Bang Bang Chicken Skewers Recipe
Introduction
Bang Bang Chicken Skewers are a deliciously spicy and creamy appetizer perfect for any occasion. These tender, seasoned chicken bites are coated in a flavorful bang bang sauce that combines a touch of sweetness and heat. Easy to prepare and cook, especially with an air fryer, they’re sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients
- Wooden skewers (soaked in water for 30 minutes)
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cut into 1-inch cubes)
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 ¼ cups (290 g) mayonnaise
- ⅔ cup Thai sweet chili sauce
- 2 teaspoons Sriracha (or more to taste)
- 2 tablespoons honey
Instructions
- Step 1: In a large bowl, combine the cubed chicken breasts, olive oil, paprika, garlic powder, kosher salt, and black pepper. Toss until the chicken is evenly coated with the seasonings.
- Step 2: Thread 4-5 pieces of the seasoned chicken onto each soaked wooden skewer, working one skewer at a time.
- Step 3: In a small bowl, mix together the mayonnaise, Thai sweet chili sauce, Sriracha, and honey until smooth. This is your bang bang sauce.
- Step 4: Divide the bang bang sauce in half. Brush one half evenly over the chicken skewers, reserving the other half for serving.
- Step 5: Place the coated chicken skewers in a single layer in the basket of your air fryer. Depending on your air fryer size, you may need to cook in batches.
- Step 6: Air fry the chicken at 400°F for 11-12 minutes, flipping the skewers halfway through cooking. The chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
- Step 7: Once cooked, transfer the skewers to a serving plate and drizzle or brush with the reserved bang bang sauce. Serve immediately for best flavor.
Tips & Variations
- Soaking wooden skewers in water helps prevent them from burning during cooking.
- Adjust the amount of Sriracha in the sauce to control the level of spiciness.
- For a grilled flavor, finish the skewers on a hot grill for 1-2 minutes per side after air frying.
- Try swapping chicken breasts with chicken thighs for juicier, more flavorful skewers.
Storage
Store any leftover chicken skewers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the air fryer or oven at 350°F until warmed through. Keep the bang bang sauce separate and reapply after reheating to maintain its fresh flavor.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I bake the chicken skewers instead of air frying?
Yes, you can bake the skewers in a preheated oven at 400°F for about 15-20 minutes, turning halfway through, until the chicken reaches 165°F internally.
What can I use instead of Thai sweet chili sauce?
If you don’t have Thai sweet chili sauce, you can substitute with a combination of honey and chili garlic sauce for a similar sweet and spicy flavor balance.
PrintBang Bang Chicken Skewers Recipe
Bang Bang Chicken Skewers are a deliciously spicy and creamy appetizer featuring tender chicken cubes marinated with flavorful spices and coated generously with a zesty bang bang sauce. Cooked to perfection in an air fryer, these skewers are crispy on the outside and juicy inside, making them a perfect party dish or quick meal.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Chicken and Seasonings
- Wooden skewers (soaked in water for 30 minutes)
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
Bang Bang Sauce
- 1 ¼ cups (290 g) mayonnaise
- ⅔ cup Thai sweet chili sauce
- 2 teaspoons Sriracha (or more to taste)
- 2 tablespoons honey
Instructions
- Season the chicken: In a large bowl, combine the cubed chicken breasts with the extra virgin olive oil, paprika, garlic powder, kosher salt, and black pepper. Toss thoroughly to evenly coat all the chicken pieces with the seasonings.
- Thread chicken onto skewers: Take the soaked wooden skewers and thread 4-5 pieces of the seasoned chicken onto each, ensuring they are spaced evenly for even cooking.
- Prepare the bang bang sauce: In a small bowl, mix together the mayonnaise, Thai sweet chili sauce, Sriracha, and honey until you achieve a smooth and consistent sauce. This will yield about 1 ¾ cups of bang bang sauce.
- Brush sauce onto chicken: Divide the sauce in half. Use one half to brush generously over the chicken skewers to add flavor before cooking. Set the remaining half aside for after cooking.
- Arrange and cook in air fryer: Place the chicken skewers into the basket of your air fryer in a single layer, ensuring they are not overcrowded. Depending on your air fryer’s size, you may need to cook in batches.
- Air fry the skewers: Set the air fryer temperature to 400°F (204°C) and cook the skewers for 11-12 minutes. Flip the skewers halfway through the cooking process for even browning. Cook until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) to confirm doneness.
- Serve with reserved sauce: Once cooked, transfer the skewers to a serving plate and drizzle or brush the reserved bang bang sauce over them. Serve immediately while hot for the best flavor and texture.
Notes
- Soak wooden skewers for at least 30 minutes prior to cooking to prevent burning in the air fryer.
- Adjust the amount of Sriracha in the sauce to control the level of spiciness according to your preference.
- If you do not have an air fryer, these skewers can be grilled or baked, but cooking times may vary.
- Ensure the chicken is cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for food safety.
- Leftover bang bang sauce can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Keywords: Bang Bang Chicken, Chicken Skewers, Air Fryer Recipe, Spicy Chicken, Appetizer, Thai Sweet Chili Sauce
