Name: Bang Bang Chicken Skewers
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Ingredients: 1½ lb boneless skinless chicken breast or thighs (cut into cubes); 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 teaspoon paprika; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; ½ teaspoon salt; ½ teaspoon black pepper; ½ cup mayonnaise; ¼ cup sweet chili sauce; 1 to 2 tablespoons sriracha (to taste); 1 teaspoon rice vinegar or lime juice; Chopped green onions (optional); Sesame seeds (optional)

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Bang Bang Chicken Skewers bring together juicy, tender chicken cubes perfectly coated in a luscious creamy, sweet-spicy sauce. Whether cooked in an air fryer, on the grill, or in the oven, these skewers deliver irresistible flavors with minimal fuss, making them a crowd-pleasing meal for any occasion.

This dish combines the fun and convenience of grilled skewers with a decadent Bang Bang sauce, balancing heat, sweetness, and tang. The vibrant garnishes add a delightful finishing touch that makes these chicken skewers as visually appealing as they are tasty.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick to prepare with versatile cooking options: air fryer, grill, or oven.
Bold, creamy, and perfectly balanced sweet-spicy Bang Bang sauce.
Great for parties, weeknight dinners, or meal-prepping in advance.
Customizable spice level using sriracha amount to suit any palate.

Ingredients

Boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs: Cubed chicken providing tender, juicy meat perfect for skewering and coating with sauce.
Olive oil: Used to lightly coat the chicken, helping spices adhere and creating a juicy texture when cooked.
Paprika: Adds a smoky depth and vibrant color to the chicken.
Garlic powder: Provides savory, aromatic flavor enhancing the chicken’s natural taste.
Salt: Essential for seasoning and bringing out all other flavors.
Black pepper: Adds mild heat and complexity to the seasoning mix.
Mayonnaise: Forms the creamy base of the Bang Bang sauce, balancing spicy and sweet elements.
Sweet chili sauce: Delivers sweetness and gentle heat to the sauce’s flavor profile.
Sriracha: Customizable spicy kick that defines the Bang Bang sauce’s heat level.
Rice vinegar or lime juice: Adds acidity and brightness, cutting through the richness of the sauce.
Chopped green onions (optional): Fresh garnish providing color and a mild onion flavor contrast.
Sesame seeds (optional): Adds subtle nuttiness and a nice textural contrast.

Instructions

Prep the Chicken: In a medium bowl, toss the cubed chicken with olive oil, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper until evenly coated. This step ensures all pieces are seasoned and flavorful before cooking. If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes to prevent burning during cooking.
Thread the Chicken onto Skewers: Evenly distribute the seasoned chicken cubes onto the soaked skewers, spacing them slightly to allow even cooking. Proper spacing helps heat circulate for juicy, well-cooked meat.
Cook the Skewers Using Your Preferred Method: For Air Fryer: Preheat the air fryer to 200 °C (400 °F). Place skewers in the basket and cook for 10–12 minutes, turning once halfway, until golden brown and fully cooked with an internal temperature of 75 °C (165 °F). For Grill: Heat grill to medium and cook skewers for 10–12 minutes, turning occasionally to get nice grill marks and even cooking. For Oven: Bake skewers at 220 °C (425 °F) for 15–18 minutes, flipping halfway through for uniform browning.
Prepare the Bang Bang Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha (adjust amount based on desired spice level), and rice vinegar or lime juice until smooth. The sauce should be creamy with a balanced sweet and spicy flavor.
Coat and Garnish the Skewers: Once cooked, brush or drizzle the Bang Bang sauce generously over the hot chicken skewers. Garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds if desired for added freshness and crunch. Serve immediately for best flavor.

You Must Know

Reserve some Bang Bang sauce to serve on the side for extra dipping pleasure.
For a crispy finish, broil the skewers 1–2 minutes after baking in the oven.
Adjust sriracha amount to control the spice level based on your preference.
These skewers pair wonderfully with steamed rice, fresh slaw, or wrapped in tortillas for a delicious meal.

Storage Tips

Store leftover cooked chicken skewers and sauce separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in an oven or air fryer to maintain juiciness without drying out the chicken.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Bang Bang Chicken Skewers alongside a crisp Asian-style slaw or steamed jasmine rice. They are also fantastic wrapped in lettuce leaves or flatbreads for a quick lunch or dinner option.

Professional Tips

Use skinless chicken thighs for more juicy, flavorful results compared to breast.
Soaking wooden skewers in water prevents burning and makes handling safer.
Adjust the consistency of the sauce by adding more mayonnaise or sweet chili sauce for dipping needs.

FAQs

Can I use bone-in chicken for this recipe?: Bone-in chicken is not recommended as it requires longer cooking time and the skewers will not cook evenly like boneless pieces.
How spicy are these Bang Bang Chicken Skewers?: Spice level is adjustable by the amount of sriracha used. Start with 1 tablespoon for mild heat and increase for more spice.
Can I make the Bang Bang sauce ahead of time?: Yes, the sauce can be made up to 2 days in advance. Store it refrigerated in an airtight container and stir before serving.
What’s the best alternative if I don’t have an air fryer?: The grill or oven methods work equally well, giving you flexibility based on your kitchen equipment.
How do I prevent chicken from sticking to the grill?: Make sure to oil the grill grates and use well-oiled chicken to minimize sticking and encourage nice grill marks.
Can I use wooden skewers in the air fryer?: Yes, but be sure to soak them in water for 30 minutes before cooking to prevent them from burning.
Is this recipe gluten-free?: This recipe is naturally gluten-free, but always check that your sweet chili sauce and sriracha do not contain gluten or cross-contamination.