Bang Bang Chicken Skewers Recipe

Bang Bang Chicken Skewers are absolute crowd-pleasers that bring together juicy, caramelized chicken bites slathered in the dreamiest spicy-sweet sauce. Whether you cook them on the grill or pop them in your air fryer, each skewer promises smoky, sticky, and ever-so-slightly fiery flavor in every bite. The signature bang bang sauce is downright addictive, rich with creamy mayo, zingy lime, and just the right kiss of heat. This is a recipe you’ll want to make on repeat for parties, family dinners, or anytime you crave a flavorful meal on sticks!

Ingredients You’ll Need

You’ll be amazed at how a handful of simple ingredients can create such an explosion of flavor, texture, and color in Bang Bang Chicken Skewers. Each plays a unique part—delivering tenderness, bold spice, and that irresistibly creamy sauce.

• Chicken thighs: Juicy and forgiving, these soak up every bit of flavor and stay tender on the skewer.
• Extra virgin olive oil: Adds moisture and helps lock in that juicy texture while grilling or air frying.
• Paprika: Lends mild warmth and beautiful color to your Bang Bang Chicken Skewers.
• Garlic powder: A classic for an aromatic, savory base that infuses the chicken through and through.
• Black pepper: Brings a gentle, earthy heat that rounds out the spice blend.
• Cayenne pepper: Delivers a punchy kick, but is totally adjustable depending on your spice preference.
• Salt: Essential for making every flavor pop—don’t skip it!
• Hot honey: Adds a sticky-sweet, spicy finish that takes the skewers over the top (or just use regular honey if you prefer).
• Mayonnaise: The creamy base for bang bang sauce—rich, luscious, and absolutely necessary.
• Lime juice: Freshly squeezed for a bright, zesty counterpoint to the heat and richness.
• Thai sweet chili sauce: Sweet, tangy, and with just a hint of heat—brings classic “bang bang” flavor.
• Sriracha: Adjust to taste for that signature spicy tang in your sauce.

How to Make Bang Bang Chicken Skewers

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

In a large bowl, combine your chicken thigh cubes with olive oil, paprika, garlic powder, black pepper, cayenne, and salt. Toss everything together until all the pieces are well coated. This simple marinade infuses the meat with rich, savory flavor and ensures each little nugget stays juicy—just what you want for perfect Bang Bang Chicken Skewers!

Step 2: Make the Bang Bang Sauce

In a medium bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, Thai sweet chili sauce, Sriracha, and fresh lime juice. The sauce should be creamy and pink-tinged with a balance of sweet, tangy, and spicy. Go ahead and taste it—adjust the Sriracha to suit your personal heat level! This flavorful sauce is the heart of Bang Bang Chicken Skewers.

Step 3: Thread the Skewers

While the chicken marinates, soak your wooden skewers in water (this prevents burning during cooking). Thread the chicken pieces onto the skewers, filling each one about halfway to three-quarters full. Place the assembled skewers on a baking sheet to keep things tidy.

Step 4: Brush and Glaze

Divide the bang bang sauce in half—set aside one portion for drizzling and dipping later. With the remaining sauce, brush each chicken skewer generously, making sure the sauce gets into every nook and cranny. This layer helps the skewers caramelize and develop that gorgeous, sticky crust.

Step 5: Grill or Air Fry

For the grill: Cook the skewers over medium-high heat for 15 to 20 minutes, turning often so they cook evenly and brushing with more sauce as you go. The chicken is done when it’s beautifully caramelized and reaches 165°F inside. For the air fryer: Arrange the skewers in a single layer (work in batches if needed) and air fry at 400°F for 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway. You want the edges golden and the inside juicy!

Step 6: Sauce, Drizzle, and Serve

As soon as the Bang Bang Chicken Skewers are cooked, transfer them to a plate and brush or drizzle with the reserved sauce and a bit of hot honey for a final blast of flavor. Serve immediately while they’re piping hot and totally irresistible.

How to Serve Bang Bang Chicken Skewers

Garnishes

A sprinkle of sliced scallions, sesame seeds, and a wedge of lime on each skewer adds a fresh pop of color and crunch, while also complementing those bold, spicy notes. Chopped cilantro or even crushed peanuts in tiny amounts can also offer an extra-savory twist. It’s all about a playful finish!

Side Dishes

Bang Bang Chicken Skewers pair fabulously with fluffy jasmine or coconut rice to soak up any extra sauce. Stir-fried veggies, crisp Asian slaw, or even cooled noodles dressed simply in sesame oil make delicious accompaniments. For a lighter meal, serve these skewers on top of a fresh salad.

Creative Ways to Present

If you’re feeding a crowd, stand the skewers upright in a tall glass or vase for a striking party centerpiece. For tapas-style nibbles, serve the chicken off the skewer with toothpicks and a bowl of bang bang sauce for dipping. Or tuck them into lettuce cups, spoon on the sauce, and sprinkle with garnishes for DIY lettuce wraps—always a hit!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Bang Bang Chicken Skewers keep beautifully in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days. The flavors actually deepen as they sit, making them just as tasty for lunchboxes or quick weeknight meals.

Freezing

If you need to freeze, place cooled, cooked skewers in a single layer on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag or sealed container. The sauce can also be frozen separately in a small container—simply stir once thawed for the perfect dipping consistency.

Reheating

To reheat, pop the Bang Bang Chicken Skewers back in the air fryer at 350°F for about 3 minutes or until warmed through. The microwave works in a pinch, but be careful not to overheat to keep the chicken juicy—short bursts are best, checking frequently.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs for Bang Bang Chicken Skewers?

Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken breasts also work well. Just keep an eye on doneness to avoid overcooking, as breasts are a bit leaner and can dry out faster than thighs.

How spicy are Bang Bang Chicken Skewers?

These skewers have a gentle heat, but you’re fully in control. For a milder version, simply reduce or omit the cayenne and Sriracha and skip the hot honey. Want things hotter? Add an extra squirt of Sriracha or a pinch of chili flakes to the sauce.

Can I make Bang Bang Chicken Skewers in advance for a party?

Yes! You can marinate and skewer the chicken ahead of time, then just grill, air fry, or bake before serving. Even the sauce can be prepared a day beforehand and kept chilled until you’re ready.

Do I need to soak wooden skewers every time?

It’s a step worth doing—soaking wooden skewers for at least 20 minutes while you prep helps prevent them from burning or splintering during cooking. If you use metal skewers, you can skip this step.

How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?

The safest bet is to use an instant-read thermometer: the chicken should register at 165°F in the thickest piece. You’ll also notice the edges are caramelized and the juices run clear—always a tasty sign your Bang Bang Chicken Skewers are ready!

Final Thoughts

If you’re ready to fall in love with a recipe that’s equal parts easy, vibrant, and totally satisfying, Bang Bang Chicken Skewers belong in your rotation. They deliver all the flavor you crave with almost no fuss—so gather your ingredients, fire up the grill or air fryer, and let the bang bang magic begin!

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