If you’re craving a dish that bursts with flavor in every bite, this Bang Bang Chicken Skewers Recipe is your new go-to. The perfect combination of juicy, tender chicken cubes coated in a creamy, sweet, and spicy sauce creates a mouthwatering experience that’s both fun to make and a crowd-pleaser at any gathering. Whether you’re firing up the grill, baking in the oven, or using an air fryer, this recipe promises finger-licking goodness with minimal fuss and maximum satisfaction.
Ingredients You’ll Need
When it comes to this Bang Bang Chicken Skewers Recipe, simplicity is key. These ingredients are essential in creating the harmony of smoky, spicy, and sweet flavors, while also contributing to a succulent texture and vibrant appearance.
- Wooden skewers: Soaked in water to prevent burning, perfect for holding the chicken cubes securely.
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Cubed evenly for quick and uniform cooking.
- Extra virgin olive oil: Adds moisture and helps spices cling to the chicken while enhancing flavor.
- Paprika: Provides smoky depth and a subtle warmth to the chicken.
- Garlic powder: Adds an irresistible savory note that complements the spicy sauce.
- Kosher salt: Brings out all the other flavors perfectly without being overpowering.
- Black pepper: Offers mild heat and a touch of pungency that balances the dish.
- Mayonnaise: Creates the creamy base of the bang bang sauce, ensuring richness and smooth texture.
- Thai sweet chili sauce: Infuses sweetness with a tangy, subtly spicy flair.
- Sriracha: Adds a spicy kick that you can adjust to match your heat preference.
- Honey: A natural sweetener that perfectly balances the spicy and savory elements.
How to Make Bang Bang Chicken Skewers Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Start by mixing your cubed chicken breasts in a large bowl with olive oil, paprika, garlic powder, kosher salt, and black pepper. This simple marinade steps up the flavor and ensures every bite is juicy and well-seasoned. Give it a good toss so the spice blend wraps every piece lovingly.
Step 2: Thread the Chicken onto Skewers
Once marinated, take your wooden skewers (already soaked for half an hour to avoid burning) and thread 4 to 5 chicken cubes onto each. This helps the chicken cook evenly and makes for easy handling whether you’re grilling, baking, or air frying.
Step 3: Make the Bang Bang Sauce
Now comes the magic sauce! Combine the mayonnaise, Thai sweet chili sauce, Sriracha, and honey in a bowl. This mixture is the heart of the Bang Bang Chicken Skewers Recipe, delivering that creamy, sweet, tangy, and spicy punch we all love. Set aside half the sauce to drizzle on later.
Step 4: Coat and Cook the Chicken
Brush the remaining sauce all over the skewered chicken pieces. Then cook the skewers depending on your method of choice: Air fry at 400°F for 11 to 12 minutes, flipping halfway to get that perfect golden char; or bake in your preheated oven at 400°F for 20 to 25 minutes, brushing with sauce after cooking; or grill for 8 to 10 minutes per side for a smoky finish. Each method has its charm and delicious outcome.
Step 5: Finish and Serve
Once your chicken is cooked through and irresistibly glazed, drizzle the reserved bang bang sauce over the skewers. This final touch adds a fresh blast of creaminess and spice that will keep everyone reaching for more.
How to Serve Bang Bang Chicken Skewers Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of chopped fresh cilantro or green onions perfectly complements the bold flavors of your Bang Bang Chicken Skewers Recipe, adding freshness and a pop of color. You could also add a dash of toasted sesame seeds for a bit of crunch and visual appeal.
Side Dishes
These skewers pair wonderfully with light, refreshing sides like a crisp cucumber salad, jasmine rice, or even a crunchy slaw. The cool, crisp textures balance the creamy, spicy sauce dazzling your palate with delightful contrasts.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving these skewers stacked on a platter lined with banana leaves or colorful parchment paper for a tropical vibe. For a fun party idea, set up a “Bang Bang Skewer Bar” where guests can add extra sauce, different garnishes, and maybe even some pickled veggies on the side. It’s as exciting as it is delicious!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftover Bang Bang Chicken Skewers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll stay fresh for up to three days, making an easy grab-and-go protein for your busy days.
Freezing
To freeze, place cooked and cooled skewers on a baking sheet first, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. This method keeps them from sticking together, allowing you to enjoy your Bang Bang Chicken Skewers Recipe anytime with minimal prep. Frozen skewers are best consumed within a month.
Reheating
The best way to reheat your skewers is in the oven or air fryer at 350°F for about 5 to 7 minutes, ensuring they remain juicy without drying out. Avoid microwaving if you want to keep that crisp texture on the outside and the lovely charred appearance.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs will add extra juiciness and rich flavor to the Bang Bang Chicken Skewers Recipe, and they tend to stay tender even if slightly overcooked.
Is it necessary to soak the wooden skewers?
Yes, soaking wooden skewers in water for at least 30 minutes before cooking helps prevent them from burning during grilling, baking, or air frying, keeping your skewers safe and easy to handle.
Can I make the sauce ahead of time?
You can prepare the bang bang sauce a day ahead and store it in the fridge. It actually gets better as the flavors meld. Just be sure to stir before using and add fresh drizzle at serving time.
How spicy is this recipe?
The heat level depends largely on the amount of Sriracha you add. The recipe calls for 2 teaspoons, which offers a gentle kick, but feel free to adjust to your personal heat preference, whether milder or extra spicy.
Can I bake the skewers without the sauce initially?
Yes, you can bake the skewers plain and then brush them with the bang bang sauce right after cooking. This method yields a slightly different texture and allows you to control how saucy each bite gets.
Final Thoughts
This Bang Bang Chicken Skewers Recipe is a fantastic mix of flavors and textures that never fails to impress. It’s easy enough for a weeknight dinner but special enough for entertaining friends and family. Once you try this recipe, you’ll see why it quickly becomes a favorite in any household. So grab your skewers and sauce ingredients, and get ready to enjoy a taste sensation that’s truly bang bang amazing!
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Bang Bang Chicken Skewers Recipe
- Total Time: 22 minutes (Air Fryer method)
- Yield: 16 servings 1x
Description
Bang Bang Chicken Skewers are a flavorful and crispy appetizer featuring juicy chicken breast cubes marinated with spices and coated in a creamy, spicy bang bang sauce. Perfectly cooked using an air fryer, oven, or grill, these skewers are a crowd-pleaser with a balance of sweetness, heat, and savory notes.
Ingredients
Chicken and Marinade
- Wooden skewers, soaked in water for 30 minutes
- 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
Bang Bang Sauce
- 1 ¼ cups (290 g) mayonnaise
- ⅔ cup Thai sweet chili sauce
- 2 teaspoons Sriracha, or more to taste
- 2 tablespoons honey
Instructions
- Prepare Chicken: In a large bowl, combine the chicken breast cubes with extra virgin olive oil, paprika, garlic powder, kosher salt, and black pepper. Mix well to ensure the chicken is evenly coated with the spices and oil.
- Skewer Chicken: Thread 4-5 pieces of the seasoned chicken cubes onto each soaked wooden skewer, ensuring the pieces are evenly spaced for even cooking.
- Make Bang Bang Sauce: In a separate bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, Thai sweet chili sauce, Sriracha, and honey until smooth and well combined. Set aside half of this sauce for drizzling after cooking.
- Coat Chicken: Brush the remaining bang bang sauce generously over the skewered chicken pieces, coating thoroughly on all sides.
- Cook in Air Fryer: Place the coated skewers in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Cook at 400°F (204°C) for 11-12 minutes, turning halfway through to ensure even cooking and a crispy exterior.
- Finish and Serve: Once cooked, remove the skewers from the air fryer and drizzle with the reserved bang bang sauce. Serve immediately while hot.
- Oven Instructions (Alternative): Preheat the oven to 400°F (204°C). Place the skewers on a baking sheet and bake for 20-25 minutes until cooked through. After baking, brush the skewers with the reserved bang bang sauce before serving.
- Grill Instructions (Alternative): Preheat the grill to medium-high heat. Grill the skewers for 8-10 minutes per side until fully cooked. Brush with the reserved bang bang sauce once removed from the grill and serve.
Notes
- Soaking the wooden skewers in water helps prevent them from burning during cooking.
- Make sure to cut the chicken into uniform pieces for even cooking.
- Adjust the amount of Sriracha in the sauce based on your preferred spice level.
- This recipe can be cooked using an air fryer, oven, or grill depending on your equipment.
- Serve with a side of fresh vegetables or a crisp salad to balance the richness of the sauce.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes (Air Fryer); 20-25 minutes (Oven); 16-20 minutes (Grill)
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: Asian Fusion
