Bang Bang Chicken Skewers Recipe
If you’re craving a dish that’s bursting with flavor, quick to prepare, and guaranteed to impress, you’ve landed in the right place. This Bang Bang Chicken Skewers Recipe brings together tender, juicy chicken thighs and a rich, spicy-sweet sauce that clings to every bite, creating a perfect balance of creamy heat and bold taste. Whether for a lively family dinner or your next gathering with friends, these skewers deliver a crowd-pleasing punch that’s as simple to make as it is delicious.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients for this Bang Bang Chicken Skewers Recipe is a breeze, and each one plays a key role in crafting that irresistible flavor and texture you’ll love. From the chicken thighs that stay juicy to the vibrant spices and the creamy, spicy sauce, every element is essential and easy to find.
- 1 1/2 pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs: Perfectly tender and flavorful, these cut into uniform cubes for even cooking on the skewers.
- 1 tbsp olive oil: Helps the spices stick while adding a subtle richness to the chicken.
- 1 tsp paprika: Adds a smoky depth and gorgeous color to the meat.
- 1 tsp garlic powder: Brings savory warmth that complements the chicken beautifully.
- 1 tsp salt: Enhances all the flavors and seasons the meat perfectly.
- 1/2 tsp black pepper: Adds just the right amount of gentle heat and complexity.
- 1 cup mayonnaise: Forms the creamy base of the bang bang sauce, making it luxuriously smooth.
- 1/2 cup sweet chili sauce: Injects a sweet-spicy kick that defines the classic bang bang flavor.
- 1 tbsp hot sauce (or more to taste): Customizes the heat level and adds a zesty punch to the sauce.
- 2 tbsp honey: Balances heat with natural sweetness and adds a glossy finish.
- 1 tsp salt: Seasoning the sauce perfectly for that well-rounded flavor.
How to Make Bang Bang Chicken Skewers Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Start by cutting the boneless, skinless chicken thighs into 1-inch cubes. Keeping the pieces uniform is key for them to cook evenly, ensuring every skewer has juicy, tender bites.
Step 2: Season and Marinate
Toss the chicken cubes in olive oil, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper in a big mixing bowl. Make sure every piece is well-coated. Cover and let the chicken marinate in the fridge for at least 30 minutes, which allows the spices to soak in and the flavors to deepen.
Step 3: Make the Bang Bang Sauce
While the chicken is resting, whisk together mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, hot sauce, honey, and salt in a separate bowl. This creamy, spicy sauce is what brings the whole Bang Bang Chicken Skewers Recipe to life. Adjust the hot sauce until it hits your perfect heat level, then set some sauce aside for serving later.
Step 4: Thread the Chicken
Carefully skewer the marinated chicken cubes, leaving a small gap between each piece to allow heat circulation for even cooking. Avoid overcrowding the skewers, so every bite cooks to perfection.
Step 5: Brush with Sauce
Generously brush the skewered chicken with the prepared bang bang sauce before cooking. This step infuses them with extra flavor for a beautifully lacquered finish once cooked.
Step 6: Air Fry the Skewers
Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Place the skewers carefully in a single layer inside the basket without them touching each other. Air fry for 12 to 15 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the chicken is golden brown and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
Step 7: Finish with More Sauce
Once cooked, brush the skewers with some more bang bang sauce for that signature glossy coating packed with flavor. Serve immediately to enjoy the full magic of this Bang Bang Chicken Skewers Recipe.
How to Serve Bang Bang Chicken Skewers Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or a scattering of toasted sesame seeds adds a pop of color and texture that perfectly complements the saucy warmth of the skewers. These little touches not only look fantastic but also provide an extra layer of flavor and a fresh contrast.
Side Dishes
Serve these skewers alongside fluffy jasmine rice, crisp Asian-style slaw, or tender steamed vegetables for a balanced meal that lets the bold bang bang sauce shine. Each side creates a lovely harmony of textures and flavors that elevate your dining experience.
Creative Ways to Present
For a party or casual snacking, arrange the skewers on a large platter with small bowls of extra bang bang sauce for dipping. You can also slide the cooked chicken off the skewers and toss with freshly chopped scallions and crushed peanuts for a noodle bowl or salad topping that bursts with flavor.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Bang Bang Chicken Skewers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep the sauce separate if possible to maintain the best texture of both the chicken and the sauce.
Freezing
You can freeze cooked skewers by wrapping them tightly in foil or plastic wrap and placing them in a freezer-safe container. They’ll keep well for up to 2 months, making it easy to enjoy this delicious Bang Bang Chicken Skewers Recipe whenever a craving strikes.
Reheating
To reheat, use an air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes or until warmed through, which helps keep the chicken juicy and the sauce slightly caramelized. Alternatively, reheat gently in the oven or microwave, brushing with more bang bang sauce before serving to revive those vibrant flavors.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs for this Bang Bang Chicken Skewers Recipe?
Absolutely! Chicken breasts will work fine, but keep in mind they are leaner and may cook a bit faster, so watch the timing closely to avoid drying out. Thighs tend to stay juicier and more flavorful.
What if I don’t have an air fryer?
No worries at all! You can grill the skewers on a barbecue or broil them in the oven. Just keep an eye on them and turn frequently to get that lovely char and cook evenly.
Is the bang bang sauce spicy?
The sauce has a nice spicy kick balanced by sweetness and creaminess. You can easily adjust the heat by adding more or less hot sauce according to your preference.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian or vegan?
If you want to make a plant-based version, consider using tofu or seitan cubes marinated and cooked the same way. Swap the mayonnaise for a vegan mayo to keep the sauce creamy and delicious.
How long can skewers marinate?
While 30 minutes is perfect for quick flavor infusion, you can marinate the chicken for up to 4 hours in the fridge for a more intense taste. Just don’t exceed that, so the texture stays tender.
Final Thoughts
There is something so satisfying about the ease and bold flavors of this Bang Bang Chicken Skewers Recipe. It’s one of those dishes that quickly becomes a favorite because of how simple it is to prepare and how utterly delicious it tastes every time. So grab your skewers, whip up that sauce, and treat yourself to a meal full of excitement and warmth.
Print
Bang Bang Chicken Skewers Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
Delicious and spicy Bang Bang Chicken Skewers made with tender boneless skinless chicken thighs marinated in flavorful spices and coated in a creamy, sweet, and tangy Bang Bang sauce. These skewers are air fried to crispy perfection for a quick and satisfying appetizer or main dish.
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, making sure all pieces are roughly the same size for even cooking.
- Season and Marinate: In a large mixing bowl, combine the chicken pieces with olive oil, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Toss well to coat all pieces evenly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
- Make the Bang Bang Sauce: In a separate bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, hot sauce, honey, and salt. Adjust the hot sauce quantity according to your preferred spice level. Reserve a portion of the sauce for serving.
- Thread the Chicken: Skewer the marinated chicken cubes onto skewers, leaving small gaps between pieces to ensure even cooking and airflow.
- Brush with Sauce: Generously brush the skewered chicken pieces with some of the Bang Bang sauce, coating all sides to enhance flavor before cooking.
- 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, ensuring they do not touch each other. Cook for 12-15 minutes, flipping the skewers halfway through. The chicken should be golden brown and reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Finish with More Sauce: Once cooked, brush the skewers with additional Bang Bang sauce for a glossy finish and extra flavor.
- Serve: Serve the Bang Bang Chicken Skewers hot, optionally garnished with freshly chopped parsley or sesame seeds. Provide extra Bang Bang sauce on the side for dipping.
Notes
- For best results, marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes, but you can also marinate up to 2 hours for deeper flavor.
- If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for 30 minutes before threading to prevent burning in the air fryer.
- Adjust the hot sauce quantity in the Bang Bang sauce to accommodate your preferred spice tolerance.
- Serve with steamed rice or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: Asian Fusion