Bang Bang Chicken Skewers Recipe

If you love big flavors, crowd-pleasing appetizers, or simply crave saucy, spicy-sweet chicken, these Bang Bang Chicken Skewers will be your new go-to recipe. Tender, juicy bites of chicken are slathered in a creamy, zesty bang bang sauce—every skewer is bold, addictive, and just plain fun to eat!

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

You’ll be amazed at how this handful of humble ingredients transforms into a show-stopping dish! Each ingredient brings its own flair—juiciness, spice, crunch, or a creamy, craveable coating. Let’s run through what you’ll need and why it matters.

• Wooden skewers (soaked): Soaking prevents burning, even if you crank up the heat on the grill or in the air fryer.
• Boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Chicken breast keeps things lean and soaks up all those flavors; cut into even cubes for perfect bite-sized skewers.
• Extra virgin olive oil: Just a drizzle locks in juiciness and helps seasoning stick to every chicken piece.
• Paprika: Adds a warm, smoky undertone and a subtle golden hue.
• Garlic powder: For that classic savory punch that makes people inhale at first whiff.
• Kosher salt: Essential for seasoning both the chicken and the sauce, helping all the flavors sing.
• Black pepper: Lends a bit of edge and balances the sweet heat in the sauce.
• Mayonnaise: The creamy backbone of the bang bang sauce—choose a rich, full-fat mayo for the best flavor and texture.
• Thai sweet chili sauce: The secret to the sauce’s signature sweetness and gentle heat; don’t swap this out!
• Sriracha (or more to taste): For that addictive kick—feel free to dial it up if you like things spicy!
• Honey: Rounds out the sauce with a velvety, sticky sweetness that makes the whole dish sing.

Variations

Bangs Bang Chicken Skewers are fabulously flexible, and you can easily personalize them to suit different palates, proteins, and diets. Here are a few swaps and spins—it’s hard to go wrong!

• Shrimp Bang Bang Skewers: Swap out the chicken for peeled, deveined shrimp for a seafood twist that cooks in a flash!
• Vegetarian Twist: Use cubes of extra-firm tofu or even cauliflower florets in place of chicken—simply adjust the air fry or oven timing accordingly.
• Low Carb + Keto: Skip the honey and opt for a keto-friendly sweetener in the sauce for a lower-sugar version.
• Extra Spicy: Amp up the Sriracha and add a pinch of red pepper flakes for super-spicy skewers that’ll wake up your taste buds.

How to Make Bang Bang Chicken Skewers

Step 1: Prep the Chicken and Marinade

Toss your cubed chicken breasts with olive oil, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper in a big bowl. Make sure every piece is gleaming with flavor—it’s this quick marinade that keeps your chicken juicy while infusing every bite with boldness. Don’t forget to soak those wooden skewers (about 30 minutes)—this keeps them from charring in the air fryer or oven.

Step 2: Thread the Skewers

Take your soaked skewers and thread 4–5 chunks of seasoned chicken onto each one. Give them a bit of breathing space on the skewer—don’t crowd them, so each piece gets golden on all sides. As you work, line them up on a tray—they’re already looking delicious!

Step 3: Make the Bang Bang Sauce

In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, Thai sweet chili sauce, Sriracha, and honey. Spoon out half this glorious sauce into a separate bowl—you’ll use it for dipping or drizzling after the skewers cook, keeping it fresh and creamy.

Step 4: Saucing and Cooking

Brush the remaining bang bang sauce generously over the chicken skewers—coat them well! Arrange them in a single layer in your air fryer basket (work in batches if needed), and air fry at 400°F for about 11–12 minutes, flipping halfway. The chicken should be perfectly golden and cooked through (an internal temp of 165°F). If you’re baking or grilling, see the notes for easy adaptations!

Step 5: Serve with Extra Sauce

Once the skewers are ready, transfer to a platter and immediately brush or drizzle with that reserved bang bang sauce. The creaminess melts gently over the hot chicken, and every bite is saucy magic. Serve right away for maximum deliciousness!

How to Serve Bang Bang Chicken Skewers

Garnishes

Take these skewers over the top by scattering them with finely sliced green onions, a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds, and maybe a flurry of chopped cilantro. Each garnish adds beautiful color and a hit of fresh, aromatic flavor that pops against the creamy sauce.

Side Dishes

Bang Bang Chicken Skewers were born to party with crisp Asian slaw, cucumber salad, or coconut rice. For a simple weeknight dinner, just add steamed jasmine rice, or pile onto a fresh green salad for a lighter meal—the flavors are so versatile!

Creative Ways to Present

Fan the saucy skewers on a large platter with bowls of extra sauce for dipping, or serve upright in mason jars or glasses for a whimsical appetizer spread. For a full meal, slide the chicken off the skewer onto lettuce leaves for easy lettuce wraps with a bang bang twist.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Bang Bang Chicken Skewers keep well for up to 3 days in an airtight container in the fridge. Store the sauce and chicken separately if possible, so reheated chicken stays perfectly textured and saucy.

Freezing

The cooked, unsauced chicken skewers can be frozen for up to 2 months—just wrap tightly. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating and saucing. I don’t recommend freezing the mayo-based sauce; it’s best made fresh for creaminess!

Reheating

To reheat, arrange chicken skewers on a baking sheet and warm in a 350°F oven or air fryer until hot. Microwave works in a pinch, but oven or air frying keeps the chicken’s texture best. Add fresh bang bang sauce just before serving for that signature creamy finish.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

Give these Bang Bang Chicken Skewers a try, and don’t be surprised if they become the most-requested dish at your table! They’re everything you love about fun finger food—saucy, spicy, shareable, and absolutely crave-worthy. I can’t wait to hear what your crowd thinks!

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