Name: Bang Bang Chicken Skewers Recipe
Prep time: 45 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: Asian
Ingredients: 1 1/2 pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch cubes; 1 tbsp olive oil; 1 tsp paprika; 1 tsp garlic powder; 1 tsp salt; ½ tsp black pepper; 1 cup mayonnaise; 1/2 cup sweet chili sauce*; 1 tbsp hot sauce* (or more to taste); 2 tbsp honey*; 1 tsp salt

Jump to Recipe

If you’re searching for a crowd-pleasing, flavor-packed dish that perfectly balances sweet, spicy, and creamy, you have to try Bang Bang Chicken Skewers. This irresistible recipe combines juicy marinated chicken, a luscious homemade bang bang sauce, and a speedy air fryer method that delivers restaurant-quality results right at home. Whether you’re prepping for a busy weeknight or a backyard get-together, these Bang Bang Chicken Skewers are always a sizzling hit and will have everyone asking for seconds!

Bang Bang Chicken Skewers Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Bang Bang Chicken Skewers come together with simple, accessible ingredients that deliver maximum impact. Each one is chosen to ensure the chicken is incredibly tender, beautifully seasoned, and bursting with those signature bang bang flavors you crave.

Chicken Thighs: Opt for boneless, skinless thighs for extra juicy and flavorful skewers that stay moist when cooked.
Olive Oil: A little drizzle helps the spices adhere and lends moisture to each bite.
Paprika: Adds a subtle warmth and gorgeous color for that inviting golden hue.
Garlic Powder: Infuses savory depth throughout the chicken without overpowering the sauce.
Salt and Black Pepper: Essential basics to highlight and balance every other flavor in the mix.
Mayonnaise: The creamy base for bang bang sauce, bringing everything together in a silky finish.
Sweet Chili Sauce: Gives the sauce its sweet-heat personality and signature zing.
Hot Sauce: For the perfect spicy kick—adjust to your liking for extra fire!
Honey: Adds a subtle, mellow sweetness that tames the spice and ties all the sauce elements together.
Extra Salt: Just a touch enhances the sauce, marrying sweet, salty, and spicy notes beautifully.

How to Make Bang Bang Chicken Skewers

Step 1: Cut and Prep the Chicken

Begin by cutting your chicken thighs into uniform 1-inch cubes. Keeping the pieces the same size ensures that every chunk cooks at the same rate, giving you perfectly juicy Bang Bang Chicken Skewers from end to end.

Step 2: Marinate the Chicken

Combine the chicken cubes in a large mixing bowl with olive oil, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Toss everything until thoroughly coated—the olive oil helps the spices adhere, while the quick marinade works its magic infusing tons of flavor. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes so your Bang Bang Chicken Skewers turn out super tasty.

Step 3: Whisk Up The Bang Bang Sauce

In a separate bowl, mix together mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, hot sauce, honey, and a pinch of salt. Whisk until completely smooth and creamy. This is your bang bang secret weapon! Reserve some sauce for both basting and dipping so every skewer gets extra saucy love.

Step 4: Skewer the Chicken

Thread the marinated chicken cubes onto skewers, leaving just a bit of space between each piece. This lets the air circulate for even cooking and those irresistible slightly crispy edges that make Bang Bang Chicken Skewers addictive.

Step 5: Brush with Bang Bang Sauce

Before cooking, brush each skewer with a generous layer of your freshly-made bang bang sauce. This not only adds massive flavor but also encourages beautiful caramelization during air frying.

Step 6: Air Fry to Perfection

Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Arrange the chicken skewers in a single layer so they’re not touching—this helps them cook evenly and brown beautifully. Cook for 12 to 15 minutes, giving them a quick flip halfway through. You want the outside golden and the chicken juicy and fully cooked at 165°F (74°C).

Step 7: Finish and Serve

Once they’re sizzling and golden, give your Bang Bang Chicken Skewers another light brush of sauce while hot. This extra finishing drizzle melts into the chicken for even more flavor. Serve immediately with extra sauce on the side so everyone gets that full bang bang experience!

How to Serve Bang Bang Chicken Skewers

Garnishes

Nothing elevates Bang Bang Chicken Skewers like a sprinkling of freshly chopped parsley or nutty sesame seeds. Both add vibrant color and a little extra texture, making your skewers look as incredible as they taste. If you love a bit of fresh bite, a handful of thinly sliced green onions never goes amiss!

Side Dishes

These skewers beg for something bright and fresh alongside. Try serving them with crisp cucumber salad, fluffy jasmine rice, or a crunchy slaw with shredded carrots and cabbage to balance the rich bang bang sauce. Roasted veggies or steamed edamame are equally perfect for rounding out the meal.

Creative Ways to Present

Transform Bang Bang Chicken Skewers into showstoppers: stand them upright in a mason jar for casual parties, tuck them into lettuce wraps for lighter bites, or set up a build-your-own bowl bar with rice, seasonal veggies, and plenty of extra bang bang sauce. However you present them, these skewers steal the spotlight!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself with extra Bang Bang Chicken Skewers (a rare but lucky scenario!), simply store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep the sauce separate if possible so the chicken stays juicy and the coating doesn’t get soggy.

Freezing

For longer storage, you can freeze the cooked and cooled skewers—just place them in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 2 months. The bang bang sauce also freezes well; divide it into small portions so you can defrost just what you need for future cravings!

Reheating

To reheat, warm the chicken skewers in a 350°F (175°C) oven or air fryer for 5 to 7 minutes, just until heated through. Avoid microwaving as it can make the coating soggy—crispness is the magic of Bang Bang Chicken Skewers!

FAQs

Can I grill these Bang Bang Chicken Skewers instead of air frying?

Absolutely! The skewers cook beautifully on an outdoor grill or indoor grill pan. Medium-high heat and a watchful eye produce perfectly tender, slightly charred chicken with smoky notes that pair wonderfully with the creamy sauce.

What type of hot sauce works best for the bang bang sauce?

It’s all about personal preference! Sriracha is a classic for its balance of heat and garlic undertones, but any favorite hot sauce works. Start with a tablespoon and adjust based on your spice tolerance for the ideal kick.

Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?

Yes, you can substitute chicken breast if you prefer a leaner option. Just be careful not to overcook, as breast meat dries out more quickly than thighs. Either way, the bang bang flavor shines through!

Are Bang Bang Chicken Skewers gluten free?

They can be! Just double-check your sweet chili sauce and hot sauce labels to ensure there’s no hidden gluten, and you’ll have a dish perfect for gluten-free guests to enjoy.

How spicy are these skewers, and how can I adjust the heat?

Bang Bang Chicken Skewers have a mild to moderate spice level as written. For extra heat, add more hot sauce or a sprinkle of crushed red pepper to the sauce. For a milder version, simply reduce the amount of hot sauce—the magic is in customizing to your taste!

Final Thoughts

It’s honestly tough to beat the flavor explosion and easy elegance of Bang Bang Chicken Skewers. They’re quick enough for a weeknight, wow-worthy enough for a party, and endlessly adaptable. Give them a try—you’ll fall in love at first bite and find yourself making them again and again!