Bang Bang Chicken Skewers

Juicy, flavorful, and packed with a punch, Bang Bang Chicken Skewers bring the best of sweet and spicy together in every bite. The tender, perfectly marinated chicken is cooked to perfection and then brushed with a creamy, zesty Bang Bang sauce that elevates the dish to the next level. Whether you cook them in the air fryer or oven, the result is always a crispy outside with a juicy, flavorful center.

Perfect as a protein packed appetizer, a main course, or even a meal prep option, these skewers are versatile and incredibly easy to make. Serve them with a fresh coleslaw, roasted veggies, or a simple cucumber salad for a well-rounded dish that delivers both flavor and texture. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or just cooking a quick dinner, this recipe is guaranteed to be a hit!

Full Recipe:

Ingredients:

• 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs (or breasts)

• 1 tbsp olive oil

• 1 tsp paprika

• 1 tsp garlic powder

• 1 tsp kosher salt

• ½ tsp black pepper

• Wooden or metal skewers

For the Bang Bang Sauce:

• ½ cup mayonnaise (full-fat for richness)

• 2 tbsp sweet chili sauce

• 1 tbsp Sriracha (adjust for spice level)

• 1 tbsp honey (or sugar-free alternative)

Directions:

1. Prepare the Chicken: Cut chicken thighs into 1-inch cubes. In a large bowl, toss with olive oil, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Cover and marinate for at least 30 minutes in the refrigerator.

2. Make the Bang Bang Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, Sriracha, and honey until well combined. Set aside.

3. Assemble the Skewers: Thread the marinated chicken pieces onto skewers, leaving a little space between each piece for even cooking.

4. Cook the Skewers:

   • Air Fryer: Preheat to 400°F (200°C). Cook for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway through.

   • Oven: Preheat to 400°F (200°C) and bake for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway.

5. Finishing Touches: Once cooked, brush the skewers with additional Bang Bang sauce and garnish with chopped parsley, chili flakes, or sesame seeds. Serve with extra sauce for dipping.

Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 25 minutes

Kcal: 320 kcal | Servings: 4

Bang Bang Chicken Skewers: The Perfect Balance of Sweet, Spicy, and Savory

If you love bold flavors and quick, easy meals, then Bang Bang Chicken Skewers will become a staple in your recipe collection. This dish combines tender, juicy chicken with a creamy, spicy, and slightly sweet sauce that enhances its natural flavors. Whether you grill, bake, or air fry these skewers, they are guaranteed to impress at any meal.

Bang Bang Chicken Skewers are inspired by the popular Bang Bang Chicken a dish that originated from Sichuan cuisine in China. Traditionally, it consists of shredded, cold poached chicken drizzled with a spicy, nutty sesame sauce. However, the modern version has evolved into a Westernized dish, thanks to the popular Bang Bang Sauce, which includes mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, and a kick of Sriracha.

These skewers offer a perfect balance of flavors:

• Sweetness from honey or sweet chili sauce

• Spiciness from Sriracha or chili flakes

• Creaminess from mayonnaise

• Savory depth from garlic, paprika, and seasonings

This makes them incredibly versatile, appealing to those who love both Asian inspired flavors and grilled or air fried dishes. They are also low-carb and high-protein, making them ideal for various dietary preferences, including keto and gluten-free diets.

What Makes Bang Bang Chicken Skewers So Special?

1. Explosive Flavor in Every Bite

The biggest highlight of Bang Bang Chicken Skewers is their bold and irresistible flavor combination. The marinade infuses the chicken with rich, smoky spices, while the Bang Bang sauce adds the perfect creamy spicy finish. Each bite delivers a delightful contrast of crispy, charred edges and juicy, tender chicken.

Unlike plain grilled chicken, these skewers stand out because of their multi-layered flavor profile, which combines heat, sweetness, and umami. If you love dishes like buffalo chicken or spicy BBQ, you will definitely appreciate these skewers.

2. Easy and Quick Cooking

One of the best things about this recipe is its simplicity. You don’t need fancy ingredients or hours in the kitchen. The marination takes just 30 minutes, and the actual cooking time is under 15 minutes. Whether you use an air fryer, oven, or grill, the process is straightforward, making it perfect for:

• Busy weeknights

• Meal prep

• Outdoor BBQs

• Party appetizers

3. Versatility in Cooking Methods

This recipe is incredibly flexible and works with different cooking methods:

• Air Fryer: Quick, crispy, and requires little to no oil

• Oven-Baked: Great for larger batches with even cooking

• Grilled: Perfect for an outdoor BBQ, adding a smoky touch

Regardless of how you cook them, the Bang Bang sauce brings everything together with its creamy, spicy goodness.

How to Serve Bang Bang Chicken Skewers

These skewers are so versatile that they can be paired with a variety of side dishes and dipping sauces. Here are some great ways to serve them:

1. With a Fresh Salad

Pair your Bang Bang Chicken Skewers with a light, refreshing salad to balance the rich flavors. Try serving them with:

• Cucumber and carrot slaw

• Asian-style cabbage salad

• Avocado and tomato salsa

The fresh, crisp texture of these sides enhances the dish and keeps it from feeling too heavy.

2. Over a Bed of Rice or Cauliflower Rice

For a heartier meal, serve these skewers over a bowl of steamed jasmine rice, brown rice, or cauliflower rice (for a low-carb option). Drizzle extra Bang Bang sauce over the top for added creaminess and flavor.

3. Wrapped in a Lettuce Cup or Tortilla

Turn your skewers into a fun handheld meal by wrapping them in:

• Butter lettuce or romaine leaves for a low carb, refreshing option

• Soft tortillas for a Bang Bang Chicken taco twist

Add extra toppings like sliced cucumbers, radishes, and crushed peanuts for extra crunch.

4. Served as an Appetizer or Party Platter

If you’re entertaining guests, serve these skewers as a finger food appetizer with extra Bang Bang sauce on the side. Garnish with sesame seeds and fresh herbs for a beautiful presentation.

Customizing Your Bang Bang Chicken Skewers

1. Adjust the Heat Level

If you love extra spice, increase the amount of Sriracha or add chili flakes to the sauce. For a milder version, reduce the spice and balance it with more sweet chili sauce or honey.

2. Make it Dairy-Free or Keto

• To make the sauce dairy-free, swap mayonnaise with vegan mayo or Greek yogurt.

• For a keto-friendly version, use a sugar-free sweetener in place of honey.

3. Try Different Proteins

This recipe works well with different types of protein, such as:

• Shrimp – Perfect for seafood lovers, using the same marinade and sauce

• Tofu – Great vegetarian alternative, just make sure to press and marinate it well

• Beef or Pork – Adds a heartier, richer taste

4. Enhance the Garnishes

Toppings can make all the difference! Try garnishing your skewers with:

• Toasted sesame seeds for nuttiness

• Crushed peanuts for extra crunch

• Cilantro or green onions for freshness

Health Benefits of Bang Bang Chicken Skewers

This recipe is not only delicious but also nutrient packed:

High in protein – Helps with muscle growth and keeps you full longer
Low in carbs – Great for those on keto or low carb diets
Gluten-free – Safe for people with gluten sensitivities
Healthy fats – The sauce contains mayo and olive oil, which provide good fats

By swapping out certain ingredients, such as using Greek yogurt instead of mayo, you can make this dish even healthier while maintaining its amazing taste.

Conclusion

Bang Bang Chicken Skewers are the perfect combination of spicy, sweet, and creamy flavors that make every bite irresistible. With simple ingredients, quick cooking time, and versatile serving options, they are a must-try dish for anyone who loves bold, flavorful meals.

Whether you’re cooking for yourself, your family, or a party, these skewers will impress everyone at the table. Plus, they’re adaptable to different diets and easy to customize based on your spice preference.

So, fire up your air fryer, grill, or oven, and give these Bang Bang Chicken Skewers a try you won’t regret it!