Bang Bang Chicken Skewers Recipe

If you’re looking for the ultimate crowd-pleasing appetizer or an easy weeknight dinner with a serious flavor punch, you need these Bang Bang Chicken Skewers in your life! Tender, juicy chicken gets marinated in spices, grilled (or air-fried!), and bathed in an irresistible creamy, sweet-&-spicy bang bang sauce—each bite is pure joy.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Bang Bang Chicken Skewers come together with easy-to-find ingredients, but each one brings something essential to the table—whether that’s juicy texture, a kick of heat, or that creamy, craveable sauce. Here’s what you’ll need (and why each matters!):

• Chicken thighs: Opt for boneless, skinless thighs—they’re juicy, deeply flavorful, and stay moist on the grill.
• Extra virgin olive oil: Helps the spices coat the chicken evenly and keeps everything succulent.
• Paprika: Adds warmth and a lovely smoky note to every bite.
• Garlic powder: For that savory, aromatic backbone we all love.
• Black pepper: Lends gentle heat and rounds out all the other flavors.
• Cayenne pepper: Just a pinch gives a nice fiery kick—adjust to your spice preference!
• Salt: The simplest way to bring everything together and enhance flavor.
• Hot honey: The magic finishing drizzle—sweet, floral, with just a little warmth; it’s utterly addictive.
• Mayonnaise: The creamy base for our bang bang sauce; use your favorite kind.
• Fresh lime juice: Brightens and balances the richness—don’t skip it!
• Thai sweet chili sauce: Sweet, sticky, and slightly spicy, it’s the soul of this irresistible dressing.
• Sriracha: Brings the fire and a little tang—add more or less depending on your heat tolerance.

Variations

One of the best things about Bang Bang Chicken Skewers is how easy they are to tweak! Whether you’re looking to lighten things up, boost the veggies, or dial the spice, here are some fun ways to make this recipe your own:

• Make it lighter: Swap chicken thighs for chicken breast or even shrimp for a leaner (and just as delicious) version.
• Add veggies: Thread bell peppers, onions, or zucchini onto the skewers for a colorful, built-in side dish.
• Extra crispy: Give the chicken a light dusting of cornstarch before grilling or air frying for a crispier edge and maximum sauce absorption.
• Heat it up or cool it down: Adjust the sriracha and cayenne, or substitute with your favorite hot sauce, to play with the spice level.
• Paleo-friendly: Use avocado mayo and swap sweet chili sauce for a compliant version if you need a grain-free, dairy-free twist.

How to Make Bang Bang Chicken Skewers

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

Start by tossing your cubed chicken thighs with olive oil, paprika, garlic powder, black pepper, cayenne, and salt in a large bowl. Make sure every bit of chicken is coated with the flavorful mix—this gives the meat the best chance to soak up all those good spices and ensures maximum juiciness once cooked.

Step 2: Skewer the Chicken

Thread the seasoned chicken onto your skewers, leaving a bit of space between each piece so heat can circulate and everything cooks evenly. Aim to fill about half to three-quarters of each skewer, which makes them easy to handle and perfect for dipping.

Step 3: Make the Bang Bang Sauce

In a medium bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, Thai sweet chili sauce, Sriracha, and fresh lime juice until smooth and creamy. This is the secret weapon—tangy, a little sweet, and super spicy. Divide the sauce—half for glazing the chicken, and half for drizzling and dipping before serving.

Step 4: Sauce It Up and Cook

Brush the skewers all over with half your bang bang sauce, making sure every nook and cranny is covered. Grill over medium-high heat for 15–20 minutes, turning often for beautiful color and caramelization (and don’t be shy—keep brushing with sauce!). If you’re using an air fryer, pop them in at 400°F for 10–12 minutes, flipping once for even browning.

Step 5: Finish and Serve

Slide the cooked Bang Bang Chicken Skewers onto a platter and drizzle or brush generously with the reserved sauce and a swirl of hot honey. Serve immediately—these are at their best right off the grill, juicy and full of sweet heat!

How to Serve Bang Bang Chicken Skewers

Garnishes

Sprinkle your finished Bang Bang Chicken Skewers with thin-sliced scallions, toasted sesame seeds, and maybe even a little fresh cilantro—these not only add a pop of color but bring lovely fresh flavor to contrast all that creamy, spicy richness.

Side Dishes

I love pairing these skewers with a cool cucumber salad, fluffy steamed rice, or crisp cabbage slaw—the fresh crunch and clean flavors help balance the bold spicy-sweet chicken. They also shine next to grilled veggies or even inside a warm pita for a fun twist!

Creative Ways to Present

Serve the Bang Bang Chicken Skewers family-style on a big platter with extra sauce for dipping, or pop them in lettuce cups for easy hand-held bites. For parties, tuck them into slider buns to make bang bang chicken sandwiches—people will go wild!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any leftover skewers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Separate out any extra sauce into a smaller jar or bowl to keep it super fresh for dipping later!

Freezing

Want to prep these ahead? Freeze the raw, marinated chicken pieces (without sauce) for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before skewering and cooking as usual—the result is still juicy and packed with flavor.

Reheating

Warm leftover Bang Bang Chicken Skewers gently in a 325°F oven or air fryer for just a few minutes so the chicken stays moist. Drizzle with fresh sauce and hot honey before serving to wake everything up!

FAQs

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re hosting game night, a backyard barbecue, or just craving something fun and different for dinner, Bang Bang Chicken Skewers bring all the wow—sweet, spicy, saucy, and totally irresistible. Try them once and I promise, you’ll be hooked!

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