Bang Bang Chicken Skewers

Bang Bang Chicken Skewers are my answer to weeknight cravings and weekend gatherings alike. With juicy chicken cubes brushed in a creamy sweet-spicy sauce and cooked in the air fryer or oven they turn out perfectly tender and packed with flavor every time. Whether you are serving a crowd or just your family these skewers never stick around long on the plate.

I was first hooked on bang bang chicken after tasting it at a potluck and this homemade version is now my go-to party food because everyone begs for the recipe.

Ingredients

• Boneless skinless chicken breasts: Choose fresh plump pieces for juiciness and cut into even cubes for even cooking
• Extra virgin olive oil: Adds rich flavor and helps spices cling to the chicken Quality oil makes a difference
• Paprika: Brings smokiness and a hint of color Opt for a fresher jar for best taste
• Garlic powder: Delivers mellow garlicky depth The finer the powder the more it disperses
• Kosher salt: Essential for amplifying all the savory flavors
• Black pepper: Freshly cracked for the most aroma and spice
• Mayonnaise: The creamy base of the sauce Look for full-fat versions for best texture
• Thai sweet chili sauce: Offers sweet tangy kick and vivid color Make sure the sauce has real chili and garlic
• Sriracha: Brings heat and a hint of vinegar Taste and use as much as you like for spiciness
• Honey: Balances out the fire with gentle sweetness Opt for real honey for cleanest flavor
• Wooden skewers: Soak at least half an hour to ensure they do not scorch or burn

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare Chicken:

Toss the chicken breast cubes in a spacious bowl with olive oil paprika garlic powder salt and black pepper Coat each piece thoroughly to ensure every side is seasoned and glistening

Thread Skewers:

Pierce 4 to 5 chicken cubes onto each soaked wooden skewer Leave a little space between each piece so they cook evenly and crisp around the edges

Mix Bang Bang Sauce:

In a smaller bowl stir together the mayonnaise Thai sweet chili sauce Sriracha and honey until completely blended The sauce should be smooth glossy and slightly runny Reserve half of this sauce for after cooking

Sauce and Arrange:

Brush the remaining half of bang bang sauce generously over the threaded chicken skewers Place skewers in the air fryer basket in a single layer Aim for a little gap around each skewer so air can circulate well

Cook Chicken:

Air fry at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for about 11 to 12 minutes Flip each skewer halfway through for even browning Chicken is ready when the thickest cube registers 165 degrees Fahrenheit and the edges turn golden

Finish and Serve:

Transfer hot skewers onto a platter Drizzle or brush the saved bang bang sauce over the top Serve immediately while still warm with extra sauce for dipping if desired

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Kosher salt is my secret to really making the chicken pop with flavor No matter how many times I make these my family always ends up scrapping the last traces of sauce from the platter Certain recipes just create those happy kitchen dance moments and this is always one of them

Storage Tips

Keep leftover cooked skewers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days For best results store extra sauce separately and brush on after reheating Skewers can be reheated gently in the microwave or wrapped in foil and warmed in a low oven

Ingredient Substitutions

If you are out of chicken breasts chicken thighs are a juicier option Mayo can be swapped for Greek yogurt for a tangy lighter sauce Instead of Sriracha try another hot sauce but add slowly and taste as you go

Serving Suggestions

Serve over jasmine rice or toss with stir-fried noodles for a main course Crunchy slaw on the side cuts through the richness Or pass as skewered appetizers at your next backyard gathering

Cultural and Historical Context

Bang bang sauce is inspired by Chinese street food often served with cold poached chicken but it has taken on a life of its own in American kitchens With its sweet creamy and spicy profile it brings together the best of East and West flavor memories

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Recipe FAQs

→ Can I bake these chicken skewers instead of using an air fryer?

Yes, you can bake the skewers in a preheated oven at 400°F. Place them on a lined baking sheet and cook for about 15-20 minutes, turning once, until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.

→ What is bang bang sauce made from?

Bang bang sauce is a creamy blend of mayonnaise, Thai sweet chili sauce, sriracha, and honey, creating a balanced sweet, tangy, and spicy flavor profile.

→ How long should I soak wooden skewers before cooking?

Soak wooden skewers in water for at least 30 minutes to prevent them from burning or charring during cooking.

→ How can I make the chicken more flavorful?

Ensure chicken cubes are well coated with olive oil and seasonings before skewering, and brush generously with bang bang sauce before and after cooking for maximum flavor.

→ Can the skewers be prepared ahead of time?

Yes. Assemble the skewers and prepare the sauce in advance, then refrigerate until ready to air fry or bake. Apply final brushing of sauce just before serving for the freshest flavor.