Bang Bang Chicken Skewers

These Bang Bang Chicken Skewers are a delightful mix of spicy and sweet flavors that will tantalize your taste buds. Perfect for any occasion, from casual dinners to festive gatherings, these skewers are sure to impress your family and friends. The bold spices combined with a creamy bang bang sauce create a unique dish that is both fun to eat and easy to prepare. Grill or air-fry these skewers for a quick and satisfying meal.

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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 Skewers
• Step 2: Marinate Chicken
• Step 3: Make Bang Bang Sauce
• Step 4: Portion Sauce
• Step 5: Thread Chicken onto Skewers
• Step 6: Brush with Sauce
• Step 7: Grill Instructions
• Step 8: Air Fryer Instructions
• Step 9: Serve
• How to Serve Bang Bang Chicken Skewers
• As a Main Dish
• With Fresh Salad
• Wrapped in Lettuce
• On Rice or Noodles
• At Your Next BBQ
• 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
• What are Bang Bang Chicken Skewers?
• Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs for Bang Bang Chicken Skewers?
• How do I customize my Bang Bang Chicken Skewers?
• How long does it take to cook Bang Bang Chicken Skewers?
• Can I make Bang Bang Chicken Skewers spicy?
• Final Thoughts
• 📖 Recipe Card

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Flavor Explosion: The combination of spices and the creamy bang bang sauce gives each bite a burst of flavor.
• Versatile Cooking Methods: Whether you grill them outdoors or whip them up in an air fryer, these skewers turn out delicious every time.
• Quick Prep Time: With only 15 minutes of prep, you can have this dish ready in under 35 minutes.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Ideal for weeknight dinners, parties, or weekend cookouts, making them a go-to recipe for any gathering.
• Customizable Heat Level: Adjust the spiciness by modifying the cayenne pepper and Sriracha to suit your taste.

Tools and Preparation

To make these Bang Bang Chicken Skewers, you’ll need some essential tools that will help streamline the cooking process.

Essential Tools and Equipment

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

Importance of Each Tool

• Skewers: Essential for threading the chicken pieces, ensuring even cooking and easy handling.
• Mixing bowls: Important for combining ingredients without mess; larger bowls allow for easy tossing of chicken with spices.
• Grill or air fryer: Both methods yield juicy chicken with great flavor; choose based on your preference or available equipment.

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)

• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped

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How to Make Bang Bang Chicken Skewers

Step 1: Prepare Skewers

If using wooden skewers, soak them in water while preparing the ingredients to prevent burning.

Step 2: Marinate Chicken

In a large bowl, combine cubed chicken, olive oil, paprika, garlic powder, black pepper, cayenne (if using), salt, and hot honey. Toss until the chicken is evenly coated.

Step 3: Make Bang Bang Sauce

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

Step 4: Portion Sauce

Divide the sauce into two portions. Set one half aside to use after cooking for dipping or glazing.

Step 5: Thread Chicken onto Skewers

Thread the seasoned chicken onto skewers, filling about ½ to ¾ of each skewer.

Step 6: Brush with Sauce

Brush the chicken skewers with the first portion of sauce, making sure to get sauce in between each piece.

Step 7: Grill Instructions

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

Step 8: Air Fryer Instructions

Place the skewers in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Air fry at 400°F for 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway through until cooked through at 165°F internally.

Step 9: Serve

Transfer to a plate and drizzle or brush with the reserved sauce and a bit more hot honey if desired. Serve immediately.

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 at home, these skewers can be paired with several sides and dips to elevate your meal experience.

As a Main Dish

• Serve the skewers on their own for a hearty main course. Pair them with extra bang bang sauce for dipping.

With Fresh Salad

• A crisp salad complements the spicy flavors of the chicken. Consider a light green salad or a tangy coleslaw to balance the heat.

Wrapped in Lettuce

• For a low-carb option, wrap the chicken skewers in lettuce leaves. Add some diced vegetables for crunch and drizzle with more sauce.

On Rice or Noodles

• Place the skewers over steamed rice or noodles. Drizzle with leftover sauce for a complete meal that is filling and satisfying.

At Your Next BBQ

• These skewers are perfect for outdoor gatherings. Serve alongside grilled vegetables and chilled drinks for a fun summer cookout.

How to Perfect Bang Bang Chicken Skewers

To make your Bang Bang Chicken Skewers even better, consider these helpful tips. They will ensure your skewers are not only tasty but also perfectly cooked.

• Use fresh ingredients: Fresh chicken and spices enhance flavor significantly. Avoid pre-packaged sauces when possible.
• Marinate longer: For more intense flavor, marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes before cooking.
• Don’t overcrowd the skewers: Leave space between each piece of chicken to allow for even cooking and caramelization.
• Adjust spice levels: Customize the heat by varying the cayenne pepper and Sriracha based on your preference.
• Monitor cooking temperature: Use a meat thermometer to check that chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F for safe consumption.
• Experiment with grilling methods: Try different grilling techniques like direct heat vs. indirect heat to find what works best for your taste.

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Best Side Dishes for Bang Bang Chicken Skewers

Bang Bang Chicken Skewers pair beautifully with many side dishes that enhance their bold flavors. Here are some great options to consider:

1. Coconut Rice: The sweetness of coconut rice balances the spicy flavor of the skewers perfectly.
2. Grilled Vegetables: Colorful veggies like bell peppers, zucchini, and asparagus add freshness and crunch.
3. Coleslaw: A tangy coleslaw provides a refreshing contrast to the richness of the chicken.
4. Garlic Bread: Crunchy garlic bread can soak up any remaining bang bang sauce, making it irresistible.
5. Quinoa Salad: A light quinoa salad mixed with herbs offers nutritional benefits alongside your flavorful skewers.
6. Potato Wedges: Crispy baked potato wedges seasoned with herbs make for a hearty companion dish.
7. Corn on the Cob: Grilled corn brushed with butter adds sweetness that pairs well with spicy flavors.
8. Fruit Salad: A fresh fruit salad brings vibrant colors and natural sweetness that complements each bite of chicken.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

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

• Boldly skip marinating: Failing to let the chicken marinate can lead to bland flavors. Always allow time for the spices and honey to soak in.
• Boldly ignore skewer soaking: Not soaking wooden skewers can result in burning. Remember to soak them in water for at least 30 minutes before grilling or air frying.
• Boldly overcrowding the skewers: Packing the chicken too tightly prevents even cooking. Leave some space between pieces for better heat circulation.
• Boldly underestimating cooking time: Cooking chicken insufficiently can make it unsafe. Use a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
• Boldly skipping sauce portions: Using all the sauce at once might leave your skewers dry. Reserve half of the sauce for glazing after cooking for added flavor.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftovers in an airtight container.
• They will last up to 4 days in the fridge.

Freezing Bang Bang Chicken Skewers

• Wrap individual skewers tightly in plastic wrap or foil.
• Place them in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 3 months.

Reheating Bang Bang Chicken Skewers

• Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F and bake for about 10–15 minutes until heated through.
• Microwave: Heat on medium power for 1–2 minutes, checking frequently to prevent drying out.
• Stovetop: In a skillet over medium heat, reheat skewers for about 5 minutes, turning occasionally until warmed through.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What are Bang Bang Chicken Skewers?

Bang Bang Chicken Skewers are juicy chicken pieces coated with spices and glazed with a creamy, spicy sauce. They are perfect for grilling or air frying.

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs for Bang Bang Chicken Skewers?

Yes, you can substitute chicken breasts for thighs if preferred. Just ensure they are cooked thoroughly.

How do I customize my Bang Bang Chicken Skewers?

You can adjust the spice level by adding or omitting cayenne pepper and Sriracha. Experiment with different marinades or sauces as well.

How long does it take to cook Bang Bang Chicken Skewers?

Cooking time is approximately 15–20 minutes on the grill or 10–12 minutes in an air fryer, depending on the size of your chicken pieces.

Can I make Bang Bang Chicken Skewers spicy?

Absolutely! To increase spiciness, add more cayenne pepper or extra Sriracha in the sauce.

Final Thoughts

Bang Bang Chicken Skewers are a delicious choice for any meal—perfect for dinner parties or casual cookouts. Their versatility allows you to customize flavors and spice levels according to your taste preferences. Give this recipe a try, and enjoy a flavorful experience!