These Bang Bang Chicken Skewers are a delightful fusion of sweet and spicy flavors, offering a crispy exterior and tender interior. The homemade bang bang sauce, a blend of mayonnaise, Thai sweet chili sauce, Sriracha, and honey, adds a creamy, tangy kick that perfectly complements the seasoned chicken.
Ideal for a quick weeknight dinner or as a crowd-pleasing appetizer, these skewers are versatile and can be cooked in an air fryer, oven, or on the grill. Serve them with a side of steamed rice or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
Full Recipe
Ingredients:
For the Chicken:
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2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
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1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
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1 teaspoon paprika
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1 teaspoon garlic powder
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1 teaspoon kosher salt
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½ teaspoon black pepper
For the Bang Bang Sauce:
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1 ¼ cups mayonnaise
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⅔ cup Thai sweet chili sauce
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2 teaspoons Sriracha (adjust to taste)
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2 tablespoons honey
Directions:
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Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes to prevent burning.
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In a large bowl, combine the cubed chicken with olive oil, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Toss until the chicken is evenly coated.
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Thread 4–5 pieces of seasoned chicken onto each skewer.
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In a separate bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, Thai sweet chili sauce, Sriracha, and honey to create the bang bang sauce.
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Reserve half of the sauce for serving and brush the remaining sauce generously over the chicken skewers.
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Place the skewers in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook in batches.
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Air fry for 11–12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
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Remove the skewers from the air fryer and drizzle with the reserved bang bang sauce before serving.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 12 minutes
Total Time: 22 minutes
Kcal: 253 kcal per skewer
Servings: 16 skewers
The Allure of Bang Bang Chicken Skewers
Bang Bang Chicken Skewers are more than just a meal; they’re an experience. Combining a vibrant flavor profile with a playful presentation, this dish has quickly become a favorite among fans of quick, flavorful cooking. Whether you’re serving them as a party appetizer or as a main dish for dinner, their unique blend of creamy, spicy, and slightly sweet flavors will leave a lasting impression. This modern take on chicken skewers takes inspiration from Asian-American fusion cuisine, and the result is a dish that’s bold, exciting, and irresistibly satisfying.
The Origins and Evolution of Bang Bang Sauce
The signature of this recipe lies in its “Bang Bang” sauce—a creamy, spicy condiment believed to be inspired by the Chinese street food “Bang Bang Chicken,” where the name refers to the sound of chicken being tenderized with a wooden stick. Over time, the dish evolved in Western kitchens to include a creamy, chili-based sauce often made with mayonnaise, Thai sweet chili sauce, and Sriracha. The blend offers a rich and velvety texture, complemented by a sweet-heat balance that works wonders on crisped chicken.
Why This Recipe Works
The genius of Bang Bang Chicken Skewers lies in its simplicity and versatility. The chicken is seasoned with pantry staples like paprika, garlic powder, and olive oil, then cooked in the air fryer to achieve a crispy exterior and juicy interior. This technique makes it perfect for weeknights when time is limited but flavor is non-negotiable. Meanwhile, the sauce doubles as both a marinade and a dip, offering layers of flavor in every bite. It’s a crowd-pleaser that hits all the right notes—creamy, spicy, tangy, and slightly sweet.
Air Fryer Cooking: Crisp Without the Guilt
One of the major benefits of this recipe is the use of the air fryer. This method significantly cuts down on the oil required, delivering that coveted crispy texture without the deep-frying mess or calories. The hot circulating air crisps the surface of the chicken while keeping the interior moist and flavorful. It’s a healthier cooking method that doesn’t sacrifice taste, making it a go-to for those seeking nutritious and delicious meals.
Perfect for Entertaining
Bang Bang Chicken Skewers are ideal for gatherings, whether you’re throwing a casual game day party or a more upscale dinner. Their presentation—juicy chicken pieces threaded on wooden skewers and brushed with a vibrant orange sauce—makes them visually appealing. Serve them as finger food with dipping sauce on the side or plated alongside rice or salad for a more complete dish. Guests will love the spicy kick and creamy finish, and you’ll love how easy they are to prepare.
Family-Friendly With Customizable Heat
Despite its spicy reputation, this recipe is easy to adapt for a family-friendly dinner. You can dial down the Sriracha to make it milder for kids or spice it up with more chili sauce or a touch of crushed red pepper. This flexibility allows you to adjust the heat level to suit your family’s preferences, making it an excellent addition to your regular meal rotation.
Meal Prep and Leftover Tips
This dish also works beautifully as part of your weekly meal prep. Make a large batch of skewers and store them in airtight containers for up to 3–4 days in the fridge. The chicken reheats well in a toaster oven or microwave, and the sauce can be stored separately and drizzled fresh before serving. You can even repurpose leftovers by slicing the chicken off the skewers and tossing it into salads, wraps, or rice bowls for quick and tasty lunches.
Pairing Suggestions
Bang Bang Chicken Skewers pair well with a variety of sides. For a healthy, balanced meal, serve them with jasmine rice and steamed vegetables or a crisp cucumber salad. For a lower-carb option, try pairing them with cauliflower rice or lettuce wraps. The cool, refreshing sides help balance the spicy richness of the sauce and round out the meal perfectly. A side of lime wedges or chopped cilantro adds a burst of freshness that elevates the dish even more.
Cultural Influence and Modern Appeal
While this dish has its roots in traditional Asian cooking, its modern rendition reflects global culinary trends. The rise in popularity of fusion cuisine—especially dishes that blend spicy, sweet, and creamy elements—has helped make recipes like this a staple in Western households. It’s a beautiful example of how culinary traditions can be adapted and elevated to suit modern tastes without losing their soul.
Visual Appeal and Social Media Worthiness
In today’s food culture, a dish’s appearance can be just as important as its flavor. Bang Bang Chicken Skewers shine in this department. The golden-brown chicken contrasted with the vibrant orange-pink hue of the sauce makes for a visually stunning plate. Garnish with a sprinkle of chopped green onions or sesame seeds for an Instagram-ready presentation. It’s a dish that not only tastes amazing but also photographs beautifully.
Dietary Notes and Substitutions
This dish is naturally gluten-free when made with certified gluten-free ingredients. You can also make it dairy-free by ensuring the mayonnaise used is dairy-free, which is commonly the case. For a lighter version, substitute Greek yogurt for some or all of the mayonnaise in the sauce. Those following keto or low-carb diets can enjoy this dish as well, especially if served with non-starchy vegetables or lettuce wraps.
Conclusion
Bang Bang Chicken Skewers are a flavor-packed, quick-to-make dish that checks all the boxes: bold taste, visual appeal, healthy preparation, and versatility. Whether you’re cooking for your family on a busy weeknight or entertaining friends at your next gathering, this recipe delivers consistent results that everyone will enjoy. With minimal ingredients and a short cook time, it’s proof that a simple recipe can still offer gourmet-level flavor.
Incorporating this dish into your weekly meal planning not only diversifies your menu but also introduces an exciting mix of textures and flavors that elevate everyday dining. It’s the perfect reminder that delicious food doesn’t have to be complicated—and sometimes, a great sauce is all it takes to transform simple ingredients into something extraordinary.