Bang Bang Chicken Skewers Recipe

Bursting with spicy-sweet flavor, Bang Bang Chicken Skewers are pure weeknight magic! Tender, juicy chicken thighs are marinated, smothered in a creamy, zesty sauce, and grilled or air-fried to golden perfection. This dish is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, perfect for backyard parties or a fun twist on family dinner. It’s hard to resist those crave-worthy bites the moment they’re ready—just wait until you taste that signature Bang Bang sauce!

Ingredients You’ll Need

When it comes to Bang Bang Chicken Skewers, each ingredient is a game changer! These basics combine effortlessly, but every item adds something essential—whether it’s touch of heat, tang, creaminess, or irresistible color. Gather everything before you start, and you’re moments away from a spectacular meal.

• Chicken thighs: Juicy and forgiving, these cube up beautifully and hold flavor incredibly well—go for boneless, skinless if you can.
• Extra virgin olive oil: Adds moisture and helps the seasonings stick, plus enhances the chicken’s rich flavor.
• Paprika: Brings a mild smokiness and blends seamlessly with the other spices.
• Garlic powder: Instantly elevates savory depth—this is your aromatic secret weapon.
• Black pepper: A classic, sharp kick that balances out sweet and garlicky notes.
• Cayenne pepper: Adds a sneaky background heat; adjust to your spice preference.
• Salt: Essential for bringing all those bold flavors to life.
• Hot honey: Makes everything pop—both spicy and sweet, it’s entirely irresistible.
• Mayonnaise: The base of your creamy bang bang sauce—don’t be shy!
• Lime juice: Always use fresh! It brightens up the whole sauce, making it tangy and fresh.
• Thai sweet chili sauce: This gives signature sweetness and light heat; don’t swap it for regular chili sauce.
• Sriracha: For heat and a touch of garlicky depth—customize to your favorite spice level.

How to Make Bang Bang Chicken Skewers

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

Start by combining those succulent chicken thigh cubes in a big bowl with olive oil, paprika, garlic powder, black pepper, cayenne, and salt. Toss everything really well to ensure each piece is evenly coated—this simple gesture means every bite will be bursting with flavor. Let it marinate while you prep everything else, or if you’re ahead of schedule, pop it in the fridge for an extra hour for even more depth.

Step 2: Build the Skewers & Mix the Bang Bang Sauce

Grab your skewers and thread the seasoned chicken pieces on—aim to leave a little space between each chunk so they cook evenly. Next, in a separate bowl, whisk up that glorious bang bang sauce: mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, Sriracha, and fresh lime juice. This luscious mix is the heart of Bang Bang Chicken Skewers and makes enough for brushing and dipping later.

Step 3: Sauce and Prep for Cooking

Take your sauce and split it into two portions. One will be for brushing onto the raw chicken skewers before cooking, and the other half is set aside for dipping and drizzling later. Place the skewers on a baking sheet or a plate, and brush generously with one half of the sauce, making sure every nook and cranny is coated.

Step 4: Grill the Skewers

If you’re grilling, preheat to medium-high heat. Arrange those loaded Bang Bang Chicken Skewers on the grill and let them sizzle for 15-20 minutes, turning often. Keep brushing on more sauce as they cook—you want them glossy, caramelized, and irresistibly sticky. Grill until they reach 165°F inside, and you’ll have perfect results every time.

Step 5: Air Fryer Option

If you’re short on time or the weather isn’t cooperating, the air fryer is a total game changer for Bang Bang Chicken Skewers. Place the prepared skewers in the basket in a single layer. Air fry at 400°F for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway to get that gorgeous golden exterior. When they’re done (check for 165°F in the center), move them to a plate and finish with reserved sauce and a drizzle of hot honey for extra pizzazz!

How to Serve Bang Bang Chicken Skewers

Garnishes

Take your platter up a notch with a sprinkle of chopped fresh cilantro or parsley, a handful of sliced green onions, or a scatter of sesame seeds. A fresh squeeze of lime just before serving brightens every bite and makes the vibrant flavors pop even more!

Side Dishes

Bang Bang Chicken Skewers are super versatile and pair well with so many sides. Try them over fluffy steamed rice, with a crunchy Asian slaw, or alongside grilled veggies. For a summery vibe, serve with watermelon salad or chilled soba noodles. Let your mood (and fridge!) inspire you.

Creative Ways to Present

Why not turn your Bang Bang Chicken Skewers into something even more memorable? Arrange them standing upright in a mason jar for a picnic-style snack, or lay them across mini naan or lettuce cups and top with extra sauce for a crowd-pleasing appetizer. However you present them, they’ll absolutely steal the show.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you happen to have leftovers (they disappear quickly!), stash the cooked skewers in an airtight container in the fridge. They’ll stay perfectly tasty for up to three days. Store any extra sauce separately for last-minute drizzling or dipping.

Freezing

Bang Bang Chicken Skewers freeze surprisingly well. Simply remove the chicken from the skewers and pack into freezer-safe bags, squeezing out as much air as possible. Freeze any leftover sauce in a separate small container. When a craving strikes, you’re ready for an instant flavor fix.

Reheating

For best results, gently warm the chicken in a 350°F oven or air fryer for a few minutes, just until heated through. Drizzle with reserved sauce before serving to recapture all that original saucy magic. Avoid microwaving as it can dry out the chicken and dull the flavors.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs give maximum juiciness, but if you prefer a leaner option, chicken breast works well too. Just be mindful not to overcook, as breasts can dry out faster than thighs.

Is there a substitute for hot honey?

If you can’t find hot honey, just mix regular honey with a pinch of chili flakes or a dash of hot sauce. It delivers that same signature sweet heat and is perfect for finishing your Bang Bang Chicken Skewers.

Can I bake these in the oven?

Yes! Simply arrange the prepared skewers on a lined baking sheet and bake at 425°F for 18-20 minutes, turning and brushing with sauce halfway. The edges won’t get quite as crisp as grilling, but you’ll still love that saucy flavor punch.

How spicy are Bang Bang Chicken Skewers?

The beauty of this recipe is in the customization! The Sriracha and cayenne deliver warmth, but you can always dial it back for a milder dish. Taste as you mix the sauce and adjust the spice level to suit your crowd.

Can I prep Bang Bang Chicken Skewers ahead of time for a party?

Absolutely! Marinate and skewer the chicken up to 24 hours in advance, and mix the sauce ahead of time. When guests arrive, you can simply grill or air fry, then serve fresh and hot—super party-friendly!

Final Thoughts

There’s just something incredibly satisfying about sharing Bang Bang Chicken Skewers with friends and family—bold flavors, juicy bites, and a sauce you’ll want to put on everything. Trust me, once you give these a try, you’ll be coming back to this recipe again and again. Fire up your grill (or air fryer), and treat yourself to some serious flavor fun!

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