bang bang chicken skewers

Get ready to transform your weeknight dinner with these incredible bang bang chicken skewers! Juicy, tender chicken threaded onto skewers and coated in a creamy, sweet, and spicy sauce, then perfectly cooked in the air fryer. It’s a flavor explosion that’s surprisingly easy to whip up, making it an instant family favorite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Irresistibly Flavorful: The bang bang sauce delivers a perfect balance of sweet, spicy, and savory.
• Quick & Easy: Ideal for busy weeknights, with minimal prep and air fryer cooking.
• Perfectly Cooked Chicken: Air frying ensures the chicken is tender and juicy every time.
• Versatile Serving: Great on its own, with rice, or in a vibrant salad.
• Customizable Heat: Easily adjust the spice level to suit your preference.
• Crowd-Pleasing Appetizer or Main: Works wonderfully for gatherings or a simple meal.

Ingredients

For the best bang bang chicken skewers, gather these fresh ingredients.

For the Chicken Skewers:

• 16 wooden skewers, soaked in water for 30 minutes
• 2 pounds (about 900 g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch (2.5 cm) cubes
• 1 tablespoon (15 ml) extra virgin olive oil
• 1 teaspoon (2 g) paprika
• 1 teaspoon (2.5 g) garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon (6 g) kosher salt
• ½ teaspoon (1 g) black pepper

For the Bang Bang Sauce:

• 1 ¼ cups (290 g) mayonnaise
• ⅔ cup (160 ml) Thai sweet chili sauce
• 2 teaspoons (10 ml) Sriracha, or more to taste
• 2 tablespoons (42 g) honey

Ingredient Notes & Substitutions

Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are ideal for their lean texture and ease of cubing. You could also use chicken thighs for an even juicier result.

Mayonnaise: Full-fat mayonnaise provides the creamiest, most satisfying base for the bang bang sauce. For a lighter option, you can use light mayonnaise, but the texture might be slightly less rich.

Thai Sweet Chili Sauce: This essential ingredient brings the signature sweet and tangy flavor. Don’t skip it!

Sriracha: Adjust the amount of Sriracha to control the heat. Start with 2 teaspoons, then add more if you like it spicier.

Honey: Adds a touch of sweetness and helps balance the flavors in the sauce. Maple syrup can be used as a substitute if needed.

Wooden Skewers: Soaking prevents them from burning in the air fryer. Metal skewers work too, no soaking required.

Equipment

• Large mixing bowl
• Small mixing bowl
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Meat thermometer
• Air fryer

How to Make

1. Prepare the Chicken:

In a large bowl, combine the cubed chicken breasts with olive oil, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Toss well until every piece of chicken is evenly coated.

2. Assemble the Skewers:

Thread 4-5 pieces of seasoned chicken onto each pre-soaked wooden skewer. Set aside.

3. Make the Bang Bang Sauce:

In a separate small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, Thai sweet chili sauce, Sriracha, and honey until smooth and well combined.

4. Portion the Sauce:

Pour about half of the prepared bang bang sauce into a separate small bowl. This portion will be used for drizzling after the chicken is cooked.

5. Coat the Chicken:

Use the remaining sauce to generously brush over all sides of the chicken skewers. Ensure a good, even coating.

6. Air Fry the Skewers:

Arrange the coated skewers in a single layer in your air fryer basket. You’ll likely need to cook them in batches to avoid overcrowding. Air fry at 400°F (200°C) for 11-12 minutes, flipping them halfway through.

7. Check for Doneness:

The chicken is fully cooked when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) using a meat thermometer.

8. Serve:

Transfer the cooked bang bang chicken skewers to a serving platter. Drizzle generously with the reserved bang bang sauce before serving immediately.

Pro Tips

• Don’t Overcrowd: Cooking skewers in a single layer in the air fryer ensures even cooking and a beautiful golden-brown finish. Work in batches if necessary.
• Soak Skewers: Always soak wooden skewers for at least 30 minutes before use to prevent them from burning during cooking.
• Internal Temperature: Always use a meat thermometer to confirm the chicken reaches a safe internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for food safety.
• Rest the Chicken: Let the cooked chicken rest for a few minutes before serving. This helps the juices redistribute, resulting in more tender meat.
• Even Cubes: Cut chicken into uniform 1-inch cubes for even cooking.

Serving Suggestions

These bang bang chicken skewers are incredibly versatile. Serve them alongside fluffy white rice or a fragrant jasmine rice to soak up all that delicious sauce. For a lighter meal, pair them with a fresh cucumber salad, a simple side of steamed broccoli, or a vibrant coleslaw. They also make fantastic appetizers for your next gathering!

Storage & Reheating

Store leftover bang bang chicken skewers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, you can use the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 3-5 minutes, or until warmed through, being careful not to overcook and dry out the chicken. A microwave can also be used, but the chicken may be less crispy.

Variations & Substitutions

• Veggies on Skewers: Add bell peppers, red onion, or pineapple chunks to the skewers for extra flavor and color.
• Grill or Bake: Don’t have an air fryer? These skewers can also be grilled over medium-high heat for 8-12 minutes, or baked in the oven at 400°F (200°C) for 15-20 minutes.
• Spicier Kick: Increase the Sriracha or add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the chicken seasoning for more heat.
• Ginger & Garlic: Add a teaspoon of grated fresh ginger or minced garlic to the bang bang sauce for an aromatic twist.
• Gluten-Free: Ensure your sweet chili sauce and mayonnaise are certified gluten-free if needed.

Nutrition Information

These bang bang chicken skewers offer a delicious balance of protein and flavor. Each skewer provides approximately 253 calories, making them a satisfying component of your meal. The nutritional values will vary slightly depending on the specific brands of ingredients used and any modifications made.

FAQ

Q: Can I prepare the chicken and sauce ahead of time?

A: Yes, you can cube and season the chicken up to 24 hours in advance. The bang bang sauce can also be made and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Q: What if I don’t have an air fryer?

A: You can grill the skewers over medium-high heat for 8-12 minutes, flipping occasionally, or bake them in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through.

Q: Can I use frozen chicken breasts?

A: Yes, just ensure they are fully thawed before cutting and seasoning to ensure even cooking.

Q: How can I make the bang bang sauce less spicy?

A: Simply reduce the amount of Sriracha or omit it entirely. You can also add a little extra honey or sweet chili sauce to mellow the heat.

Q: Do I have to soak the wooden skewers?

A: Yes, soaking wooden skewers in water for at least 30 minutes prevents them from burning or catching fire during the cooking process. If you use metal skewers, soaking is not necessary.

These bang bang chicken skewers are a true game-changer, bringing vibrant flavors and effortless cooking to your table. Whether it’s a quick dinner or a fun appetizer for guests, this recipe is guaranteed to be a hit. Enjoy the irresistible combination of sweet, spicy, and savory in every tender bite!

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