If you’re craving a dish that bursts with bold flavors and finger-licking goodness, the Bang Bang Chicken Skewers Recipe is your new best friend in the kitchen. These skewers bring together juicy, perfectly seasoned chicken thighs coated in a luscious, spicy-sweet sauce that’s guaranteed to turn any meal into a fun, festive experience. Whether you’re cooking for a casual family dinner or hosting friends, this recipe delivers an exciting punch of heat balanced with creamy, tangy notes that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is the first step to nailing the perfect Bang Bang Chicken Skewers Recipe. Each component plays a crucial role—from the tender chicken thighs providing rich juiciness, to the spices adding depth and warmth, and the sauce bringing that signature creamy heat that makes this dish unforgettable.
- Chicken thighs, 1½-2 lbs: Opt for dark meat for its tenderness and rich flavor that stands up well to bold sauces.
- Extra virgin olive oil, 1 Tbsp: Helps coat the chicken for even seasoning and adds a subtle fruity undertone.
- Paprika, 1 tsp: Lends a mild smokiness and beautiful color to the chicken.
- Garlic powder, 1 tsp: Brings a fragrant depth without overpowering other flavors.
- Black pepper, 1 tsp: Adds a sharp, earthy bite that complements the heat.
- Cayenne pepper, ½ tsp: Delivers that essential kick that gives bang to the “Bang Bang” name.
- Salt, ½ tsp: Enhances all the spices and balances the flavors perfectly.
- Hot honey, 2 Tbsp: A sweet-spicy glaze that adds a luscious finish and balances heat with sweetness.
- Mayonnaise, 1 cup: Creates the creamy base of the sauce, cooling the spice and adding richness.
- Lime juice, fresh squeezed, 2 Tbsp: Lifts the whole dish with zesty brightness and a touch of acidity.
- Thai sweet chili sauce, ⅔ cup: Brings a perfect blend of sweetness and mild heat essential for authentic flavor.
- Sriracha, ¼ cup: Packs in extra heat and a tangy punch to elevate the sauce complexity.
How to Make Bang Bang Chicken Skewers Recipe
Step 1: Season Your Chicken with Love
Start by tossing the cubed chicken thighs in a large bowl with olive oil, paprika, garlic powder, black pepper, cayenne, and salt. This seasoning mix doesn’t just flavor the chicken; it helps build that irresistible crispy char when grilled, bringing both aroma and smoky depth to every bite.
Step 2: Skewer and Prepare for Cooking
Thread the seasoned chicken pieces onto skewers, making sure to leave a bit of space between chunks to allow for even cooking and maximum char. Once assembled, give them a good brush with the sauce you’ll prepare next—this helps the chicken soak up all the saucy goodness during grilling.
Step 3: Whip Up the Iconic Bang Bang Sauce
In a separate bowl, mix together mayonnaise, fresh lime juice, Thai sweet chili sauce, and Sriracha. This creamy, spicy concoction is where the magic happens—it balances heat, sweetness, and tang for the classic “Bang Bang” flavor profile. Be sure to set aside half of this sauce for drizzling when serving to keep that fresh, vibrant taste.
Step 4: Grill to Perfection
Place your skewered chicken on the grill or in your air fryer, brushing them with the remaining sauce as they cook. The caramelization that occurs creates a perfect glaze that locks in moisture while adding irresistible sweetness and spice. Cook until the chicken is fully done and has those beautiful grill marks and a slight char.
Step 5: Finish with Hot Honey Drizzle
Once off the grill, drizzle the skewers with hot honey to add a luscious, sticky finish with a hint of extra heat. This final touch elevates the dish with a satisfying balance of sweet and spicy that makes this Bang Bang Chicken Skewers Recipe truly unforgettable.
How to Serve Bang Bang Chicken Skewers Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh chopped cilantro or green onions adds a burst of color and fresh herbal brightness that cuts through the richness of the sauce. For some crunch, toss on toasted sesame seeds—their nutty notes pair beautifully with the creamy glaze.
Side Dishes
This dish shines when paired with light, refreshing sides. Think crisp cucumber salad or steamed jasmine rice to soak up any leftover sauce. Grilled veggies like bell peppers and zucchini complement the smoky flavor of the chicken and round out the meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Elevate your table by serving the skewers on a wooden board lined with banana leaves or parchment paper for a tropical vibe. Offer small bowls of the reserved bang bang sauce for dipping, encouraging guests to customize their spice level. You can also serve the chicken over a bed of crunchy slaw for added texture and freshness.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Bang Bang Chicken Skewers keep well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To maintain texture, store the sauce separately to avoid sogging the chicken skewers.
Freezing
If you want to save some for later, freeze cooked skewers wrapped tightly in foil and placed inside a freezer-safe bag. They’ll keep for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating to preserve juiciness.
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm the skewers in an oven or air fryer to maintain crisp edges without drying them out. Be sure to drizzle additional reserved sauce or fresh hot honey after reheating for that freshly made flavor burst.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?
Absolutely! While thighs offer more fat and flavor, chicken breast works if you prefer leaner meat. Just be careful not to overcook, as breast can dry out faster.
Do I need to soak wooden skewers before grilling?
Yes, soaking wooden or bamboo skewers in water for at least 30 minutes prevents them from burning on the grill, making your cooking safer and easier.
Is there a vegetarian alternative for this recipe?
Try substituting chicken with firm tofu or cauliflower florets, marinated and grilled with the same seasoning and sauce for a delicious plant-based version.
How spicy is the Bang Bang sauce?
It has a warming heat from Sriracha and cayenne balanced by sweet chili sauce and creamy mayo, so it’s bold but approachable for most spice lovers. You can always adjust the amount of Sriracha to suit your heat preference.
Can I make the sauce ahead of time?
Definitely! Prepare the bang bang sauce a day in advance and store it covered in the refrigerator. This actually helps the flavors meld beautifully for an even more intense taste.
Final Thoughts
I cannot recommend the Bang Bang Chicken Skewers Recipe enough for anyone wanting a dish that’s both vibrant and satisfying, with just the right balance of spice and creaminess. It’s straightforward to make yet impressive enough to wow your family or guests. Give it a try soon—you’ll be hooked from the very first bite!
Print
Bang Bang Chicken Skewers Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Asian Fusion
Description
Bang Bang Chicken Skewers are juicy, flavorful chicken thigh pieces marinated with bold spices and grilled or air fried to perfection. Tossed in a creamy, spicy sauce made from mayonnaise, lime juice, Thai sweet chili sauce, and Sriracha, these skewers offer a perfect blend of smoky, sweet, and spicy flavors. Ideal for a quick, crowd-pleasing appetizer or main dish.
Ingredients
Chicken and Seasoning
- 1½–2 lbs chicken thighs, cubed into 1-inch pieces
- 1 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp cayenne pepper
- ½ tsp salt
Sauce
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 2 Tbsp lime juice, fresh squeezed
- ⅔ cup Thai sweet chili sauce
- ¼ cup Sriracha
- 2 Tbsp hot honey
Instructions
- Season the Chicken: In a large bowl, combine the cubed chicken thighs with extra virgin olive oil, paprika, garlic powder, black pepper, cayenne pepper, and salt. Toss thoroughly to ensure each piece is well coated with the seasoning.
- Prepare the Skewers: Thread the seasoned chicken pieces onto skewers evenly. This makes grilling or air frying easier and ensures even cooking.
- Make the Bang Bang Sauce: In a separate bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, fresh lime juice, Thai sweet chili sauce, and Sriracha until smooth. Reserve half of this sauce for serving later.
- Cook the Skewers: Grill the skewers, brushing them with the prepared sauce to build layers of flavor, until the chicken is fully cooked and caramelized on the outside, typically about 15-20 minutes depending on heat. Alternatively, air fry the skewers at 400°F (204°C) for about 15-20 minutes, turning halfway through to ensure even cooking.
- Serve: Once cooked, drizzle the skewers with the reserved sauce and hot honey to add a final touch of sweetness and heat. Serve immediately for best taste and texture.
Notes
- Chicken thighs are preferred for juiciness and flavor but chicken breast can be substituted for a leaner option.
- Soaking wooden skewers in water for at least 30 minutes prior to threading prevents them from burning during cooking.
- Adjust the level of heat by varying the amount of cayenne pepper and Sriracha according to preference.
- If grilling, use medium-high heat for even cooking without drying out the chicken.
- These skewers pair well with a side of steamed rice or a fresh green salad for a complete meal.
