If you’re craving a bold, finger-licking chicken dish that packs a serious punch of flavor, you’re in for a real treat with this Bang Bang Chicken Skewers Recipe. These skewers bring together juicy, perfectly seasoned chicken thighs dunked in a creamy, spicy, and sweet Bang Bang sauce that’s nothing short of addictive. Whether you’re firing up the air fryer on a weeknight or entertaining guests, this recipe is simple, fast, and bursting with layers of savory goodness that will have everyone asking for seconds. Let me walk you through how to create this vibrant dish that balances heat, sweetness, and tang in every single bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting the ingredients right is the secret to making this Bang Bang Chicken Skewers Recipe shine. Each component plays a crucial role, from tender chicken thighs that keep the skewers juicy, to the spices and sauce that build the unmistakable flavor profile. You’ll be amazed at how easy these essentials come together to create something extraordinary.
- 1 1/2 pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs: These ensure juicy, tender meat that doesn’t dry out during cooking.
- 1 tbsp olive oil: Helps evenly coat the chicken and keeps it moist while cooking.
- 1 tsp paprika: Adds a subtle smoky depth and vibrant color.
- 1 tsp garlic powder: Brings that irresistible savory kick that complements chicken perfectly.
- 1 tsp salt: Essential for enhancing all the flavors.
- 1/2 tsp black pepper: Adds just the right amount of mild heat and complexity.
- 1 cup mayonnaise: The creamy base for the luscious Bang Bang sauce.
- 1/2 cup sweet chili sauce: Provides sweetness with a gentle spicy tang to elevate the sauce.
- 1 tbsp hot sauce: Kickstarts the heat level; adjust to your taste for mild or fiery spice.
- 2 tbsp honey: Balances the heat with a natural sweetness that makes the sauce irresistible.
- 1 tsp salt (for sauce): Balances and enhances all the sauce’s flavors perfectly.
How to Make Bang Bang Chicken Skewers Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Start by cutting the chicken thighs into uniform 1-inch cubes. This ensures they cook evenly on the skewers, so you won’t end up with some pieces undercooked while others are dry. Precision in this step sets the stage for perfectly cooked, tender bites every time.
Step 2: Season and Marinate
Place the chicken cubes in a large bowl and add olive oil, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Toss everything well so each piece is beautifully coated with the spices. Marinating for at least 30 minutes inside the fridge allows the flavors to deeply penetrate the meat, making each bite flavorful and juicy.
Step 3: Make the Bang Bang Sauce
While the chicken marinates, blend together mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, hot sauce, honey, and salt until silky smooth. This luscious sauce is the heart and soul of the Bang Bang Chicken Skewers Recipe. Be sure to taste and adjust the hot sauce according to your preferred spice level. Reserve some sauce for serving — you’ll want that extra drizzle later!
Step 4: Thread the Chicken
Now it’s time to skewer the chicken. Thread the marinated cubes onto your skewers, leaving a bit of space between each piece to help air circulate and cook the chicken evenly. Overcrowding will lead to inconsistent cooking, so keep it neat and spaced out.
Step 5: Brush with Sauce
Generously brush each skewer with some of the Bang Bang sauce you made earlier. This not only adds flavor but helps develop a gorgeous glaze when cooking, locking in moisture and enhancing that beautiful color.
Step 6: Air Fry the Skewers
Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Place the skewers in a single layer inside the basket, making sure they don’t touch. Air fry for 12 to 15 minutes, flipping halfway through. The chicken should be golden and cooked through, reaching an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for safety and perfect tenderness.
Step 7: Finish with More Sauce
As soon as the chicken is cooked, brush on an extra layer of Bang Bang sauce to give the skewers a glossy, flavorful finish. This step really makes the dish pop, delivering that irresistible sticky, spicy-sweet coating with every bite.
How to Serve Bang Bang Chicken Skewers Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh garnishes take these skewers from delicious to next-level. Sprinkle chopped parsley or toast some sesame seeds on top to add color, a hint of freshness, and a subtle crunch. A squeeze of lime can also brighten the dish beautifully.
Side Dishes
Bang Bang Chicken Skewers are fantastic paired with simple sides. Consider serving with steamed jasmine rice, crunchy cucumber salad, or even some grilled veggies for a colorful, balanced meal that complements the bold flavors perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
For parties or casual gatherings, present your Bang Bang Chicken Skewers Recipe on a platter with small bowls of extra sauce for dipping. Or, serve them over a bed of mixed greens drizzled with a light vinaigrette for a fresh twist. These little ideas make your dish stand out and invite everyone to indulge.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover skewers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Keeping them chilled preserves the flavor and texture, making them perfect for a quick lunch or snack the next day.
Freezing
You can freeze cooked Bang Bang Chicken Skewers by placing them on a baking sheet to freeze individually, then transferring to a freezer-safe bag. This method prevents them from sticking together and allows you to enjoy this dish any time the craving hits, up to three months later.
Reheating
To reheat, pop the skewers in an air fryer or oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes until warmed through. This keeps the chicken moist while refreshing the sauce’s delicious glossy finish perfectly.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Absolutely! Chicken breasts work fine, but they tend to be leaner and can dry out faster, so watch your cooking time closely. Thighs give you that juicy, tender texture that really makes this Bang Bang Chicken Skewers Recipe shine.
What if I don’t have an air fryer?
No worries! You can grill these skewers on a BBQ or bake them in the oven at 400°F, turning halfway through until cooked through. The air fryer just speeds up the process and adds a lovely crispness.
How spicy is the Bang Bang sauce?
The sauce has a gentle kick from the hot sauce but balances perfectly with the sweetness from honey and sweet chili sauce. You can easily adjust the heat by adding more or less hot sauce to suit your preference.
Can I prepare the sauce ahead of time?
Definitely! The Bang Bang sauce can be made up to two days in advance and kept refrigerated. This actually allows the flavors to develop even more, making your final dish taste even better.
Are these skewers suitable for meal prep?
Yes, these skewers hold up well in the fridge, making them ideal for meal prep. Pair with your favorite sides, and you have flavorful lunches or dinners ready to go that are both satisfying and quick to reheat.
Final Thoughts
This Bang Bang Chicken Skewers Recipe is one of those dishes you’ll want to keep in your regular rotation. It’s simple, flavorful, and perfect for any occasion, whether a busy weeknight or a fun get-together. I can’t wait for you to try it and discover how these skewers deliver creamy, spicy, sweet deliciousness in every bite. Once you do, it will surely become a favorite—just like it is for me!
Print
Bang Bang Chicken Skewers Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
Description
Delicious and spicy Bang Bang Chicken Skewers made with tender boneless chicken thighs, marinated in a flavorful blend of spices, and coated with a creamy, sweet, and spicy Bang Bang sauce. Cooked to perfection in an air fryer for a quick and crispy finish, this recipe is perfect for a tasty appetizer or main dish that serves six.
Ingredients
Chicken and 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 all pieces are uniform to promote even cooking.
- Season and Marinate: In a large mixing bowl, combine the chicken cubes with olive oil, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Toss to coat evenly. Cover and marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to enhance the 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 according to your preferred spice level. Set aside some sauce for serving.
- Thread the Chicken: Skewer the marinated chicken cubes onto skewers, leaving small gaps between the pieces for even cooking; avoid overcrowding.
- Brush with Sauce: Generously brush the skewered chicken cubes with some of the prepared Bang Bang sauce before cooking to infuse flavor.
- Air Fry the Skewers: Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Place the skewers in a single layer in the air fryer basket without touching. Air fry for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the chicken is browned and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Finish with More Sauce: Once cooked, brush the skewers with additional Bang Bang sauce to give a glossy, flavorful coating.
- Serve: Serve the Bang Bang Chicken Skewers hot, optionally garnished with freshly chopped parsley or sesame seeds, and offer extra Bang Bang sauce on the side for dipping.
Notes
- Ensure chicken pieces are cut evenly for consistent cooking.
- Marinating the chicken improves flavor and tenderness.
- Adjust the amount of hot sauce to control the spiciness.
- Use oil-safe skewers if using wooden skewers to prevent burning (soak wooden skewers in water for 30 minutes before use).
- Check internal temperature to ensure chicken is fully cooked (165°F/74°C).
- Garnish with parsley or sesame seeds for extra presentation and flavor.
