Bang Bang Chicken Skewers Recipe
If you crave a dish that combines tender, juicy chicken with a bold, creamy, spicy kick, this Bang Bang Chicken Skewers Recipe is here to brighten your dinner table. It’s a delightful play on flavors and textures, where smoky, paprika-seasoned chicken meets a luscious sauce that’s sweet, tangy, and with just the right amount of heat. Perfect for a quick weeknight meal or a fun gathering with friends, these skewers bring an exciting twist to grilled chicken that’ll have everyone asking for seconds.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this Bang Bang Chicken Skewers Recipe plays a vital part in delivering that irresistible taste and texture. From the juicy, well-seasoned chicken thighs to the creamy, flavorful sauce, these simple essentials make the magic happen.
- 1 1/2 pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs: The juiciest part of the chicken that absorbs spices beautifully and stays tender.
- 1 tbsp olive oil: Helps the seasoning cling to the chicken while adding a subtle richness.
- 1 tsp paprika: Adds smoky depth and vibrant color to the chicken cubes.
- 1 tsp garlic powder: Boosts flavor with a gentle garlicky warmth without overpowering the dish.
- 1 tsp salt: Essential to bring out all the other flavors perfectly.
- 1/2 tsp black pepper: Adds a mild spicy note that balances the sweetness in the sauce.
- 1 cup mayonnaise: Creates the creamy base of the signature Bang Bang sauce.
- 1/2 cup sweet chili sauce: Provides the perfect sweet and slightly spicy kick that defines the sauce.
- 1 tbsp hot sauce: Bring in the heat; adjust to your spice tolerance for the perfect zing.
- 2 tbsp honey: A touch of natural sweetness that harmonizes the sauce’s flavors.
- 1 tsp salt (for the sauce): Balances the sweetness and brings out the chili notes.
How to Make Bang Bang Chicken Skewers Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
The first step is all about prep. Cut your boneless, skinless chicken thighs into evenly sized 1-inch cubes—this ensures every piece cooks uniformly, giving you those perfectly tender bites we all love.
Step 2: Season and Marinate
In a large bowl, toss the chicken cubes with olive oil, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Make sure every piece is well-coated, then cover and pop it into the fridge for at least 30 minutes. This marinating time allows the flavors to seep in deeply to the chicken, building a robust taste base.
Step 3: Make the Bang Bang Sauce
While the chicken marinates, whisk together the mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, hot sauce, honey, and salt in a bowl. Taste as you go, adjusting the hot sauce if you want it spicier or milder. Set aside a little sauce for serving, making sure you have extra to brush on later.
Step 4: Thread the Chicken
Thread your marinated chicken cubes onto skewers, spacing them just enough so the heat circulates all around each piece. Overcrowding will steam the chicken rather than crisp it up, so give them some breathing room!
Step 5: Brush with Sauce
Generously brush each skewer with the Bang Bang sauce right before cooking for a head start on flavor and caramelization. This step really elevates the dish with its glossy, spicy-sweet coating.
Step 6: Air Fry the Skewers
Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C), then arrange the skewers in a single layer, careful not to crowd. Cook for 12 to 15 minutes, flipping halfway, until the chicken browns beautifully and hits an internal temp of 165°F (74°C). The air fryer crisps up the edges perfectly while keeping the inside juicy.
Step 7: Finish with More Sauce
Right after cooking, brush on more Bang Bang sauce for that extra flavorful punch and irresistible shine. Serve your Bang Bang Chicken Skewers hot, garnished with fresh herbs or sesame seeds as you like.
How to Serve Bang Bang Chicken Skewers Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh chopped parsley or toasted sesame seeds add that final aromatic touch and a hint of texture, making your skewers look as fantastic as they taste. A squeeze of lime or a sprinkle of sliced scallions can also brighten the presentation and flavor.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs wonderfully with refreshing cucumber salad, fluffy jasmine rice, or crunchy slaw to balance the rich and spicy chicken. The contrast in textures and temperatures makes every bite exciting.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to wow your guests? Serve these skewers over a bed of coconut rice, alongside colorful grilled vegetables, or even chopped and tossed into crunchy lettuce cups for a fun, handheld meal. They also make great finger food for casual parties when served with extra dipping sauce.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers, store the cooked skewers and remaining sauce separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This keeps the chicken juicy and the sauce fresh for another delicious round.
Freezing
You can freeze the uncooked, marinated chicken cubes on skewers by wrapping them tightly and placing them in a freezer bag. Thaw thoroughly in the fridge before cooking. Cooked skewers don’t freeze as well but can be frozen if necessary; just expect slight texture changes.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in the oven or air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for about 5 to 7 minutes, just until warmed through to preserve the crisp coating. Avoid microwaving if you want to keep that irresistible texture.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs for this Bang Bang Chicken Skewers Recipe?
Absolutely! Chicken breast works fine, just be mindful not to overcook since it’s leaner and can dry out faster. Marinate well and keep an eye on the cooking time.
How spicy is the Bang Bang sauce?
The heat level can be customized easily by adjusting the amount of hot sauce you add. It’s meant to be a balanced spicy-sweet sauce, but you can dial up or tone down the spice to suit your taste.
Do I have to use an air fryer?
Not at all! While the air fryer gives great crispiness with less oil, you can grill, bake, or even pan-fry these skewers. Just cook until the chicken is fully done and nicely browned.
Can I make the Bang Bang sauce ahead of time?
Yes, the sauce can be made a day ahead and stored in the fridge. This actually helps the flavors meld beautifully, making your Bang Bang Chicken Skewers Recipe even more delicious.
What can I serve with this dish for a low-carb meal?
Pair the skewers with cauliflower rice, steamed broccoli, or a fresh green salad to keep it low-carb while still filling and flavorful.
Final Thoughts
This Bang Bang Chicken Skewers Recipe truly is a delicious crowd-pleaser that brings big flavor with minimal fuss. I hope you enjoy the incredible blend of creamy, spicy, and sweet notes it offers as much as I do. Once you try it, it will surely become one of your go-to recipes for quick, tasty meals that impress every time.
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Bang Bang Chicken Skewers Recipe
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
These Bang Bang Chicken Skewers are juicy, flavorful chicken thighs marinated in a blend of spices and coated with a creamy, spicy Bang Bang sauce. Perfectly cooked in the air fryer for a crispy exterior and tender interior, they make a quick and delicious appetizer or main dish that’s both easy to prepare and packed with bold flavors.
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 the 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 until the chicken is thoroughly coated. 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 the mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, hot sauce, honey, and salt until 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 a small gap between pieces for even cooking. Avoid overcrowding the skewers.
- Brush with Sauce: Generously brush the skewered chicken pieces with some of the prepared Bang Bang sauce before air frying for extra flavor.
- Air Fry the Skewers: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Arrange the skewers in a single layer in the basket, ensuring they do not touch. 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 chicken skewers with additional 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. Provide extra Bang Bang sauce on the side for dipping.
Notes
- Use metal or soaked wooden skewers to prevent burning in the air fryer.
- Ensure chicken pieces are uniformly sized for even cooking.
- Adjust the heat level of the Bang Bang sauce by varying the amount of hot sauce.
- Leftover sauce can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- For a gluten-free option, verify that the sweet chili sauce is gluten-free.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
