Bang Bang Chicken Skewers Recipe

If you’re looking for the kind of appetizer that absolutely disappears at parties—these Bang Bang Chicken Skewers are your golden ticket! Juicy marinated chicken, grilled or air-fried to just the right char, is slathered in a sweet, spicy, and creamy bang bang sauce that truly lives up to the name. They’re shockingly simple, endlessly craveable, and perfect for feeding a crowd or making any weeknight feel like a celebration.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Bang Bang Chicken Skewers is all in their simplicity! Each ingredient is chosen to deliver the juiciest chicken and the boldest bang bang flavor, with a delightful pop of color and texture in every bite.

• Wooden skewers (soaked): Soaking prevents them from burning during cooking, and gives those cute finger-friendly handles.
• Boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Cut into bite-size cubes, these stay juicy and tender—and take on all that delicious seasoning.
• Extra virgin olive oil: Helps the spices coat every piece and keeps the chicken ultra-moist as it cooks.
• Paprika: Smoked or sweet, it adds vibrant color and a subtle warmth that shines through the sauce.
• Garlic powder: For irresistible savory depth that mingles beautifully with the tangy bang bang coating.
• Kosher salt & black pepper: Simple, classic seasoning to balance all the bold flavors.
• Mayonnaise: The creamy backbone of your bang bang sauce, making it rich and luscious.
• Thai sweet chili sauce: Adds sweetness, stickiness, and those addictive chili notes—don’t skip it!
• Sriracha: For controlled, customizable heat that gives this dish its “bang.”
• Honey: A dash brings balance and enhances both caramelization and flavor in the sauce.

Variations

One of my favorite things about this recipe is just how easy it is to riff on—whether you’re switching up proteins, dialing up the spice, or making it allergy-friendly. Don’t be afraid to give these a personal twist!

• Shrimp Bang Bang Skewers: Swap chicken for peeled, deveined shrimp and air fry or grill until pink for a delightful seafood twist.
• Dairy-Free or Egg-Free: Use vegan mayo and ensure your sweet chili sauce doesn’t have any hidden dairy for an allergy-friendly option.
• Bang Bang Tofu Skewers: Firm tofu cubes make a fun vegetarian alternative—it drinks up the marinade and crisps up perfectly.
• Ultra Spicy: Double up on the Sriracha in the bang bang sauce or add crushed red pepper for serious heat chasers.

How to Make Bang Bang Chicken Skewers

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

Start by tossing your chicken cubes in olive oil, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Every piece should be evenly coated—this first layer of flavor is what makes the skewers so savory, so don’t rush it! While you prep your sauce and soak the skewers, let the chicken marinate to soak up all those delicious spices.

Step 2: Thread the Skewers

Thread 4-5 cubes of seasoned chicken onto each soaked wooden skewer. Don’t pack them too tightly—space between the cubes lets heat circulate, giving you beautifully even cooking and those photogenic golden edges!

Step 3: Mix the Bang Bang Sauce

Create your irresistible bang bang sauce by mixing together mayonnaise, Thai sweet chili sauce, Sriracha, and honey. Taste and tweak the heat, then separate half the sauce to save for drizzling later. Trust me—saving some for after cooking is the secret to next-level flavor!

Step 4: Cook the Skewers

Brush the chicken all over with half of the bang bang sauce, then arrange your skewers in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Air fry at 400°F for 11-12 minutes, flipping halfway. If you’re using an oven or grill, just follow the simple alternate directions below—either way, cook until the chicken is juicy inside and lightly charred outside.

Step 5: Finish & Serve

Move the crispy golden skewers to a platter and drizzle (or brush) with that reserved bang bang sauce for a luscious, fresh finish. Serve right away while they’re warm and absolutely irresistible!

How to Serve Bang Bang Chicken Skewers

Garnishes

Garnishing these skewers is half the fun! Shower them with sliced green onions and toasted sesame seeds for color and crunch, or pop on a few sprigs of fresh cilantro for freshness. If you want a little extra heat, a few thin slices of red chili atop the bang bang sauce make for a show-stopping finish.

Side Dishes

Bang Bang Chicken Skewers stack happily with jasmine rice, coconut rice, or fluffy quinoa. For something cool and crunchy, go with a cucumber salad or a classic Asian slaw. Even some crisp lettuce leaves for wrapping make this dish the star of the table.

Creative Ways to Present

Arrange the skewers in a spiral on a round platter with a bowl of extra bang bang sauce in the center for dipping. Or serve mini-skewers in shot glasses with sauce on the bottom for grab-and-go appetizers. For a fun, build-your-own dinner, set out a Bang Bang Skewer bar with steamed veggies, rice, and plenty of sauce—let everyone dig in their way!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

To keep your Bang Bang Chicken Skewers tasting fresh, store any cooled leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Keep any extra bang bang sauce in a separate container and only add it to the chicken after reheating for the best flavor and texture.

Freezing

If you want to prepare ahead, freeze the cooked, sauce-free chicken skewers wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or foil and then inside a zip-top bag. They’ll keep for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then reheat and slather with the fresh bang bang sauce before serving for best results.

Reheating

For juicy, flavorful leftovers, warm refrigerated skewers gently in the oven at 325°F or in the air fryer for a few minutes. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it tends to dry out the chicken. Don’t forget a final drizzle of the reserved bang bang sauce right before serving—they’ll taste fresh-made all over again!

FAQs

Final Thoughts

No matter the occasion, Bang Bang Chicken Skewers are a surefire hit—juicy, boldly flavored, and endlessly snackable. I hope you give them a try, make them your own, and watch them vanish from the platter as everyone comes back for more. Happy cooking and happy sharing!

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