If you're looking for a delicious and easy appetizer to serve at your next gathering, look no further than bang-bang chicken skewers.
These chicken skewers are not only flavorful and juicy, but they also pack a spicy kick thanks to the bang bang sauce drizzled on top.
Bang Bang Chicken Skewers
But what exactly is bang bang sauce for chicken skewers?
It's a sweet and tangy sauce made with a blend of mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, and sriracha, creating the perfect balance of flavors to complement the grilled chicken skewers.
Jump To
- Bang Bang Chicken Skewers
- Ways To Cook Chicken Skewers
- ❤️ Why Make These Bang Bang Chicken Skewers
- 🛒 Ingredients
- Skewers: Wood vs Metal
- 🥘 Steps To Make Spicy Bang Bang Chicken
- ♨️ Alternate Grilling Instructions
- Alternate Oven Instructions
- Recipe Variations & Substitutions
- Is chicken breast or thighs better for skewers?
- 👩🍳 Recipe Tips
- 🍱 Storing & Reheating Bang Bang Chicken Skewers
- 🤔 Can I Make Bang Bang Chicken Skewers Ahead Of Time?
- What to Serve with Bang Bang Chicken Skewers
- 🍴 Equipment Needed to Make This Air Fryer Chicken Skewers Recipe
- More Air Fryer Favorites
- Did You Try This Recipe?
- 📖Recipe
- Chicken Skewers: FAQs
- More Chicken Recipes
- 💬 Comments
Ways To Cook Chicken Skewers
If you don't have access to a grill, fear not!
You can easily cook these chicken skewers in an air fryer or oven (instructions below) for a crispy and tender result.
Simply marinate the chicken pieces, thread them onto skewers, and cook for the recommended amount of time until it is cooked through and charred to perfection.
Your guests will be coming back for more of these irresistible bang bang chicken skewers!
For more quick meals check out air fryer vegetables with chicken, chicken tenders, and air fryer brats.
❤️ Why Make These Bang Bang Chicken Skewers
✅ They are easy to make and perfect for a quick and delicious weeknight meal or a party appetizer.
✅ The combination of tender chicken, savory sauce, and crunchy peanuts creates a delicious flavor profile.
✅ Skewers make them fun and easy to eat, perfect for serving at gatherings or as a finger food.
✅ Bang Bang Chicken Skewers are a healthier alternative to fried chicken, as they are grilled or baked instead.
🛒 Ingredients
- Chicken - You can use either boneless skinless chicken thighs or breasts for this recipe. Both work great!
- Garlic Powder - Adds essential flavor without the need for peeling or chopping.
- Smoked Paprika - Gives a smoky taste and vibrant color. If you don't have it, mix chili powder and cumin for a similar flavor with a slight variation.
- Olive Oil - We don't need a lot of olive oil here! Olive oil is best, but you can also use avocado or vegetable oil.
- Mayonnaise - Full-fat mayonnaise makes the richest and creamiest sauce, but light mayo will work too.
- Sweet Chili Sauce - is key to the bang bang sauce. It blends sweetness with a bit of heat and tastes amazing when mixed with mayo.
- Sriracha - Adds color and smokiness. You can replace it with other hot sauces like Valentina or Franks.
- Honey - Helps balance the heat. For a less sweet flavor, you can also use maple syrup or agave syrup.
Skewers: Wood vs Metal
Wooden skewers are disposable and need to be soaked to prevent burning.
Metal skewers are reusable and don’t need soaking. They also conduct heat, helping to cook the meat from the inside.
🌟 Note: Make sure your skewers fit in the basket.
🥘 Steps To Make Spicy Bang Bang Chicken
🍢 How to thread chicken breast (or thighs) onto a skewer
- Prepare Chicken: Cut boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs into 1-inch cubes.
- Thread Chicken: Take a skewer and start threading the chicken cubes onto it, one at a time. Push each piece down gently to ensure it stays secure.
- Leave Space: Leave a little space between each piece to ensure even cooking.
- Repeat: Continue threading until the skewer is filled, leaving a small gap at each end for easy handling.
- Cook as Desired: Proceed with cooking according to your recipe, whether grilling, baking, or air frying.
How To Cook Chicken Skewers In Air Fryer Method
Preheat + Prep:
- Preheat your air fryer for 5 minutes.
- Soak the wooden skewers in water for 30 minutes beforehand to prevent charring while cooking. Alternatively, you metal skewers can be used.
Cut Chicken into Similar Sized Chunks + Season:
- Cut the chicken into 1-inch cubes. Coat the chicken pieces with olive oil, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until they're all evenly coated.
If you have more time, marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes. You can use either a large bowl or ziplock bag for this.
Thread Chicken on Skewers:
- Thread 4-5 seasoned chicken onto each skewer.
Expert Tip: Soak the wooden skewers in cold water for about 30 minutes before using them to prevent burning.
Make the Bang Bang Sauce:
- In a separate bowl, mix combine the mayonnaise, Thai sweet chili sauce, Sriracha, and honey. This will make about 1 ¾ cups of bang bang sauce.
Divide the Sauce:
- Split the sauce into two bowls. Use one bowl to brush the sauce onto the chicken skewers.
Air Fryer Cook Time:
- Place the chicken in a single layer in the basket of your air fryer. You might need to do this in batches, depending on the size of your air fryer.
- Air fry at 400°F for 12-15 minutes, flipping the skewers halfway through. To ensure it's fully cooked, ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
Brush Sauce on Chicken + Serve:
- Once the chicken is done, put the skewers on a plate and brush with the reserved bang bang sauce.
Sprinkle parsley on top for garnish, and serve this chicken dinner right away!
♨️ Alternate Grilling Instructions
To Make Bang Bang Grilles Skewers:
Assemble the skewers as directed and grill over medium-high heat for 6 to 8 minutes per side.
Baste towards the end until sauce caramelizes and chicken reaches 165°F internally.
Transfer to a platter, baste with reserved sauce, and serve.
Alternate Oven Instructions
To make Bang Bang Chicken Skewers In Oven:
Follow the recipe instructions up until cooking.
Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and arrange the skewers on a lined baking sheet.
Bake for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the chicken is fully cooked.
Recipe Variations & Substitutions
🦐 Bang Bang Shrimp: Substitute the chicken with shrimp or tofu for a different protein option.
🌶️ Use different types of hot sauce or chili paste for a spicier or more flavorful marinade.
🐟 Bang bang Salmon Bites: Delicious salmon chunks work great as a delicious appetizer, a salad topping, or in a crispy salmon bowl.
🧄 Mix in some grated ginger or garlic for an extra layer of flavor.
🍃 Garnish with sesame seeds, chopped peanuts, or cilantro for added crunch and freshness.
🍚 Serve the skewers over rice or noodles for a complete meal.
🤍 If you're not a fan of mayonnaise, try using Greek yogurt or sour cream in the bang bang sauce for a lighter alternative.
🍡 Experiment with different vegetables on the skewers, such as bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms. Or if you don't want to mess with skewers, make this mixed vegetables with chicken recipe.
Is chicken breast or thighs better for skewers?
Both chicken breast and thighs work well for skewers.
Chicken breast is leaner and cooks faster, while chicken thigh is juicier and more flavorful.
👩🍳 Recipe Tips
How to Cut Chicken Thighs for Even Cooking
Cut chicken thighs into evenly sized cubes to ensure uniform cooking.
This prevents undercooked or overcooked pieces.
Optional Marinating for Flavor and Juiciness
Marinate chicken slices for at least 30 minutes to enhance flavor and juiciness, though it’s not required.
Prepare Bang Bang Sauce in Advance
Prepare Bang Bang sauce ahead of time to allow the flavors to meld together perfectly.
Check Chicken for Doneness
Test the chicken for doneness by using a kitchen thermometer.
The internal temperature should register at 165°F (74°C) to ensure it's fully cooked.
🍱 Storing & Reheating Bang Bang Chicken Skewers
Cook for 5-7 minutes, flipping halfway until the chicken is warmed. Remove and serve hot with extra bang bang sauce.
To Reheat them in the Oven. Reheat by placing the skewers on a baking sheet and baking in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through.
You'll want to make some extra sauce too. Brush it over the reheated chicken kabobs before serving.
🤔 Can I Make Bang Bang Chicken Skewers Ahead Of Time?
Prepare chicken skewers and Bang Bang sauce in advance. Refrigerate assembled uncooked skewers for 2-3 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before cooking. Store Bang Bang sauce in the refrigerator for up to a week.
What to Serve with Bang Bang Chicken Skewers
Serve this Chicken Skewer appetizer with a side of steamed rice, a fresh salad, or some roasted veggies.
These sides balance the spicy and sweet flavors of the chicken.
🍴 Equipment Needed to Make This Air Fryer Chicken Skewers Recipe
- Air fryer - my go to Air Fryer, perfect size for 3 people.
- Wooden or metal skewers
- Cutting board
- Sharp Chef's knife
- Mixing bowls - you'll need different sizes.
📖Recipe
Juicy Bang Bang Chicken Skewers (Air Fryer, Grill or Oven)
Ingredients
Chicken
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 2 tablespoons virgin olive oil
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt, or to taste
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- wooden skewers, soaked in water for 30 minutes
Homemade Bang Bang Sauce
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- ⅓ cup Thai sweet chili sauce
- 1 teaspoon Sriracha, or more to taste
- 1 tablespoon honey
- parsley for garnish
Instructions
Air Fryer Method
- Preheat + Prep: Preheat your air fryer for 5 minutes.
- Soak the wooden skewers in water for 30 minutes beforehand to prevent charring while cooking. Alternatively, you metal skewers can be used.wooden skewers
- Cut Chicken into Similar Sized Chunks + Season: Cut the chicken into 1-inch cubes. Coat the chicken pieces with olive oil, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until they're all evenly coated. If you have more time, marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes. You can use either large bowl or ziplock bag for this.1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts, 2 tablespoons virgin olive oil, 1 teaspoon smoked paprika, ½ teaspoon garlic powder, ½ teaspoon kosher salt, ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- Thread Chicken on Skewers: Thread 4-5 seasoned chicken onto each skewer. Tip: Soak the wooden skewers in cold water for about 30 minutes before using them to prevent burning.
- Make the Bang Bang Sauce: In a separate bowl, mix combine the mayonnaise, Thai sweet chili sauce, Sriracha, and honey. This will make about 1 ¾ cups of bang bang sauce.½ cup mayonnaise, ⅓ cup Thai sweet chili sauce, 1 teaspoon Sriracha, 1 tablespoon honey
- Divide the Sauce: Split the sauce into two bowls. Use one bowl to brush the sauce onto the chicken skewers.
- Air Fryer Cook Time: Place the chicken in a single layer in the basket of your air fryer. You might need to do this in batches, depending on the size of your air fryer. Air fry at 400°F for 12-15 minutes, flipping the skewers halfway through. Make sure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F to ensure it's fully cooked.
- Brush Sauce on Chicken + Serve: Once the chicken is done, put the skewers on a plate and brush with the reserved bang bang sauce. Sprinkle parsley on top for garnish and serve this chicken dinner right away!parsley for garnish
Bang Bang Grilled Skewers
- Assemble the skewers as directed and grill over medium-high heat for 6 to 8 minutes per side. Baste towards the end until sauce caramelizes and chicken reaches 165°F internally. Transfer to a platter, baste with reserved sauce, and serve.
Bang Bang Chicken Skewers In Oven
- Follow the recipe instructions up until cooking.
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and arrange the skewers on a lined baking sheet. Bake for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the chicken is fully cooked.
Notes
- To Store. Place leftover Chicken Skewers in an airtight container and refrigerate for 2-3 days.
- To Reheat In Air Fryer. To reheat chicken skewers in an air fryer, preheat to 350°F (175°C), then place skewers in a single layer. Cook for 5-7 minutes, flipping halfway, until chicken is warmed through. Remove and serve hot with extra bang bang sauce.
- To Reheat them in the Oven. Reheat by placing the skewers on a baking sheet and baking in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through. You'll want to make some extra sauce too. Brush it over the reheated chicken kabobs before serving.
- How Big to Cut Chicken for Skewers? Cut chicken into 1-inch cubes to ensure they cook evenly and stay juicy.
- Should You Poke Holes in Chicken to Marinate? You don't need to poke holes in the chicken to marinate. The marinade will penetrate the meat just fine without holes.
Nutrition
Chicken Skewers: FAQs
Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs work best for skewers because they cook evenly and stay juicy.
Chicken skewers are made of chunks of chicken threaded onto skewers, which can be wooden or metal.
Plan for about 2-3 skewers per person, depending on their appetite and what else you're serving.
Marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes to enhance flavor, but you can marinate it up to overnight for even more taste.
If chicken skewers are pink, it might be undercooked. Make sure to cook chicken until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
Yes, you can put wooden skewers in the oven. Soak them in water for 30 minutes before using to prevent them from burning.
To keep chicken from sticking to the skewer, lightly oil the skewers before threading the chicken pieces on.
Cut chicken into 1-inch cubes to ensure they cook evenly and stay juicy.
You don't need to poke holes in the chicken to marinate. The marinade will penetrate the meat just fine without holes.
Hey, was wondering if anyone's tried these bang bang chicken skewers in a conventional oven? My air fryer just broke down last week, and I'm really itching to try this out. How long and what temp would you recommend? Thanks in advance 🙂
Hey Jesse, check out the oven instructions in the recipe.
Made these bang bang chicken skewers on the grill, and guys, they were a hit. Seriously, the bang bang sauce is a game changer. Great recipe, Rita!
How spicy is the sauce? Wondering if my kids could handle it.
It's got a kick but not overwhelming. You can adjust the spice level easily by reducing the chili sauce a bit.
Absolutely adore the versatility of this recipe! I tried substituting the chicken for tofu cubes and it turned out fabulously. Highly recommend for any vegetarians out there. Kudos to Rita for such a creative and customizable recipe.
Hey all, quick question, when the recipe says to divide the sauce, does it mean like separate it before cooking or after cooking the chicken? kinda confused here lol.
before cooking 🙂
Rita, this recipe looks great and all, but do you have any suggestions for making the bang bang sauce a bit healthier? Maybe a low-calorie version? Would love to hear your thoughts!
perhaps you could try a mayo swap, use greek yogurt instead?
seriously the best bang bang chicken skewers!