Bang Bang Chicken Skewers Recipe

Say hello to your new favorite party pleaser: Bang Bang Chicken Skewers! Picture juicy, perfectly seasoned bites of chicken, grilled until golden and drizzled with an irresistibly creamy, sweet-heat Bang Bang sauce. These skewers are quick to prepare, absolutely addictive, and always disappear first at any get-together.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The ingredient list for Bang Bang Chicken Skewers is short, sweet, and mighty! Every staple plays a starring role, whether it’s building flavor in the marinade or dialing up creamy, fiery magic in the sauce. Let’s break down what you’ll need and why.

• Wooden skewers: Soak these in water for 30 minutes to keep them from burning; they make serving and eating extra fun.
• Boneless, skinless chicken breasts: These cook up juicy and tender, especially when cut into bite-sized cubes.
• Extra virgin olive oil: Helps the spices stick while keeping the chicken moist and flavorful as it cooks.
• Paprika: Adds gorgeous color and subtle earthy warmth to the marinade.
• Garlic powder: Delivers a backbone of savory aroma in every bite without overpowering.
• Kosher salt & black pepper: Simple but essential, they bring all the other flavors to life.
• Mayonnaise: Forms the creamy, rich base for our bang bang sauce.
• Thai sweet chili sauce: Brings the addictively sticky, sweet heat we all crave in Bang Bang Chicken Skewers.
• Sriracha: Just enough to add a sassy, spicy kick—use more or less based on your heat tolerance.
• Honey: Rounds out the sauce with natural sweetness and a glossy finish.

Variations

Bang Bang Chicken Skewers are endlessly customizable, so don’t be shy about tweaking ingredients or swapping flavors to match your mood (or your pantry)! Here are a few ideas to get you inspired.

• Make it Dairy-Free: Use your favorite vegan mayonnaise to whip up a sauce that’s 100% dairy-free and still dangerously delicious.
• Go Low-Carb: Swap the sweet chili sauce for a sugar-free version, or try a spicy chili paste blended with a bit of stevia or monk fruit.
• Shrimp or Tofu Twist: Thread peeled shrimp or cubes of pressed tofu on skewers for a pescatarian or vegetarian take.
• Load on the Veggies: Add bell pepper, pineapple, or red onion chunks between the chicken pieces for extra flavor and color.

How to Make Bang Bang Chicken Skewers

Step 1: Prep the Skewers and Chicken

Start by soaking your wooden skewers in water for at least 30 minutes. This prevents the ends from burning under the high heat of the air fryer. Meanwhile, cut the boneless, skinless chicken breasts into 1-inch cubes so they’ll cook perfectly evenly and stay juicy throughout.

Step 2: Marinate & Thread

In a large bowl, toss the chicken cubes with olive oil, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper—make sure every piece gets coated for maximum flavor! Working one at a time, thread 4–5 cubes onto each skewer, gently pressing them together so they stay moist, but not too tightly packed (air circulation is your friend here).

Step 3: Whip Up the Bang Bang Sauce

Mix the mayonnaise, Thai sweet chili sauce, Sriracha, and honey together until you have a smooth, creamy, rosy sauce. Pour half into a bowl for post-cooking drizzling—this keeps things safe and ultra-fresh—then use the rest to brush generously over the raw chicken skewers.

Step 4: Air Fry to Perfection

Arrange the skewers in a single layer in your air fryer basket (you might need to work in batches). Air fry at 400°F for 11–12 minutes, flipping halfway through for beautiful browning. The chicken should reach 165°F internally—a meat thermometer is super handy here for juicy, safe results!

Step 5: Finish & Serve

Once the Bang Bang Chicken Skewers are cooked, transfer them to a serving plate and drizzle with your reserved, untouched Bang Bang sauce. The final saucy flourish is what makes these so irresistible—you’ll want to lick your fingers (and maybe the plate, too)!

How to Serve Bang Bang Chicken Skewers

Garnishes

The finishing touches matter! Sprinkle your Bang Bang Chicken Skewers with sliced green onions or chopped fresh cilantro for a splash of color and freshness. For crunch, toss on some toasted sesame seeds or even a little chopped roasted peanut—it’s a flavor and texture game changer.

Side Dishes

These skewers shine next to fluffy jasmine rice, crisp Asian slaw, or a simple cucumber salad to cool down the heat. I also love a side of steamed edamame or roasted veggies for an easy, balanced spread that lets the Bang Bang flavors really pop.

Creative Ways to Present

For a show-stopping party platter, arrange the Bang Bang Chicken Skewers on a big board surrounded by extra sauce for dipping and lemon wedges for squeezing. Or, try tucking them into lettuce cups for grab-and-go wraps—fun, refreshing, and totally unexpected!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself with leftover Bang Bang Chicken Skewers (a rare occurrence!), let them cool to room temperature and store in an airtight container in the fridge. They’ll stay deliciously juicy for up to 3 days, perfect for snacking or lunchboxes.

Freezing

You can absolutely freeze the cooked chicken skewers (without sauce). Wrap tightly and stash them for up to 2 months. When ready to serve, thaw in the refrigerator overnight—then reheat and add a fresh batch of Bang Bang sauce for best flavor and texture.

Reheating

Pop the skewers back in the air fryer at 350°F for a few minutes, just until warmed through, to bring back that crispy edge. If microwaving, do it in short bursts to avoid drying out the chicken. Always reserve a little extra fresh sauce on the side for drizzling!

FAQs

Final Thoughts

If you’re searching for that knockout appetizer or a bold, easy weeknight dish, these Bang Bang Chicken Skewers are it. They’re exciting, effortless, and always impress. I can’t wait for you to try them—let me know how quickly they disappear at your next feast!

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