If you’re in search of a party-worthy appetizer or a quick, flavor-packed main dish, these Bang Bang Chicken Skewers are about to become your new obsession. Tender, juicy chicken gets a golden char, then gets slathered in the most addictive sweet, spicy, and creamy bang bang sauce—trust me, you’ll want to drizzle it over everything!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Big, Crowd-Pleasing Flavor: Bang Bang Chicken Skewers deliver that perfect balance of creamy, tangy, sweet, and spicy in every single bite.
- Easy Weeknight Win: Just 10 minutes of prep and your air fryer (or oven/grill) does the rest—so simple, yet insanely delicious.
- Versatile for Any Occasion: Serve them as appetizers at your next party, as a protein-packed main, or even pile them into wraps or bowls.
- Customizable Heat: You’re in total control—bump up the Sriracha for extra kick, or keep it mellow and just enjoy the sauce’s creamy tang.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering your ingredients for Bang Bang Chicken Skewers couldn’t be easier, and each one really earns its place in both flavor and texture. This is a straight-shooting recipe, but every element—from the spices to the sauce—adds a pop that keeps everyone reaching for just one more skewer.
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts: These give you juicy, meaty chunks that grill (or air-fry) up beautifully—just make sure to cut them into even one-inch cubes so everything cooks at the same pace.
- Extra virgin olive oil: A quick toss in olive oil helps the spices adhere and keeps the chicken extra moist during cooking.
- Paprika: For a subtle smokiness and a hint of warm color that makes the skewers so visually tempting.
- Garlic powder: Adds a layer of savory depth you don’t want to miss.
- Kosher salt & black pepper: The flavor backbone—makes everything pop. Don’t skimp!
- Mayonnaise: The creamy base of classic bang bang sauce—choose full-fat for richness, or light for a lighter option.
- Thai sweet chili sauce: Adds sweet heat and a touch of stickiness that clings gorgeously to grilled chicken.
- Sriracha: This is where you dial up (or down) the spiciness—taste as you go for your personalized bang bang kick.
- Honey: For that glossy sheen and just the right bit of sweetness to balance the heat.
- Wooden skewers, soaked: Soaking prevents burning and makes threading the chicken a total breeze, whether you’re grilling or air frying.
Variations
The beauty of Bang Bang Chicken Skewers is how easily you can make them fit your mood, pantry, or dietary needs—the options are truly endless. Don’t be shy about experimenting; these skewers love a twist!
- Make it Gluten-Free: Grab a gluten-free sweet chili sauce and double check your Sriracha to keep this friendly for everyone.
- Swap the Protein: Try cubes of boneless pork, shrimp, or even tofu if you’re looking to switch things up or go meatless.
- Adjust the Heat: Use less Sriracha for a milder sauce or toss in extra for a real spicy kick—you’re the boss of the spice level.
- More Veggies, Please: Alternate chicken with bell pepper, onion, or zucchini chunks on the skewers for a colorful, complete meal.
How to Make Bang Bang Chicken Skewers
Step 1: Soak Your Skewers
Start by soaking your wooden skewers in water for at least 30 minutes. This step is easy to overlook, but it’s essential—it prevents your skewers from scorching in the air fryer, oven, or on the grill, and keeps your chicken beautifully anchored.
Step 2: Season and Skewer the Chicken
Toss the cubed chicken in a bowl with olive oil, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Every bite will be seasoned to perfection! Once coated, thread 4-5 cubes onto each skewer, making sure not to crowd them so they’ll cook evenly and develop a golden edge.
Step 3: Make the Bang Bang Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, Thai sweet chili sauce, Sriracha, and honey until it’s completely smooth and temptingly pink. Pour half into a separate bowl—you’ll reserve it for serving so it stays fresh and vibrant!
Step 4: Coat and Cook the Skewers
Generously brush the assembled chicken skewers with half of your bang bang sauce. Arrange the skewers in your air fryer basket (work in batches if you need to) and cook at 400°F for 11-12 minutes, flipping halfway through. You’re looking for perfectly juicy chicken with a little char—and an internal temperature of 165°F is your cue that it’s done!
Step 5: Finish and Serve
Transfer the hot skewers to a serving plate and give them a final drizzle or brush with the reserved bang bang sauce. That’s where the magic happens—the sauce clings to the chicken, and every bite is irresistible. Serve immediately for maximum “wow!”
Pro Tips for Making Bang Bang Chicken Skewers
- Double-Skewer Trick: For extra stability (especially on the grill), thread two parallel skewers through each set of chicken cubes—no more spinning when you flip!
- Sauce on the Side: Always set some bang bang sauce aside for serving—never brush grilled chicken with sauce you’ve dipped raw meat into for the freshest, safest results.
- Batch Cooking: If your air fryer or grill is on the smaller side, cook in batches to ensure even browning—crowding the pan steams the chicken instead of crisping it up.
- Chicken Size Matters: Chop those cubes as uniformly as possible—this guarantees super-juicy, evenly cooked chicken with every bite.
How to Serve Bang Bang Chicken Skewers
Garnishes
Give your Bang Bang Chicken Skewers a pop of color and crunch with a sprinkling of sliced green onions, toasted sesame seeds, or even a handful of chopped cilantro. A few lime wedges on the side are game-changing—they cut the richness of the sauce and add a sunny brightness.
Side Dishes
You can keep things ultra-simple with fluffy jasmine rice, a crunchy cabbage slaw, or a big platter of stir-fried veggies. I love them with a crisp cucumber salad and a little extra bang bang sauce for dipping—your plate, your rules!
Creative Ways to Present
For a party, pile the skewers upright in a jar or glass so guests can grab-and-go. Build bang bang chicken bowls with rice, veggies, and a generous drizzle of sauce. Or, tuck them into flatbreads with greens for an epic wrap—perfect for lunch or picnics!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Bang Bang Chicken Skewers keep surprisingly well. Just pop any leftovers into an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days—the flavors only get bolder! Store the sauce separately and add it fresh after reheating for the best taste and texture.
Freezing
If you want to freeze, do so before saucing the cooked chicken. Layer cooled chicken skewers in a freezer-safe box with parchment between the layers. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight and sauce just before serving—easy peasy!
Reheating
To reheat, warm the skewers gently in a 350°F oven or in the air fryer for a few minutes until heated through. Add fresh bang bang sauce after reheating to keep things creamy—not greasy or split. A quick re-spritz of lime or green onion brings back their just-cooked sparkle!
FAQs
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Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs are just as delicious and actually a bit juicier than breasts. Just be sure to cut them into the same 1-inch cubes for even cooking, and cook until they reach 165°F internal temperature.
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Is it possible to make Bang Bang Chicken Skewers ahead for a party?
Yes! You can prep and marinate the chicken on skewers and mix up the sauce a day ahead. Cook just before serving, then finish with a fresh brush of bang bang sauce for irresistible flavor and texture.
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Can I grill these skewers instead of air frying?
Definitely! Grilling works beautifully. Just grill over medium-high heat for about 8-10 minutes per side until charred and fully cooked, then brush with sauce after removing from the grill to lock in flavor.
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How spicy are Bang Bang Chicken Skewers?
They have a gentle kick, but the heat is easy to customize. Start with 2 teaspoons of Sriracha for a mild zing, or add more if you like it fiery—the bang bang sauce is all about your perfect level of spice.
Final Thoughts
If you’re ready for a surefire crowd-pleaser, add these Bang Bang Chicken Skewers to your meal plan! They’re quick, bold, and totally customizable—a dish you’ll want to make again and again. Pull out a platter, pour on that finishing drizzle, and savor every saucy, perfectly charred bite!
PrintBang Bang Chicken Skewers Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 22 minutes
- Yield: 16 skewers
- Category: Air Frying
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: Asian
Description
These Bang Bang Chicken Skewers are a delicious and flavorful dish that is perfect for a quick and easy meal. Tender chicken cubes are marinated in a savory blend of spices, air-fried to perfection, and then coated with a creamy and spicy bang bang sauce.
Ingredients
Wooden Skewers:
soaked in water for 30 minutes
Chicken:
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, 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Bang Bang Sauce:
1 1/4 cups (290 g) mayonnaise, 2/3 cup Thai sweet chili sauce, 2 teaspoons Sriracha (or more to taste), 2 tablespoons honey
Instructions
- Marinate the Chicken: In a large bowl, combine the cubed chicken breasts, oil, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Toss to evenly coat the chicken.
- Thread the Chicken: Working one skewer at a time, thread 4-5 chicken cubes onto each skewer.
- Prepare the Bang Bang Sauce: In a small bowl, combine the mayonnaise, Thai sweet chili sauce, Sriracha, and honey. Mix well.
- Cook the Chicken: Brush the chicken with the sauce and air fry at 400°F for 11-12 minutes, flipping halfway.
- Serve: Drizzle or brush the cooked skewers with the reserved bang bang sauce before serving.
Notes
- Air fryer, oven, and grilling instructions provided for cooking flexibility.
- Adjust Sriracha amount in the sauce to suit your spice preference.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 skewer
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 420mg
- Fat: 13g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 9g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 45mg