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If you’ve been searching for a dish that’s bursting with flavor and full of fun to eat, the Bang Bang Chicken Skewers Recipe is your next culinary adventure. Tender chunks of chicken take on a perfectly smoky, seasoned profile before being slathered in a creamy, spicy, sweet sauce that just sings on the palate. It’s crispy, saucy, and utterly addictive, making it a crowd-pleaser for gatherings or a delightful way to upgrade your weeknight dinner game. Trust me, this recipe will have you craving more with every bite!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Bang Bang Chicken Skewers Recipe lies in its simple yet powerful ingredient lineup. Each element plays a part—seasonings add depth, chicken provides a juicy base, and the sauce ties it all together with creamy heat and sweetness.
- Wooden skewers, soaked: Soaking them prevents burning and makes turning easier while cooking.
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Cubed into bites, they cook quickly and soak up the sauce beautifully.
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil: Adds moisture and helps seasonings stick to the chicken.
- 1 teaspoon paprika: Gives a mild smoky flavor and vibrant color that’s hard to miss.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Boosts savory depth without overpowering other flavors.
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt: Essential for enhancing the natural taste of chicken.
- ½ teaspoon black pepper: Brings a gentle spice that balances sweetness in the sauce.
- 1 ¼ cups mayonnaise: The creamy base of the bang bang sauce, melding all flavors together.
- ⅔ cup Thai sweet chili sauce: Adds a sticky, sweet heat that’s characteristic of this recipe’s signature taste.
- 2 teaspoons Sriracha: Provides a fiery kick, adjustable to suit your heat preference.
- 2 tablespoons honey: Balances heat with natural sweetness and gives the sauce a luscious glaze.
How to Make Bang Bang Chicken Skewers Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Begin by cutting your chicken breasts into 1-inch cubes for even cooking and easy skewering. Toss these cubes thoroughly in a large bowl with olive oil, paprika, garlic powder, kosher salt, and black pepper. This seasoning blend not only flavors the chicken deeply but also creates a foundation of mouthwatering aroma.
Step 2: Skewer the Chicken
Thread 4 to 5 of the marinated chicken cubes onto each soaked wooden skewer. Soaking ensures the skewers stay intact and safe over heat. This step readies each skewer for even cooking, and the uniform size means every bite will be perfectly juicy.
Step 3: Make the Bang Bang Sauce
Whisk together the mayonnaise, Thai sweet chili sauce, Sriracha, and honey in a bowl. This luscious sauce is the heart and soul of the recipe, combining creaminess, sweetness, and heat. Reserve half of this sauce to drizzle on at the end, while the rest will coat the chicken before cooking to intensify flavor.
Step 4: Coat and Cook the Chicken
Brush the chicken skewers generously with the prepared sauce. Then, air fry them at 400°F for 11 to 12 minutes, flipping halfway through for that gorgeous golden exterior. If you prefer using an oven, simply bake at 400°F for 20-25 minutes, or grill for 8-10 minutes per side, brushing with sauce to lock in moisture and flavor.
Step 5: Finish and Serve
Once cooked, lay out your skewers on a serving platter and drizzle the reserved bang bang sauce on top. This finishing touch adds a creamy, spicy note that perfectly complements the smoky grilled chicken. Get ready for the first bite — it’s pure joy!
How to Serve Bang Bang Chicken Skewers Recipe
Garnishes
Adding fresh garnishes brings brightness and a hint of texture to the dish. Sprinkle chopped green onions for a subtle crunch and mild onion flavor, or add a handful of toasted sesame seeds to give an aromatic nutty contrast. A squeeze of fresh lime can brighten the sauce and elevate the overall balance.
Side Dishes
Bang Bang Chicken Skewers shine brightest when paired with simple, fresh sides that complement but don’t overpower. Think fluffy jasmine rice or a crisp Asian-style slaw to add a refreshing crunch. Steamed vegetables or even grilled corn on the cob offer a wholesome balance to the spicy, creamy skewers.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to impress? Serve these skewers standing upright in a decorative jar or laid neatly on a long wooden board with small bowls of extra bang bang sauce for dipping. Layer some fresh herbs like cilantro or mint slices around the plate for a splash of color and that extra touch of love.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover skewers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, so they make for a delicious next-day lunch or quick dinner option. Just keep the reserved sauce separate to prevent sogginess.
Freezing
You can freeze the cooked chicken skewers by placing them in a freezer-safe bag or container. Freeze them flat for easy storage, and they’ll keep well for up to 2 months. Thaw them overnight in the fridge before reheating for best results.
Reheating
Reheat the skewers either in the oven at 350°F for 8-10 minutes or briefly air fry at low temperature to crisp the edges again. Avoid microwaving to keep that perfect texture. Drizzle with fresh bang bang sauce after warming to restore their signature zing.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs will add more juiciness and a bit richer flavor. Just cut them into similar-sized pieces to ensure even cooking, and follow the recipe as usual.
Is it necessary to soak the wooden skewers?
Yes, soaking wooden skewers for at least 30 minutes prevents them from burning or catching fire during cooking, whether air frying, baking, or grilling.
How spicy is the Bang Bang Chicken Skewers Recipe?
The heat level is customizable. The classic recipe uses Sriracha for a moderate kick, but you can add more or less depending on your tolerance. The sweet chili sauce also tempers the spice with sweetness.
Can I prepare the skewers ahead of time?
Definitely! You can marinate and skewer the chicken a few hours ahead or even the night before. Just keep them covered in the fridge until you’re ready to cook.
What if I don’t have an air fryer?
No worries at all. Baking or grilling the skewers works just as well and adds beautiful caramelization to the chicken. Follow the oven or grill instructions and enjoy!
Final Thoughts
There’s something undeniably fun and satisfying about biting into these Bang Bang Chicken Skewers Recipe. The balance of spice, sweetness, and creamy richness is just addictive. Whether you’re cooking for friends or treating yourself, this dish proves that simple ingredients can create extraordinary flavor. Give it a try—you’ll wonder why you didn’t make it sooner!
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Bang Bang Chicken Skewers Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 22 minutes
- Yield: 16 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Bang Bang Chicken Skewers recipe features tender, juicy chicken cubes marinated with spices, skewered and cooked to perfection, then generously coated with a creamy, spicy, and sweet bang bang sauce. Perfect for an appetizer or a flavorful party snack, these skewers can be cooked using an air fryer, oven, or grill, ensuring versatility and convenience.
Ingredients
Chicken and Marinade
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- Wooden skewers, soaked in water for 30 minutes
Bang Bang Sauce
- 1 ¼ cups (290 g) mayonnaise
- â…” cup Thai sweet chili sauce
- 2 teaspoons Sriracha, or more to taste
- 2 tablespoons honey
Instructions
- Prepare Chicken: In a large bowl, combine the chicken cubes with extra virgin olive oil, paprika, garlic powder, kosher salt, and black pepper, mixing well to evenly coat the chicken with the seasoning.
- Skewer Chicken: Thread 4 to 5 pieces of the seasoned chicken cubes onto each soaked wooden skewer, ensuring the pieces are evenly spaced for thorough cooking.
- Make Bang Bang Sauce: In a separate bowl, mix together the mayonnaise, Thai sweet chili sauce, Sriracha, and honey until smooth. Reserve half of this sauce for serving.
- Coat Chicken: Brush the remaining bang bang sauce generously onto the chicken skewers, ensuring each piece is well coated.
- Cook Skewers – Air Fryer Method: Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Place the coated skewers in the air fryer basket in a single layer and cook for 11-12 minutes, flipping halfway through the cooking time until the chicken is cooked through and slightly charred.
- Finish and Serve: Once cooked, transfer the skewers to a serving platter and drizzle the reserved bang bang sauce over the top before serving.
- Alternate Oven Instructions: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the skewers on a baking sheet and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until cooked through. Brush with bang bang sauce before serving.
- Alternate Grill Instructions: Preheat the grill to medium-high heat. Grill skewers for 8-10 minutes per side, or until chicken is fully cooked, then brush with bang bang sauce before serving.
Notes
- Soak wooden skewers in water for at least 30 minutes before threading to prevent burning during cooking.
- Adjust Sriracha quantity according to your preference for heat.
- The air fryer method offers a quick and easy way to achieve crispy edges while keeping the chicken juicy.
- Ensure chicken is cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption.
- You can substitute boneless, skinless chicken thighs for a juicier option.
- Store any leftover sauce separately in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
