Bang Bang Chicken Skewers are a mouthwatering fusion of tender chicken and bold, creamy sauce that delivers just the right balance of sweetness, heat, and tanginess. Perfect for an easy weeknight dinner, a weekend BBQ, or as a party appetizer, these skewers are as versatile as they are delicious. Whether cooked in the air fryer, grilled, or baked, they’re guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser.
Why You’ll Love Bang Bang Chicken Skewers
- Bursting with Flavor: The chicken is seasoned with a blend of paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper, then slathered with the iconic Bang Bang Sauce.
- Quick and Easy: With minimal prep and cook time, you’ll have a restaurant-quality dish ready in no time.
- Versatile Cooking Options: Cook them in an air fryer, on a grill, or even in the oven.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: These skewers make a fantastic appetizer, main dish, or addition to your favorite sides.
- Customizable: Easily adjust the spice level and ingredients to suit your preferences.
Ingredients
For the 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
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
For the Bang Bang Sauce:
- 1 ¼ cups mayonnaise
- ⅔ cup Thai sweet chili sauce
- 2 teaspoons Sriracha (or more, to taste)
- 2 tablespoons honey
How to Make Bang Bang Chicken Skewers
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
- In a large bowl, combine the chicken cubes, olive oil, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
- Toss the chicken until evenly coated with the seasoning.
- Thread 4-5 pieces of chicken onto each skewer, ensuring the pieces are evenly spaced for consistent cooking.
Step 2: Make the Bang Bang Sauce
- In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, Thai sweet chili sauce, Sriracha, and honey until smooth. This will yield about 1 ¾ cups of sauce.
- Divide the sauce in half, reserving one portion for brushing onto the chicken and the other for drizzling or serving as a dip.
Step 3: Cook the Skewers
Air Fryer Method:
- Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
- Place the skewers in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to work in batches.
- Air fry for 11-12 minutes, flipping the skewers halfway through. Ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
Grilling Method:
- Preheat the grill to medium-high heat and lightly oil the grates.
- Grill the skewers for 8-10 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through.
Oven Method:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with foil.
- Arrange the skewers on the sheet and bake for 15-18 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Step 4: Finish with Bang Bang Sauce
- Brush the cooked skewers with the reserved Bang Bang Sauce or drizzle it generously over the top.
- Serve immediately with your favorite sides or garnishes, such as fresh cilantro, lime wedges, or a sprinkle of sesame seeds.
Tips for Success
- Soak Wooden Skewers: If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes before cooking to prevent burning.
- Adjust Spice Levels: Add more Sriracha for extra heat or reduce it for a milder sauce.
- Use a Meat Thermometer: Ensure the chicken reaches 165°F to guarantee it’s fully cooked and safe to eat.
- Marinate for More Flavor: For an even deeper flavor, marinate the chicken in the seasoning mixture for 1-2 hours before threading onto skewers.
- Experiment with Proteins: Try substituting chicken with shrimp, tofu, or beef for a unique twist.
Serving Suggestions
Pair your Bang Bang Chicken Skewers with these sides for a complete meal:
- Coconut Rice: A slightly sweet and creamy side that balances the spice.
- Grilled Vegetables: Zucchini, bell peppers, and asparagus complement the flavors beautifully.
- Asian Slaw: A tangy, crunchy salad adds freshness and texture.
- Sweet Potato Fries: A fun and hearty accompaniment.
- Fresh Noodles: Tossed in sesame oil and soy sauce, noodles make a perfect side dish.
Storing and Reheating
Refrigerating:
Store leftover skewers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep the sauce separate for the best texture.
Freezing:
Freeze cooked chicken skewers without the sauce for up to 2 months. Reheat from frozen or thaw overnight in the refrigerator.
Reheating:
- Air Fryer: Heat at 350°F for 4-5 minutes.
- Oven: Warm at 375°F for 8-10 minutes.
- Microwave: Use short bursts to prevent drying out, and brush with fresh sauce before serving.
Variations
- Shrimp Skewers: Swap chicken for shrimp for a seafood twist.
- Vegetarian Option: Use cubes of tofu or halloumi cheese as a plant-based alternative.
- Spicy Bang Bang Sauce: Add a pinch of cayenne or extra Sriracha for more heat.
- Pineapple Chicken Skewers: Thread chunks of pineapple between the chicken pieces for a sweet and tangy flavor.
- Asian-Inspired Skewers: Add soy sauce and sesame oil to the chicken seasoning for a deeper umami flavor.
FAQs
Can I Use Chicken Thighs Instead of Breasts?
Yes! Chicken thighs are juicier and work just as well. Adjust the cooking time slightly to ensure they’re fully cooked.
Is Bang Bang Sauce Spicy?
The sauce has a mild kick from the Sriracha, but you can adjust the spice level to your liking by adding more or less.
Can I Cook These in Advance?
You can prepare the skewers and sauce ahead of time. Store them separately in the refrigerator and cook just before serving for the best taste.
What if I Don’t Have an Air Fryer?
No problem! Use the grill or oven methods detailed above for equally delicious results.
How Can I Make It Healthier?
For a lighter version, use low-fat mayonnaise in the sauce and serve with steamed vegetables or a fresh salad.
Nutritional Information
Per serving (based on 4 servings):
- Calories: 320
- Protein: 28g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fat: 18g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sodium: 580mg
Conclusion
Bang Bang Chicken Skewers are a flavorful and versatile dish that brings the perfect balance of sweet, spicy, and tangy to your table. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or preparing a quick dinner, this recipe is a guaranteed hit. Try it today and enjoy a restaurant-quality meal at home with family and friends!