Bang Bang Chicken Skewers Recipe

If you crave the perfect balance of bold, saucy, and just a little bit fiery, these Bang Bang Chicken Skewers are about to become your new obsession. Tender chicken thighs are coated in a show-stopping Bang Bang sauce, grilled (or air fried!) to a caramelized, spicy-sweet finish, and served on a stick for ultimate snacking fun. They’re always the star of the party—trust me, there are never leftovers.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s talk ingredients! Every piece here plays its part—from the tender chicken thighs that soak up all the flavor, to that luscious Bang Bang sauce that brings tang, heat, and creamy richness. Don’t skip a thing: each spice and drizzle adds to the magic of these skewers.

• Chicken thighs: Juicy and flavorful, they’re perfect for grilling and stay tender even if you take them a little beyond done. Chop them into bite-sized chunks for maximum sauce coverage.
• Extra virgin olive oil: Helps the spices cling to every morsel and keeps the chicken moist while it cooks.
• Paprika: Adds smokiness and a subtle, delicious depth you’ll taste in every bite.
• Garlic powder: For that all-important savory hit without needing to mince fresh garlic.
• Black pepper: Gives a gentle earthy warmth, balancing out the sweetness and spice.
• Cayenne pepper: Just the right amount of heat—feel free to adjust to your spice preference!
• Salt: Brings all the flavors forward and ensures every bite is perfectly seasoned.
• Hot honey: A drizzle of spicy-sweetness at the end takes these skewers right over the top. (Regular honey works if you’re not a fan of spicy!)
• Mayonnaise: For the base of the creamy, dreamy Bang Bang sauce—be generous for extra dipping.
• Lime juice: Cuts through the richness and adds that citrusy, fresh zing.
• Thai sweet chili sauce: Brings sweetness, tang, and a hint of garlicy heat to the party.
• Sriracha: You control the fire! Add more or less to get it just right for your crowd.

Variations

The beauty of Bang Bang Chicken Skewers is how flexible they are. Don’t be afraid to swap, tweak, or get creative—this recipe is endlessly riff-able whether you need it gluten-free, milder, or ready for the BBQ.

• Lighter version: Swap in chicken breast for thighs and use light mayonnaise to save a few calories while keeping things tasty.
• Make it vegetarian: Try cubes of firm tofu or even cauliflower florets—both soak up the Bang Bang sauce deliciously.
• Kid-friendly style: Tone down (or skip) the Sriracha and cayenne; serve extra sauce on the side for dipping so everyone’s happy.
• Go gluten-free: Double-check that your sweet chili sauce and Sriracha are gluten-free brands—everything else is naturally gluten-free.
• Tropical twist: Add fresh pineapple chunks to the skewers for bursts of juicy sweetness in every bite.

How to Make Bang Bang Chicken Skewers

Step 1: Season and Marinate the Chicken

Add the cubed chicken thighs to a big bowl—a little room makes tossing easier! Pour in the olive oil, then sprinkle on the paprika, garlic powder, black pepper, cayenne, and salt. Toss everything together so every piece glistens with seasoned oil and bright, beautiful spices. If you have time, let it marinate for up to 30 minutes to amp up the flavor, but honestly, you can cook right away and still get fantastic results.

Step 2: Skewer the Chicken

Thread the chicken pieces onto skewers—metal or soaked wooden both work great. Fill each skewer about halfway or three-quarters full, leaving room at the ends for easy handling. Try to keep the pieces a little bit apart so they cook evenly and the sauce can sneak between every bite.

Step 3: Whip Up the Bang Bang Sauce

In a mixing bowl, stir together the mayo, Thai sweet chili sauce, Sriracha, and fresh lime juice. Taste and adjust heat with more or less Sriracha as you like—this is your chance to find your perfect balance. Pour half the sauce into a separate bowl and set it aside for glazing after the skewers are cooked (this is the trick for ultra-creamy sauciness at the end!).

Step 4: Brush with Sauce and Cook

Brush the skewered chicken generously with half of the prepared Bang Bang sauce. Make sure to get every nook and cranny—it’s what gives the chicken that signature sticky-glazed finish! Now, depending on your mood and tools, either grill the skewers over medium-high for 15–20 minutes (turning and brushing often) until caramelized, or air fry at 400°F for 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway. Look for a gorgeous golden crust and an internal temp of 165°F for perfectly juicy chicken.

Step 5: Final Touch—Sauce, Honey, and Serve!

Transfer the hot skewers to a platter, then brush or drizzle on the reserved Bang Bang sauce. Finish with a swirl of hot honey for sweet heat, and serve immediately while everything is still sticky, juicy, and irresistible.

How to Serve Bang Bang Chicken Skewers

Garnishes

Bring it home with those finishing touches: scatter over sliced green onions, fresh cilantro, a sprinkle of sesame seeds, or a few wedges of lime for guests to squeeze over the top. They add crunch, color, and a little extra pop of brightness with every bite.

Side Dishes

Bang Bang Chicken Skewers pair beautifully with a mound of fluffy coconut rice, a crisp cabbage slaw, or even a tangy cucumber salad. For a party spread, try them with grilled veggies or as a colorful addition to a big platter of finger foods.

Creative Ways to Present

For parties, stand the skewers upright in a tall glass or mason jar for standout presentation. For dinner, lay them family-style over a bed of lettuce on a big platter, drizzle with extra Bang Bang sauce, and let everyone dive in. Don’t forget cute cocktail napkins if you’re serving them as an appetizer!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, pop the cooled skewers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Be sure to save any extra sauce for drizzling or dipping—the flavors only get better overnight.

Freezing

Bang Bang Chicken Skewers freeze surprisingly well! Remove from the skewers, wrap tightly, and freeze for up to 2 months. Freeze any extra sauce separately in a small airtight container for grab-and-go flavor anytime.

Reheating

To reheat, simply pop the skewers in a 350°F oven or air fryer for a few minutes until hot and sizzling—just don’t overdo it, or the chicken may dry out. Warm up any reserved sauce separately and drizzle before serving for that just-cooked vibe.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

There’s just something about Bang Bang Chicken Skewers that makes them totally irresistible—whether you serve them up as a crowd-pleasing party snack, a fun weeknight dinner, or a meal-prep lunch with a punch. Give them a try and watch every bite disappear. Your taste buds (and your friends!) will thank you for it.

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