Bang Bang Chicken Skewers Recipe

Bang Bang Chicken Skewers are the flavor-packed, crowd-pleasing finger food you’ll find yourself craving again and again. Each tender chicken cube is seasoned just right, air-fried to juicy perfection, and draped in a creamy, spicy-sweet Bang Bang sauce that hits all the right notes. Whether you’re serving these at a party, as a weeknight dinner, or part of a casual weekend get-together, you’ll be amazed at how they disappear from the plate. With their irresistible combination of bold flavors, easy preparation, and playful presentation, Bang Bang Chicken Skewers might just become your new go-to favorite.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Bang Bang Chicken Skewers lies in their accessible ingredient list. Each component, whether it’s a spice or a sauce, plays a starring role, lending either boldness, creaminess, or just the right touch of sweetness or heat for a perfectly balanced bite every time.

• Boneless Skinless Chicken Thighs: These stay moist and tender, even in the air fryer, making every bite juicy.
• Olive Oil: Helps the spices stick to the chicken and adds a rich undertone.
• Paprika: Contributes a smoky, subtle warmth and vibrant color to the chicken.
• Garlic Powder: Brings savory depth and that classic allium punch.
• Salt: Essential to unlock every flavor in the dish—including bringing the sauce to life.
• Black Pepper: A hint of spice that balances the rest of the seasonings marvelously.
• Mayonnaise: The base for the Bang Bang sauce, giving it creaminess and tang.
• Sweet Chili Sauce: Adds that perfect, sticky, sweet heat that defines Bang Bang flavor.
• Hot Sauce: Kicks up the heat—adjust more or less to match your spice preference.
• Honey: Rounds out the spicy elements in the sauce with a mellow, natural sweetness.

How to Make Bang Bang Chicken Skewers

Step 1: Prep the Chicken

Start by cutting your boneless, skinless chicken thighs into neat, bite-sized 1-inch cubes. Keeping the pieces uniform not only creates an appealing skewer but ensures each morsel cooks at the same pace, staying moist and juicy.

Step 2: Season and Marinate

In a large mixing bowl, combine the chicken cubes with olive oil, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Toss thoroughly, so every bit of chicken gets a cozy coat of spices. Letting the chicken marinate for at least 30 minutes in the fridge makes all the difference—the flavors soak in, and the meat stays ultra-tender once cooked.

Step 3: Whisk Up the Bang Bang Sauce

While the chicken chills, grab a separate bowl and get whisking. Combine mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, hot sauce, honey, and a pinch of salt for that signature Bang Bang sauce. Whisk until you have a velvety, orange-pink sauce with just the right blend of heat and sweet. Go ahead—sneak a taste!

Step 4: Skewer the Chicken

Thread the seasoned chicken pieces onto skewers, leaving a little breathing room between each piece. Crowding can lead to uneven cooking, so space them just right for golden, all-around results.

Step 5: Brush with Bang Bang Sauce

Before they hit the air fryer, give your chicken skewers a generous brush of Bang Bang sauce. This first layer caramelizes as it cooks, adding that irresistible sticky glaze and sealing in extra flavor.

Step 6: Air Fry to Perfection

Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Set the skewers in a single layer in the basket, making sure they don’t touch. Air fry for 12 to 15 minutes, flipping them halfway through so each side develops a gorgeous color and crust. The chicken is done when the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C)—juicy and safely cooked!

Step 7: Brush Again for Maximum Flavor

When the skewers are done, brush them again with that luscious Bang Bang sauce. This extra saucy layer is what makes these Bang Bang Chicken Skewers impossibly delicious and finger-licking good.

Step 8: Serve and Enjoy

Arrange the skewers on a platter, sprinkle with chopped parsley or sesame seeds for a pop of color, and serve with extra Bang Bang sauce on the side. They’re at their absolute best hot and fresh!

How to Serve Bang Bang Chicken Skewers

Garnishes

Give your Bang Bang Chicken Skewers a final flourish with fresh chopped parsley, scallions, or sesame seeds. These little touches not only brighten up the plate but add a fresh crunch and visual appeal that make the skewers look as amazing as they taste.

Side Dishes

Pair your skewers with some crisp vegetable slaw, a cooling cucumber salad, or even a scoop of fluffy jasmine rice to soak up the extra sauce. Crunchy lettuce cups let guests wrap their own bites for a playful, hands-on meal.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve Bang Bang Chicken Skewers upright in a mason jar or tall glass for a fun party presentation, or lay them on a platter with colorful sliced veggies nestled between. Skewer them with bright mini peppers or red onions for extra color and flavor.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Bang Bang Chicken Skewers keep well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Separate any extra sauce into its own container so it stays fresh and ready for dipping or drizzling.

Freezing

Pop cooled, cooked chicken skewers off their sticks and into freezer-safe bags for up to one month. The sauce can also be frozen separately—just give it a quick stir after thawing to restore its creamy consistency.

Reheating

For best results, reheat the chicken in the air fryer or oven at 350°F until warmed through (about 5-7 minutes). Warm the sauce separately and brush or dip just before serving for that just-cooked taste.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?

Absolutely! Chicken breast will work, though it can be slightly less juicy than thighs. Just take care not to overcook it so the meat stays tender.

What kind of hot sauce works best for Bang Bang Chicken Skewers?

Any classic hot sauce, like Sriracha or Frank’s, will deliver a vibrant kick without overwhelming the other flavors. Feel free to adjust the amount to match your preferred spice level.

Can I grill these instead of using an air fryer?

Yes! Grilling Bang Bang Chicken Skewers over medium-high heat for about 12 minutes, turning occasionally, gives an excellent smoky flavor and beautiful charred edges.

Is there a way to make this recipe lighter?

If you’d like a lighter version, you can swap regular mayonnaise for light mayo or even Greek yogurt. You’ll still have creamy, tangy sauce with a little less richness.

How spicy are Bang Bang Chicken Skewers?

The heat level is easily customizable! Add more or less hot sauce in the Bang Bang sauce, and taste as you go to find your perfect spice balance.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a sure-fire hit at your next gathering—or just a new way to break up your dinner routine—Bang Bang Chicken Skewers are a must-try. Their big, bold flavors and playful presentation are guaranteed to put smiles on faces, and they couldn’t be easier to make. Give this recipe a whirl and watch these skewers steal the show!

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