Bang Bang Chicken Skewers Recipe

Get ready to fall head over heels for Bang Bang Chicken Skewers! These irresistible skewers feature tender, juicy pieces of chicken enveloped in a creamy, spicy-sweet Bang Bang sauce—all perfectly cooked in your air fryer. Whether you’re hosting a backyard barbecue or simply craving something fun for dinner, this recipe brings big flavor with minimal fuss. Each skewer is a celebration of bold tastes and tempting textures, making it a top pick for sharing, snacking, or spoiling yourself with seconds (or thirds). Trust me: after one bite, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without Bang Bang Chicken Skewers.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Ingredients You’ll Need

You won’t believe how much flavor you can achieve from such a simple list of ingredients. Each addition is essential, lending either classic tenderness, a punch of seasoning, or that signature zippy sauce. Here’s what you’ll need to make Bang Bang Chicken Skewers absolutely unforgettable:

• Boneless skinless chicken thighs: They stay moist and juicy throughout cooking—cut into 1-inch cubes for quick, even browning.
• Olive oil: Helps lock in moisture and ensures the chicken picks up every bit of spice.
• Paprika: Lends a touch of smokiness and beautiful color to the chicken pieces.
• Garlic powder: Adds an aromatic depth that complements the sauce perfectly.
• Salt: Essential for bringing out the savory flavors in both the chicken and the sauce.
• Black pepper: Boosts the overall seasoning with a gentle kick.
• Mayonnaise: Acts as a creamy base for that luscious Bang Bang sauce.
• Sweet chili sauce: Brings a lovely balance of tang, sweetness, and a hint of heat.
• Hot sauce (your favorite!): Customizes the spiciness—add more if you love a fiery finish.
• Honey: Softens the heat and adds a light, glossy sweetness to the sauce.

How to Make Bang Bang Chicken Skewers

Step 1: Cube and Marinate the Chicken

Start by slicing your chicken thighs into 1-inch cubes—keep them as uniform as possible to guarantee every piece cooks evenly. In a large bowl, toss them together with olive oil, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Give those ingredients a good massage into the chicken, ensuring every nook is covered in flavor! For best results, let the chicken marinate in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. This not only flavors the meat but locks in juiciness as they cook.

Step 2: Mix Up That Signature Bang Bang Sauce

While the chicken gets cozy with its spices, mix up the star of the show: Bang Bang sauce. Grab a fresh bowl and whisk together mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, hot sauce, honey, and salt. Start with the quantities listed, then taste and adjust to suit your heat preferences. It should be creamy yet vibrant, with a balance of sweet, spicy, and tangy. Set some aside for basting and save the rest for dipping later.

Step 3: Skewer the Chicken

Thread the marinated chicken cubes onto metal or pre-soaked wooden skewers. Don’t pack them too tightly; leaving a little space between pieces helps the heat circulate and gives you those coveted golden edges. This step is perfect for getting family or friends involved, especially if you want varied skewer combos!

Step 4: Brush with Bang Bang Sauce

Before firing up the air fryer, brush each skewer generously with a portion of the Bang Bang sauce. This not only helps flavors seep in during cooking but also gives the outside a gorgeous caramelized glaze.

Step 5: Air Fry to Perfection

Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Arrange the skewers in a single layer, making sure none of them touch or overlap—space is key for even crisping! Air fry for 12 to 15 minutes, remembering to flip the skewers halfway through. You’re aiming for deeply golden chicken with an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

Step 6: Slather and Serve

Once the skewers are out and sizzling, brush them right away with a final coat of Bang Bang sauce for that sticky, finger-licking finish. Serve them hot with extra sauce on the side and get ready for a round of applause!

How to Serve Bang Bang Chicken Skewers

Garnishes

The magic is in the little touches! Sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley or scatter some toasted sesame seeds across the top for a pop of color and crunch. If you like a bit more zing, finely sliced green onions or a squeeze of fresh lime juice can brighten things up beautifully.

Side Dishes

Bang Bang Chicken Skewers pair perfectly with fluffy rice, cool cucumber salad, or even a simple slaw. For a more substantial spread, try them alongside roasted veggies or a bright mango salsa. The sauce also loves to mingle with crispy fries or wedges for dipping!

Creative Ways to Present

If you’re serving these skewers at a party, arrange them on a large platter with small bowls of extra Bang Bang sauce for dipping. You could also tuck them into lettuce wraps for a playful, low-carb twist, or slice the chicken off the skewers and stuff into warm pitas with pickled veggies for a fusion-style handheld treat.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

To keep leftover Bang Bang Chicken Skewers tasting fresh, let them cool to room temperature before transferring to an airtight container. Store any extra sauce separately to prevent sogginess. They’ll stay delicious in the fridge for up to three days, making them a fantastic option for lunches or quick snacks.

Freezing

If you’d like to freeze a batch, skip the final brushing of sauce. Arrange cooled, unsauced chicken skewers on a parchment-lined tray and freeze until firm. Transfer to freezer bags and store for up to two months. Freeze the sauce in a separate container for best results.

Reheating

To reheat, simply pop the skewers back in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 5–7 minutes, or until heated through and the edges crisp up again. Warm the Bang Bang sauce gently in the microwave or serve as a cool dip. Avoid microwaving the skewers, as it can make the chicken rubbery.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?

Absolutely! While thighs are juicier, chicken breast works well if you prefer leaner meat. Just be careful not to overcook breast pieces, as they can dry out more quickly in the air fryer.

What if I don’t have an air fryer?

No problem at all! You can grill the Bang Bang Chicken Skewers on a barbecue or cook them under the broiler in your oven. Just watch closely and turn the skewers for even cooking and char.

Is the Bang Bang sauce very spicy?

Not overwhelmingly! The combination of sweet chili sauce and honey balances out the heat. Feel free to adjust the amount of hot sauce to suit your personal spice tolerance.

Can I make the sauce ahead of time?

Definitely. The Bang Bang sauce can be mixed up to a week in advance and kept chilled in an airtight jar. The flavors actually blend and deepen overnight, making it even tastier for your Bang Bang Chicken Skewers!

What’s the best way to serve these at parties?

For parties, assemble the skewers and extra sauce on a large board with garnish sprinkled over the top. Provide plenty of napkins—these will disappear fast! You can also make mini-skewers for easy finger food.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking to add a showstopping, flavor-packed dish to your menu, you can’t go wrong with Bang Bang Chicken Skewers. They’re easy, crowd-pleasing, and totally customizable to your tastes. Don’t be surprised when these delicious skewers become your new go-to favorite—give them a try and savor every saucy, succulent bite!

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