These Bang Bang Chicken Skewers are my new favorite way to cook chicken. They’re tender, juicy, and bursting with flavor, thanks to a sweet and spicy bang bang sauce and a drizzle of hot honey. I love how easy they are to make, whether I’m grilling them outdoors or using my trusty air fryer.

I first tried bang bang chicken at a local restaurant, and I was immediately hooked. The combination of flavors and textures was just perfect. I knew I had to try making it at home, and this recipe is my take on that delicious dish. It’s become a regular in my weekly meal rotation, and it’s always a hit with my family and friends.

Why You’ll Love These Bang Bang Chicken Skewers

Flavor Explosion: These skewers are bursting with flavor, thanks to the combination of sweet, spicy, and tangy flavors in the bang bang sauce.
Easy to Make: This recipe is incredibly easy to follow, even for beginner cooks.
Versatile: You can cook these skewers on the grill or in the air fryer, making them a versatile option for any occasion.
Crowd-Pleaser: These skewers are always a hit with everyone, from kids to adults.

Ingredients for Bang Bang Chicken Skewers

Here’s what I use to make these delicious skewers:

Chicken Thighs: I prefer chicken thighs for this recipe because they’re more flavorful and juicy than chicken breasts.
Olive Oil: This helps to keep the chicken moist and flavorful.
Paprika, Garlic Powder, and Black Pepper: These spices add a savory depth of flavor.
Cayenne Pepper: Adds a kick of heat.
Salt: To season the chicken.
Hot Honey: This is optional, but I love the added sweetness and heat that it brings to the dish.

Bang Bang Sauce:

Mayonnaise: The base of our creamy sauce.
Lime Juice: Adds a bright, tangy flavor.
Thai Sweet Chili Sauce: Adds sweetness and a touch of heat.
Sriracha: Adds another layer of heat. You can adjust the amount to your liking.

(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Variations

Want to try something different? Here are a few ideas:

Different Protein: Try using shrimp or beef instead of chicken.
Veggie Skewers: Add some vegetables, like bell peppers, onions, or zucchini, to the skewers.
Spicy Peanut Sauce: Swap out the bang bang sauce for a spicy peanut sauce.
Honey Garlic Glaze: Mix some honey and soy sauce together for a glaze to brush on the chicken while it’s cooking.

How to Make Bang Bang Chicken Skewers

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

I start by cubing the chicken thighs into 1-inch pieces. Then, I combine the chicken with the olive oil, paprika, garlic powder, black pepper, cayenne pepper, and salt in a large bowl. I toss everything together until the chicken is evenly coated.

Step 2: Make the Bang Bang Sauce

In a medium bowl, I whisk together the mayonnaise, lime juice, Thai sweet chili sauce, and sriracha. This makes about 1 1/2 cups of sauce. I pour half of the sauce into a separate bowl and set it aside for later.

Step 3: Assemble the Skewers

I thread the chicken onto skewers, leaving a little space at the top and bottom. Then, I brush the skewers with the bang bang sauce.

Step 4: Cook the Chicken

I either grill the skewers over medium-high heat for 15-20 minutes, turning often, or air fry them at 400°F for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway. I make sure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.

Step 5: Serve

Once the chicken is cooked through, I transfer the skewers to a plate and drizzle or brush them with the reserved bang bang sauce and a drizzle of hot honey (if using). I serve them immediately.

Tips and Tricks

Soak the Skewers: If you’re using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes before using them to prevent them from burning.¹
Even Cooking: Make sure the chicken pieces are similar in size so they cook evenly.
Don’t Overcrowd: Don’t overcrowd the grill or air fryer basket. This will ensure that the chicken cooks evenly.

How to Serve

I love serving these Bang Bang Chicken Skewers with:

Rice: Steamed white or brown rice is a great accompaniment to these skewers.
Noodles: You can also serve these skewers over noodles.
Salad: A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette is a refreshing complement to these flavorful skewers.

Make Ahead and Storage

Make Ahead: You can marinate the chicken up to 24 hours in advance.
Storing: Store leftover skewers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating: Reheat the skewers in the air fryer, oven, or microwave until warmed through.

FAQs

1. Can I use a different type of chicken?
Yes, you can use boneless, skinless chicken breasts if you prefer.

2. Can I make these skewers without an air fryer?
Yes, you can grill them or bake them in the oven.

3. Can I make the bang bang sauce ahead of time?
Yes, you can make the sauce ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

There you have it! A simple and delicious recipe for Bang Bang Chicken Skewers. I hope you enjoy them!

Bang Bang Chicken Skewers Recipe