2 pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs: Perfectly tender and juicy, chicken thighs absorb the marinade wonderfully, keeping the skewers moist.
- 1 tbsp olive oil: Adds a subtle richness and helps the seasonings stick to the chicken.
- 1 tsp paprika: Brings a smoky depth and vibrant color to the chicken marinade.
- 1 tsp garlic powder: Infuses the chicken with warm, savory aromatics.
- 1 tsp salt: Essential for seasoning and highlighting all the flavors.
- 1/2 tsp black pepper: Adds a gentle kick and complexity to the taste.
- 1 cup mayonnaise: Creates the creamy base for the irresistible bang bang sauce.
- 1/2 cup sweet chili sauce: Introduces sweetness and a bit of tangy heat for balance.
- 1 tbsp hot sauce: Provides a lively spicy punch—you can adjust the amount to your liking.
- 2 tbsp honey: Sweetens the sauce and gives it a beautiful glaze when cooked.
How to Make Bang Bang Chicken Skewers Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Start by cutting your boneless, skinless chicken thighs into 1-inch cubes. Keeping the pieces uniform ensures they cook evenly, which is key for juicy, perfectly cooked skewers every time.
Step 2: Season and Marinate
In a large mixing bowl, toss the chicken cubes with olive oil, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Make sure each piece is coated well—this seasoning mix will infuse the chicken with a fantastic flavor. Cover the bowl and let it marinate in the fridge for at least 30 minutes; this step really helps deepen the flavor and tenderize the meat.
Step 3: Make the Bang Bang Sauce
While your chicken marinates, whip up the star of the show—the bang bang sauce. In a separate bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, hot sauce, honey, and salt until smooth and creamy. Tweak the hot sauce quantity to match your preferred spice level. Save a bit of this sauce for serving later—it makes all the difference!
Step 4: Thread the Chicken
Grab your skewers and carefully thread the marinated chicken pieces, leaving a small space between each to ensure they cook through and get those lovely edges when air fried. Avoid crowding to let the heat circulate evenly.
Step 5: Brush with Sauce
Before cooking, generously brush your skewers with some of the bang bang sauce to add an extra layer of flavor. This step lets the sauce caramelize and coat the chicken beautifully during cooking.
Step 6: Air Fry the Skewers
Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Place the skewers in a single layer without them touching and air fry for 12-15 minutes. Remember to flip them halfway through to get an even golden color. The chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and has appealing browned edges.
Step 7: Finish with More Sauce
Once cooked, brush the skewers with extra bang bang sauce for a glossy, irresistible finish. This final touch amps up the flavor and gives each bite that creamy, spicy kick you’re after.
How to Serve Bang Bang Chicken Skewers Recipe
Garnishes
To make your Bang Bang Chicken Skewers pop visually and taste-wise, sprinkle them with freshly chopped parsley or a scattering of toasted sesame seeds. These add freshness and a slight crunch, elevating the whole experience.
Side Dishes
These skewers pair brilliantly with a cool cucumber salad or steamed jasmine rice, which balance the spicy sauce perfectly. For an extra crunchy contrast, serve alongside some crispy slaw or roasted vegetables.
Creative Ways to Present
Try arranging the skewers on a platter lined with lettuce leaves or fresh herbs. Offer extra bang bang sauce in small dipping bowls for guests to enjoy. For a fun twist, serve the skewers over noodle bowls or alongside grilled flatbreads for a shareable feast everyone will love.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, store the cooked skewers and any extra bang bang sauce separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This keeps the chicken flavorful and the sauce fresh.
Freezing
You can freeze the cooked chicken skewers by wrapping them tightly in foil or placing them in freezer-safe containers. Freeze for up to 2 months, and be sure to thaw them overnight in the fridge before reheating for best results.
Reheating
Reheat the skewers gently in an oven or air fryer at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it can make the chicken less juicy. Add a fresh brush of bang bang sauce post-reheating to revive the delicious flavors.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?
Absolutely! Chicken breast works fine but tends to be leaner and can dry out easier. Marinate well and keep an eye on cooking time for juicy results.
What if I don’t have an air fryer?
No worries! You can grill or broil the skewers in the oven. Just watch the cooking time and turn frequently to cook evenly.
How spicy is the Bang Bang Chicken Skewers Recipe?
The heat level is adjustable since you control the amount of hot sauce. Start with less and add more according to your spice tolerance.
Can I make the sauce without mayonnaise?
You could substitute with Greek yogurt for a tangier, lighter version, but the creamy texture mayonnaise offers is key to that classic bang bang sauce feel.
Are the skewers gluten-free?
Yes! This recipe is naturally gluten-free, but always check labels on sauces to ensure there are no hidden gluten ingredients.
Final Thoughts
This Bang Bang Chicken Skewers Recipe has become one of my go-to dishes for both casual weeknights and fun get-togethers. It’s simple to make, packed with vibrant flavors, and a real crowd-pleaser that’s sure to impress. I can’t wait for you to try it out—you’ll quickly see why this recipe is so easy to love and share!
Print
Bang Bang Chicken Skewers Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Bang Bang Chicken Skewers are a quick and flavorful appetizer featuring marinated chicken thigh cubes coated in a creamy, spicy, and sweet Bang Bang sauce. Perfectly cooked in the air fryer to achieve juicy, tender chicken with a smoky char, it’s an easy recipe that delivers big on taste in under 30 minutes.
Ingredients
Chicken and Seasoning
- 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, making sure the pieces are uniform for even cooking.
- Season and Marinate: In a large bowl, combine the chicken cubes with olive oil, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Toss well to coat all pieces thoroughly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors penetrate.
- Make the Bang Bang Sauce: In a separate bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, hot sauce, honey, and salt until smooth and consistent. Adjust hot sauce quantity to suit your preferred spice level. Reserve some sauce for serving.
- Thread the Chicken: Skewer the marinated chicken cubes onto skewers, leaving small gaps between pieces to ensure even cooking. Avoid overcrowding the skewers.
- Brush with Sauce: Generously brush the chicken on the skewers with some of 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 inside the air fryer basket, ensuring the pieces do not touch. Air fry for 12 to 15 minutes, flipping them halfway through cooking until the chicken is browned and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Finish with More Sauce: Once cooked, brush the skewers again with additional Bang Bang sauce for a glossy, flavorful finish.
- Serve: Serve the Bang Bang Chicken Skewers hot, garnished with freshly chopped parsley or sesame seeds if desired. Provide extra Bang Bang sauce on the side for dipping.
Notes
- Use chicken thighs instead of breasts for juicier and more flavorful skewers.
- Ensure the chicken pieces are uniform in size for even cooking in the air fryer.
- You can soak wooden skewers in water for 30 minutes to prevent burning during cooking.
- Adjust the hot sauce in the Bang Bang sauce according to your spice preference.
- Leftover Bang Bang sauce can be refrigerated for up to 3 days in an airtight container.
