Bang Bang Chicken Skewers are a deliciously spicy and sweet treat that will elevate any gathering, whether it’s a summer barbecue or a cozy dinner at home. These skewers are packed with flavor, featuring juicy chicken coated in a tangy bang bang sauce. Perfect for sharing, these skewers will impress your guests and satisfy your cravings.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: This recipe is straightforward and can be made in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for weeknight dinners.
- Flavor Explosion: The combination of spices and the creamy bang bang sauce creates an irresistible flavor profile that will have everyone coming back for more.
- Versatile Cooking Methods: Whether you prefer grilling or using an air fryer, these Bang Bang Chicken Skewers can be cooked to perfection using either method.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Ideal for parties, game days, or casual family dinners, these skewers are sure to be a hit at any event.
Tools and Preparation
To make the best Bang Bang Chicken Skewers, you’ll need some essential tools to streamline your cooking process.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Skewers
- Large bowl
- Medium bowl
- Baking sheet
- Grill or air fryer
Importance of Each Tool
- Skewers: Essential for holding the chicken while cooking, they help achieve even cooking and allow for easy flipping.
- Large Bowl: Provides ample space for mixing the chicken with oil and spices thoroughly.
- Medium Bowl: Perfect for combining ingredients for the bang bang sauce without creating a mess.
Ingredients
Grilled or air fried spicy Bang Bang Chicken Skewers seasoned and slathered with sweet and tangy bang bang sauce and cooked to perfection.
- 1½-2 lbs chicken thighs, cubed into 1 inch pieces (see notes)
- 1 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp cayenne pepper
- ½ tsp salt
- 2 Tbsp hot honey (see notes)
- 1 cup mayonnaise (more as needed)
- 2 Tbsp lime juice, fresh squeezed
- ⅔ cup Thai sweet chili sauce
- ¼ cup Sriracha (use less or more as desired for heat level)
How to Make Bang Bang Chicken Skewers
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
In a large bowl, combine the cubed chicken thighs, olive oil, paprika, garlic powder, black pepper, cayenne pepper, and salt. Toss until all pieces are well-coated.
Step 2: Thread the Skewers
Working one skewer at a time, thread the seasoned chicken chunks onto each skewer until about ½ to ¾ of it is filled.
Step 3: Make the Bang Bang Sauce
In a medium bowl, mix together the mayonnaise, Thai sweet chili sauce, Sriracha, and lime juice. This will yield about 1.5 cups of delicious bang bang sauce. Pour half into a separate bowl to use later for dipping.
Step 4: Grill the Skewers
If using a grill: Brush the skewered chicken with some of the prepared sauce. Grill over medium-high heat for 15–20 minutes. Turn often until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
Step 5: Air Fry the Skewers
For air frying: Place the skewers in a single layer in your air fryer basket (you may need to work in batches). Air fry at 400°F for 10–12 minutes while flipping halfway through until cooked through (internal temp should reach 165°F).
Step 6: Serve
Transfer cooked skewers to a plate and drizzle with reserved bang bang sauce along with hot honey if desired. Serve immediately while warm!
How to Serve Bang Bang Chicken Skewers
Bang Bang Chicken Skewers are versatile and can be served in many delightful ways. Whether you want to impress guests at a dinner party or enjoy a casual family meal, these skewers can fit any occasion.
With Fresh Vegetables
- Crispy Cucumber Slices – Light and refreshing, these slices balance the spice of the chicken.
- Crunchy Bell Pepper Strips – Serve colorful bell pepper strips for an extra pop of flavor.
- Mixed Greens Salad – Toss together arugula, spinach, and cherry tomatoes for a fresh side.
On a Bed of Rice
- Steamed Jasmine Rice – Fluffy jasmine rice complements the flavors perfectly.
- Coconut Rice – Add a hint of sweetness with coconut-infused rice for a tropical twist.
Accompanied by Dipping Sauces
- Extra Bang Bang Sauce – For those who love extra flavor, serve more bang bang sauce on the side.
- Peanut Sauce – This nutty sauce offers a different taste experience that pairs well with chicken.
As Part of a Platter
- Skewers on a Charcuterie Board – Include these skewers on a platter with cheeses, olives, and nuts for sharing.
- Taco Night Twist – Use the skewers as filling in soft tortillas topped with slaw and avocado.
How to Perfect Bang Bang Chicken Skewers
To make your Bang Bang Chicken Skewers truly unforgettable, follow these simple tips that enhance flavor and texture.
- Use Quality Chicken – Choose fresh, high-quality chicken thighs for juiciness and flavor.
- Marinate Overnight – For deeper flavors, marinate the chicken in spices and oil overnight.
- Preheat Your Grill/Air Fryer – Ensure your cooking appliance is hot before adding the skewers to achieve better caramelization.
- Don’t Overcrowd Skewers – Leave space between chicken pieces for even cooking and better browning.
- Baste While Cooking – Brush with sauce regularly while cooking to enhance flavor and create a nice glaze.
- Check Internal Temperature – Always confirm that chicken reaches 165°F for safe consumption.
Best Side Dishes for Bang Bang Chicken Skewers
Pairing side dishes with your Bang Bang Chicken Skewers can elevate your meal. Here are some great options to consider.
- Garlic Breadsticks – Soft breadsticks brushed with garlic butter add heartiness to your meal.
- Mango Salsa – A sweet and spicy mango salsa brings bright flavors that complement the skewers well.
- Coleslaw – Creamy coleslaw provides crunch and balances the dish’s heat perfectly.
- Grilled Corn on the Cob – Sweet corn seasoned with lime enhances the summer vibe of this dish.
- Quinoa Salad – A light quinoa salad with cucumber and herbs adds nutrition without overpowering flavors.
- Roasted Veggies – Seasonal roasted vegetables provide color and nutrients alongside the skewers.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making Bang Bang Chicken Skewers, it’s easy to make small errors that can affect the final dish. Here are some common mistakes and how to avoid them.
- Skipping Marination: Not allowing the chicken to marinate can result in less flavor. Make sure to let it sit for at least 30 minutes for optimal taste.
- Overcrowding the Skewers: Filling skewers too tightly can hinder even cooking. Leave some space between the chicken pieces to allow heat circulation.
- Not Preheating the Grill or Air Fryer: Cooking on a cold grill or air fryer can lead to uneven cooking. Always preheat your appliance to ensure proper cooking.
- Ignoring Internal Temperature: Failing to check if the chicken has reached 165°F can lead to undercooked meat. Use a meat thermometer for accuracy.
- Using the Wrong Sauce Ratio: Using too much or too little sauce can alter flavor balance. Follow the recipe closely for perfect proportions.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftover Bang Bang Chicken Skewers in an airtight container.
- They will last up to 3 days in the refrigerator.
Freezing Bang Bang Chicken Skewers
- For longer storage, freeze skewers before cooking.
- Place them in a freezer-safe bag and they can last up to 2 months.
Reheating Bang Bang Chicken Skewers
- Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F and bake for about 10-15 minutes until heated through.
- Microwave: Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, checking frequently.
- Stovetop: Sauté in a pan over medium heat until warmed, adding a splash of water if needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some commonly asked questions about making Bang Bang Chicken Skewers.
Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?
Yes, you can substitute chicken breast, but it may dry out faster than thighs. Adjust cooking time accordingly.
What should I serve with Bang Bang Chicken Skewers?
These skewers pair well with rice, salad, or grilled vegetables. Feel free to get creative!
How spicy are Bang Bang Chicken Skewers?
The spiciness depends on how much Sriracha you use. You can adjust it according to your taste preference.
Can I prepare the sauce in advance?
Absolutely! The bang bang sauce can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to a week.
Final Thoughts
Bang Bang Chicken Skewers are a delightful blend of flavors that are sure to satisfy any cravings. They are versatile and easy to customize with different sauces or spices based on your preferences. Give this recipe a try; you won’t regret it!
Bang Bang Chicken Skewers
Bang Bang Chicken Skewers are a mouthwatering fusion of heat and sweetness, perfect for any occasion—from summer barbecues to cozy family dinners. These skewers feature tender chicken thighs marinated in spices, then grilled or air-fried to juicy perfection. Coated in a creamy bang bang sauce that balances tangy and spicy flavors, these easy-to-make skewers will surely impress your guests and satisfy your cravings.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Serves about 4 people
- Category: Main
- Method: Grilling/Air Frying
- Cuisine: Thai
Ingredients
- 1½-2 lbs chicken thighs (cubed)
- 1 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp cayenne pepper
- ½ tsp salt
- 2 Tbsp hot honey
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 2 Tbsp lime juice
- ⅔ cup Thai sweet chili sauce
- ¼ cup Sriracha
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine cubed chicken, olive oil, spices, and toss until coated.
- Thread chicken onto skewers.
- Mix mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, Sriracha, and lime juice in a medium bowl for the bang bang sauce.
- Grill on medium-high heat for 15-20 minutes or air fry at 400°F for 10-12 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F.
- Serve warm with drizzled bang bang sauce.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 860mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 22g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 130mg
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