Bang Bang Chicken Skewers Recipe

If you’re ready for a flavor explosion that’s saucy, spicy, and totally irresistible, you have to try these Bang Bang Chicken Skewers! Each bite delivers juicy, perfectly seasoned chicken in a crispy air-fried shell, smothered with creamy, zippy bang bang sauce that’s a showstopper at parties or a simple weeknight treat for the whole family.

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

What’s truly wonderful about Bang Bang Chicken Skewers is their simplicity—every ingredient adds something essential, whether it’s bold flavor, irresistible texture, or eye-popping color. Don’t skip a thing; each one pulls its delightful weight!

• Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts keep things lean and cook up juicy after their air-fryer trip—make sure to cut them into even cubes for the best texture.
• Olive Oil: A light toss in olive oil helps the seasonings stick and ensures golden color when air-fried.
• Paprika, Garlic Powder, Salt, & Black Pepper: This classic quartet adds warm spice and depth to the chicken, making every bite pop with flavor.
• Mayonnaise (or Full Fat Greek Yogurt): The creamy backbone of the bang bang sauce—it’s rich, tangy, and ultra-satisfying. Greek yogurt is great if you want a lighter twist.
• Sriracha: The signature heat! Sriracha delivers gentle fire, but you can add more or less for your perfect kick.
• Honey: Adds a hint of sweetness to balance the tang and spice of the sauce.
• Apple Cider Vinegar: Bright, zippy acidity that keeps the sauce from feeling too heavy.
• Soy Sauce: Just a splash brings in complex umami notes and subtle saltiness.
• Garlic Powder or Minced Garlic: Choose your favorite for that aromatic bite—both work beautifully in the sauce.
• Salt & Black Pepper (for the sauce): These seasonings layer a punch of flavor through every part of the dish.
• Parsley: A fresh sprinkle for garnish brightens up the finished skewers (and adds welcome color!).
• Mini Wood Skewers: Soaked first to prevent burning in the air fryer, these keep serving fun and sharing easy.

Variations

One of my favorite things about Bang Bang Chicken Skewers is how endlessly customizable they are—think of this as your delicious launch pad. Tweak the heat, swap the protein, or change up the sauce and make every batch your own little masterpiece.

• Swap the Protein: Try shrimp, tofu, or even cauliflower florets instead of chicken for a tasty twist or a vegetarian option.
• Lighter Sauce: Use all Greek yogurt in place of mayo for a tangy, lighter bang bang sauce that’s still creamy and satisfying.
• Extra Veggies: Thread on bell peppers, zucchini, or red onion between chicken pieces for added crunch and color.
• Gluten-Free Version: Replace soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos to make these skewers completely gluten-free.

How to Make Bang Bang Chicken Skewers

Step 1: Soak Your Skewers

If you’re using wood skewers, soak them in water for 20–30 minutes before you do anything else—this will stop them from burning or splintering in the air fryer. This step is simple, but it truly makes all the difference for perfect, party-ready results!

Step 2: Mix the Bang Bang Sauce

In a large bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise (or Greek yogurt), sriracha, honey, apple cider vinegar, soy sauce, garlic powder, and a pinch of salt and black pepper. The sauce should be creamy, tangy, and have a little bit of kick—you can adjust the sriracha to your spice preference. Set most of the sauce aside and save about 1/3 cup for basting the chicken.

Step 3: Season and Skewer the Chicken

In a separate large bowl, toss your chicken cubes with olive oil, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper until each piece is well coated. Thread 3–4 pieces onto each soaked skewer, spacing the pieces out just enough so air can circulate. This gives you that magical, golden finish.

Step 4: Brush with Sauce and Air Fry

Line up your chicken skewers on the air fryer rack. Using your reserved 1/3 cup of bang bang sauce, lightly brush each skewer for a glorious first layer of flavor. Air fry at 400°F for 12–15 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the chicken is golden and cooked through—poke a piece and check it’s juicy (or use a thermometer for 165°F) for absolute perfection.

Step 5: Finish and Serve

When the skewers are done, pile them onto a platter while they’re hot, sprinkle generously with freshly chopped parsley, and serve with extra bang bang sauce for dipping. Taste one—you’ll understand why these vanish in a flash!

How to Serve Bang Bang Chicken Skewers

Garnishes

I absolutely love showering my Bang Bang Chicken Skewers with freshly chopped parsley just before serving—it adds a fresh, vibrant pop of color and that light, herby aroma. You can also sprinkle on some sliced green onions or a pinch of sesame seeds for even more visual flair and gentle crunch.

Side Dishes

These skewers shine next to simple sides like steamed jasmine rice, a crisp Asian slaw, or even buttery corn on the cob. If you want to go light, serve alongside a cucumber salad or wrap the skewers in lettuce cups for an ultra-refreshing bite.

Creative Ways to Present

For a party, arrange the Bang Bang Chicken Skewers on a big platter with a bowl of dipping sauce in the center—and watch them disappear! For a weeknight dinner, tuck the chicken into warm mini flatbreads with shredded lettuce, drizzle with sauce, and turn them into playful wraps. Or, create a vibrant skewer “board” with pickled veggies, extra herbs, and lime wedges for squeezing over the top.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself with extra Bang Bang Chicken Skewers (lucky you!), simply let them cool to room temperature, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for 2–3 days. They’ll stay tasty and moist, ready for a quick snack or next-day lunch.

Freezing

To freeze, remove the chicken from the skewers and arrange in a single layer in a freezer-friendly bag or container. Layer with parchment if stacking. Freeze for up to two months—just don’t freeze the sauce, as the mayo can separate.

Reheating

For best flavor and texture, pop the thawed chicken in an air fryer or oven at 350°F for a few minutes until warmed through. You can also microwave them for a super-quick fix, but you’ll lose a bit of that crispy magic. Add a fresh spoonful of reserved bang bang sauce just before serving to bring everything back to life.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

These Bang Bang Chicken Skewers are the kind of crowd-pleasing recipe you’ll want to make again and again—simple, quick, and so full of bold flavors. I hope your kitchen feels like a celebration when you try them out, and your taste buds beg for more. Let me know if you fall as hard for these skewers as I have!

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