Bang Bang Chicken Skewers Recipe

If you’re ready to try the ultimate flavor explosion, you’re in the right place—Bang Bang Chicken Skewers are here to light up your dinner table! These juicy, perfectly seasoned chicken skewers are air fried to golden perfection, then slathered in that creamy-sweet-spicy signature Bang Bang sauce. Every bite is irresistible, and trust me, they’re as fun to eat as they are to make!

Ingredients You’ll Need

You’ll be amazed how these basic ingredients transform into something seriously spectacular. Each element— from the chicken thighs that stay ultra-juicy, to the punchy Bang Bang sauce—plays a key role in making these skewers totally addictive. Here’s what you’ll need, plus a few of my favorite tips.

• Boneless Skinless Chicken Thighs (1 1/2 pounds): Thighs are naturally juicy and soak up all that flavor—cut them evenly for perfect cooking.
• Olive Oil (1 tbsp): Helps the seasoning stick and keeps the chicken moist in the air fryer.
• Paprika (1 tsp): Adds gentle warmth and a pop of color.
• Garlic Powder (1 tsp): Gives a savory aroma and takes the chicken’s flavor up a notch.
• Salt (1 tsp for chicken, 1 tsp for sauce): Essential for maximizing taste—don’t skip!
• Black Pepper (½ tsp): Rounds out the spice blend with mild heat.
• Mayonnaise (1 cup): The luscious, creamy base for that signature Bang Bang sauce.
• Sweet Chili Sauce (½ cup): Brings sticky sweetness and a mild kick—try to use Thai-style if you can find it.
• Hot Sauce (1 tbsp, or to taste): For just the right level of spicy zing! Sriracha, Frank’s, or your favorite all work.
• Honey (2 tbsp): Adds silky sweetness, balancing the heat in the Bang Bang sauce.

Variations

One of the best things about Bang Bang Chicken Skewers is how endlessly adaptable they are. Whether you’re avoiding certain ingredients or just want to mix things up, here are some delicious tweaks to try!

• Make It Lighter: Swap mayonnaise for Greek yogurt or light mayo in the Bang Bang sauce for a tangy, lower-calorie twist.
• Go Dairy-Free: Use your favorite dairy-free mayo for a totally creamy, flavorful sauce that suits your needs.
• Use Chicken Breast: You can absolutely substitute boneless, skinless chicken breast if you prefer—it’ll be leaner and still super tasty with that bold seasoning and sauce.
• Add Veggies: Thread chunks of bell pepper, red onion, or zucchini between the chicken pieces for extra color, flavor, and nutrition.
• Crank Up the Heat: Add an extra splash of hot sauce to the Bang Bang sauce if you like it fiery!

How to Make Bang Bang Chicken Skewers

Step 1: Cut and Marinate the Chicken

Start by slicing your boneless, skinless chicken thighs into even 1-inch cubes—uniform pieces make for the juiciest, most evenly cooked skewers. Toss the chicken in a big mixing bowl with olive oil, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Give everything a good mix or massage with your hands, then let the chicken marinate in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. This not only infuses each piece with layered flavor, but also helps keep things extra tender.

Step 2: Mix Up the Bang Bang Sauce

While the chicken soaks up those savory spices, whip together your Bang Bang sauce. In a medium bowl, whisk the mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, hot sauce, honey, and salt until beautifully creamy. Don’t be afraid to taste and adjust the heat or sweetness—this sauce is the secret weapon that takes the whole dish over the top!

Step 3: Skewer and Sauce

Thread the marinated chicken cubes onto skewers, leaving just a sliver of space between each piece to allow the air fryer to work its magic. Don’t overcrowd! Once the skewers are ready, brush them generously with some of your prepared Bang Bang sauce. This creates that craveable sticky-glazed crust as they cook.

Step 4: Air Fry to Perfection

Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Arrange the skewers in a single layer—make sure they’re not touching each other for best results. Air fry for 12–15 minutes, flipping halfway, until the chicken is golden, a little charred on the edges, and cooked through (165°F on a meat thermometer). The aroma will have your mouth watering before they even hit the plate!

Step 5: Sauce Again and Serve

Once the Bang Bang Chicken Skewers are piping hot and cooked through, brush with a little more Bang Bang sauce (why not go all in?), and get ready to serve. Don’t forget an extra bowl of sauce on the side for dunking—honestly, it’s half the fun.

How to Serve Bang Bang Chicken Skewers

Garnishes

A fresh sprinkle of chopped parsley brings a pop of green that’s as eye-catching as it is delicious. For a bit of crunch and classic Asian flair, scatter on some toasted sesame seeds or sliced green onions just before serving. They’re only optional, but they make your Bang Bang Chicken Skewers look extra special and taste even more exciting.

Side Dishes

These skewers are magic alongside a bright, crunchy slaw, fluffy steamed rice, or a cool cucumber salad. If you want to keep things fun and finger-food friendly, serve with lettuce cups for juicy, fresh wraps. Roasted sweet potatoes, edamame, or simple grilled veggies all pair beautifully too—pick what you love!

Creative Ways to Present

If you’re serving a crowd, arrange the Bang Bang Chicken Skewers on a big platter with extra dipping sauce front and center, plus bowls of garnishes so everyone can customize their own. For parties, try popping the cooked skewers straight into lettuce cups or mini slider buns for bite-size sandwich fun. Or thread a rainbow of veggies between chicken pieces for a colorful, celebratory look!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Bang Bang Chicken Skewers store beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Make sure to refrigerate any extra sauce separately, and only brush fresh sauce on when you reheat for best texture and flavor.

Freezing

You can freeze the cooked chicken off the skewers—just let them cool, remove the sticks, and store in freezer bags for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating. The Bang Bang sauce is best made fresh, but you can premix it and store it in the fridge up to 4 days ahead (don’t freeze the sauce, as it may separate).

Reheating

To reheat, pop the chicken pieces or skewers in a 350°F oven or air fryer for 4–6 minutes until warmed through—this keeps them juicy and prevents drying. Add fresh Bang Bang sauce after reheating for the boldest flavor and creamy finish.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

I hope these Bang Bang Chicken Skewers become as much of a weeknight (and party!) favorite for you as they are in my home. The combination of tender, flavorful chicken and that bold, creamy sauce is pure comfort with a side of excitement—give them a try soon, and get ready to watch everyone reach for seconds!

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