Bang Bang Chicken Skewers

These Bang Bang Chicken Skewers are a quick, flavorful, and crowd-pleasing dish that packs a punch! Made with tender chicken cubes seasoned to perfection and brushed with a homemade bang bang sauce, these skewers are crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside. Cooked effortlessly in an air fryer, they’re perfect as an appetizer, snack, or even a main course. The spicy-sweet combination of the bang bang sauce makes these skewers irresistible!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These Bang Bang Chicken Skewers are the perfect balance of spicy, sweet, and savory. The homemade bang bang sauce takes the dish to the next level, offering a creamy texture with a kick of heat from the Sriracha. The chicken skewers are tender and juicy on the inside with a perfectly crisp exterior thanks to the air fryer. Whether you’re hosting a party, preparing a quick dinner, or just craving a delicious snack, these skewers will surely be a hit. They’re easy to make, full of flavor, and cook in under 30 minutes!

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Skewers:

• 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

For the Bang Bang Sauce:

• 1 ¼ cups mayonnaise

• ⅔ cup Thai sweet chili sauce

• 2 teaspoons Sriracha (or more to taste)

• 2 tablespoons honey

Directions

1. In a large bowl, combine the cubed chicken with olive oil, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Toss to coat evenly.

2. Thread 4–5 chicken cubes onto each soaked skewer.

3. In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, Thai sweet chili sauce, Sriracha, and honey to make the bang bang sauce.

4. Set aside half of the sauce for later and use the remaining sauce to brush evenly over the chicken skewers.

5. Place the skewers in the air fryer basket in a single layer (work in batches if necessary).

6. Air fry at 400°F for 11–12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.

7. Once cooked, transfer the skewers to a plate and drizzle or brush with the reserved bang bang sauce. Serve immediately.

Servings and timing

• Servings: 4 servings

• Prep Time: 10 minutes

• Cooking Time: 12 minutes

• Total Time: 22 minutes

Storage/Reheating

Leftover chicken skewers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place the skewers in the air fryer at 350°F for 4–5 minutes or until warmed through. You can also microwave them, but the air fryer will keep them crispier. For longer storage, you can freeze the cooked skewers for up to 2 months. Thaw them in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Yes, chicken thighs will work great for this recipe! They are a bit juicier and more flavorful but will need the same seasoning and air frying time.

Can I make the bang bang sauce ahead of time?

Yes, the bang bang sauce can be made in advance and stored in the refrigerator for up to a week. Just give it a good stir before using it.

How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?

The chicken is fully cooked when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. A meat thermometer is the best way to ensure your chicken is perfectly done.

Can I make this recipe on a grill instead of the air fryer?

Yes, you can grill these skewers over medium heat for about 4–5 minutes per side until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F. Just brush the skewers with the sauce before grilling.

Can I make this recipe spicier?

Absolutely! If you like it extra spicy, you can increase the amount of Sriracha in the sauce or add some finely chopped fresh chilies to the chicken before cooking.

Can I use skewers other than wooden ones?

Yes, metal skewers will work fine as well. Just make sure to grease them lightly to prevent the chicken from sticking.

How long should I soak the wooden skewers?

Soaking the wooden skewers for 30 minutes helps prevent them from burning in the air fryer. You can also soak them for up to an hour if needed.

Can I make this recipe without the sauce?

Yes, if you prefer, you can skip the sauce and enjoy the seasoned chicken on its own. The chicken is still flavorful on its own with the seasoning.

Can I add vegetables to the skewers?

Yes, you can add vegetables like bell peppers, onions, or zucchini to the skewers. Just make sure to cut them into similar-sized pieces to ensure even cooking.

Can I make these Bang Bang Chicken Skewers in the oven?

Yes, you can bake these skewers in the oven at 400°F for about 15–20 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.

Conclusion

These Bang Bang Chicken Skewers are a fantastic, flavorful dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether served as an appetizer, snack, or main course, they are sure to impress with their crispy exterior, juicy interior, and irresistible bang bang sauce. Thanks to the air fryer, they cook up in no time with minimal effort, making them a perfect weeknight meal or party dish. Try them out, and you’ll be hooked on this deliciously spicy and sweet combo!