Bang Bang Chicken Skewers

These Bang Bang Chicken Skewers are not just a meal; they are a flavor explosion on a stick! Perfect for dinner, gatherings, or weekend cookouts, these skewers combine juicy chicken with a creamy and spicy bang bang sauce. Whether you choose to grill or air fry them, you’ll love how simple it is to create this delicious dish that everyone will rave about.

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Jump to:

• Why You’ll Love This Recipe
• Tools and Preparation
• Essential Tools and Equipment
• Importance of Each Tool
• Ingredients
• How to Make Bang Bang Chicken Skewers
• Step 1: Prepare Your Skewers
• Step 2: Season the Chicken
• Step 3: Make the Bang Bang Sauce
• Step 4: Prepare for Cooking
• Step 5: Brush with Sauce
• Step 6: Grill Instructions
• Step 7: Air Fryer Instructions
• How to Serve Bang Bang Chicken Skewers
• As an Appetizer
• Over a Bed of Rice
• With Fresh Vegetables
• On Tacos
• In Wraps
• As Part of a Platter
• How to Perfect Bang Bang Chicken Skewers
• Best Side Dishes for Bang Bang Chicken Skewers
• Common Mistakes to Avoid
• Storage & Reheating Instructions
• Refrigerator Storage
• Freezing Bang Bang Chicken Skewers
• Reheating Bang Bang Chicken Skewers
• Frequently Asked Questions
• How do I make Bang Bang Chicken Skewers spicier?
• Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
• What is bang bang sauce made of?
• Can I grill these skewers indoors?
• How should I serve my Bang Bang Chicken Skewers?
• Final Thoughts
• 📖 Recipe Card

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Flavor-packed: The combination of spices and the creamy bang bang sauce delivers an unforgettable taste experience.
• Versatile cooking methods: Whether you prefer grilling or air frying, these skewers can be made with your method of choice.
• Quick prep time: With just 15 minutes of prep and 20 minutes of cooking, you can enjoy a delicious meal in under 40 minutes.
• Perfect for any occasion: These skewers work wonderfully for casual dinners, parties, or even as game day snacks.
• Easily customizable: Adjust the spice levels to fit your taste by adding or omitting ingredients like cayenne pepper and Sriracha.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into the recipe, gather these essential tools to make your cooking experience smooth and enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Skewers (wooden or metal)
• Grill or air fryer
• Mixing bowls
• Basting brush
• Knife and cutting board

Importance of Each Tool

• Skewers: Essential for threading the chicken pieces securely while cooking.
• Grill or air fryer: Provides a quick cooking method that enhances flavor through caramelization.
• Mixing bowls: Necessary for combining ingredients evenly, ensuring every bite is full of flavor.
• Basting brush: Helps apply the sauce evenly on the chicken while it cooks, maximizing taste.

Ingredients

For the Chicken Skewers:
* 1½–2 lbs chicken thighs, cubed into 1-inch pieces (boneless, skinless breasts can be used as an alternative)
* 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
* 1 teaspoon paprika
* 1 teaspoon garlic powder
* 1 teaspoon black pepper
* ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for heat)
* ½ teaspoon salt
* 2 tablespoons hot honey (optional, or substitute with regular honey)

For the Bang Bang Sauce:
* 1 cup mayonnaise (add more as needed)
* 2 tablespoons fresh-squeezed lime juice
* ⅔ cup Thai sweet chili sauce
* ¼ cup Sriracha (adjust to taste)

How to Make Bang Bang Chicken Skewers

Step 1: Prepare Your Skewers

If using wooden skewers, soak them in water while preparing the other ingredients. This prevents burning during cooking.

Step 2: Season the Chicken

In a large bowl:
1. Combine cubed chicken with olive oil, paprika, garlic powder, black pepper, cayenne (if using), salt, and hot honey.
2. Toss until all pieces are evenly coated.

Step 3: Make the Bang Bang Sauce

In a medium bowl:
1. Mix together mayonnaise, Thai sweet chili sauce, Sriracha, and lime juice until smooth.
2. This will yield about 1.5 cups of bang bang sauce.

Step 4: Prepare for Cooking

1. Divide the sauce into two portions; set one half aside for later use after cooking.
2. Thread the seasoned chicken onto skewers, filling about ½ to ¾ of each skewer.

Step 5: Brush with Sauce

Brush the chicken skewers with the first portion of sauce. Ensure that sauce gets between each piece for maximum flavor.

Step 6: Grill Instructions

1. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.
2. Grill the skewers for 15–20 minutes, turning frequently until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
3. Continue brushing with sauce until it’s used up and the chicken is nicely caramelized.

Step 7: Air Fryer Instructions

1. Place skewers in the air fryer basket in a single layer (work in batches if necessary).
2. Air fry at 400°F for 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway through until cooked through (165°F internally).
3. Transfer to a plate and drizzle with reserved sauce before serving.

Enjoy your delicious Bang Bang Chicken Skewers!

How to Serve Bang Bang Chicken Skewers

Bang Bang Chicken Skewers are versatile and can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you’re hosting a party or enjoying a cozy dinner, these skewers can be paired with complementary sides or garnishes to enhance their flavor.

As an Appetizer

• Serve on small plates with toothpicks for easy eating.
• Pair with a variety of dipping sauces like extra bang bang sauce, ranch, or blue cheese for added flavor.

Over a Bed of Rice

• Place the skewers on top of a fluffy bed of jasmine or basmati rice.
• This combination makes for a filling meal and allows the delicious juices to soak into the rice.

With Fresh Vegetables

• Add a side of crunchy veggies like cucumber, bell peppers, or carrots.
• These fresh ingredients provide a refreshing contrast to the spicy skewers.

On Tacos

• Use the chicken as a filling for soft tortillas.
• Top with slaw, avocado, and extra bang bang sauce for a delightful twist on tacos.

In Wraps

• Wrap the chicken skewers in flatbreads with fresh greens and other toppings.
• This makes for an easy-to-eat meal or lunch option.

As Part of a Platter

• Create a platter with assorted appetizers including dips, chips, and the skewers.
• This is perfect for gatherings and allows guests to mix and match flavors.

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How to Perfect Bang Bang Chicken Skewers

To ensure your Bang Bang Chicken Skewers turn out perfectly every time, follow these key tips.

• Choose Quality Chicken: Make sure to use fresh, boneless chicken thighs for juiciness. If using breasts, keep an eye on cooking time as they may dry out faster.
• Marinate: Allow chicken to marinate in the spice mixture for at least 30 minutes. This enhances flavor absorption.
• Preheat Your Grill/Air Fryer: Ensure your grill or air fryer is preheated before cooking. This helps achieve that beautiful caramelization.
• Avoid Overcrowding: When threading chicken onto skewers, don’t pack them too tightly. This allows hot air to circulate evenly and cook the chicken thoroughly.
• Baste Frequently: Brush with bang bang sauce while cooking for extra flavor and moisture. It also creates that delicious sticky glaze.
• Use Meat Thermometer: Check that your chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F to ensure it’s safely cooked.

Best Side Dishes for Bang Bang Chicken Skewers

Pairing your Bang Bang Chicken Skewers with tasty sides can elevate your meal experience. Here are some excellent side dish options:

1. Coconut Rice: The sweetness of coconut rice complements the spiciness of the chicken perfectly.
2. Coleslaw: A crunchy coleslaw adds texture and freshness that balances the rich flavors of the skewers.
3. Grilled Corn on the Cob: Sweet corn brushed with butter enhances the outdoor grilling vibe and pairs well with spicy dishes.
4. Roasted Vegetables: Seasoned roasted veggies add color and health benefits alongside your skewers.
5. Quinoa Salad: A light quinoa salad with herbs and lemon provides a nutritious option that pairs well with protein-rich skewers.
6. Garlic Bread: Crispy garlic bread is perfect for dipping into any leftover bang bang sauce after enjoying the chicken.
7. Mango Salsa: A sweet mango salsa offers an exotic touch that contrasts beautifully with spicy flavors.
8. Potato Wedges: Crispy potato wedges seasoned with herbs make for a hearty companion that everyone loves.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Bang Bang Chicken Skewers, it’s easy to overlook a few key elements. Here are some common mistakes and how to avoid them.

• Not marinating long enough: Marinating the chicken for at least 30 minutes enhances flavor. A longer marination time will yield even better results.
• Using low-quality chicken: Choose fresh, high-quality chicken thighs for juiciness and tenderness. Avoid frozen or overly processed options.
• Skipping the soaking step for skewers: If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for 30 minutes before grilling. This prevents burning and keeps your skewers intact.
• Overcrowding the skewers: Make sure not to pack the chicken too closely together. Leave some space between pieces for even cooking and better caramelization.
• Ignoring internal temperature: Always check that the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F to ensure it’s safely cooked. Use a meat thermometer for accuracy.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftovers in an airtight container.
• They can be kept in the fridge for up to 4 days.

Freezing Bang Bang Chicken Skewers

• Freeze cooked skewers in a freezer-safe bag or container.
• They can last up to 3 months in the freezer.

Reheating Bang Bang Chicken Skewers

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F and heat skewers for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through.
• Microwave: Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes. Check regularly to avoid drying out.
• Stovetop: Use a skillet over medium heat with a little oil. Warm each side for a few minutes until hot.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some frequently asked questions regarding Bang Bang Chicken Skewers.

How do I make Bang Bang Chicken Skewers spicier?

You can increase the heat by adding more cayenne pepper or Sriracha into the marinade or sauce. Adjust according to your taste preference.

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Yes, you can substitute boneless, skinless chicken breasts for thighs if you prefer. Keep in mind that breasts may be drier than thighs when cooked.

What is bang bang sauce made of?

Bang bang sauce typically consists of mayonnaise, Thai sweet chili sauce, Sriracha, and lime juice. This combination gives it a creamy, tangy flavor with a spicy kick.

Can I grill these skewers indoors?

While grilling outdoors is ideal, you can also use an indoor grill pan or grill press on your stovetop. Just ensure proper ventilation while cooking.

How should I serve my Bang Bang Chicken Skewers?

These skewers are perfect as appetizers or main dishes. Serve them with extra dipping sauce on the side or alongside rice and veggies for a complete meal.

Final Thoughts

Bang Bang Chicken Skewers are not only delicious but also versatile enough to adapt to any gathering or dinner table. Whether you’re grilling them at a summer cookout or making them in an air fryer at home, this dish is sure to impress! Feel free to customize the spice levels and serve with your favorite sides or sauces.