Bang Bang Chicken Skewer

At Ajpal, I add lots of tips in all of my recipes – because I am a home cook without any formal training, and I find I am more confident making dishes when I understand why it works, and what each ingredient means to the flavor of a recipe. My goal is for even the most beginner home cook to feel empowered in the kitchen.

Sweet and Spicy Bang Bang Chicken Skewers

I love to make chicken, whether its baked, shredded, grilled, chicken is on the menu a lot at my house. Its a very cheap meat that can easily satisfy a lot of people. I do get bored of plain bbq chicken though and thus this bang bang chicken skewer recipe was born.

Bang bang chicken skewers have crispy tender chicken coated in a creamy, spicy sauce made from mayo, Thai sweet chili sauce, and sriracha. The sauce has such an amazing balance of sweet, savory, and spicy flavor. This chicken is a huge hit at potlucks, and gatherings especially since it is paleo, gluten free, keto, and nut free. I also make these bang bang chicken skewers as a quick weeknight dinner and serve it with rice and creamy cucumber salad!

My Pro Tip

Skewer Tip

I like to use metal skewers since they don’t have to be soaked and don’t burn on the grill. They also can be used again and again; these are ones I have.

Bang Bang Chicken Skewers Recipe Ingredients

First assemble the following ingredients:

• Chicken breasts (2 pounds) – Chicken breast provides a lean and tender base for the Bang Bang Chicken, perfect for absorbing the flavorful marinade and sauce.
• Extra virgin olive oil (1 tablespoon) – Olive oil is used to coat the chicken, adding a subtle richness and helping to achieve a crispy texture when cooking.
• Paprika (1 teaspoon) – Paprika imparts a mild, smoky flavor and a vibrant color to the chicken.
• Garlic powder (1 teaspoon) – Garlic powder adds a savory depth and aromatic quality to the chicken seasoning.
• Sea salt (1 teaspoon) – Sea salt enhances the overall flavor of the chicken, balancing the spices and sauce.
• Black pepper (½ teaspoon) – Black pepper adds a hint of heat and complexity to the seasoning mix.
• Mayonnaise (1 ¼ cups) – Mayonnaise forms the creamy base of the Bang Bang sauce, providing a rich and smooth texture.
• Thai sweet chili sauce (2/3 cup) – Thai sweet chili sauce adds a sweet and tangy flavor with a hint of heat, essential for the signature Bang Bang taste.
• Sriracha (2 teaspoons) – Sriracha delivers a spicy kick and a touch of garlic, elevating the heat level of the sauce.
• Honey (2 tablespoons) – Honey balances the spiciness of the sriracha and adds a subtle sweetness to the sauce.

How to make Bang Bang Chicken Kabobs

Use this Method

1. Prep. If you are using wooden skewers, start soaking them in water. Make sure the skewers soak for at least 30 minutes before going on the grill.
2. Season Chicken. In a large bowl, combine the cubed chicken breasts, oil, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Toss to evenly coat the chicken.
3. Prep Skewers. Working one skewer at a time, thread 4-5 chicken cubes onto each.
4. Mix Sauce. In a small bowl, combine the mayonnaise, Thai sweet chili sauce, Sriracha, and honey. Mix well. This will make about 1 ¾ cups bang bang sauce. Pour half of the sauce into a separate bowl and set aside to use after the chicken has been cooked. Use the rest of the sauce to brush evenly over the chicken.
5. Air Fry. Add the skewers to the basket of your air fryer in a single layer. (Depending on the size of the air fryer, you may have to work in batches.) Air fry* at 400°F for 11-12 minutes, flipping halfway. Chicken is fully cooked when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. Transfer the skewers to a plate and drizzle or brush with the reserved bang bang sauce. Serve immediately.
6. Bake. Preheat oven to 400°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Place the seasoned cubes of chicken onto the skewers, then onto the lined baking sheet. (Do not brush the chicken with bang bang sauce until after baking in the oven.) Cook the chicken skewers for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. Remove from the oven. Brush with the bang bang sauce and serve.
7. Grill. Thread the seasoned chicken onto the skewers. (Wait until after grilling to brush with the bang bang sauce.) Grill over medium-high heat for 8-10 minutes per side, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. Brush the grilled chicken with the bang bang sauce.

Bang Bang Chicken Skewer Recipe Tips

• Proper Marination: Marinate the chicken in a mixture of buttermilk or yogurt, garlic, and spices for at least 30 minutes to make it tender and flavorful.
• Use a Wire Rack: Place the fried chicken on a wire rack instead of paper towels to keep it crispy by allowing excess oil to drain away.
• Prepare Sauce in Advance: Mix the Bang Bang sauce (a combination of mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, and sriracha) ahead of time to let the flavors meld together.
• Toss Gently: Gently toss the fried chicken in the Bang Bang sauce to ensure each piece is evenly coated without breaking the crispy exterior.
• Garnish Wisely: Garnish with chopped green onions, cilantro, or sesame seeds for added flavor and a pop of color.
• Serve Immediately: Serve the Bang Bang Chicken immediately after tossing in the sauce to maintain its crispy texture.
• Adjust Spice Level: Tailor the spice level of the sauce to your preference by adjusting the amount of sriracha or adding a bit of honey for sweetness.
• Experiment with Flavors: Feel free to experiment with additional flavors in the marinade or sauce, such as adding a touch of lime juice, soy sauce, or garlic powder.
• Keep Ingredients Ready: Have all your ingredients prepped and ready before you start cooking to ensure a smooth and efficient cooking process.

Bang Bang Chicken Skewer storage

Store leftover Bang Bang Chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven to retain some crispiness.

Bang Bang Chicken FAQs

Yes, you can use chicken thighs. They tend to be juicier and more flavorful, though they may require a slightly longer cooking time.

Coat the chicken in cornstarch and fry it twice. The first fry cooks the chicken, and the second fry crisps it up. Also, maintain a consistent oil temperature.

Adjust the amount of sriracha in the sauce. Add more for extra heat, or reduce it and add a bit of honey or extra sweet chili sauce for a milder flavor.

Toss the chicken in the sauce just before serving. If it sits too long, the chicken may become soggy.

Yes, you can prepare the sauce ahead of time and refrigerate it. Let it come to room temperature before using, or warm it slightly for easier coating.

Yes, you can experiment with different sauces. Try using a spicy honey mustard, buffalo sauce, or teriyaki glaze for a different flavor profile.

Bake or air-fry the chicken instead of deep-frying it. Use a lighter sauce base, such as Greek yogurt mixed with the sweet chili sauce and sriracha.

If the sauce is too thick, you can thin it out with a little water, milk, or lime juice until you reach the desired consistency.

What to Eat with Bang Bang Chicken Skewers

Steamed Jasmine Rice. The mild flavor and fluffy texture of jasmine rice provide a perfect base that absorbs the spicy and creamy sauce of Bang Bang Chicken.

Stir-Fried Vegetables. Crisp and colorful vegetables like bell peppers, broccoli, and snap peas add a fresh crunch and balance the richness of the chicken dish.

Cucumber Salad. A light and refreshing cucumber salad with a tangy dressing helps to cool down the heat from the spicy chicken.

Noodles.Asian-style noodles, such as rice noodles or soba noodles, can be tossed in a light soy or sesame dressing, complementing the Bang Bang Chicken with their chewy texture.

Spring Rolls.These light and crispy rolls filled with fresh vegetables and sometimes shrimp or chicken add a contrasting texture and can be dipped in the same Bang Bang sauce for continuity of flavors.

Edamame. Lightly salted steamed edamame beans are a healthy and protein-rich side that provides a different texture and a subtle flavor that doesn’t overpower the main dish.

Pickled Vegetables. Pickled carrots, radishes, or daikon add a tangy crunch that helps to cut through the richness of the Bang Bang sauce.

Try these sides:

Baked Ranch Rice and Broccoli

Easy Lemon Parmesan Roasted Broccoli

Baked Lemon Rice

The Best Easy Buttery Soft Dinner Rolls Recipe

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